Event Synthesis International is thrilled to announce significant developments as it continues to grow and expand its footprint in the event management industry.
Joining the esteemed team at Event Synthesis International is Seipati Maaga, who brings a wealth of creativity and fresh perspectives to the organization. Seipati’s background in Event Management, positions her perfectly to contribute to the dynamic and innovative events that Event Synthesis International is known for.
“We are delighted to welcome Seipati back to our team after she completed her internship,” said Angelique Smith, CEO at Event Synthesis International. “Her passion for events and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our company values. We are confident that her expertise will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional event experiences for our clients.”
In addition to this exciting personnel update, Event Synthesis International is expanding its presence with the opening of an additional office in the Western Cape. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for premium event management services in the region.
“Our expansion into the Western Cape marks a significant milestone for Event Synthesis International,” said Angelique. “We are excited about the opportunities this new office brings to better serve our clients and partners in this vibrant and dynamic part of the country.”
The new office will serve as a hub for creativity and innovation, enabling Event Synthesis International to further elevate its event planning and management capabilities across a broader geographical area. As part of this expansion, we are updating our contact details effective immediately.
Please note our new web address and email:
– **Website:** www.esiglobal.co.za
– **Email:** all email accounts change from to
These changes are designed to streamline communication and provide enhanced support as we continue to grow and evolve. Rest assured, our commitment to delivering exceptional event management services remains unchanged.
About Event Synthesis International:
Event Synthesis International is a leading event management company known for its creativity, professionalism, and dedication to delivering outstanding event experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Event Synthesis International has established itself as a preferred partner for corporate, incentive and leisure events.
Co-Founder and Senior Director James Chester will lead Energy Capital & Power as CEO effective June 26, as the company advances its 2024 events calendar.
Energy Capital & Power (ECP) – Africa’s leading energy investment platform – proudly announces the appointment of James Chester as CEO, effective June 26, 2024.
As Co-Founder and Senior Director at ECP, Chester holds varied and dynamic experience in events, strategic communications, custom publishing and investment promotion activities across Africa’s fastest-growing markets. Chester serves as project lead for the South Sudan Oil & Power conference – ECP’s longest-running event – and Libya Energy & Economic Summit, working closely with key government and private sector stakeholders to showcase national investment opportunities and deliver measurable results.
Through the inaugural US-Africa Energy Forum in 2021 and successive events in Houston including the Angola Oil & Gas networking event earlier this year, Chester has successfully introduced American companies to African investment opportunities, playing a critical role in bridging the two regions. As CEO, he will continue to innovate and develop new strategies to attract global capital, knowledge and technology to Africa’s energy sector, adapting to the evolving energy investment landscape and driving growth and development in the industry.
“We are thrilled to appoint James Chester as CEO, given his longstanding commitment to the company, robust financial acumen and in-depth market knowledge. Having led ECP projects in South Sudan, Libya and the US – as well as played an active role in each of our departments – James knows the business inside and out and will undoubtedly infuse new spirit and direction to our existing product and service offerings,” says Kelly-Ann Mealia, ECP Chairperson.
The appointment comes as ECP executes a dynamic 2024 events calendar including the Angola Oil & Gas conference in Luanda on October 2-3; MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference in Dakar on December 3-4; African Energy Week in Cape Town on November 4-8, organized in partnership with the African Energy Chamber and the Libya Energy & Economic Summit in Tripoli on January 18-19, 2025.
“It is an honor to lead ECP into its next chapter of success, with a focus on aligning our strategic vision and advancing Africa’s energy sector progress. I look forward to bringing new partners on board, expanding audience reach and evaluating how we can better serve the markets in which we operate,” notes Chester.
Scan Display’s Managing Director, Justin Hawes, was presented with the Roger Taurant Award at the 2024 IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services) World Summit in Malaga, Spain last week.
The award was established by IFES’ founding President, Roger Taurant, and acknowledges Justin’s exceptional contribution to IFES and the global exhibition industry during his 13 years as an IFES board member. In 2011, he became the first African to be represented on the IFES board. He was Treasurer of the association from 2013-2016, Vice President: Finance from 2017-2020, and President from 2021-2022.
This year, IFES is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It currently represents 300 exhibition and event contractors and service providers from around the world, and works closely with 14 industry association members, sharing knowledge and enabling cooperation amongst exhibition and event industry peers.
Africa boasts the world’s youngest population, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30[1]. This significant youth demographic in Africa presents a growth opportunity for the continent, which can be realised by ensuring youth inclusion in decision-making processes and providing suitable opportunities for work and innovation.
Recognising the critical contributions made by the youth to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector across Africa, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) is proud to launch the AAXO Youth Chapter, an exciting new forum for members dedicated to empowering the young voices within the industry.
This initiative calls upon AAXO members aged 18-35 (defined as ‘Youth’ in the South African National Youth Policy) who have at least two years of industry experience and are employed at an AAXO member organisation to join the committee, with the aim of providing a platform for the industry’s youth to voice their perspectives.
“The main objective of the AAXO Youth Chapter is to empower our industry’s future leaders by offering a platform for their voices to be heard. In order to effectively address the needs of this important demographic, we believe it is crucial to involve youth input and participation. That is why we are thrilled to announce the formation of a Youth Chapter Committee, responsible for spearheading relevant initiatives and activities within the chapter. Through this committee, we hope to create a dynamic and engaging space for the next generation to share their ideas and perspectives while paving a path towards a more inclusive and successful events and exhibitions industry,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson of AAXO.
Why Join the AAXO Youth Chapter Committee?
Members are encouraged to seize the opportunity to express their innovative ideas and engage in meaningful discussions about industry challenges with their peers. By joining the AAXO Youth Chapter Committee, they can expand their professional network and enhance their visibility within the industry through this exceptional opportunity which will enrich their experience with a role that showcases their commitment and contributions to the MICE industry.
Nomination Process:
Nominations for members to the AAXO Youth Chapter Committee must be completed on the nomination form (accessible by clicking here) and emailed to by the 5th of July 2024. Voting opens on the 8th of July 2024, and closes on the 12th of July 2024 with the newly elected Committee members being announced on the 16th of July 2024.
Events and exhibitions boost local economies by creating jobs, attracting tourists, and supporting businesses. According to the 32nd UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) Barometer, there is aforecast of 94% revenue increase in 2024 from 2023 in South Africa, highlighting growth potential, with 43% of South African respondents aim to enhance their workforce in the current year, indicating a focus on development.[1]
Recognising the significant impact of events and exhibitions, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) – in collaboration with the Event Greening Forum (EGF) and the Exhibition and Event Association of Africa (EXSA) – will be hosting the AAXO Leadership Summit, forming part of the 9thannual Global Exhibitions Day celebrations, designed to bring together industry leaders, professionals, and experts from various sectors to discuss and explore the potential of exhibitions as a driving force for economic growth and success.
Hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa on the 4th of June 2024, attendees will benefit from a unique opportunity to learn from business experts, policymakers, and visionaries who will grace the stage, sharing their experiences and visions for the future.
“Our vision for the Summit is to offer our members access to practical, real-life solutions for effectively managing their businesses and events. Through a carefully curated line-up of experienced speakers, both from within and outside the industry, we aim to provide attendees with valuable insights that can be readily implemented in various roles such as marketing, operations, project management, HR, finance, or content. This day is dedicated to providing a meaningful platform for in-depth learning, knowledge sharing, and networking”, says Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson of AAXO.
The keynote address, delivered by Jabu Zwane, Founder at the Mindset Development Institute and Vice Chair of Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, will focus on unleashing your leadership potential in the African exhibition industry and how to navigate economic changes in uncertain times; whilst the plenary panel think tank will include valuable insights on the power of events and exhibitions in fostering economic growth, with panellists sharing success stories and strategies for promoting African businesses, driving innovation, and positioning the continent as a global leader.
Beyond enriching content, the Summit provides unparalleled networking opportunities, facilitating connections with industry peers and fostering new business prospects. In an era where shaping the future is paramount, AAXO invites all stakeholders to join the conversation and contribute to a roadmap for sustainable economic growth. “As the Summit coincides with our GED activation, we will proudly demonstrate to the world how exhibitions serve as catalysts for sustainable futures in Africa and extend our gratitude to all participants for joining us on this journey toward empowering economies and unleashing the potential of industry success in 2024 and beyond,” adds Paulsen-Abbott.
Attendees of the AAXO Leadership Summit will have the opportunity to participate in four dynamic workshops designed to enhance their skills and knowledge in key areas of the exhibition industry, including Driving Business Growth: Sales Strategies for the New World Exhibition Economy; Greening Your Exhibitions: Sustainable Strategies for Event Professionals; Building a Winning Team: Coaching and Mentoring for Success; and finally, Media Mastery: Maximising Your Impact and Message in Interviews and Engagements.
The Summit will feature a fireside chat discussing the growing trend of mergers and acquisitions in the event industry. Hosted by Piers Bearne, Founder and CEO of Collingwood Advisory, this session will delve into the key trends and drivers fueling the rise of M&A activity in the global event industry and its impact on African businesses. Drawing on his experience as both an entrepreneur and corporate finance adviser, Piers will provide insights on unlocking growth opportunities through M&A and will discuss strategies for scale-up, product development, and sales.
The programme will culminate with a think tank focused on navigating the unique landscape of the African event and exhibition industry. Prominent event organisers, such as AI Media, Informa Tech, Messe Frankfurt SA, RX Africa and We Are Africa, will provide valuable insights and strategies for overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities. The full programme for the Leadership Summit can be viewed here.
“The upcoming AAXO Leadership Summit stands as a beacon for industry professionals seeking to harness the immense potential of exhibitions in driving economic growth and industry success. Against the backdrop of South Africa’s impressive economic contributions from events, it’s evident that such gatherings not only stimulate local economies but also create opportunities for employment and business development across Africa,” concludes Paulsen-Abbott.
If you’d like to register to attend the AAXO Leadership Summit and join the conversation on the vital role exhibitions play in empowering economies and unleashing their full potential for growth and success, visit https://www.aaxo.co.za/leadership-summit-24/ for more information.
The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) proudly announces its strategic partnership with the Exhibition and Events Association of South Africa (EXSA), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of the exhibition sector, fostering growth, professionalism, and excellence across South Africa and the African continent.
EXSA, renowned for its commitment to setting industry standards and promoting integrity among its members, joins forces with AAXO, a collaborative platform dedicated to enhancing the exhibition landscape in Africa. Together, they aim to fortify the industry, address challenges, and elevate standards through mutual support and cooperation.
Speaking about the partnership, Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson at AAXO, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with EXSA in our shared mission to elevate industry standards and promote excellence within the exhibition sector. This partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing the interests of our members and the industry as a whole.”
The partnership between AAXO and EXSA outlines several key objectives aimed at promoting excellence within the exhibition industry:
Promotion of the highest standards of event and exhibition organising in South Africa and across Africa;
Collaborative planning and execution of a Global Exhibition Day event on 5 June 2024, focusing on delivering a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants;
Joint marketing and promotional campaigns to raise awareness and generate excitement for Global Exhibition Day;
Hosting workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities to enhance professional development and knowledge sharing among industry professionals;
Facilitation of joint sessions to address issues between organisers and suppliers, fostering dialogue and resolution;
And establishment of a joint committee to oversee the implementation and progress of the partnership.
“The signing of an MOU is a small step towards a bigger vision, which is why we celebrate the small steps. EXSA and AAXO have so much in common, built on a foundation of trust, that working together means we have the best interest for our members at heart. Through this MOU, we are able to streamline work flow, open communication between the associations and make sure we have a harmonious environment. We look forward to deepening our MOU to allow each other’s expectations and outcomes for industry not to be compromised,” concludes Sibusiso Mncwabe, EXSA Chairperson.
According to The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), business travel and tourism in Africa is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.6% by 2028. With growing investment and attention toward events throughout the continent, prioritising environmentally-responsible gatherings has become increasingly imperative. In fact, research conducted by the Events Industry Council highlights that integrating sustainability into event organisation not only yields a notable 20-30% decrease in expenses but results in a substantial 60-80% reduction in waste.
“A myriad of factors contribute to waste, spanning from disposable plastics to excess food. Surprisingly, the average event discards 15%-20% of its food, while the industry as a whole squanders 10% of its output. On average, each attendee generates a staggering 1.89kg of waste daily, of which 1.16kg ends up in landfills.[1] These figures underscore the importance for prioritising sustainability in event management across Africa, integrating it into the very beginning stage of planning,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson of AAXO.
Considering the significance of sustainability within the events industry, numerous AAXO members are championing the implementation of eco-friendly practices tailored to their specific niches within the sector:
Scan Display
Scan Display, specialising in award-winning exhibition stands, exhibition and event infrastructure, mall activations, roadshows and displays, leads the charge towards sustainability in the South African exhibition and events industry by integrating eco-friendly practices into their service offering through a range of green solutions such as green exhibition infrastructure and eco-friendly products like LED lights and re-usable fabric branding. For instance, their Fabric Pop-up System and Tension Fabric System provide lightweight, reusable alternatives to traditional displays, significantly reducing waste; whilst their Fabric Shell Scheme enables clients to print reusable fabric graphics, minimising the need for disposable materials.
In past events, Scan Display has pioneered initiatives like the Sustainability Village at the International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services’ (IFES) annual congress in Cape Town in 2013, promoting locally-made products and offering sustainable gifting solutions to delegates. Notably, the concept was used at Meetings Africa 2014 and has been used at every subsequent Meetings Africa show since.
Scan Display also minimises waste generation during events by encouraging the use of their sustainable products, which are designed for reusability and donate any old fabric graphics to organisations that upcycle materials. Moreover, Scan Display’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its partnerships and initiatives, such the Event Greening Forum – which was founded by Scan Display’s Managing Director, Justin Hawes – to promote sustainability practices within the events industry.
“Sustainability has been an important part of Scan Display’s company ethos for a long time. We’ve been developing sustainable products and solutions long before sustainability became a hot topic, and are always on the look-out for new sustainable solutions and more eco-friendly ways of operating,” adds Hawes.
dmg events
dmg events is actively driving sustainability through a multi-faceted approach that integrates sustainability practices into its service offerings, with their commitment to the three pillars of sustainability central to this endeavour: Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle. This commitment involves collaborating with suppliers, and helping to shape attendee behaviour by raising awareness and education., In 2023, the company formed a sustainability committee to assess and mitigate environmental impacts, with their strategic roadmap including targets to cut emissions and waste by 50% by 2030 and to achieve net-zero status by 2050. Additionally, they focus on minimising waste generation during events through various measures such as recycling efforts, re-using event elements, waste separation at venues, digitising elements of the event such as showguides, among other initiatives.
At dmg events, the company will start to measure its environmental impact through a newly developed set of metrics, utilising a carbon accounting platform to benchmark emissions and track progress. The company is also a signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, dedicated to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future.
“I believe the primary obstacles to adopting sustainable practices in events include a lack of understanding about what sustainability involves and challenges in changing organisational habits and behaviours. To overcome these challenges, we are enhancing our training and awareness initiatives concerning sustainability and motivating individuals to adopt new behaviours. Additionally, the company has integrated sustainable business practices into our KPI framework, requiring us to prepare sustainability reports for every one of our events,” says Joshua Low, Vice President of dmg events South Africa.
“The commitment demonstrated by AAXO members and other industry stakeholders underscores a collective determination to prioritising sustainability in event planning and execution. As Africa consolidates its role as a pivotal centre for business tourism, the importance of environmental responsibility holds undeniable significance with collaboration, innovation, and facilitating ongoing educational efforts key to the growth of sustainability in the sector,” concludes Paulsen-Abbott.
MusicEx is an immersive music experience. It will take place from 26 to 28 July 2024 at Gallagher Convention Centre.
On 14 March 2024, Gallagher hosted the MusicEx launch event in the Estate Ballroom. During the event, guests enjoyed performances by Good to Go and Jesse Clegg. The MusicEx team delivered an overview of the event, followed by an address By Andrew Mitchley from the David Gresham Record Company. Guests were inspired by a keynote address from Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who is championing this event.
The event was a thrilling delight for music enthusiasts who had the opportunity to have a meeting of the minds and share their passion.
Charles Wilson, CEO of Gallagher Convention Centre, used his welcoming address to confirm that visitors can look forward to performances by Jesse Clegg at the event in July. He advised that over the coming weeks leading up to the event visitors can expect announcements of more artists, partners, and exhibitors.
MusicEx will be a celebration of South African talent. It is an event designed to appeal across genres and demographics. Be a part of this movement!
MusicEx is a product by Gallagher Convention Centre that offers visitors an indoor music Festival, an exhibition in Hall 3, workshops to learn from experts, the opportunity to enjoy Buskers in Festival Lane, and an insta-worthy unplugged experience in the Music Lounge. Visitors can even “Have a go” to try out some instruments on the exhibition floor. If you want to be the next big name in South African music, enter Battle of the Best!
Apply to Busk at MusicEx- .
Enter Battle of the Best and stand a chance to win R 100 000.00 in cash and a Developmental record deal from David Gresham Records worth R 150 00000.
Exhibit at MusicEx- .
Book a spot in the Marketplace to sell your pre-loved music-related items- .
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