SACIA

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...

23/04/2026

SACIA’s Event Safety Summit takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on 27-28 July. It 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 includes presentations, panels, and workshops that provide practical insights, connect professionals, and inspire renewed commitment to prioritising safety across the events and entertainment industry.
The objective of the Event Safety Summit is to bring together all the functions required to deliver safe events, enabling us to 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. For more information visit www.sacia.org.za

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

18/02/2026

New legislation to provide legal protection for performers working in the advertising, artistic and cultural sectors

On 23 January 2026, the Department of Employment and Labour announced its intention to deem performers working in the advertising, artistic, and cultural sectors as employees, thereby providing legal protections to curb exploitation, address income insecurity, and improve working conditions for artists, actors, and crew.

To better understand how this proposed legislation will impact you, SACIA and our partner associations have invited Thembinkosi Mkalipi from DOEL to join us for a breakfast conversation to explore the legislation and its practical implementation.

There’s no cost for members to attend the breakfast, but seating is limited.
Non-member cost is R450. Register at https://sacia.org.za/event-6571704

19/12/2025

The SACIA Board is pleased to announce that Rudi van der Vyver has been elected Board chair for 2026-2027, with Lisa Welthagen elected as vice-chair. Rudi is a past-chair of SACIA's CEPA Council and has been a member of the SACIA Board for several years. Whilst Lisa is new to the SACIA Board, she has served in leadership roles in both our CEPA and Event Safety Councils.
Sharif Baker Aldred Dreyer and Tinus Smit are also re-elected to serve another two-year term. Kevan Jones continues as Executive Director.
The Board may appoint up to three additional members and establish task teams to serve a specific function.

06/12/2025

https://youtu.be/-pQ8VhNYexE

On 5 December 2025, several SAQA-recognised professional bodies signed an "integrity pledge" with the Gauteng Ethics and Anti-Corruption Unit, in which they ...

05/12/2025

Earlier today, SACIA signed an "integrity pledge" with the Gauteng Ethics and Anti-Corruption Unit, in which we undertook to collaborate with them to address fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the public service. The aim is to create a culture of integrity in government, business and civil society. The pledge was signed by Kevan Jones on behalf of SACIA, and Premier Panyaza Lusufi on behalf of the provincial government.
In signing this pledge, SACIA undertakes to take an ethical leadership role in the province.

29/10/2025

https://youtu.be/_Y0sEISM-uk

Highlights from the SACIA Golf Day hosted at Eagle Canyon on Tuesday, 14 October 2025