Impact isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s a single idea shared at the right time. A moment of clarity in a room full of thinkers. A brave conversation that shifts the way we see the world or our community around us.
It is about showing up with intention. It’s how we create spaces where people feel seen. It’s about ditching the typical MC and bringing in an experience curator who can shape the energy of the room, not just the agenda. Or tapping into the art of ‘kidulting’ to spark wonder.
A recent leadership conference hosted at a conceptual community-driven venue in downtime Jozi comes to mind. This was a space that our client wouldn’t ordinarily consider, yet encouraging them to embrace this unconventional choice allowed attendees to experience a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and small local businesses, leaving a positive impact for the community and the event alike.
When asked about the experience the overriding comment was the delight in finding a space that had community at its heart, in a space they would ordinarily not have ventured near.
By truly understanding our clients, their audiences, and what needs solving, we create event experiences that push boundaries and drive meaningful impact.
After all, no one has ever created impact from a place of comfort.
Impact is all around us
Impact of spaces
Nestled in downtown Jozi, Victoria Yards boasts a lively community of creative tenants and makes for a unique event setting. Visit on the first Sunday of the month and mosey around the eclectic market.
This is a favourite space that allows your imagination to take hold – anything is possible.
Impact of stories
Duck Duck Goose (home to a curation of independently owned South African fashion and lifestyle brands) has collaborated with Design Week South Africa to bring you Ask Me Anything every Sunday.
The Ask Me Anything initiative allows aspiring creative professionals to draw on the experience and knowledge of respected and established industry professionals like Chloe Andrea Welgemoed, Gabrielle Kannemeyer, and Lukhanyo Mdingi. Read more here.
Impact of curiosity
Did anyone else notice an Instagram recommendation blow up, gaining thousands of followers almost overnight? PinkMamas, a new Italian restaurant launching in April, has our full attention @pinkmamasjhb.
Impact from listening
The All About Impact podcast hosted by Susan Petoyan is dedicated to the art and science of creating real impact with data, research and insights.
Listen to how marketers, practitioners and users of data create meaningful, tangible, real-world impact with their work. Listen now.
Raising a🍸to women in the industry
Every month we sit down and chat with some of the incredible women who work in this crazy industry.
The Thinkers, Creators, Doers, and Deciders. The women who inspire us.
This month, we sit down with the founder and Creative Director of True North Agency, Daria Higgins.
With over 20 years of global marketing event magic under her belt, Daria’s the one turning visions into show-stopping experiences, mixing her love for meticulous details with a passion for big-picture strategy. When she’s not on site, you’ll find her exploring the world, snapping photos, or savouring a good Negroni.
1. What gets you out of bed in the morning? Mostly Mr Fish my dog … but also that I get to go to work each day and create something special.
2. Where do you go to find inspiration? Passport / ticket and somewhere new. Getting lost is one of life’s most underrated and delightful experiences. In a cup of great, really great coffee. Dinner parties. Instagram (sorry).
3. Best onsite event hack? The conference bell and speaker comfort kit. Old school and low tech still have the biggest impact with guests and speakers.
4. Cocktail or Coffee? I feel that it’s unfair to choose. Decaf flat white in the morning and the go-to always is a Negroni (although I have recently discovered a bubble that may make me bring out the champagne coupes again).
5. What’s in your handbag? As a collector of accessory bags, I bundle my chaos on the go. I always have:
Maybelline long-lasting lipstick, because who has time to touch up during an event.
Business cards. You never know who you are going to meet in an elevator.
Every pen known to mankind (I either have nothing or 12).
Plasters, for the 20, 000 steps a day on site.
Notebook for inspiration that I can jot down.
Factor 50 (always, no excuses).
Mini packs of almonds or biltong (they’re everywhere).
Pulse point roller with lavender because sometimes it does just get a bit too much.
Sunnies.
Mini deodorant.
Charger (with all the charging options) – it gets me out of all the binds, and clients love it when you whip it out of the bag.
Prestick – don’t judge; it’s useful.
Cell phone – my portable little black book.
BONUS: What song is on repeat on your playlist? Recently, Raye …. My 21st Century Symphony especially, Oscar Winning Tears – goosebump stuff. Sunday mornings, it’s always Nina Simone.
For years we were told the great secret that all women hold can be found in their handbag. Ask anyone who’s been asked to dig something out of another person’s handbag, and all sorts of social norms get thrown up.
I love the idea of what’s in someone’s handbag as a gauge of what their every day looks like – continue to follow what goes on inside the handbags of the team, partners, and clients in upcoming newsletters.
Here’s to making an impact – one unforgettable event at a time.
