The Women in MICE Awards recognises and celebrates the women, leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and industry champions who are shaping the future of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Whether you work behind the scenes, lead an organisation, manage operations, drive innovation, support clients, deliver exceptional hospitality, or inspire future leaders, there is a place for your story.
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“Which category should I enter?”
Closely followed by:
“I don’t think there’s a category that fits what I do.”
More often than not, there is.
The Women in MICE Awards was established to recognise the incredible diversity of professionals who contribute to the success of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
While many people associate awards with CEOs, event organisers or business owners, our industry is built by thousands of professionals working across venues, hotels, convention bureaux, tourism organisations, exhibition companies, production teams, associations, suppliers, technology providers and many other sectors.
Every successful event is the result of collaboration.
From the first sales meeting to the final delegate leaving the venue, every role plays an important part.
This guide has been developed to help you better understand each award category and identify where your achievements and contributions best fit.
Understanding the MICE Ecosystem
The MICE industry is much more than conferences and exhibitions.
It is a connected network of professionals, organisations, destinations, suppliers, and service providers working together to create meaningful business events and experiences.
The industry includes:
- Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs)
- Incentive Travel Specialists
- Exhibition Organisers
- Industry Associations
- Convention Bureaux
- Tourism Authorities
- Hotels and Hotel Groups
- Resorts and Lodges
- Cruise Lines
- Destination Management Companies (DMCs)
- Airlines and Transportation Providers
- Event Technology Companies
- Production and Audio-Visual Suppliers
- Stand Builders and Exhibition Contractors
- Marketing and Communications Professionals
- Venue Teams
- Hospitality Professionals
- Sustainability Practitioners
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Every successful event relies on a combination of these professionals and organisations.
The Women in MICE Awards was created to recognise the contribution of all of them.
Remember: Your job title doesn’t determine your category — your contribution to the industry does.
Lets go through the categories
ENTRY-LEVEL & EMERGING TALENT
Celebrating tomorrow’s leaders today.
These categories recognise women at the beginning of their careers who are already making a meaningful contribution to the MICE industry through passion, commitment, leadership potential and outstanding performance.
Emerging Talent of the Year
This award recognises women in their first one to three years within the MICE industry who have demonstrated exceptional promise, professionalism and enthusiasm.
Ideal for professionals who have quickly made an impact despite being relatively new to the industry.
Judges will consider:
- Growth potential
- Initiative
- Professionalism
- Commitment
- Positive contribution
Junior Event Coordinator of the Year
Behind every successful event is someone making sure every detail comes together.
This award celebrates junior coordinators who excel in event logistics, planning, supplier coordination and event delivery while consistently exceeding expectations.
Young Professional of the Year (Under 30)
Age does not define leadership.
This award recognises young professionals who have already demonstrated exceptional ability, innovation and influence within the industry.
Ideal for rising stars already making a name for themselves.
Next Generation Leader Award
Future leaders are shaped long before they hold executive positions.
This award recognises individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities, strategic thinking, innovation and the ability to inspire others early in their careers.
OPERATIONS & BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXCELLENCE
Recognising the professionals who keep the industry moving.
Many of the industry’s greatest achievements happen behind the scenes. These awards celebrate those whose expertise ensures every event runs smoothly and every guest enjoys an exceptional experience.
Event Operations Professional of the Year
For professionals who consistently deliver operational excellence across conferences, exhibitions, meetings and events.
This category celebrates outstanding planning, logistics, coordination, problem-solving and flawless execution.
Hospitality Excellence Award
Exceptional hospitality creates memorable experiences.
This award recognises women working within hotels, venues, accommodation providers and hospitality teams who consistently exceed guest expectations.
Venue Operations Champion
Every successful venue depends on exceptional operational leadership.
This category celebrates professionals responsible for managing the day-to-day operations that ensure venues deliver world-class business events.
Culinary Excellence in Events
Food is often one of the most memorable aspects of an event.
This award recognises chefs, culinary teams and hospitality professionals who consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences that enhance business events.
Technical Production Professional of the Year
Lighting, sound, staging, streaming and production all play a critical role in creating unforgettable experiences.
This category recognises women whose technical expertise brings events to life through innovation, professionalism and operational excellence.
INDUSTRY GROWTH & INNOVATION
Driving the future of business events.
The MICE industry continues to evolve through innovation, entrepreneurship and meaningful impact. These awards celebrate those who challenge convention and inspire progress.
Event Innovator of the Year
Innovation is about more than technology.
This award recognises women introducing fresh ideas, sustainable practices, innovative technologies, unique event concepts or improved business processes that create measurable value for the industry.
Judges will look for creativity, originality, measurable results and industry impact.
Entrepreneur in Events Award
Entrepreneurs strengthen the MICE industry by creating businesses, generating employment and delivering new solutions.
This category recognises founders and business owners who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and sustainable business growth.
Community Impact Award
Business events create opportunities to make a lasting difference.
This award celebrates women who use the MICE industry to positively impact communities through education, sustainability, skills development, transformation or social initiatives.
Mentor of the Year
Behind every successful professional is someone who believed in them.
This category recognises women who invest in developing others through mentorship, coaching and leadership while helping shape the next generation of industry professionals.
LEADERSHIP & INFLUENCE
Celebrating those shaping the future of the MICE industry.
Leadership is about more than managing people.
It is about creating opportunities, inspiring others, driving change and leaving a lasting legacy.
Industry Trailblazer Award
This award honours women who have significantly influenced the MICE industry through leadership, advocacy, innovation or transformation.
Recipients are recognised for creating opportunities, breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence.
Male Supporter of the Year
Progress is built through partnership.
This award recognises a male industry leader who has actively supported, mentored and championed women within the MICE industry.
Through advocacy, leadership and meaningful action, these individuals help create a stronger, more inclusive industry for everyone.
View Categories
How Do I Choose the Right Category?
Many nominees could qualify for more than one category.
Instead of asking:
“What is my job title?”
Ask yourself:
“What impact have I made?”
Consider the following questions:
✔ Have you introduced new ideas or innovations?
✔ Have you inspired or mentored others?
✔ Have you built a successful business?
✔ Have you demonstrated operational excellence?
✔ Have you created meaningful community impact?
✔ Have you shown leadership beyond your role?
✔ Have you consistently exceeded expectations?
Remember, judges assess your achievements, not simply your position within an organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone nominate me?
Yes. Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues, clients, employers or industry peers.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, provided your achievements meet the criteria for each category.
Can small businesses enter?
Absolutely. The Women in MICE Awards celebrates organisations and professionals of every size.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The Women in MICE Awards recognises professionals across the entire business events ecosystem.
Examples include:
- Conference Organisers
- Exhibition Organisers
- Event Agencies
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Lodges
- Cruise Lines
- Convention Bureaux
- Tourism Authorities
- Destination Management Companies
- Corporate Event Teams
- Venue Professionals
- Hospitality Professionals
- Event Technology Providers
- Production Companies
- Audio Visual Specialists
- Marketing Agencies
- PR Professionals
- Stand Builders
- Registration Teams
- Sustainability Specialists
- Industry Associations
- Business Owners
- Entrepreneurs
- Suppliers
- Service Providers
No matter where you work within the MICE industry, your contribution matters.
What Makes a Strong Nomination?
The strongest nominations tell a story.
Rather than listing responsibilities, demonstrate impact.
Consider including:
✔ Achievements and measurable results
✔ Examples of leadership
✔ Innovation introduced
✔ Challenges overcome
✔ Community impact
✔ Sustainability initiatives
✔ Client testimonials
✔ Team achievements
✔ Awards or recognition received
Before You Submit
□ Have you selected the correct category?
□ Have you explained why the nominee deserves recognition?
□ Have you included measurable achievements?
□ Have you demonstrated industry impact?
□ Have you highlighted innovation or leadership?
A thoughtful nomination helps judges understand the nominee’s contribution and achievements.
Celebrate Excellence. Recognise Achievement. Inspire the Future.
The Women in MICE Awards is more than an awards programme.
It is a platform dedicated to recognising the remarkable individuals whose passion, leadership, innovation and commitment continue to strengthen the MICE industry.
Whether you are nominating a colleague, celebrating your team, recognising a mentor or putting yourself forward, every nomination contributes to showcasing the incredible talent that exists across our industry.
Key Dates
Nominations Close: 17 July 2026
Judging Period: July 2026
Ready to Nominate: https://theplannerguru.co.za/women-in-mice/
Women in MICE Awards Ceremony:
5 August 2026
Monte De Dios, Pretoria
Remember
✔ Nominations are FREE
✔ Attendance is FREE (registration required)
✔ Sponsorship opportunities remain available
Join us as we celebrate the people who make our industry extraordinary.
Recognise excellence. Celebrate achievement. Inspire the next generation.
