The moment has finally arrived.
After an incredible nomination period that saw professionals from across Southern Africa recognised by their peers, colleagues and industry partners, we are proud to officially announce the nominees for the Women in MICE Awards 2026.
This year’s nominations once again demonstrate the exceptional calibre of talent within the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry. From event organisers and venue professionals to hospitality leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors and innovators, the 2026 nominees represent the people who continue to move our industry forward through passion, dedication and excellence.
The Women in MICE Awards were established to celebrate the remarkable individuals whose work often happens behind the scenes but whose impact is felt across every successful event, conference, exhibition and business gathering. More than just an awards programme, the initiative recognises leadership, innovation, collaboration and the people who inspire others while helping to shape the future of our industry.
This year’s nominees span an exciting range of categories, including Industry Trailblazer, Event Operations Professional of the Year, Event Innovator of the Year, Entrepreneur in Events, Mentor of the Year, Hospitality Excellence Award, Community Impact Award, Emerging Talent of the Year, Next Generation Leader Award, Junior Event Coordinator of the Year, Venue Operations Champion, Culinary Excellence in Events, Housekeeping & Guest Experience Excellence Award, Male Supporter of the Year, Young Professional of the Year (Under 30), Technical Production Professional of the Year, and more.
Every nomination tells a story of dedication, resilience and excellence. Behind every name is a professional who has gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences, inspire colleagues and contribute to the continued growth of the business events industry.
While only one winner will be announced in each category, being nominated is already a remarkable achievement. Every individual featured this year has been recognised because someone took the time to acknowledge the difference they make within our industry.
The judging process is now officially underway, with an independent panel of respected industry leaders carefully evaluating every nomination to ensure a fair, transparent and impartial outcome.
The winners will be revealed at the Women in MICE Awards on 5 August 2026 at Monte De Dios, Pretoria, where the industry will come together to celebrate those whose influence continues to leave a lasting legacy.
Congratulations to every nominee—you have already made us proud.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Nominees
- Aggie Zalewska
- Alyson Robb
- Amanda Blankfield-Koseff
- Amy Pearson
- Ana Nicolicea
- Arlene Brink
- Bernadette Arends
- Bronwyn Odendaal
- Bubi Mogoane
- Candice Christians
- Carina Bruwer
- Carol Weaving
- Casandra Mabasa
- Charlene Hefer
- Chowy Boikanyo
- Chriselle Visser
- Cindy Tshabalala
- Cindy-Lou Du Plessis
- Colette Taylor
- Cornelle Du Preez
- Danielle Wintershoven
- Debbie Nel
- Dominé Stapelberg
- Doug Rix
- Ellie Martheze
- Elize Wickham
- Festival of Eventing (Keshni Reddy, Betty Sichivula & Devi Paulsen-Abbot)
- Faren Mageman
- Gill Gibbs
- Gina Vanessa Beyers
- Grace Sibara
- Ilse Griffin
- Jeanny Nyembe
- Kaili Cashin
- Kelsey Humby
- Lara Le Roux
- Leniese van der Merwe
- Lerisha Mudaliar
- Liezel Short
- Liezl Smith
- Lindsay Adams
- Lizzy Phukubye
- Louise Van Den Berg
- Mandy Whatford
- Maria Seleke
- Marnie Tait
- Masesebe Wa Ramahuma
- Matthew Petersen
- Mbali Mdluli
- Megan De Jager
- Merryl Fairfoot
- Moses Nefale
- Mulemwa Moongwa
- Nadine Scholtz
- Nasrin Hoosen
- Natasha Cohen
- Natasha Jane Heiberg
- Nelly Bengayo
- Nonkululeko Zibuyile Masinga
- Nokuthula Sindiswa Hlophe
- Olivia Bruce
- Promise Mbali Khanyile
- Robynn Uitslag Marreiros
- Ronel Maartens
- Sankie Mohale
- Sannikie Makgakga
- Sarona Lengana
- Sipokazi Mhlabeni
- Sondie N Qamata
- Tasneem Davids
- Tebatso Yvonne Komane
- Thembi Buthelezi
- Thembisile Arends
- Thabang Phetla Banda
- Tina Kapp
- Tracey Botes (Cronje)
- Vimbai Mavherudze
- Warda Gertse
- Zodwa Patience Msimang
To every nominee, thank you for your commitment to excellence and for the positive impact you continue to make within the MICE industry. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Women in MICE Awards 2026 on 5 August.
