Speaker line-up subject to change - for workshops and panel discussion click here

Keynote speaker: Minister Gayton Mackenzie

It is with great honour that we welcome our keynote speaker for this year's Event Safety Summit, the Honourable Minister Gayton McKenzie. A prominent figure in South African politics and a leader known for his decisive and hands-on approach to public service and community safety, Minister McKenzie brings a unique and invaluable perspective to our gathering. From his impactful tenure as the Mayor of the Central Karoo District, where he tackled complex civic challenges head-on, to his current influential role as Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, his commitment to creating secure and orderly environments is well-documented. During the Summit, he will share his insights on leadership, risk management, and the imperative of a safety-first culture in ensuring the success and security of public gatherings.

Welcome address: Nombulelo Guliwe - CEO at SA Tourism

South African Tourism (SAT) is the national body responsible for marketing South Africa as a tourist destination both domestically and internationally. Its key role is to promote the growth and development of the tourism sector, enhance the quality of tourism products and services, and encourage a travel culture among South Africans. SAT has signed a MOU with SACIA in terms of which they will ensure that procurement practices are amended to ensure that individuals applying to provide event services to government and state-owned enterprises should hold a SACIA professional designation that recognises their skill, knowledge and competence. During her welcoming address, Nombulelo will describe the practical implications of this undertaking and explain why a commitment to professional standards and industry certification are key elements in the professionalisation of our sector.

Dr. Niel Rooi - City of Johannesburg Disaster Management

Building resilient nations and communities against the impact of disasters through strengthened disaster risk governance was placed centre stage as a key risk reduction strategy for action at the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, in 2015 (UNISDR, 2015). The South African disaster management legislative framework aligns with the Sendai Framework by emphasising disaster risk management and enhancing stakeholder and multi-sectoral collaboration and responsibility in disaster risk reduction. In his presentation, Niel describes how disaster risk management aspects are integrated into planning and managing sports and recreational events. He also describes how an integrated disaster risk management model can enhance the safety and well-being of participants, spectators, patrons or communities at or near a sports and recreational events venue in Gauteng.

Wayne Broodryk - Pulse Check: Medical Preparedness for High-Energy Events

Wayne Broodryk from Altor Medical explores the vital importance of medical services in ensuring safety and preparedness at events of all sizes. From concerts and sports matches to festivals and corporate gatherings, the presence of trained medical personnel and accessible first aid resources can mean the difference between life and death. The session highlights common medical emergencies at events, discusses legal and ethical responsibilities of organisers, and outlines best practices for planning and deploying effective medical support. Real-world case studies and risk-based planning models will illustrate how proactive medical preparedness saves lives and enhances overall event safety and public confidence.

Sharif Baker - An African Footprint… The Event Safety Diaries

Sharif Baker is the immediate past-chair of the Event Safety Council and a past chair of the Technical Production & Services Association (TPSA). His presentation, "An African Footprint … The Event Safety Diaries" explores the layered, dynamic and often challenging practice of event safety across the African continent, intersecting global best practices with African realities.

His presentation draws on 30 years of event experience, with a specific focus on the Professional Fighters League Africa that’s hosting events in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Kigali during 2025

As the continent continues to host concerts, cultural festivals, mega sports tournaments, political rallies, and religious mass gatherings, he maps the contours of a growing movement: one that advocates for resilient safety systems that are proactive, professional, inclusive, and fit-for-purpose across the continent.

Bertie Grobelaar - Safety starts outside the venue

Over the last few years there have been a few safety incidents at FNB stadium. In this presentation titled “Safety starts outside the venue”, Bertie Grobbelaar, CEO of Stadium Management, talks about the technologies and strategies implemented by the stadium to create a safer environment for event patrons. From a state-of-the-art camera system to enhanced transport and ticketing systems, Bertie outlines why a safe event environment is crucial to ensuring the stadium retains its status as the #1 event venue for large audiences.

Alain Dalais - A safety focus at the world’s greatest race:  Comrades Marathon 2025

The Comrades Marathon is the oldest, largest and most iconic ultramarathon in the world, attracting tens of thousands of local runners each year, along with thousands more from all over the world. Many of them come back year after year to tackle the hilly roads between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, which are lined by tens of thousands of spectators and volunteers, cheering the runners on, and millions more tune in to the live television broadcast. This is why it is known as The Ultimate Human Race, and why many believe that the Comrades is more than just a race… it is a life-changing journey.

As the dust settles following the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday 8 June, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is celebrating another incredible race in the rich history of this unique ultramarathon, whilst also acknowledging that there were some issues and challenges experienced on race day. In this presentation, Alain Dalais, general manager of the Comrades Marathon Association, talks about their efforts to create a safe environment for all competitors, officials and spectators on race day. What went well? What went wrong? What lessons can be learned?

Bruce Sandmann - Safe Shores, Safe Events: Navigating Water Safety Together

Bruce Sandmann from the NSRI explores the critical role of water safety in events held near or on bodies of water, such as festivals, sporting events, and recreational gatherings. His presentation highlights the unique risks associated with aquatic environments—including drowning, slips, falls, and water contamination—and outlines best practices for risk assessment, planning, and emergency response. Attendees will gain insights into legal obligations, crowd control near water, safety equipment requirements, and the importance of trained water safety personnel. Real-life case studies will underscore the consequences of inadequate planning, while practical strategies will empower organisers to create safer, more resilient events.

Mike Lord - Why Compliance Matters: Elevating Safety and Accountability in Events

Mike Lord explores the critical role of SASREA compliance in ensuring safety, accountability, and legal integrity within the events industry. Clause 4(4)a, which mandates the appointment of a competent safety officer for event sites, is more than a regulatory checkbox—it's a cornerstone of responsible event planning and execution. Attendees will gain insight into the legal obligations under South African law, the responsibilities of appointed safety officers, and the potential consequences of non-compliance. Through real-world case studies and practical examples, the session will highlight how adherence to SASREA and the SANS10366 standard can mitigate risk, enhance public confidence, and contribute to the overall success of any event. This is an essential discussion for event organisers, safety professionals, and stakeholders committed to upholding the highest standards in event safety management.

Critical Importance of Accurate Venue Capacity Calculation in the Events Sector

Iain Fourie explores the vital role that accurate venue capacity calculations play in ensuring the safety, comfort, and overall success of events. He will unpack the key principles behind determining realistic entry, exit, and holding capacities, demonstrating how these figures directly influence crowd management plans, emergency evacuation procedures, and compliance with legal and insurance requirements.

Attendees will gain insight into how underestimating or overestimating capacity can create significant safety hazards, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Real-world examples will illustrate how precise capacity assessments support smooth attendee flow at entry points, prevent overcrowding in key areas, and ensure that exits can accommodate a swift and safe evacuation if required.

Iain will dissect the risks of static, one-size-fits-all calculations and introduce a practical, modern tool that helps safety officers to accurately plan for and manage crowds safely. 

Phil Prinsloo - Presentation Synopsis: The Importance of Major Incident Planning in an Events Environment

Phil Prinsloo explores the critical role of major incident planning in ensuring the safety, continuity, and resilience of events, from large-scale festivals to corporate gatherings. Attendees will gain insight into the essential components of a robust major incident plan, including risk assessment, stakeholder coordination, communication strategies, and emergency response protocols. By examining real-world case studies and industry best practices, the session highlights how proactive planning can mitigate the impact of unforeseen incidents, protect lives, and uphold an event’s reputation. Whether you're an event organiser, safety officer, or part of a support team, this presentation underscores why comprehensive incident planning is not just a regulatory requirement, but a fundamental pillar of professional event management.

Lehlohonolo Thobela - Stay ahead of the storm: Smart weather planning for events

Lehlohonolo Thobela is a weather forecaster with the SA Weather Service, regularly reporting on local radio and television shows. He explores the critical importance of planning for bad weather in the context of event management. From outdoor festivals and sporting events to open-air markets and corporate functions, adverse weather conditions can pose significant risks to safety, logistics, infrastructure, and the overall attendee experience.

The session will outline the key elements of effective weather preparedness, including understanding local climate patterns, integrating weather forecasting tools, developing contingency plans, and ensuring clear communication protocols. Real-world case studies will highlight both successful responses and lessons learned from weather-related disruptions.

Attendees will gain insight into best practices for risk assessment, equipment selection, site layout adjustments, and emergency response coordination. The presentation emphasizes collaboration with local authorities, vendors, and emergency services to ensure a proactive and resilient approach.

Trash talk - Waste Management and Recycling in an Events Environment

John Arvanitakis, chairman of the Event Greening Forum, explores the vital role of effective waste management and recycling in the events environment, emphasizing its direct impact on event safety. As events generate significant volumes of waste—ranging from packaging and food containers to construction materials and hazardous substances—poor waste handling can lead to trip hazards, blocked exits, pest infestations, and even fire risks. The session highlights best practices for waste segregation, timely removal, and recycling systems that not only support environmental sustainability but also ensure safe, clean, and compliant venues. Attendees will gain insights into how integrated waste strategies, clear communication, and staff training contribute to a safer, more efficient event experience for all stakeholders.

Thyr Rodriques - Spectator Services and Crowd Management at UEFA Tournaments

Thyr Rodrigues shares insights into the Spectator Services strategies developed and implemented at UEFA to manage crowds effectively during major international football tournaments. With millions of fans attending matches, UEFA adopts an integrated approach that prioritizes safety, comfort, and the overall spectator experience. 
This session will unpack key strategic and operational elements, including journey mapping, mobility planning, workforce training, pre-stadium engagement, real-time communication, and crowd flow design. It will also highlight how UEFA collaborates with local authorities, transport operators, and emergency services to ensure seamless ingress and egress, reduce congestion, and respond rapidly to incidents. Attendees will gain practical insights into how well-executed spectator services enhance fan satisfaction and play a vital role in ensuring safety, order, and resilience in high-pressure, high-attendance environments.

Elsu Gericke - Clean, Cooked, Covered: The recipe for event food safety

Ensuring food safety is a critical component of event management, particularly when catering to large crowds in dynamic environments. Elsu's presentation will explore the key food safety principles that must be implemented to protect public health and maintain compliance with relevant regulations. Topics will include temperature control for perishable items, prevention of cross-contamination, personal hygiene for food handlers, safe food storage, and allergen management. Attendees will gain insight into the importance of risk assessments, vendor compliance, and on-site monitoring to ensure that all food served at events meets the highest standards of safety and quality. By applying these principles, event organisers can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and enhance the overall guest experience.

Kathleen Davis - Risk Ready: Protecting your event from the unexpected

Kathleen Davis from GIB Events & Entertainment explores the critical role of risk management in the events and entertainment industry, focusing on the identification of potential hazards, strategies for risk mitigation, and the vital importance of event liability insurance. Attendees will gain insight into the types of risks commonly encountered—from safety and crowd control issues to weather disruptions and contractual liabilities—and learn practical approaches to assess and reduce these risks through planning, communication, and compliance with regulations. Emphasis will also be placed on the necessity of securing comprehensive event liability insurance to protect organisers, vendors, and stakeholders from unforeseen incidents, legal claims, or financial losses. By the end of the session, participants will understand how proactive risk management and adequate insurance coverage contribute to the safety, professionalism, and success of any event.