Meet the Member: GL Events
Bringing people together through infrastructure, exhibitions and turnkey event solutions.
Since its establishment in 1977, GL events has built its business around helping bring events to life through infrastructure, temporary structures and exhibition management. With 49 years in operation, the company continues to support the events industry with integrated solutions designed to connect people, businesses and communities.
Operating from Johannesburg, where its head office is based, as well as Cape Town and Durban, GL events provides a range of services spanning event infrastructure, exhibitions and event delivery.
A Complete Event Solutions Partner
GL events’ expertise covers exhibition stands, marquees, furniture, printing and branding, custom stands and temporary structures. Its offering extends beyond individual products or services, bringing together the different elements required to deliver an event through integrated, turnkey solutions.
The company also provides event planning, venue management, logistics, infrastructure, exhibitions and technical services, supporting events from planning through to delivery.
With a focus on innovation, GL events aims to continue developing solutions that respond to the evolving needs of the events industry.
A Major Achievement on the International Stage
One of the company’s proudest achievements has been delivering the G20 Summit. The event showcased GL events’ ability to manage a large-scale international gathering with professionalism, strong organisation and a focus on safety and the experience of delegates and guests.
The company has also provided services for major international events such as SADC, demonstrating the breadth of its capabilities beyond exhibition management alone.
These projects highlight the importance of the infrastructure, logistics and technical expertise that support successful events, often working behind the scenes to ensure everything comes together.
Investing in the Next Generation
Developing future talent is an important part of GL events’ approach to building the industry.
Each year, the company takes on interns through the YES Youth Programme, providing opportunities for young people to gain workplace experience and develop their skills. Those who demonstrate strong potential may be offered permanent positions, creating a pathway from entry-level experience into longer-term employment.
As the events industry continues to evolve, investing in people and developing the skills needed for the future remain important priorities.
What’s Next for GL events?
As it approaches its 50th anniversary, GL events remains focused on innovation, growth, talent development and delivering world-class event experiences that bring people together.
Technology-driven solutions and sustainability are expected to play increasingly important roles in the industry over the next three to five years. For GL events, responding to these changes will be part of continuing to develop its offering and meet the needs of clients and event organisers.
Meet the Person Behind the Business
Ishmael Atanasi | CEO, GL events
Ishmael Atanasi has been CEO of GL events for six years, bringing 19 years of experience in the events and exhibitions industry to the role.
His journey with the company began in accounting. Starting as an accounting clerk, he progressed through the ranks to become finance manager before being appointed CEO.
His career reflects a path of professional development within the business, moving from a financial role into broader leadership of the company.
From Finance to Leading Events
Although his career began in accounting, Ishmael’s work has grown to encompass the wider business of bringing people together through integrated turnkey solutions.
What he enjoys most about the industry is the opportunity to meet new people and create networks. Exhibitions and events provide a setting for relationships to develop, connections to form and people from different backgrounds and sectors to come together.
For Ishmael, these connections remain central to the value of the industry.
Looking Ahead: Technology and Sustainability
Asked what he believes will change most dramatically in the events industry over the next three to five years, Ishmael points to technology-driven solutions and the growing focus on sustainability.
Both will influence how events are planned, delivered and experienced, creating opportunities for businesses to adapt and develop new approaches.
For companies providing infrastructure and turnkey services, keeping pace with these changes will be important in meeting evolving expectations and delivering effective event experiences.
A Lesson in Perseverance
One lesson Ishmael carries with him from the industry is simple: never give up.
It is a straightforward principle, but one that reflects the persistence required to grow a career, lead a business and navigate an industry where every event brings its own demands.
His advice is equally grounded in taking action rather than allowing uncertainty to dictate decisions:
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are – and don’t let fear make your decisions for you.”
Beyond the Boardroom
Outside work, Ishmael enjoys sports, travelling and spending time with his family.
These interests offer a balance to the demands of leading a business and working in an industry built around bringing people together.
GL events at a Glance
Established: 1977
Head Office: Johannesburg, South Africa
Other Locations: Cape Town and Durban
CEO: Ishmael Atanasi
Leadership Tenure: 6 years
Team: 161
Industry Experience: 49 years in operation
Core Services: Event infrastructure | Temporary structures | Exhibition management | Event planning | Venue management | Logistics | Technical services
Specialist Offering: Exhibition stands | Marquees | Furniture | Printing and branding | Custom stands
Notable Achievement: Delivery of the G20 Summit
Talent Development: Annual internships through the YES Youth Programme
