Inspiring at the Festival of Eventing
On 8 and 9 August, I had the privilege of participating in the Festival of Eventing, a landmark gathering for the events industry in South Africa. Over two days, industry leaders, innovators, and creatives came together to share world-class insights, network, and inspire one another.
My Role at the Festival
Day 2 was particularly meaningful for me. I had the honour of:
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Delivering the opening inspirational keynote to set the tone for the day.
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MC’ing the programme, ensuring energy and connection throughout the sessions.
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Co-presenting with Nia, the remarkable live avatar created by Steven D. Hall.
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Moderating the plenary session “Visualising the Unseen: Designing Events Before They Exist” with esteemed international guests Iain Morrison and Diana McCaskill, CMP.
As a motivational speaker based in Cape Town, I am always inspired by opportunities that combine storytelling, innovation, and audience engagement. In this case, I was also able to bring my experience as an MC and panel moderator to the stage — roles that I deeply enjoy as they allow me to facilitate meaningful conversations and amplify powerful voices.
Highlights from the Programme
The Festival programme covered a wide range of critical and forward-thinking topics:
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Innovation in event technology
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The art of audience engagement
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Protocol and entertainment design
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Sustainability and safety in events
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The future of hybrid experiences
One of the standout moments was co-hosting a masterclass on MC & Speaker management with colleagues Natalie Naudé, Clinton Hourquebie, and Vumi Msweli. These types of collaborations highlight the importance of raising professional standards in our industry while creating more impactful experiences for audiences.
Looking Ahead
Events like the Festival of Eventing remind me why I am passionate about my work as a motivational and inspirational speaker in South Africa: they create space for ideas to be shared, for innovation to be sparked, and for communities to strengthen.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Amanda Bokleni, Keshni Reddy, Betty Sichivula, CEM, and the entire organising team for curating an event that not only informed and inspired, but also elevated our industry to new heights.
