CURATED BY A PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN EVENTURER
Let’s cut to the chase: eventing is a crazy adventure fit for caffeine-fuelled, deadline-dodging, duct-tape-wielding legends who pull off the impossible with a headset, a hustle, and a smile. Whether you’re managing main stage mayhem or finessing floorplans at 2am, this game takes grit — and the right gear.
That’s why I’ve curated the Ultimate South African Event Survival Kit — packed with local legends (products, that is) that have saved my sanity more than once. From the pre-event panic to the post-show exhale, these are the tried-and-tested MVPs every event pro should have in their bag.
Over the years, I’ve worked everything from high-energy conferences to last-minute activations in the middle of nowhere — and I’ve learned one thing: you don’t survive on adrenaline alone.
So, allow me to present…
The Ultimate South African Event Survival Kit
Because when the pressure’s on, you want your kit as local, lekker, and reliable as your crew.
🔧 PRE-EVENT GRIND: Powering Through the Pressure
It’s two days before the event. You’ve got 1,000 unread emails, a speaker who just cancelled, and your only form of nourishment has been coffee and stress. This is where the right tools make all the difference:
- Lip Balm – the OG Lip Ice
For when the aircon is doing the absolute most and your lips are feeling… crispy. - Mints – Wilson’s X.X.X. or Halls
Because nothing says “trust me with your AV brief” like fresh breath. - Plasters – Elastoplast
- Blisters are part of the job. Battle scars. But still… ow.
- Deodorant – Shield or Dove
For when the pressure hits and you need to stay cool and dry — literally and figuratively. - Chocolate – Lindt
Sometimes, chocolate is a coping mechanism. And we respect that. - Water – al la sparkling!
Hydrate like your Wi-Fi password depends on it. - Coffee / Energy – Vida E
Fuel that hustle with some local buzz. - Undereye Cream – Africology
The goal: look like you slept. Even if you didn’t.
🎤 ONSITE FRENZY: Stay Sharp. Stay Standing.
It’s showtime. You’re running between the main stage, green room, and exhibitor zones with 13 WhatsApps, 7 emails, and zero lunch. This is where your real survival kit comes into play.
- Energy Shots – Biogen
Tiny bottles. Big energy. You’ll thank me later. - Wet Wipes – Clicks Wipes
For when you’ve just shaken 38 hands and still have to hand-hold a sponsor. - Insoles – Green Cross Gel
You haven’t known pain until you’ve worn cute shoes on expo carpet. - Lotion – Nivea
Dry hands are a crime. Moisturise between chaos. - Meal Replacements – Futurelife
“Lunch” becomes a memory. These keep you alive. - Mints – Again. Always again.
Because networking. - Plasters – AGAIN AGAIN.
Look, we walk a lot. - Magnesium – SlowMag
Your calves will cramp. Be ready. - Chocolate – A.G.A.I.N!
You’ve earned it. Again.
🌙 POST-EVENT RESET: Rewind & Recharge
The lights are down. The last banner is packed. Your Fitbit says you walked 22,000 steps. It’s time to exhale.
- Bubbly – JC Le Roux / Graham Beck Cap Classique
Pop it with your team. You made it. - Foot Soak – Good Stuff
Because your feet went through war. - Rooibos/Chamomile Tea – Carmién
Soothe your soul. Calm. Recharge and Repeat!
🎬 Final Word
This kit is my personal homage to every event pro who’s had to reprint name badges at 6am, fix mic packs on the fly, or charm a client while wearing plasters and powerwalking.
But this is just my version.
👉 What’s in your survival kit?
Drop your ride-or-die local products below — let’s build the first-ever crowd-sourced survival kit for South African event warriors.
Because in this game? We share the hacks.
