In this episode of Africa Event Connect, host Projeni Pather sits down with Brett Cohen, Managing Director of Promo One, to explore how event and marketing procurement can move beyond cost-cutting to create real value.

With over 25 years of industry experience, Brett unpacks the shift from commodity buying to strategic procurement, the true cost behind pricing, and why promotional products should support brand storytelling rather than just visibility. The conversation also dives into value-added services, supplier partnerships, and lessons learned from decades in the industry. A must-watch for event professionals, marketers, and procurement leaders. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather talks with David Wilson, a tech strategist and presentologist, about the future of event engagement. Together, they explore how technology, storytelling, and design can turn audiences from passive attendees into active participants. David shares insights on data-driven decision-making, the rise of hybrid and phygital experiences, and the growing importance of collaboration across tech providers, organisers, and brands. Listeners will gain a clear, practical understanding of how to use technology with purpose, to enhance, not replace, human connection in events across Africa and beyond. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

How do you turn chance encounters into meaningful business opportunities? In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Bianca Hindmarch and Tracey Lodrich, co-founders of B&T Matchmaking, to unpack how they’re transforming event networking into a science of purpose and precision.

They explore how AI and human insight work together to design smarter, more intentional connections, ones that go beyond foot traffic and deliver true ROI. From understanding attendee behaviour to curating impact-driven meetings, this is a must-listen for anyone rethinking the future of event engagement. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

From London’s theatre stages to South Africa’s grandest events, Brooke Greenhill, Managing Director of Elegant Experience, has mastered the craft of turning entertainment into emotion. In this episode, we examine how storytelling, performance, and production converge to create impact, not just spectacle. Brooke shares her journey from theatre to entrepreneurship, the creative process behind unforgettable shows, and what’s next for event entertainment in Africa. Whether you’re a producer, planner, or creative, this episode will inspire you to see entertainment as more than a moment; it’s an experience that lives beyond the spotlight. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, host Projeni Pather chats with Melisa Tsotetsi, Customer Manager at Unique Speakers Bureau, on the evolving role of speaker agencies in Africa’s event landscape. Melisa highlights how agencies go beyond booking talent - they shape narratives, align keynote content with brand strategy, and amplify authentic African voices. The discussion covers trends in audience expectations, the growing demand for relatable and diverse speakers, and the importance of representation on stage. Melisa also reflects on her leadership journey, the role of technology in audience engagement, and why storytelling remains central to impactful, future-ready events. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

What does it take to build sports and entertainment platforms in Africa that truly last? In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Lyndon Barends, CEO of Arena Holdings, to unpack the business of sustainability in events, the power of brand alignment, and why purpose-driven experiences win loyalty. From real-world case studies to future-focused insights, Lyndon shares hard-won leadership lessons and the keys to creating scalable, meaningful properties that connect audiences across the continent. If you’re in events, sponsorship, or media, this is your playbook for building impact that endures. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

Tamsin Gallick, co-founder of Events by Her and Director of One Forty Four Collective, joins host Projeni Pather to unpack her journey of building inclusive spaces for women in the events industry, from identifying the gaps that inspired Events by Her, to lessons learned in balancing creativity, business, and social impact, Tamsin shares practical insights and personal stories that highlight the power of community and connection. Together, she and Projeni reflect on the future of women in events across Africa and the bold innovations shaping the industry. An inspiring listen for event professionals seeking purpose and impact. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Dale Hefer, CEO of the Nedbank IMC Conference, to unpack the secrets behind South Africa’s most influential marketing event. Dale shares a sneak peek into the trends and themes shaping marketing in 2025, along with the real-world lessons she’s learned in building and sustaining a large-scale conference that continues to thrive. From navigating the challenges of hybrid events to curating content that truly resonates, engaging audiences, and securing sponsor buy-in, this conversation is packed with insights for marketers and event leaders who want to create impact and longevity. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Londi Khumalo, Chief Business Development Officer at Niche Partners, to unpack why the MICE industry in Africa still leans heavily on intuition over research.

Londi shares her journey from curiosity-driven beginnings to becoming a passionate advocate for strategic research, highlighting how data transforms decision-making, competitiveness, and growth.

Together, they explore Africa’s evolving MICE landscape, the role of government master plans, the rising need for private sector differentiation, and insights from Londi’s 2025 Africa Perspectives Report.

The conversation underscores why research is not a luxury but a necessity. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

Most people think diversity is about ticking boxes. But what if everything you believe about inclusion is incomplete - or worse, performative? In this episode, Projeni Pather sits down with Pamela Xaba, a transformation leader and founder of Nonkosi Creatives, to expose the uncomfortable truths the events industry avoids.

Together, they unpack the real reasons inclusion efforts fail and reveal what true, human-centered inclusion looks like - beyond buzzwords and social media campaigns. If you’re an event leader, team builder, or changemaker, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you the tools to lead with courage, empathy, and impact. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts