Speakers for Festival of Eventing 2025
Meet our visionary speakers who shared their expertise and insights at The Festival of Eventing 2025.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Nicky Verd
Digital Futurist
South Africa
Nicky Verd lives to blow stuff up.
She is a Kickass Author and Digital Futurist helping organisations and individuals navigate disruption and thrive in an AI-powered economy.
An International Keynote Speaker and Author of the hit book, Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted, Nicky is a leading thinker on driving innovation and digital transformation through culture. She is also a Conference Moderator and Corporate MC on all things Tech, Digital Disruption, the Future of Work, AI, Future Skills, etc.
Nicky reinvented herself and is now empowering others to disrupt themselves before someone else does it for them. She is recognised by Thinkers360 as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on Digital Disruption and the Future of Work.
Not your typical tech founder…
Iain Morrison is the co-founder of The Imagination Collaborative, an Australian event tech studio creating digital twins for some of the world’s biggest outdoor events.
With 35+ years in the industry, Iain brings hands-on experience from festivals, stadium tours, and major productions for artists like Taylor Swift and U2.
A passionate advocate for rethinking how the events industry works, from planning systems to people management, Iain blends deep operational experience with cutting edge digital innovation.
Known for his honest take on leadership, burnout, and building high-performing teams, Iain bridges deep operational know-how with cutting-edge innovation. His company is part of NVIDIA’s Inception Program and leads the charge in spatial tech for live events.
Iain Morrison
Co-founder & CEO
The Imagination Collaborative
Australia
Lorne Sulcas
The Big Cat Guy
International Speaker
South Africa
From the bushveld to business…
Watching and photographing Africa’s wildlife for more than two decades, LORNE SULCAS never imagined he would become a sought-after professional speaker addressing US giants such as NASA, Sony Music, and AT&T, on his experiences and learnings as a long-time game ranger and safari guide. Lorne’s compelling presentations have been inspiring top organisations, entrepreneurs and athletes in the USA and South Africa on performance with his expert knowledge, personal experiences, captivating stories, and his highly-awarded wildlife photos.
Africa’s three big cats are superlative hunters with a million-year old proven track record of success in a fiercely competitive, challenging and changing world. In his entertaining, powerful Thriving in a Wild World™ keynote presentation, Lorne shares results-changing lessons from these remarkable felines of sustaining growth, resilience and extraordinary teamwork in the face of massive challenges, change and competition.
Global voice on human capital, leadership and career empowerment…
Dr. Vumile Msweli is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, executive coach, columnist, and speaker with over a decade of experience in human capital across financial services, ICT, and telecommunications.
As CEO and founder of Hesed Consulting, she leads a coaching firm with a presence in Rwanda, Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States, empowering individuals and organisations to thrive in diverse markets. She also established the Hesed Africa Foundation, which hosts flagship events like the Africa Career Summit and Africa Career Expo, creating platforms for skills development and career growth across the continent.
Dr. Msweli is a sought-after international speaker, having addressed audiences at TEDx, the African Union, and the Women’s Economic Forum, among others. She is also a regular contributor to leading media outlets including SAFM, Kaya FM, Duma FM, Arise TV, Business Day, The Guardian Nigeria, and Smooth FM, where she shares insights on leadership, careers, and personal growth.
With teaching credentials at prestigious institutions such as the African Leadership University, GIBS, and Henley Business School, Vumile is widely recognised as a results-driven leader who combines strategic execution with a passion for empowering others.
Dr Vumi Msweli
Founder
Hesed Africa Foundation
South Africa
Diana McCaskill CMP
Founder & CEO
Fruition Consulting
United States
Veteran event strategist shaping meetings and hospitality for over three decades…
Diana McCaskill is a Certified Meeting Professional with more than 30 years of experience in the meetings and hospitality industry. She began her career in hotel management, gaining hands-on expertise in every aspect of operations before moving into citywide convention sales and services with the San Diego Convention Center and the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In 2005, Diana founded Fruition Consulting LLC, an event management and business development firm that has delivered national conferences and events for clients such as the Port of San Diego, the County of San Diego, and the National Association of Investment Companies.
A former jazz supper club owner, Diana is also known for her creativity and entrepreneurial flair, bringing both logistical precision and hospitality warmth to every project. With over 25 years as a CMP and a BS in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego, she continues to be a trusted voice and respected leader in shaping impactful events across the United States.
Bold innovator making waves in music, business, and endurance…
Carina Bruwer is an internationally acclaimed musician, award-winning entrepreneur, sought-after motivational speaker, and record-breaking open water swimmer. She is the founder of the instrumental supergroup Sterling EQ, and the owner of Gigster, a leading entertainment booking platform, as well as Visio Productions, a boutique video and photography company – all key players in the South African events industry.
Beyond the stage and boardroom, Carina pushes human limits in the ocean, completing some of the world’s toughest swims including the English Channel, Gibraltar Straits, and False Bay. Recognised among the World Open Water Swimming Association’s Top 50 most daring swimmers, she also founded Swim For Hope, raising nearly R1 million for South African causes.
Fearless and inspirational, Carina brings her message of courage, resilience, and transformation to audiences worldwide.
More at carina.co.za.
Carina Bruwer
Extreme Marathon Swimmer, Award-Winning Musician, Inspirational Speaker & Creative Entrepreneur
South Africa
Alan Committie
MC, Entertainer
South Africa
South Africa’s master of comedy and connection…
Alan Committie is one of South Africa’s leading award-winning comic performers, actors, and MCs. With a career spanning theatre, comedy, and corporate entertainment, Alan is celebrated for his quick wit, sharp humour, and ability to connect audiences of all kinds.
He is renowned for his record-breaking run as the star of the Broadway hit Defending the Caveman, with over 960 performances across South Africa, as well as his hugely popular sequel Love Factually, which continues to delight corporate and charity audiences. Beyond comedy, Alan has starred in acclaimed theatre productions from Richard III to Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, earning multiple Fleur du Cap, Naledi, and BroadwayWorld Awards.
Alan has also headlined major comedy festivals and served as MC for countless high-profile events, including the Cape Town Funny Festival. In 2023, he was honoured with the Comics’ Choice Awards Hall of Fame accolade, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile and respected entertainers in the country.
With Alan at the helm, no stage is ever short of laughter, energy, or connection.
John Arvanitakis
Chairman
Event Greening Forum
South Africa
Lyndon Barends
Managing Director
Arena Holdings
South Africa
Errol Bryce
Group Commercial Director
Vuka Group
South Africa
Glenton de Kock
Chief Executive Officer
South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI)
South Africa
Anrico du Plessis
Chief Executive Officer
Multi-Media
South Africa
Brooke Greenhill
Managing Director
Elegant Entertainment
South Africa
Steven Hall
Producer & Director
Brand Avatar
South Africa
Harry Hare
Co-Founder & Chairman
CIO Africa by DX5
Kenya
Tracy Harley
Chief Executive Officer
Espresso Meet Up
South Africa
Dale Hefer
Chief Executive Officer
IMC Conference
South Africa
Bradly Howland
CEO
Alkemi Collective
South Africa
Larna Jackson
Managing Director
Event Options
South Africa
Kevan Jones
Executive Director: SACIA
and Chair:
SABS Technical Committee
South Africa
Peter Kagwa
President
International Festivals & Events Association Africa (IFEA Africa)
Uganda
Andrew Karanja
Co-Founder & Director
CIO Africa by DX5
Kenya
Charlotte Kemp
Co-Owner of Red Jacket Speaker Bureau, Futurist, Speaker, Coach
South Africa
Tebatso Kgakge
Executive PR & Events Producer
Botswana
Londi Khumalo
Managing Director
Niche Partners & SAACI Board Member
South Africa
Farirai Mabodza
Founder
Institute of Events
Professionals Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Lebo Madiba
Managing Director
PR Powerhouse
South Africa
Keitumetse Madisha
Head of Events
Primedia Broadcasting
South Africa
Kunal Malhotra
Regional Sales Manager
Cvent
India
Mic Mann
Co-Founder
Mann Made
South Africa
Shayne Mann
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Mann Made
South Africa
Thoko Modise
GM: Communications
Brand South Africa
South Africa
Wendy Monkley
She’EO
DC Lab Pty Ltd
South Africa
Iain Morrison
Co-Founder & CEO
The Imagination Collaborative
Australia
Dolly Nqonji
Former VP: Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Massmart)
Managing Director
Lunniko Consulting Group
South Africa
Alicia Oelofse
Senior Projects Administrator
City of Cape Town
South Africa
Yinka Olaito
Executive Director
Centre for Disability
and Inclusion Africa
Nigeria
Devi Paulsen-Abbott
Managing Director, Hypenica
Co-Founder, Festival of Eventing
South Africa
Alderman JP Smith
Mayoral Committee Member: Safety Security & Events
City of Cape Town
South Africa
Dvorah Stein
Culture Strategist
The Hive
South Africa
Lorne Sulcas
International Speaker & Game Changer
The Big Cat Guy
South Africa
Zandri Swartz
Senior Sales Manager
Century City
Conference Centre
South Africa
Tshifhiwa Tshivhenga
Chief Executive Officer
Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA)
South Africa
Irene Vallihu
Sales and Business Executive
(Head of Sales)
Durban International Convention Centre
South Africa
Rudi van der Vyver
Chief Executive Officer
We are Events & We are Virtual
South Africa
Gary van der Walt
Sustainable Design & Implementation Consultant
Xanita
South Africa
Nicky Verd
Digital Futurist
Digi Fit Global
South Africa
Ryan Wallace
Managing Director
We are Africa & Do Not Disturb
South Africa
Pieter Geldenhuys
Futurist & Director
Institute for Technology Strategy & Innovation
South Africa
Pamela Xaba
Founder
Nonkosi Creatives
South Africa
Nicky Abdinor
Clinical Psychologist
Nicky’s Drive
South Africa
Lee Den Hond
Inspirational Speaker, Adventurer, Athlete
Entrepreneur
South Africa
Dr Vumi Msweli
Founder
Hesed Africa Foundation
South Africa
Dr Morne Mostert
Creator
Mindset Index
South Africa
Debbie Tagg
Chief Executive Officer
Smart Procurement
South Africa
Daniel Silke
Leading Political Economy Analyst
Daniel Silke Global
South Africa
Brad Kirsten
Radio Personality & MC
South Africa
Candice Grobler
Founder
Candid Collab
South Africa
Carina Smith-Allin
Disruptive PR Advisor & Founder
Mint PR and Brandboss
South Africa
Daniel Silke
Leading Political Economy Analyst
Daniel Silke Global
South Africa
Bongani Semenya
Corporate Events Specialist
Heineken
South Africa
Angelique Smith
CEO
Event Synthesis International (ESI)
South Africa
David Wilson
Founder
Participate Technologies, FutureProofSA & AskDavid.co
South Africa
Charl Barnard
Head: Strategic Implementation
Evsol
South Africa
Clinton Hourquebie
Creative Director
Elegant Experiences
South Africa
Corne Kock
Head: Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau
Wesgro
South Africa
Danielle Bitton
Singer, DJ, Inspirational Speaker
South Africa