2026 EVENTURER’S PLAYBOOK:
One Word at a Time
There’s something quietly powerful about the beginning of a year.
Not the noise.
Not the resolutions shouted into the void.
But the pause — the moment where you ask yourself: What really matters now?
As we step into 2026, we didn’t want a list of trends or predictions.
We wanted something more human. More grounding. More honest.
So we asked a few of our fellow Eventurers one simple question:
What’s the ONE word you’re holding yourself accountable for this year — and why?
No overthinking. No polishing. Just intention.
What came back wasn’t just a collection of words.
It became a shared playbook for moving through the year with purpose, presence, courage and care.
Here are the words shaping 2026.
VALUE
With every hat I wear, each room I enter — my desire is to create value, inspire action, and leave things better than I found them… in however small or big way.
— Keshni
ALIGNMENT
I want to make sure how I spend my time matches what I value.
— Betty
POISE
To me, poise is the intersection of balance and focus — the ability to remain grounded and graceful while refusing to be rushed. I’m holding myself to a standard of quality over quantity, choosing rhythm over friction so that every interaction, professionally and personally, reflects a balanced life rather than a busy one.
— Devi
BREATHE
A reminder to slow down and take in the morning air. To breathe deeply when I feel anxious, and to stay present instead of rushing. I want to be breathless from moving my body, laughing hard, and fully enjoying the moments that make life feel good.
— Debbie
PURPOSE
Finding purpose and fulfilment in everything that I do. Is it aligned to my values and empowerment? Does it bring success to what I do and serve what I want to achieve in my life, my family’s life, and my work? Is it God’s purpose and plan for my life that drives everything I do?
— Mandisa
CONSISTENCY
Because it’s consistency over perfection that turns intentions into results.
— Derusha
CONSISTENCY & DISCIPLINE
I’m heading into this year with a refreshed focus on delivering high-value impact and strategic excellence.
— Nyasha
GRATITUDE
It’s easy to overlook what you’ve achieved because you’re busy chasing what you don’t have. In everything, remember to give thanks.
— Tsidi
INTEGRITY
It builds trust. When you act with integrity, people know they can rely on you. Even when it’s hard or inconvenient, integrity — through resilience — keeps you grounded in what’s right.
— Keitumetse
SUSTAINABLE
I will continue my commitment to adopting sustainable practices within the exhibition and events industry. I’ll do whatever I can to optimise the use of resources, both within my business and for client projects.
— Justin
POSITIVES
If I’m going to overthink, I’ll overthink the positives.
— Nicky
EMBODIMENT
Because I’ve done the insight, the healing, the understanding. This year is about living it — in my body, my choices, my relationships — without retreating into analysis.
I am going with it!!!!!
— Ashleigh
OOPS
This year, I’m embracing mistakes instead of stressing over them. Each “oops” is really just a plot twist in my story — an excuse to laugh, learn, and keep moving forward.
— Brooke
AUTHENTICITY (UNFORCED)
I’m done forcing what doesn’t fit — in relationships or in how I show up. This year is about living in a way that actually matches who I am and what I deserve.
— Candice
AGILITY
Customer-centric innovation, powered by real-time data and agile event technology — enabling rapid responses to market change and driving exceptional client value.
— Tracy
AGILE
With the forecasts ahead and the trends from last year, it’s clear that being able to move freely and quickly — and embracing that way of working — will be more important than ever.
— Paul
OWNERSHIP
After 10 years in immersive entertainment, I choose ownership — of my standards, my growth, and the experiences we deliver. I take responsibility for showing up fully, leading with intention, and turning knowledge into impact.
— Clinton
PROCRASTINATION
Procrastinating has held me back from seeing most of my potential.
— KJ
BALANCE
I’m usually all or nothing, and that’s gotten me into trouble by overdoing it in the past. This year is about making space for moments of peace in the chaos.
— Savannah
CONSISTENCY
It turns small daily actions into lasting impact. It builds trust, strengthens resilience, and transforms goals into reality. It’s the quiet discipline that compounds into legacy.
— Tracey
LAUGHTER
Amid the roadblocks, storms (and potholes 😜) of the 2026 journey — life doesn’t always have to be so serious.
— Veruschka
SELF-CARE
I really felt this missing from my routine last year due to work constraints. In 2026, I want to honour God and myself by creating small, daily self-care moments that will restore my mind, body, and soul.
— Erieka
FOCUSED
I want to cut through noise, distraction, and over-commitment. Every hour has a purpose. Work, rest, family, growth… all chosen, not defaulted.
— Leatitia
What this tells us about 2026
What this tells us about 2026
This isn’t just a list. It’s a signal.
A desire to slow down without losing momentum.
To act with intention instead of urgency.
To move with agility and integrity.
To build lives, businesses, and experiences that are sustainable, aligned, and deeply human.
This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing what matters — better.
Your turn
If you had to choose one word to hold yourself accountable for this year — just one — what would it be?
Write it down.
Sit with it.
Live it.
Because sometimes, one word is all you need to change the way you move through the year.
Here’s to a grounded, intentional, meaningful 2026.
We’re honoured to walk it with you, Eventurer.
Keshni Reddy
