Personality Profile

Gill Gibbs

Live, work and play with passion

Passionate Gill Gibbs, 54, chairperson of EXSA and chief executive officer of the CG Group of Companies and director of bluCube International, has been in the exhibition sector for over 22 years and is willing to take risks.

The industry is always a highly charged environment, full of energy, passion, creativity, innovation, people and opportunities. I love taking ideation from concept to execution and realisation and presenting our studio’s beautiful, creative and unique spaces that delight and amaze. I enjoy realising projects and the pace, always being on the go,” Ms Gibbs said.

She added: “I am an advocator and brand ambassador of change and innovation – it is one of the reasons that the signature icon for our Group of Companies is the butterfly, known for its metamorphic properties.”

ConCept G Exhibitions & Events was founded in April of 2010 and it has developed into a group of companies with varying skillsets and specialities, of which bluCube International is a part.

Ms Gibbs said: “I am proud to be a part of the growth and transformation of EXSA, my companies and of the industry. Having a succession plan in place and building a strong legacy of growth, mentorship, skills transference, culture, inclusion, diversity and leadership is important to me and to the sustainability of our industry.”

“Ensuring that all matters are dealt with in an orderly, efficient manner is key to the success and longevity of the association.”

“Over the years, it has been an interesting journey in this dynamic space, from changes to successes to setbacks – ever more so in a Covid world,” she added.

Where do you see the business events industry in South Africa at present and where do you see it heading in the future?

The business events industry has imperative and immediate needs. It requires formal recognition and full support from government, which would facilitate and enable important debate, discussions and meeting the growing needs of the industry, exciting engagement and attracting the NextGen, along with, critically, ensuring procedures and systems for crisis management and the appropriate funding to ensure sustainability, growth, development and transformation. What is also required, is an understanding of our industry, what it takes to operate and function, understanding all of the roleplayers and the fraternity of business owners that employ the majority of the workforce in our Industry.

How has Covid-19 impacted the exhibition sector?

Covid-19 has impacted severely, seriously and devastatingly on an industry that is responsible globally, for US$197.5 billion in gross domestic product.

Exhibitions and events are already embracing technology and digitalisation and I see this continuing as we must ride the Covid-19 wave. Education, awareness and the use of the hybrid environment and its platforms, is critical to facilitate key and critical innovation and to dispel scepticism around this technology offering. As an Industry that is a fundamental player in the recovery of the economy, we must adapt and pivot and most importantly, we must embrace the needs, desires and the choices of our customers – and their choices may include online representation and contribution.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. I studied at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and majored in English and Drama.

Where did you start your career?

In the hospitality industry at first – as a catering supervisor in London and then as duty manager for a Fresh Pasta Restaurant chain in Covent Gardens, London. I moved into the optometric industry later in London, working for Boots Opticians and continued in this area when I returned to South Africa.

When did you return to South Africa?

I moved from London to Scotland and I had my first son there. My mom paid for a trip back to South Africa when he was five months old, to meet the family. She convinced me to stay in South Africa. After working in the Optometric Industry, I moved to Mtubatuba and then I purchased a training franchise in 1997 in Johannesburg where I was trained to train, run the SMME franchise business and I was also trained in marketing, sales, strategy and brand communication.

How did you get involved in the exhibition industry?

I joined the industry on the organiser’s side at first and what appealed to me, was managing an entity within an entity – I was allocated my own B2B trade shows and consumer lifestyle expo, that I was responsible for growing and marketing. I liked taking ownership and growing the ‘baby’ to full maturity. I enjoyed the B2B interaction, networking and being able to provide a valuable service to exhibitors and a platform for them to engage, grow and enhance their businesses.

When did you move to the contracting side?

I then moved over to the contracting side when I joined one of the largest exhibition companies in South Africa. It was challenging and vibrant and I learnt so much. ConCept G was subsequently founded, with the eventual addition of the agency and retail business under the CG Group of Companies.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

Up-and-coming companies and entrepreneurs, coming into their own with diversity and inclusivity. I am also seeing more females taking strong leadership and management roles and being recognised, appreciated and respected. Environmental and occupational health and safety has also evolved dramatically over the years and ever more so now that we are living in a pandemic.

Are you married?

Yes, to Andrew, my soulmate. He has been in the industry for around 31 years.

What role does your family play in your life?

Sadly, it is a little fragmented, with my eldest son living in Cape Town, my beautiful baby sister and beautiful niece in Oz and my mom and the rest of my family in Durban. My youngest son lives and studies in Johannesburg. I love it when my sons call for advice and a catch up or have a sleep over and conversations with my mom can go well into hours. I love seeing my sons mature and branch out. Andrew’s brothers and extended family are in the UK and when we have had the opportunity, we have visited and really enjoyed the time together. Family is very important to me. I miss it, especially around Christmas time. I just dream about a big fat family Christmas full of joy and love.

Do you have any hobbies?

Yes, I am an open water nitrox scuba diver. So many unusual experiences and adventures. Andrew and I have been very lucky to have had these opportunities. We are also avid Harley fans and whenever we can, we ride for life. On the simpler side, I love reading, researching and learning.

Do you play any sports?

Not at the moment. But our golf clubs are waiting, patiently. I also played softball when I was younger. But dancing was really my thing and my passion.

What is your favourite sport?

I like watching Rugby – I do get a bit excited and emotive. It is safer for me when I am in the living room watching the game on TV. The ball seems to always find me, no matter what. It’s a true story. Business Books: Originals, Leader Shift,

What do you do for leisure?

Riding (Harley), watching a good crime movie or psychological thriller. I love long drives where I can see the changing scenery. It brings me peace and perspective. I also enjoy game driving. Pre-Covid, eating out. I enjoy a bit of pottering in the garden and seeing the fruits of my labour.

What is your secret to success?

Grit. It is my passion to persevere. My faith.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

In the early stages, recognition as a capable and adept female lead. Natalie Portman and Naomi Watts Leo - and not necessarily in that order.

And trust. Now, it is all about recognition for who we are, what we do and contribute.

What is your pet hate?

A lack of caring, a lack of taking pride in what you do. People who hurt, bully and take advantage of others.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

It’s hard to choose. Of recent years, maybe Bab Al Shams in Dubai. It was June, we went for Andrew’s 50th and met his brothers and their wives there. The heat was incredible and the interior, cool and mysterious and the décor unique. I had a touch of a cold and the heat warmed me to my very bones. It was a very beautiful thing and time and I would go back again, given the opportunity. Before that, the Maldives – the diving is incredible.

If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

Relative to our situation and due to the immediate and pressing needs, I would Africa, with a Presidency with enough independent capacity and resources, to effect real, healthy and sustainable change for our beautiful country and importantly, for the economy and industry.

What is your favourite city?

London. I like the atmosphere, the buzz, the old and the new. The accessibility of everything. And everything just works.

What is your favourite book, film, TV programme?

Books: Great Expectations; Little Women; Wuthering Heights; Of Mice and Men. The Mind of a Fox, The Business of Brands. Films: The Deer Hunter, Avatar, Braveheart, The Patriot, Dead Poet’s Society, Good Will Hunting, Gladiator, Lion King, The Sound of Music, The Godfather trilogy. Series: The Crown.

How do you relax?

Sleeping works best for me.

What is your favourite food?

I love good, healthy food and good wine. I dream about bread – the smell, the texture, the comfort.

Favourite movie star?

Female: Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett, Claire Foy, Julianne Moore, Male: Andy Garcia, Al Pacino, Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, Jake Gyllenhaal, Nicholas Cage, John Travolta and don’t forget Denzel, Cuba, Mel, Matt and have to choose to be the President of South

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

When I was a student, I packed up my car and left for Johannesburg from Durban at 23h30 – to take on the town and paint it red. I was with my friend from Varsity and we got horribly lost in the Free State. Wrong turn 7. I packed the clothes and she, the food – oranges and Marie biscuits. We had our tips saved from waitressing and a sense of adventure - what a ride and what a time. Not recommended now. Please don’t try this at home.

Who is your role model?

Thuli Madonsela – strong, smart, resilient and true to her principles and convictions, she strives to achieve her best contribution as a human being.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Find a strong leader-mentor. Take advice and listen. Learn, research, find things out for yourself. Embrace change, gain knowledge, experience and put your mark on everything you touch and do – take ownership and be responsible and accountable. Take the risks, make the change, own the moment and the experience. Live, work and play with passion, drive and steely grit. Stay relevant and authentic.