The inaugural Festival of Eventing (FOE) brought together 350 event professionals, 85 speakers, and 10 countries under one roof for a two-day showcase of innovation, inspiration, and industry connection. From cutting-edge event tech to sustainability-led activations, FOE set the stage for what the future of eventing in Africa could look like — and the industry responded with enthusiasm, energy, and a shared commitment to collaboration.
Hosted at the Century City Conference Centre from 8–9 August 2025, the Festival opened with an unforgettable ceremony featuring Danielle Bitton and the Ithemba Youth Choir, a spellbinding set from Mo Magic, and dynamic hosting from Alan Committie alongside FOE’s AI assistant, Ask Nia. The programme spanned masterclass circles, international keynotes, networking breaks, and interactive exhibitions, culminating in The Eventurers’ Soirée — a sunset celebration of community and creativity.
“We set out to create more than a conference — we wanted an experience that would leave people thinking, feeling, and connecting differently,” says the Founders of the Festival of Eventing: Keshni Reddy, Devi Paulsen-Abbott and Betty Sichivula. “Seeing the calibre of speakers, the quality of conversations, and the sense of unity in the room exceeded every expectation.”
Across the two days, delegates explored topics ranging from experiential marketing to future event design, data-driven personalisation, sustainability, and leadership in a tech-driven world. Highlights included an international keynote from Lorne Sulcas – The Big Cat Guy, wellness sessions with Chair Pilates and Sunrise of Strength & Serenity, a sponsored luncheon by Old Mutual, and buzzing networking zones where authentic connections were forged.
“This event was a love letter to our industry,” says Betty Sichivula, FOE Co-Founder. “It was built on the belief that Africa’s eventing sector has world-class talent, ideas, and stories to share — and this was the platform to showcase them.”
“We’re walking away inspired, grateful, and already dreaming about what 2026 will bring,” adds Devi Paulsen-Abbott, FOE Co-Founder. “And we want the next one to be bigger, bolder, and even more collaborative.”
FOE’s 2025 edition would not have been possible without the support of its partners, including the City of Cape Town as Host City and Century City Conference Centre as Venue Sponsor. The inaugural edition featured an impressive list of partners across the event industry supply chain and garnered support from major industry associations like the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), the Exhibitions and Events Association of South Africa (EXSA), the Event Greening Forum (EGF), the Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA) and The International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA).
Festival of Eventing 2026 – Cape Town
Dates and venue will be announced soon. Partnership, sponsorship, and speaking opportunities are now open.
For partnership and sponsorship enquiries, contact:
Keshni Reddy – keshni.reddy@festivalofeventing.com
For speaking opportunities, contact:
Devi Paulsen-Abbott – devi.paulsennabbott@festivalofeventing.com
For event updates or more information, visit: www.festivalofeventing.com
A Message from the Founders
“As co-founders with decades of experience launching, managing, and transforming some of Africa’s most prestigious events, exhibitions, conferences, and meetings, we’ve seen firsthand the triumphs and trials of this industry. And we know one thing for sure: it’s time we had an event that celebrates the industry while equipping us all to tackle its ever-evolving challenges.
For far too long, event professionals have worked in silos, navigating an ever-changing landscape without a true community to lean on. That changes now. We created the Festival of Eventing not just as a platform for knowledge exchange but as a space where we can connect, learn, and elevate the industry together.”
Author: Adam Parry
Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.
