The 2026 EXSA-llence Awards was nothing short of spectacular, and we had the absolute pleasure of joining the industry for an evening that truly lived up to its Mardi Gras–themed “Behind the Magic” concept.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that this was going to be a night where creativity, celebration, and excellence took centre stage. The atmosphere was electric, the energy infectious, and the attention to detail—simply outstanding.
A Celebration of Style, Storytelling and Spectacle
True to the Mardi Gras spirit, attendees arrived dressed to impress, transforming the venue into a kaleidoscope of colour, texture, and theatrical flair. Every outfit told a story, and every mask added to the sense of mystery and magic.
The team from ConceptG stood out in striking green ensembles paired with elegant masks, while Brilliant Branding made a bold statement in sleek black, accented with vivid pink accessories that added drama and edge.
Expo Guys brought timeless sophistication with classic black suits, complemented by stunning blue hats, while the ladies elevated the look with the most exquisite headpieces.
Best dressed honours, however, undoubtedly went to Sibusiso Mncwabe, Chairperson of EXSA, who embodied the theme flawlessly—despite a few light-hearted “pyjama” jokes doing the rounds. A reminder that even in excellence, humour always has a place.
Setting the Scene for Magic
The décor was impeccably curated and completely on point. Statement masks, dramatic feature centrepieces, and a cohesive colour palette created a setting that felt immersive, theatrical, and luxurious. Every detail worked together to enhance the theme, reinforcing the idea that magic doesn’t just happen—it’s carefully crafted.
Complementing the visual feast were the signature cocktails by Barmotion, which once again delivered flawless service and beautifully presented drinks that kept the celebrations flowing throughout the evening.
Honouring the True Stars of the Industry
While the fashion and décor dazzled, the heart of the evening was firmly focused on the winners—the individuals and companies who consistently go above and beyond to make exceptional events and exhibitions possible.
The awards celebrated industry leaders and innovators including GL Events, Brilliant Branding, HOTT3D, Scan Display, Expo Guys, Garona Communications, Urbantonic, Inspire Furniture Rentals and many more—all recognised for their commitment to excellence, innovation, and professionalism.
A particularly special moment was the Hall of Fame award, presented to Lynn McLeod, honouring a career that has left a lasting legacy within the exhibitions and events industry.
Celebrating Excellence, Together
The EXSA-llence Awards once again reminded us why this industry is so powerful: it’s driven by passionate people, bold ideas, and unwavering collaboration. Behind every seamless event is a team of experts who make the magic happen—often behind the scenes.
We’ll be publishing the full list of winners in the January/February edition of Meetings magazine, but for now, we applaud every nominee, winner, and attendee who contributed to an unforgettable evening.
Here’s to the magic makers—on stage, behind the scenes, and everywhere in between.
