In the world of events, décor is often the first thing guests notice — and the last thing they remember. It sets the tone, tells a story, and shapes the entire experience. For the team behind STRONG Event Décor, that philosophy sits at the heart ofeverything they do.
Born out of the dynamic environment of STRONG PR, Marketing and Events, STRONG Event Décor has quickly grown into a thriving standalone business within South Africa’s competitive events industry. Founded in 2024 by entrepreneurs Mika Stefano and Herkie du Preez, the company was established to meet a growing demand from clients who wanted more than just event coordination — they wanted visual storytelling.
What began as a natural extension of STRONG PR’s corporate events work has developed into a full-fledged décor offering, now servicing major corporate brands, private clients, and large-scale conferences across the country.
At its core, STRONG Event Décor is about more than styling tables and building beautiful spaces. It is about creating moments.
From Vision to Reality
For Herkie du Preez and Mika Stefano, launching STRONG Event Décor was a natural evolution of their work in the events industry.
Over the years, STRONG PR, Marketing and Events had built a strong reputation for delivering memorable corporate events, conferences, and brand experiences. But time and again, they noticed something: décor was not always being used as a strategic storytelling tool.
“We realised that décor should never be an afterthought,” explains Mika Stefano. “It should be part of the narrative of the event. It should support the message, the theme, and the purpose of the gathering.”
Clients were increasingly asking the STRONG team for recommendations on styling and visual elements, and soon it became clear that there was an opportunity to bring décor in-house. By doing so, the team could offer clients a more integrated approach — one where creative direction, event strategy, and visual design worked seamlessly together. Thus, STRONG Event Décor was born.
The Creative Force Behind the Brand
While Stefano and du Preez drive the business strategy, the creative heart of STRONG Event Décor lies with Stephan Nel, who leads the division. Nel brings years of industry experience and an instinctive eye for design. Known within the events community for his ability to transform spaces into immersive environments, he has helped shape some of the country’s most memorable event experiences. Under his leadership, STRONG Event Décor has developed a distinctive style: bold yet refined, contemporary yet warm, and always rooted in the story behind the event.
A Signature Pattern, Bold by Design
An exciting development within the STRONG Event Décor story is the creation of a signature pattern — a striking geometric design with a subtle African influence. Conceptualised by Aimée Plank of STRONG PR, Marketing and Events, the pattern reflects the brand’s passion for bold, iconic design. Now woven into the company’s branding and merchandise, it has quickly become a visual thread across the STRONG Event Décor world — one that, in time, the team hopes will become instantly recognisable.
“Décor should never be an afterthought — it should be part of the narrative, shaping how an event is experienced and remembered.”
“Every event starts with a conversation,” says Nel. “We want to understand what the client is trying to say. Once we understand that message, the décor becomes the visual language that brings it to life.” This collaborative approach has become one of the company’s defining strengths. Rather than simply supplying décor items, the team works closely with clients to interpret their brief and transform it into something meaningful.
A Portfolio of High-Profile Clients
Despite being a relatively young company, STRONG Event Décor has already built an impressive portfolio of clients. The team has styled events for major brands including Exxaro, Momentum, Volvo Trucks South Africa, Telkom, DRA Global, Harvest Ministries, the Sunday Times, Novus Media, and Proudly South African, among others. These projects have ranged from high-level corporate conferences and awards ceremonies to media launches, brand activations, and private celebrations. Each event presents its own creative challenge. For corporate clients, décor often needs to balance brand identity with elegance and professionalism. For private events, the focus may shift towards atmosphere, intimacy, and celebration. “Whether it’s a boardroom conference or a wedding celebration, the principle remains the same,” says du Preez. “We want the décor to enhance the experience and create something guests will remember.”
And sometimes, that means thinking beyond traditional design solutions.
Creativity with Purpose
One project that perfectly illustrates the team’s approach was the Exxaro CEO Summit, where sustainability formed a key part of the event’s message. Rather than relying on traditional floral arrangements, the STRONG Event Décor team designed centrepieces made from vibrant fruit, vegetables, and herbs. The result was visually striking, colourful, and completely aligned with the summit’s sustainability theme. But the idea didn’t end there.
Once the event concluded, the produce used in the décor was donated to charity, ensuring that nothing went to waste. “It was a simple concept, but incredibly powerful,” explains Nel. “Guests loved it because it was different, and it also reinforced the purpose of the event.” For the STRONG team, that combination of creativity and intention is what makes event design truly impactful. “Décor should always have meaning,” adds du Preez. “It should support the message of the event, not just fill the space. All events have a purpose, and the décor should amplify why we are doing the event.”
Building a Warehouse of Possibilities
A significant milestone in the company’s growth came when STRONG Event Décor secured its own warehouse space in Sandton nearly two years ago. The warehouse has since become the creative engine of the business — a space where ideas, materials, and inventory come together. From custom-made cement vases and statement plinths to nostalgic décor pieces and contemporary design elements, the company’s collection continues to grow with every project.
“We’re constantly sourcing and creating new pieces,” says Nel. “The warehouse is evolving all the time because we want our clients to have options that feel fresh and unique.” Having their own inventory also allows the team to offer flexible solutions for clients. Some projects involve dry hire, where clients rent décor elements directly from the STRONG collection. Other events involve full conceptual design, where the team works closely with the client from idea to installation. This versatility has made STRONG Event Décor a valuable partner for event planners, agencies, and corporate clients alike.
A Human Approach to Design
Perhaps one of the reasons for the company’s rapid growth is the team’s refreshingly human approach to their work. In an industry where trends come and go quickly, STRONG Event Décor focuses on authenticity and collaboration.
Clients are not simply presented with catalogue options; they are invited into the creative process. “We like to think of ourselves as interpreters of the brief,” says Stephan. “Clients come to us with an idea or a vision, and our job is to bring that vision to life in a way that feels authentic to them.” That philosophy has not gone unnoticed.
One happy client shared in a Google review:
“Working with STRONG Event Décor was an absolute pleasure. The team took our concept and elevated it in ways we never imagined. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, and the final result created a beautiful atmosphere that our guests are still talking about.”
Another testimonial highlights the team’s professionalism:
“From start to finish, the STRONG team was organised, creative, and incredibly easy to work with. Their décor transformed the venue completely and helped bring our event vision to life.” For the founders, feedback like this is
deeply rewarding.
“At the end of the day, events are about people,” says du Preez. “When clients trust you with something important, you want to make sure you deliver something special.”
Styling Corporate and Private Celebrations
While corporate events form a large part of STRONG Event Décor’s portfolio, the team also enjoys working on private celebrations. From milestone birthdays to elegant weddings, these projects allow the designers to explore a more personal side of event styling. “We’ve had the privilege of helping style some truly beautiful weddings,” says Nel. “Those events are incredibly special because they’re often once-in-a-lifetime moments for the clients.” The approach remains the same: understanding the story behind the celebration and translating it into a visual experience.
Sometimes that means dramatic statement pieces and bold colour palettes. Other times, it means delicate, nostalgic touches that create warmth and intimacy.
Regardless of the scale of the event, the goal is always to create an environment where people feel something.
Looking Ahead
As STRONG Event Décor continues to grow, the team remains focused on expanding both their inventory and creative capabilities. There are plans to introduce new custom-built décor pieces, collaborate with local artisans, and explore more sustainable design practices. Sustainability, in particular, is becoming an increasingly important focus within the events industry — one the team is eager to embrace. “We want to keep pushing ourselves creatively while also being responsible,” says Stefano. “Reusable décor, locally sourced materials, and thoughtful design choices are all part of that journey.”
For now, the focus remains on delivering exceptional events and building lasting relationships with clients. “We’re still growing, still learning, and still creating,” says Nel with a smile. “And that’s the exciting part.”
Creating Moments That Last
In the fast-paced world of events, trends may change and venues may vary, but one thing remains constant: people remember how an event made them feel. For the team at STRONG Event Décor, that emotional connection is what drives their work. Whether it’s a corporate summit, a brand launch, or a private celebration, their mission remains the same — to create spaces that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression. Because when décor is done right, it doesn’t simply decorate a room — it tells a story that lingers long after the event ends.
