MICE & YOUTH AWARDS
Recognising the best in meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE), as well as rising stars shaping the future of the industry. From venue excellence to youth leadership, this category applauds innovation, impact, and professionalism.
View the finalists and vote for the leaders shaping tomorrow.
- You may vote for one finalist per category.
- Only one vote per category per person will be counted.
- Voting closes at midnight on 31 July
Premier Conference & Events Venue
Boardwalk International Convention Centre
Located along Gqeberha’s iconic Golden Mile, Boardwalk ICC offers a diverse selection of multifunctional venues ideal for conferences, corporate events, exhibitions, concerts, and special occasions. Each space is adaptable and can be tailored to suit your requirements and budget. Guests benefit from expertly curated conference packages, an experienced banqueting team, luxury on-site accommodation, exceptional dining options, secure parking, and engaging leisure activities.
Whether hosting a large-scale event or an intimate gathering, Boardwalk ICC ensures a seamless, all-in-one experience that combines professionalism with coastal charm.
Experience 25 years of unmatched hospitality!
Olivewood Wildlife & Golf Estate
Olivewood Wildlife Estate & Golf Club is a picturesque haven located just a 30-minute drive from East London. It offers a 4-star graded conference centre in a tranquil environment surrounded by wildlife and natural beauty. Stylish, flexible venues cater to conferences, workshops, team-building, gala dinners, weddings, celebrations, and charity or corporate golf days.
In addition to superb conference and event spaces, Olivewood boasts a 4-star boutique hotel with a private gym, lounge, and pool, a beauty spa, two eateries, an 18-hole golf course, and a driving range — creating an inspiring destination for any memorable event.
East London International Convention Centre
The East London International Convention Centre, managed by Premier Hotels & Resorts, is where state-of-the-art facilities meet the beach and every expectation. The Convention Centre offers the largest and most versatile multi-purpose meeting space that features an auditorium, conference rooms that are interlinked by operable walls to allow for a large number of venue configurations, break-away rooms, an exhibition hall, restaurant, registration and refreshment area.
The Convention Centre can accommodate up to 2000 delegates with safe and secure parking. The complex also offers over 400 rooms on site making your conference or event stay easy.
Event & Conference Organiser of The Year
Boast Events
Boast Events is an award-winning event production company based in Gqeberha, specialising in high-end corporate functions and luxury experiences across South Africa.
With over a decade of expertise in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering events that blend creativity, precision, and cutting-edge technology.
We craft unforgettable moments tailored to each client’s vision and our hands-on approach, attention to detail, and passion for excellence have earned us a reputation as leaders in the events industry.
Elske van Heerden
As an event coordinator, I thrive on bringing ideas to life and creating unforgettable experiences. With years of experience in weddings, conferences, festivals, and bespoke events, I pride myself on my ability to plan with precision, solve problems calmly, and think creatively under pressure. Every event I coordinate is personal to me — I invest in the details, the people, and the purpose. I believe in attention to detail, hands-on service, and delivering more than what’s expected. My passion lies in crafting moments that matter, and I’m proud to play a role in turning dreams into perfectly executed realities.
Exploring with Makhoza
Exploring with Makhoza is an events and tourism company based in Matatiele, proudly led by Zimasa Ndaba. The company focuses on hosting agri-tourism events and is best known as the organiser of the popular Matatiele Food Festival. Loved by locals, the food festival is known as a kaleidoscope of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family. It celebrates Matatiele’s rich cultural diversity by showcasing traditional dishes from the local community.
The festival offers visitors a truly memorable experience while supporting local businesses and tourism. As it grows each year, the Matatiele Food Festival continues to shine as a must attend event in the Alfred Nzo District.
Future Leaders in Tourism
Lee-Marque Jansen – Streamline Tourism Marketing and Events
Streamline Tourism Marketing & Events, co-founded and directed by visionary entrepreneur Lee-Marque Jansen, is a dynamic, youth-led, 50% female-owned agency transforming tourism in the Eastern Cape. From Tsitsikamma’s forests to the Karoo’s plains, Streamline designs authentic, tailored travel experiences that spotlight both luxury brands and local gems.
Through destination marketing, influencer-led campaigns, and strategic consulting, they bridge formal and informal sectors—ensuring inclusive, community-rooted growth. More than a company, Streamline is a movement—boldly positioning the Eastern Cape as an unmissable, world-class destination by connecting stories to strategy, passion to purpose, and people to places.
Onalo Lupindo – UMzinyathi Group
UMzinyathi Group (PTY)LTD is a family business based in Matatiele with vested interest in real estate and local tourism. We are a destination marketing company. We have a wide spectrum of nature-based services that foster the community and visitor appreciation and understanding of natural and cultural heritage in the Northern Eastern Cape.
Our mission is to: Develop sustainable village lodging in the northern Eastern Cape region, Promote tourism packages based on nature conservation and heritage, Develop leisure packages for adventure and cultural heritage and Showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the R56 route North Eastern Cape region.
Zibonele Mdletshe – Untouched Adventures
Untouched Adventures is a pioneering eco-adventure company based in Tsitsikamma, South Africa, renowned for delivering exceptional customer experiences through immersive outdoor activities. More than just a tourism operator, the business is driven by purpose—to build a world-class operation and see lives change. Creating sustainable impact in the local community through job creation, skills development, and environmental stewardship, and with a focus on safety, professionalism, and heartfelt service, they’ve earned a reputation as industry leaders in adventure tourism.
Their commitment to innovation and inclusivity has made them a model for responsible tourism, blending high-quality experiences with meaningful social and environmental contributions. Untouched Adventures inspires both guests and the industry alike.
