SACIA

21/08/2026

Promoting a "safety-first" culture in the events industry across Africa

Across Africa, various Acts, Regulations, Standards and Bylaws require every event to appoint a competent person to act as an event safety officer to ensure the safety of staff, performers and spectators.
Severe penalties also apply if an event safety officer is not appointed, or if the appointed person is deemed incompetent following a review of their qualifications and work experience.

This eight-week online course provides information and insight into the role and responsibilities of an event safety officer.
Presented as a series of workshops led by subject-matter experts, this course provides the information you need to meet your legal requirements and to create a safe event.

By using real-life examples, you’ll learn how to instantly identify hazards that could cause harm and create event safety documentation that includes organisational details, crowd management plans, and emergency procedures.

Register at https://sacia.org.za/event-6696035

Exhibitions & Events Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) Event Safety Council Africa SA Events Council

13/08/2026

https://online.fliphtml5.com/mkoxp/July-August-26/ =92

Nice article in the latest issue of Meetings magazine that introduces new members of the SACIA Board. Lisa Welthagen is elected Board chair, with Aldred Dreyer serving as vice-chair. New board members are Iain Fourie, Angelique Smith and Jack Devnarain and they join Tinus Smit, and Sharif Baker with Kevan Jones as Executive Director.

4Mal Media Management

Meetings magazine is South Africa’s leading business events publication, connecting professionals across the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry. The July/August 2026 edition celebrates the people, ideas and experiences shaping the future of MICE, with a special focus on Wom...

06/08/2026

Tinus Smit has served on the SACIA Board for more than a decade, including a term as board chair (2024-25) and two terms as chair of our BIG - powered by SACIA (2022-24 and current).
He has contributed much to the development of the broadcast and communications industry and now, as he battles to recover from a stroke, it's our turn to support him. Please contribute to the BackaBuddy campaign set up by his family: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/tinuss-recovery

14/07/2026

Pulse Check: Medical Preparedness for High-Energy Events

During SACIA's Event Safety Summit, Dr Darren Green will explore the vital importance of medical services in ensuring safety and preparedness at events of all sizes. From concerts and sports matches to festivals and corporate gatherings, the presence of trained medical personnel and accessible resources can mean the difference between life and death. His session highlights common medical emergencies at events, discusses legal and ethical responsibilities of organisers, and outlines best practices for planning and deploying effective medical support. Real-world case studies and risk-based planning models will illustrate how proactive medical preparedness saves lives and enhances overall event safety and public confidence.

Event Safety Summit
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre
Date: 27-28 July 2026
Speakers: https://sacia.org.za/page-18263
Registration link: https://sacia.org.za/event-6611245

26/06/2026

SACIA’s Event Safety Summit brings together professionals from the entertainment, sports, and corporate event industries to discuss all aspects of safety, security, and health at live events. The Summit features presentations, panels, and workshops that offer practical insights, bring professionals together, and inspire a renewed commitment to prioritising safety across the events and entertainment industry.
The objective of the Event Safety Summit is to bring together every function required to deliver safe events, so we can share knowledge and learn from one another.

Event: Event Safety Summit 2026
Additional information: www.sacia.org.za
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre
Date: 27-28 July 2026
Registration: https://sacia.org.za/event-6611245

25/06/2026

*When ethical conduct becomes a key factor in government procurement policy.*

During December 2025 SACIA signed an integrity pledge with the Gauteng Provincial Government that binds both parties to a higher standard of business and ethics. During our upcoming Event Safety Summit, Rev. Solomuzi Mabuza, chairman of the Gauteng Ethics Advisory Council (GEAC), explores the practical implications of this pledge with a specific focus on events and event safety. He will explore how the pledge impacts government procurement policies and describe how SACIA and the GEAC are working together to support the adoption of professional standards and ethical business practices in the events and entertainment industry.

Event: Event Safety Summit
Date: 27-28 July 2026
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre
Bookings: https://sacia.org.za/event-6611245

03/06/2026

On Tuesday this week representatives from SACIA, the Event Greening Forum, Exhibitions & Events Association of Southern Africa (EXSA), and the PCO Alliance Network joined the Township Events Business Council to host a workshop that focused on promoting the professionalisation of the events industry in townships and rural communities. We maintained a strong focus on standards, training and the importance of continuing professional development.
The workshop was held at Uncle Tom's Community Centre in Soweto.
Angelique Smith Iain Fourie The Event Greening Forum The Planner Business Events Africa John Arvanitakis

02/06/2026

https://online.fliphtml5.com/mkoxp/Meetings-May-June-26/ =70

We have contributed several articles to the latest issue of Meetings magazine - check out an article on the academic landscape in the events industry on page 38, an article on our upcoming Event Safety Summit on page 42, and an article on what makes SACIA different to any other Association in the events sector on page 70

The May/June 2026 edition of Meetings explores the growing evolution of the business events industry towards more meaningful, experience-led eventing. From wellness and mindfulness in events to immersive destinations and future-focused innovation, this edition highlights how the MICE sector is redef...

01/06/2026

https://youtu.be/XOJeBZKqHgE?si=V1K5cd8tPDPRus52

I had an interesting interview with Gerrit Davids on the TourismX podcast, where we discussed our upcoming Event Safety Summit and the integrity pledge we signed with the Gauteng Provincial Government. You can register for the Summit at https://sacia.org.za/event-6611245

Kevan Jones Iain Fourie Mike Lord Sharif Baker Lisa Welthagen Giftluthuli Shoba

In this video, Gerrit Davids speaks with Kevan Jones, the executive...

15/05/2026

SACIA’s Event Safety Summit brings together professionals from the entertainment, sports, and corporate event industries to discuss all aspects of safety, security, and health at live events. The Summit features presentations, panels, and workshops that offer practical insights, bring professionals together, and inspire a renewed commitment to prioritising safety across the events and entertainment industry.

The objective of the Event Safety Summit is to bring together every function required to deliver safe events, so we can share knowledge and learn from one another. This is a conference for:

Local authorities and EMS service providers (medical, fire, etc)
Service providers, including access control, waste and sanitation
SAPS, Metro Police, Environmental Health and Disaster Management Officers
Ticketing companies
Safety and security service providers
Venue operators
Event organisers, covering business, sport and entertainment events
Academics and educators working in tourism, hospitality and event management
At the 2026 conference, there will be many opportunities for informal networking and socialising, establishing connections, and meeting potential new clients across the two days.

Register at https://sacia.org.za/event-6611245

https://youtu.be/8TXWCxvHGpg

Exhibitions & Events Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) Saiosh SA Events Council PCO Alliance Network Gallagher Convention Centre Business Events Africa The Planner Ma-Events Twala John Arvanitakis Mike Lord Iain Fourie Lisa Welthagen

SACIA’s Event Safety Summit brings together professionals from the entertainment, sports, and corporate event industries to discuss all aspects of safety, se...