Celebrating the women helping shape a more sustainable future for South Africa's business events industry
When we think about sustainability, it’s easy to focus on recycling bins, carbon footprints and environmentally friendly products. But sustainability is ultimately about people – the decisions they make, the relationships they build and the legacy they choose to leave behind.
This Women’s Day, the Event Greening Forum (EGF) is celebrating three remarkable women who are helping to shape a more sustainable business events industry through their businesses and their commitment to giving back.
While each has taken a different path, they share a common belief: that success is measured not only by the events we deliver, but by the positive impact we leave on people, communities and the industry itself.
Building events that leave a lasting legacy
Building events that leave a lasting legacy
For Joey Swart, Founder and Managing Director of Take Note Event Management, sustainability has never been about ticking boxes.
“I’ve always believed that events should leave a positive legacy,” she says. “Sustainability isn’t only about reducing waste – it’s about making thoughtful decisions that benefit people, communities and the environment.”
That philosophy has become part of the culture at Take Note Event Management, where practical sustainability measures are integrated into the way events are planned and delivered. Rather than seeing sustainability as an additional service, Joey believes it should simply be part of good event management.
She is equally proud of the relationships her business has built over the years.
“I’m most proud of building a business that is based on relationships, integrity and partnership,” she explains. “Clients return because they know we’ll care about their event as much as they do.”
Looking ahead, Joey hopes sustainability becomes a natural part of every event planner’s thinking.
“It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Small, practical changes made consistently can have a significant impact.”
Her advice to young women entering the industry reflects the same values that have guided her own career: build trust, stay curious and never underestimate the importance of professionalism, kindness and strong relationships.
Alongside leading her business, Joey also volunteers as Chair of the Event Greening Forum’s Marketing Committee, helping to raise awareness of sustainable event practices across the industry.
Helping businesses turn good intentions into action
For Heather Nel, founder of SustainAssure, sustainability is about making change achievable. Inspired early in her career by South African sustainability standards pioneer Greg McManus, she came to realise that many tourism and hospitality businesses genuinely wanted to operate more sustainably but often lacked the knowledge and confidence to know where to begin.
“My inspiration is to assist these businesses to achieve their goals,” she says.
Working closely with businesses across the sector, Heather helps organisations translate sustainability ambitions into practical, measurable actions. She believes that with the right guidance, every business can make meaningful progress.
One of the milestones she is most proud of is qualifying as an EGF Certified Assessor, enabling her to independently assess and verify events against recognised sustainability standards. For Heather, it represents more than a professional qualification – it reflects her commitment to helping organisations build credibility and confidence in their sustainability journey.
She believes the industry should stop waiting for the “perfect time” to embrace sustainability.
“Start small within your own organisation and share the results you’ve achieved,” she encourages. “Once we do this, our clients will see what can be achieved and will soon be asking, ‘What can I do at my next event?'”
Heather would also like to see sustainability become a standard part of every proposal, tender and event budget, demonstrating both the environmental and business value it can deliver.
Her advice to young women entering the industry is to believe in their abilities, embrace every opportunity to learn and develop confidence through experience.
“There is nothing more beautiful than a confident woman who knows and understands her business and the industry that she is passionate about.”
Heather also chairs the Event Greening Forum’s Membership Committee, where she helps grow a community of businesses committed to advancing sustainability across South Africa’s business events industry.
Creating an industry people want to be part of
For Angie Smith, Founder and CEO of Event Synthesis, sustainability begins with people.
“Yes, it’s about protecting our environment and making smarter decisions,” she says, “but it’s also about building an industry that people want to be part of for years to come.”
That belief extends beyond delivering successful events. It includes supporting local businesses, developing young talent, creating safer events and leaving every community a little better than it was found.
“If each of us does one thing a little better today than we did yesterday, collectively we create lasting change.”
When asked what achievement she is most proud of, Angie doesn’t point to a particular event or award.
“Without a doubt, it’s the relationships,” she says. “Events come and go, but the friendships, partnerships and respect that grow from delivering with integrity last far longer than any event ever could.”
She is equally proud of the opportunity to give back through organisations including the Event Greening Forum, CEPA, EXSA and SITE Africa, where she has helped shape conversations around sustainability, education and professionalism.
For Angie, collaboration is one of the greatest opportunities facing the business events industry.
“We have some of the most talented people in the world, but we often work in silos. Imagine what we could achieve if we shared knowledge more freely, supported one another more intentionally and recognised that when one part of our industry succeeds, we all benefit.”
Her advice to young women entering the profession is simple but powerful: believe in yourself, find mentors who challenge you, keep learning, and remember that true leadership includes lifting others as you climb.
In addition to leading Event Synthesis, Angie serves as Second Vice Chair of the Event Greening Forum and chairs its Education and Training Committee, helping to equip the next generation of event professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to build a more sustainable future.
More than sustainability
Although their careers have taken different directions, Joey, Heather and Angie share a remarkably similar philosophy. They believe sustainability is about more than environmental responsibility. It is about building trusted relationships, creating opportunities for others, sharing knowledge and leaving the industry stronger than they found it.
Whether through delivering greener events, helping businesses implement credible sustainability practices, mentoring future professionals or championing collaboration, each is demonstrating that leadership is measured not only by business success, but by the positive impact we have on others.
This Women’s Day, we celebrate these women not only for what they have achieved in their own businesses, but for the generosity with which they share their expertise to help shape a more sustainable future for South Africa’s business events industry.