The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) welcomes the newly elected office bearers who will support the business events sector’s next chapter of growth.
Together, newly elected Chairperson Alex Wrottesley, Vice Chairperson Londukuhle (Londi) Khumalo, and Treasurer Lara Le Roux bring a wealth of experience and vision to the association as it supports the development of professional standards and training opportunities, encourages research that demonstrates the industry’s impact, and promotes practices that support sustainable growth.
The team’s focus will be on promoting Southern Africa with passion, building an industry backed by insights, as well as streamlining innovation and member value.
Promoting Southern Africa with passion
Wrottesley has been in the industry for almost 16 years and attributes her knowledge of business events to her 13 years at Into Africa and her involvement with SAACI as a member, Treasurer, Vice Chairperson, and Western Cape committee member. “SAACI has always supported professionals and businesses like us – through both the hard and good times – with the insights and lobbying we need to ensure our voices are heard,” she shares. “The association provides a platform for networking and peer-to-peer learning, and works hard to help us align our practices with international standards and opportunities.”
“I have a passion for creating magical moments that leave lasting memories,” Wrottesley explains. “It is hugely rewarding to share this wonderful destination with guests from around the world and encourage them to spread the word when they return to their home countries.”
Building an industry backed by insights
Khumalo also boasts 16 years of experience in MICE and sees its future as “one that is insight-driven, uses resources wisely in a globally competitive environment, and is more clearly positioned as a strategic driver of economic growth in the minds of governments and the private sector,” she explains.
“Too often, MICE is undervalued or misunderstood. We must close the knowledge gap within our sector and the wider economy by showcasing – factually and consistently – how our work drives business, supports job creation, and enables cross-sector collaboration.”
In the next five years, Khumalo would like to see Southern Africa double the amount of business events it attracts. “Our industry needs more jobs, more investment, and more skills development, and we have everything it takes to drive this change,” she says.
Enabling innovation and streamlining support
With over two decades of experience in the events and tourism industry, Le Roux brings a deep understanding of the MICE sector’s complexities, opportunities, and evolving needs. Since first joining SAACI in 2011 as the Western Cape Branch Secretariat, through to her 1 current role as Vice-Chairperson of the Western Cape Branch, and now Treasurer, Le Roux has witnessed and supported the organisation through many stages of growth and transformation. Her long-standing involvement has given her a unique perspective on SAACI’s role within the industry and a firm belief in its potential to drive progress and professionalisation.
“I believe that every new board term is a chance to reset, refocus, and reimagine what SAACI can achieve,” Le Roux explains. “For me, this role is about ensuring that SAACI remains financially sound while enabling new initiatives that will support our members and the growth of the business events industry in Southern Africa.”
Wrottesley, Khumalo, and Le Roux’s leadership promises a future where business events in Southern Africa continue to inspire, connect, and create lasting value for the industry and the communities it touches.
