As part of the SA Events Council’s policy to rotate its leadership every six months, the Council will, this August, welcome its new chair and vice-chair.
This August, Ellen Oosthuizen, PCO Alliance chairperson, will hand over the SA Events Council chairmanship for the upcoming term to Gill Gibbs, current EXSA (Exhibition and Events Association of Southern Africa) chair.
Commenting on the appointments of Gill as chair and Raylene as vice-chair of the SA Events Council, outgoing chairperson Ellen Oosthuizen said the following: “Gill’s skills, knowledge and expertise will take her beyond her call of duty… We have seen her passion for the industry in the way she has been fighting tirelessly for the sector and her humble and honest approach is much appreciated. I know she will carry our banner with pride during her term as chairperson. Raylene’s expertise and her position as CEO of TEBCO-SA will close the gap between the township events industry and our other segments. It has been a pleasure seeing how busy TEBCO-SA has been over the past six months despite the challenges and attending events in Soweto representing the SA Events Council has been enriching.”
The chair
Gill is well-known within the events industry as a passionate leader who is excited by challenge and change. EXSA, which she heads up, “embraces mentorship, diversity and inclusion, with a collective knowledge and experience that drives value and best practice to transform, engage and empower the Industry community.”
With more than 23 years of experience in the industry, Gill attributes her success to having worked with and been mentored by notable industry stalwarts.
“Our coalition of 14 Associations desperately needs to achieve the green light ‘go date’ from the policymakers to re-open our Industry safely, under the necessary regulations and strict health and safety protocols. Getting through this crisis together as a united force and working collaboratively will provide strength, resilience and sustainability,” she says.
The vice-chair
Meanwhile, Raylene Johnson takes over as SA Events Council’s vice-chair from Glenton de Kock, the CEO of SAACI. Raylene is a businessowner. Her company that specialises in events, like many others, has been adversely impacted by the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. She is also currently the Township Events Business Council (TEBCO-SA) CEO, which aims to bring structure to and unite the township events industry. TEBCO-SA was launched to align and address challenges shared by all segments of the business events industry.
”For things to turn around and for the narrative to change, the input, the opinions and the feedback from the members of the various Chambers need to be addressed,” says Raylene.
“Because of my background and expertise in various leadership positions, I believe that I can be a valuable asset to the SA Events Council as vice-chairperson. I am looking forward to working closely with Gill as chairperson and I know that together we will be a force to be reckoned with!” she adds.
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