An impressive line-up of speakers has been announced for the inaugural African Global Events Industry Summit (AGEIS) scheduled to take place from February 22-25 at the Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport Hotel in the City of Ekurhuleni.
The Summit is a meeting of professionals involved in the events industry value chain including corporate and social event planners, event designers and decorators, photographers, DJs and MCs.
Bringing together industry professionals from various African countries, the inaugural summit is expected to attract between 100 and 150 event professionals.
“The majority of delegates will represent Central and West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa,” said one of the organisers of the Summit, Kate Hassan, MD of Thea Eventstics and Thea Villa Hotels.
The theme of the Summit, ‘Building Bridges in the African Events Industry’, encapsulates the vision for the African events community to come together and drive the industry forward. The Summit is expected to attract leaders, influencers, innovators and professionals within and outside the events industry to discuss and explore ways to enhance co-operation and establish a stronger foundation for growth across Africa.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence, it aims to elevate the standards of the industry and contribute to its economic success.
AGEIS will address topics intended to educate, inform and empower the delegates. The topics include, amongst others: Technology and Artificial Intelligence; Finance and Revenue Management; Wellness, Work-life Balance and People Empowerment; Marketing and Branding; Sustainability and Climate Change; Partnerships and Collaboration; and Event Designs embracing Delegate Wellness.
The topics will be delivered in a mix of formats including Master Classes; Panel Discussions and One-on-One Conversations with thought leaders, experts, and advocates sharing their insights and experiences to inspire and empower the delegates.
The AGEIS speakers include the following leading professionals in the events industry:
- Nigerian multiple-award-winning event producer Mosunmola Akinwamide, who is the CEO of IPC Events.
- Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa.
- Debra-Jane Nelson, CEO of Think Mahogany Events from Ghana.
- Glenton de Kock, CEO of the Southern African Association of the Conference Industry.
AGEIS will be directed and facilitated by Alfred Ocansey, who is also known as MC Kabutey. “We are currently uploading our complete speaker list on the AGEIS website,” added Hassan.
Additional speakers include, amongst others:
- Astou Djamat-Dubois, Co-Director of Ivory Coast-based Event Pro International.
- Namibian event planner and designer Wendy Kausiaono of Wendy’s Creations.
- Bryan Tachie-Menson, CEO of White Chalk Events from Ghana.
And from South Africa, AGEIS has attracted amongst others:
- Colleen Qvist, a renowned South African Life Coach and confidential sounding board for business professionals.
- Maureen Tong, Executive Coach, a businesswoman and published author.
- Professor Siyabonga Mxunyelwa form Walter Sisulu University.
- Ellen Oosthuizen, Chair at Professional Conference Organisers Alliance.
Coincides with Meetings Africa
AGEIS is strategically organised to coincide with the annual Meetings Africa Trade Show, which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from February 26-28.
The significance of hosting the Summit alongside the 18th Meetings Africa Trade Show is to provide delegates with additional networking and business opportunities.
“The AGEIS delegates will stay longer in South Africa to participate in both events, to benefit from the diverse network of industry professionals,” said Hassan.
AGEIS will provide delegates with numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration through social and networking events including the Welcome function on February 22, the Gala and Awards Dinner on February 25, Wine Tasting and Wellness sessions.
All these functions have been added to create an inclusive environment for delegates to connect and build collaborative bridges.
Organisers of AGEIS invite industry professionals, entrepreneurs and other role players to join the Summit. “We have Summit Attendance Only rates for South African and SADC delegates and B2B and Exhibition packages,” concluded Hassan.
Delegates can register by clicking here.
