Chairperson

Andrew Sewran, Owner of Best Factory Awards

Andrew has been involved with the exhibitions industry since 1999. He completed his studies at the University of Cape Town and then travelled abroad to return to South Africa in 1994. After a stint in the property market he changed his careers to the  exhibitions industry and currently operates out of Port Elizabeth and continues to be involved with exhibitions nationally. 

Email: andrew@saaci.co.za

Mobile: +27(0)82 578 5911

Vice Chairperson

David Limbert
David studied Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting in the UK.  His theatre career included work in the West End as well as on numerous national tours.  In the early 90’s he moved to South Africa and joined the PE Opera House as Stage Manager.  Reluctantly David left Port Elizabeth when offered a position at Sun City as Super Bowl Manager After a stint back in the UK working as a Production Manager in the corporate events industry, David returned to Port Elizabeth in 2003 to take up a position at Magnetic Storm, focusing on Events & Production management. David continues to also work in the Theatre Industry, as a freelance lighting designer and In his role as Regional Chairperson of PANSA (Performing Arts Network of South Africa) 

Email: david@saaci.co.za

Mobile: +27(0)41 393 4811

Treasurer

 Glenn Van Eck, Chief Executive Officer of Magnetic Storm.

With over 30 years of experience in the Conference and Events Industry in South Africa and a qualified, Certified Meetings Professional (CMP) registered in Washington DC, Glenn is dedicated to the growth and development of the industry in the Eastern Cape. He is also the Chairperson of the Council of Events Professionals (CEP) Africa a joint initiative of SAACI, EXSA and IFEA to set up a professional body for the industry.

Email: glenn@saaci.co.za

Mobile: +27(0)82 800 2611

Branch Co-ordinator

Wendy Knott-Craig
Prior to Wendy becoming involved in the events & conferencing industry, she was a personal assistant in the corporate industry. In 2005 Wendy joined a very successful PCO company in Port Elizabeth and 2 years later branched out on her own.  Her business, The PR Junction, offers management of small events and conferences, as well as a secretariat service to associations.  Besides this, Wendy also assists with aspects of larger projects for her clients.

Email: ecbranch@saaci.co.za

Mobile: +27(0)73 201 8611

2. Intelligence

Toni Payne
Toni is the Project Manager at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where she has been involved in the successful running of this multi-purpose venue since its opening in 2009, playing an active role in the staging of numerous international, national and local events, including the FIFA 2010 World Cup, IRB Sevens Rugby and several rugby test matches.

Email: toni@saaci.co.za

Mobile: +27(0)41 408 8911

3. Academy

4. Into Africa

Alastair Stead
Alastair has a B.Comm degree from the University of Port Elizabeth. He started work at the SABC in Airtime sales, followed by a move to Tholet Seivers Advertising and then to Ed-College (a private school)  as the Marketing Manager. He moved into the Events and Exhibitions Industry at Inkanyezi Event Organizers, where he spent 10 years project managing various events including the South African Automotive Week, the Working World Extravaganza, Baby and kids Expo. During this time he looked after Scan Display’s interests in the Eastern Cape on behalf of Inkanyezi. Four years ago, he left Inkanyezi to start Scan Display Eastern Cape, where he is a Director. 

5. Branding and Communications

Patsi van Zyl

Patsi has 30 years in the PR and Events business, having worked at Old Mutual HO in Cape Town, GM South Africa and Shatterprufe before opening her own business (Green Room) in conjunction with two partners in 1999.

The Green Room design company specialises in PR, Events, Design & Advertising, video, photography, websites, as well as new and social media. Patsi holds the position of Projects Director, with PR, Events and Marketing as her portfolio.

Email: patsi@saaci.co.za

Mobile: +27(0)41 581 8911

6. Stakeholder Engagement

Sadie Isaacs

Sadie have been within the employ of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) since 1994.  Having the opportunity to work within various portfolios within NMBT has allowed her to broaden horizons especially within the Tourism & Business Events Industries. The Business Events Unit allows her to network with associations and members of various industry sectors. These opportunities allow them to introduce business networks and pursue association business members to host their conferences and events in the region. 

Email: conference@saaci.co.za

Mobile: +27(0)41 582 2511

7. Sustainability

Gill Dickie
Gill has been involved in the travel industry and their related markets for 35 years:  SAA for 20 years and Budget Car & Van Rental for 15 years.  She started out at Budget as an account manager and worked her way into her current position of Regional Sales Manager overseeing the Eastern Cape, Garden Route, Free State and Northern Cape. 

Email: gilld@saaci.co.za

Mobile: +27(0)41 581 4211

8.Future Focus

Leigh Myles-Rohroff
Leigh is the Group Sales and Marketing Manager for JH group. Leigh has extensive experience in the Marketing and Sales arena and has particular interest in the digital side of Marketing. Her forte has proven to be brand management as well as taking on projects and turning them profitable. She is extremely creative and loves a challenge and will not accept anything less than excellence in all areas of her life.