John Arvanitakis — strives to make a difference

John Arvanitakis, 51, founder and director of Chat’r Xperience, is passionate about the work that he does. “I love the fact that the next day is never the same as the previous. My work allows me to explore my creativity and innovative side, which is my biggest strength.”

Despite entrepreneurs dominating the market, they encounter substantial challenges in their pursuit of growth and prosperity, extending beyond the conventional hindrance of securing financial resources.[1]

Addressing Chat’r Xperience is a fully integrated experiential communications agency that focuses on the business events.

Mr Arvanitakis founded Chat’r 10 years ago, and prior to that he was a partner in various other companies.

During Covid-19, Mr Arvanitakis had a near-death experience, when he spent seven days in hospital on oxygen. He has also dodged cancer, twice, which has given him a new lease on life. John said he never takes anything for granted.

“We need to live each day as if it is our last, as we never know when that last day will come, as Frank Sinatra’s song reminds us: “I did it my way”.”

Furthermore, he said: “I do not want to leave this planet with regrets and not having lived life my way… and I made a difference to the environment.”

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

The business events sector in Africa is a vibrant and growing one. We have not reached our potential as players in our sector. I am excited by the number of business events, exhibitions, and other events that are taking place on our continent, and many emerging worldclass venues opening up. It is an exciting time to be part of this sector, in Africa.

This is good news for the continent, as it grows the economy and provides new job opportunities. Furthermore, most events are dollar-based, so the potential to generate wealth is fantastic. The event industry is one with the potential to have a lasting and big impact on poverty reduction.

Africa is also on the rise, as far as technology is concerned and I see AI and its related technology advances helping to play a huge role in organising, planning and hosting of events in the future.

We are also very fortunate that Africa is vast, with many different cultures and experiences to offer delegates when attending events, enabling them to have incredible experiences and memories.

What impact do business events have on the environment?

Unfortunately, they do have a negative impact on the environment, with a negative carbon footprint. However, associations such as the Event Greening Forum, where I am the vice chairperson, can play a significant role in educating and encouraging the sustainable hosting of events in Africa.

Where were you born and raised?

Johannesburg.

Where did your career begin?

My career began in 1996, after I graduated from university. My first job was as a brand manager for Minolta and Samsung photographic equipment.

How long have you been in the business events sector?

Close on 25 years. I started out doing events and brand activations with a company that I founded together with Marius Roberts, a then-Mnet TV continuity presenter (yes, in those days they still had humans that introduced the various programmes on TV — that’s how far back we go), we were then eventually joined by Brent van Ryswyk and Damien Michael, and we grew our company Magnetic Event Management together for almost 10 years. I got itchy feet and was headhunted by ad agency, Ogilvy to join their Brand Activation subsidiary agency, to work together with Noeline van den Berg to build an in-house event and activations agency for the Ogilvy group and their clients. I worked there until 2013, when I started Surge Brand Studio, and later founded Chat’r Xperience, the company I now lead.

What do you enjoy the most about the business events sector?

The most enjoyable part of the business events sector is the fact that I get to meet loads of new people, from all walks of life, and the fact that not one day is ever the same as the previous day, I definitely could not see myself in a boring, mundane job that involved doing the same thing day in and day out, hence I did not end up pursuing the career that I studied for. Most people in the events industry do not know that I have a Bachelor of Arts in Law and International Relations from Wits University. The law definitely assists me in the business events sector.

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

The rapid adoption of virtual events, during the Covid-19 pandemic — became our route of survival. Virtual events were always going to be part of the future, as is AI, but rather than gradually adopting it, Covid forced us to pivot overnight. We are now able to host bigger events and have more attendees at business events, via virtual platforms, than would be the case if events remained purely in-person. The adoption of hybrid events post the Covid era is definitely a growth opportunity for our sector, together with the introduction of AI. Hybrid means reduced carbon footprint, as in-person attendees, through travel and accommodation at events is by far the biggest single contributor to the carbon footprint of a business event, or any type of event for that matter.

What role does your family play in your life?

Being of Greek and Irish descent, family is a huge part of my life, I have a ‘Big Fat Greek’ family which includes my beloved furry kids. I had four at one stage, but now only two furry kids, who are my immediate family… they rule my life when I am home.

What would you change in your life, if you could, when looking back?

I have no regrets; I would probably do everything the same. Maybe, I would be less critical of myself and also possibly would have started my sustainability journey earlier.

Do you have any hobbies?

I have recently discovered watercolour painting — it helps me to relax, become more connected with myself and my environment, and helps me to create a sense of balance between the craziness of my work and the calmness of being at one with yourself, and actually appreciating the beauty that surrounds us.

What is your favourite sport?

Rugby, and more recently, by watching and taking my nephew to soccer practices on a Saturday, I have started to get into football too.

Who is your favourite sportsman/woman?

Siya Kolisi, Colton Underwood, and Caster Semenya.

What do you do for leisure?

I like to read. I like to spend time at the ocean, and in the bush and game reserves. I love camping, and lately, started painting. I guess these are all solitary activities, which helps to create the balance I crave from being constantly surrounded by people, for work.

What is your secret to success?

Remaining true to myself and being willing to look, listen and learn from others. We are never too old, or too experienced, to stop learning. One of my favourite sayings is, ‘we learn something new every day’. You can only learn when you listen, and remember to not take setbacks too seriously.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

Trying to get my fellow industry colleagues and clients to join the journey towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly events industry.

What is your pet hate?

I hate waste and negativity; both are of no use to anyone, and they stand in the way of progress.

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

Transkei wild coast — the beauty and the magnificence of the huge beaches, which are vastly untouched, was incredible to experience. Lying on the vast open beaches, practically alone and watching cows and horses frolic in the water as the waves break, is just something else.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?

Overcrowded, noisy spaces with tons of night clubs… don’t think I would do well in Ibiza.

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

Nelson Mandela or Stephen McGown — to see what it is like to be treated as a prisoner and why it is possible, after all that, to come away from your captors without any hate or need for revenge. It takes a tremendous amount of character and inner strength to go through what they did, and to still have no hatred or need for revenge. It’s so inspiring, as it actually goes against the human instinct of wanting revenge or payback. I would like to know what it was from their experience, that enabled them to become inspirational, after such horrendous experiences.

What is your favourite city?

Amsterdam – for its uniqueness and its sense of freedom – anything goes, nothing is off the table — a city where being an individual is encouraged, rather than being forced to conform.

What is your favourite film?

Chariots of Fire.

How do you relax?

Spending time with my fur kids.

What is your favourite food?

All food… I guess I have a soft spot for all Mediterranean cuisine, given my heritage, although braai and shisanyama come a close second.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

Resigned from my job, sold everything I owned at the time, and moved to the UK.

Who is your role model?

It is going to sound rather cheesy, but it is Prince William. I have the hugest amount of respect for him and the work that he does, his Earth Shot Prize, which focuses on finding solutions to repair the challenges and damages that humanity has done to the planet, as well as his work with conservation in Africa, gets my biggest admiration for him and his work.

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

Learn from our mistakes and find a way to make an impact in the events sector without damaging the environment and the planet. Find sustainable ways to do what needs to be done for your clients, but differently… and be passionate about your work, it’s hard work, it is not all as glamourous as it appears to be. You have to love and have passion for what you do. Lastly, make sure that you find a work-life balance.

What is your dream for the future?

To leave the world in a better place than when I started in this industry. Chat’r Xperience is committing itself to a future in the events space that focuses on working towards the goals of the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative, to reduce its environmental impact by 50 per cent by 2030 and to reach the goal of net zero by 2050.