10 minute read
COVER STORY
STRONG PR, Marketing and Events soars into 2024 and beyond — riding the waves of pioneering success with an abundance of positive vibes
In the vibrant landscape of South African events, the names Herkie Du Preez and Mika Stefano echo loudly as the driving force behind the meteoric rise of STRONG PR, Marketing and Events. Established in June 2022, the company has swiftly become synonymous with orchestrating unforgettable experiences and business events nationwide and internationally — STRONG PR has not just been formed as a startup but has been established through years of experience and hard work.
In just 18 months, this team has built up a remarkable client base that keeps on growing with new and returning clients.
Sunet van der Merwe from Exxaro Resources said: “It is a real honour to be associated with STRONG PR, Marketing and Events. The team’s ability to listen, interpret, and apply event expectations is exceptional, as seen in the fine detail of execution, quality of service, and punctuality. Their consideration of cost, building of honest and respectful relationships, and effort of going above and beyond sets them apart from any other service provider I’ve worked with. Working with the team is a pleasant and joyful experience.”
From creating extravagant productions at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Sun City Superbowl, and Valley of the Waves to intimate experiences, STRONG PR truly knows how to craft, where to craft, and for whom to craft. Ensuring that each event has its own personality and experience, helping clients achieve their objectives in their conferences and events.
“It’s been a humbling experience to see our passion for event planning and marketing come to life in such a short amount of time under the STRONG PR brand,” expresses Herkie, reflecting on their incredible journey. The company has navigated a dynamic landscape, working on different projects weekly — producing, delivering, strategising, and conceptualising.
However, the expertise of STRONG PR, Marketing and Events extends beyond events. The company has etched its footprint in major marketing campaigns, collaborating with industry giants such as Paramount Pictures for their TV Show MTV Shuga Down South Season 3 as well as Volvo Trucks South Africa on their road awareness campaign, #StopLookWave.
Mika Stefano encapsulates the essence of their commitment, stating, “We’re committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work. It’s an honour to be entrusted with such a big responsibility, and we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries in event management, digital marketing, and public relations.”
As the vanguards of innovation in event planning, STRONG PR stands at the forefront of industry trends, navigating the everevolving landscape with precision and foresight.
In the role as one of our industry’s torchbearers, the company anticipates and shapes the future of events. With a keen eye on emerging trends, STRONG PR is set to redefine the events industry in 2024 and beyond. Each foresight represents a strategic move, a visionary step into uncharted territories, or simply taking something to the next level — ensuring that events become not just occasions but transformative experiences that transcend conventional boundaries.
STRONG PR, Marketing and Events is taking the year forward with these five bold predictions for the events industry:
People
In recent years, there has been a notable transformation in the event landscape, shifting towards a renewed emphasis on the human element that extends beyond conventional diversity and equity considerations. Companies increasingly recognise the importance of prioritising people, fostering genuine connections, understanding employees, and demonstrating care for their wellbeing. STRONG PR, Marketing and Events has fully embraced this trend by actively involving company employees in various aspects of their events, including voiceovers, stage performances, and personal affirmations displayed throughout. This commitment to inclusivity transcends traditional corporate event boundaries, extending to online accessibility and creative post-event content sharing. The hope is for this people-centric approach to become a global standard, envisioning a world where every event celebrates humanity, care, and love, making inclusivity a fundamental principle rather than just a trendy term.
Sustainability takes centre stage
Over the last few years and again in the coming year, sustainability won’t just be a buzzword; it’s a guiding principle in event planning. STRONG PR envisions a future where eco-friendly practices become synonymous with event execution, not a nice-to-have, not a must-have, but a standard practice in how events are planned and executed; we are already seeing this with many of our event clients.
From sourcing to execution, events will echo with a commitment to environmental responsibility, with new standards for conscientious and impactful gatherings being the new normal.
Hybrid event models prevail
Embracing the best of both worlds, STRONG PR anticipates the prevalence of Hybrid Event Models to continue to grow post-2020 and in 2024. Events will seamlessly meld in-person and virtual experiences, offering unprecedented flexibility.
It was almost unimaginable not having a keynote speaker in the room, but now with VR and AI, organisers and delegates are a lot more excited about being able to listen to speakers that previously would have been nearly unattainable. This prediction signifies a departure from traditional event structures, paving the way for a dynamic and inclusive approach that extends the reach of events far beyond geographical constraints.
Tech-infused experiential marketing and virtual reality
Technology takes centre stage in the world of experiential marketing as we step into 2024. STRONG PR predicts a paradigm shift where technology isn’t just a tool, but the essence of engaging audiences. From interactive displays to augmented reality experiences, technology will weave seamlessly into the fabric of events, creating unforgettable moments that resonate with a tech-savvy audience. As we stand on the cusp of 2024, STRONG PR foresees a groundbreaking shift in the events industry with the advent of Virtual Reality Integration. Imagine a world where physical boundaries dissolve, and attendees are transported into immersive realms.
This prediction heralds an era where events become more than gatherings — they transform into experiences that transcend the limitations of time and space. Add the speed of transformation with Artificial Intelligence, and we can only imagine how far we will transform events over the next 12 months!
Rise of niche events
The final and most exciting prediction in the events landscape is set to diversify with the rise of niche events. STRONG PR envisions a departure from one-size-fits-all gatherings, to curated experiences that cater to specific interests and demographics.
This prediction reflects a growing demand for personalised engagements, where every event becomes a tailored journey for attendees seeking unique and specialised interactions.
In an exciting evolution, STRONG PR, Marketing and Events is set to launch STRONG Décor; an event design company, promising high-end and unique products that redefine event aesthetics. Simultaneously, an expansion into the entertainment sector and an augmentation of its media offerings mark the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends.
The decor company STRONG Décor, with its emphasis on uniqueness and quality, will position STRONG PR as a trendsetter in the aesthetics of events. Collaborations with renowned designers and craftsmen are already in the pipeline, promising clients not just events, but immersive visual experiences.
Simultaneously, the entertainment sector beckons, with plans for creating bespoke entertainment experiences and productions tailored to the theme, objective, and tone of each event. Whether it’s a corporate gathering or a social soiree, STRONG PR aims to infuse every moment with entertainment that captivates and resonates.
In the dynamic landscape of media evolution, STRONG PR is embarking on a comprehensive expansion on media production, offering services that complement what they already do, and expanding this offer to new clients, and support for other organisers in the industry, supporting their events and marketing campaigns.
The STRONG culture and vision
As STRONG PR charts its course forward, the narrative extends beyond the events planned, to the legacies they aspire to create. The vision encompasses pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, inspiring the next generation of event planners to dream big. The ‘anything is possible, be who you want to be’ attitude is ingrained in their smiles, and they approach everything with FUN! Herkie emphasised: “We believe that if the team in charge is having fun, this energy will filter through to the delegate, viewer, or participant.”
We thrive on creating a safe and vibrant space for our team and clients, encouraging a culture of fun and joy! We embrace our loud and proud approach in what we do.
A clear vision within our organisation is to cultivate a community of leaders who are confident in who they are and what they do!
The journey of STRONG PR, Marketing and Events unfolds as a story of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through the meticulous crafting of memorable events and our influential impact on industry trends, the company’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative force inherent in events. Each occasion becomes a brushstroke, leaving an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of human connection.
It is within the realm of this profound human connection that they have someone ‘popping’ in at STRONG PR — Adriaan Liebetrau, a luminary in hospitality and business, is now a key collaborator at STRONG PR. His journey in hospitality management, marked by thriving bids and glamorous event orchestration, underscores his strategic acumen.
As the co-founder of ventures like Digitalise my Business, Adriaan seamlessly aligns his innovative spirit with our vision. Our collaboration thrives on the synergy between his business acumen and STRONG’s dynamic approach.
At STRONG PR, Marketing and Events, Adriaan’s strategic insight takes the business to new heights. As a business consultant through AJL Consultants, he brings an infusion of brilliance, shaping the future of STRONG PR. Together, our partnership is a fusion of expertise and innovation, elevating the landscape.
For a firsthand look at our dynamic work, visit our website and witness the magic woven by the trailblazers of STRONG PR, Marketing and Events.
