TRIBUTE TO HELEN BREWER

Tribute to Helen Brewer — ‘An icon of our industry’

There is so much to say about Helen Brewer, and not enough words to describe the impact she had on the MICE Industry, and all the people she encountered.

By Kevin McKee

There were two great passions in Helen’s life, her life partner, Derek King, and the MICE industry with all its forms and faces.

With a career spanning over half a century, her integrity, wealth of knowledge, insight, and drive made her a formidable force. She was always extremely diligent in her research and planning and adamant that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, regardless of any obstacles.

She began her career with the National Development & Management Foundation (NDMF) in 1975, planning conferences for member sector groups, becoming operations manager, managing 40 conferences per annum throughout Southern Africa. She undertook conceptual and logistical management for over 500 conferences, locally and internationally.

In 1985, she established Conpromark Consultants, with Derek, designing, developing, and facilitating courses, both public and in-house for planners and other industry service providers, including conference facility management and marketing, event management and administration, and convention centre design criteria.

Around 1990, Conpromark Consultants grew into The MICE Academy. Focusing on Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Combining the Conpromark stable of courses into substantiated proof of each individual’s ability through scorecards, providing industry professionals with credible evidence of their ability.

Throughout her extensive career, she consulted with many industry professionals and government institutions, as well as being involved in various member associations and professional bodies.

In terms of consultancies, she was involved in detailed indepth surveys for – predominantly – convention centres, in terms of viability and recommended methods of operating. The most notable of these being the upgrade and refurbishment of the Botswana Convention Centre, and the viability of the Cape Town Convention Center for the Rail Commuter Corporation. She was also instrumental in designing the Heritage Conference Centre and its operations strategy.

At ICC Durban, Conpromark was the National Facility Consultants, and Helen was involved in the viability study for the Sandton Convention Centre as well.

Helen initiated the introduction of the international Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Programme in South Africa, with 46 industry professionals qualifying under the MICE Academy’s guidance.

Helen was also appointed in various capacities on boards of member and industry associations, including SAACI (South African Association for the Conference Industry) as a Founding Committee Member and Chairperson, ICC Durban as a Board Director, SATSA as an Exco member, Executive Chairperson of the Ministerial-led Events and Technical Services Task Team and founding Association Committee Chairperson of the Event Greening Forum (EGF).

Helen was the first-ever recipient of the Women in MICE Lifetime Achievement Award, an honour she was deeply moved by.

In a less public way, Helen was also instrumental in guiding and supporting new businesses and entrepreneurs within and outside of the industry.

With her no-nonsense approach to integrity, business, and strict encouragement, Helen was instrumental in getting many of these enterprises off the ground and many owe their success, not only to their own efforts but also to her encouragement and, often, not-so-gentle, chastisement.

Helen refused to support anyone she didn’t trust or use herself. Her recommendations held weight, and a huge responsibility on the supplier too. You definitely didn’t want to receive an email or call from The Boss Lady asking why you weren’t living up to her expectations!

Her sense of integrity and honesty was unrivalled in the industry and many a CEO, and even government ministers, trembled in their boots a little when Helen came calling.

A passionate, dedicated stalwart of the MICE Industry, you loved or hated her, but she never left without creating an indelible impression.

Helen was a big personality in the industry, there was no other like her — she was well-respected and will be missed in the industry. Her passing will leave a definite void in the sector. Thank you, Helen, for all you did for the industry!

Some comments from Social Media, from all over the world:

• Herkie Du Plessis: “A powerful and influential voice in our industry. She was a true supporter, and her loss will be deeply felt.”

• Stephanie Moss: “May your gentle and fun soul rest in peace, Helen Brewer. You were always a positive energy and I loved your funny and enthusiastic FB comments.”

• Cheryl Mulder Verbruggen: “I'm going to miss our very random, long chats. Helen’s huge contribution to the Tourism Industry cannot be underestimated, and her knowledge, experience, and professionalism will be missed by many. The mutual respect in our relationship was special to me. Sometimes we absolutely agreed on issues and other times we absolutely disagreed. But the goal was always the same — what’s best for the industry? My beautiful little toothpick holder will continue to serve as a reminder of Helen.”

• Georgie Colling: “There are so many passionate industry conversations I remember. But, the most significant ones were with a whiskey over the phone… Your impact on the industry and those around you was profound.”

• Laurinda Da Matta Bow: “With a heart that radiated love, warmth and laughter. You will be truly missed and fondly remembered.”

• Geoff Saner: “Helen’s clarity of what was proper and needed in our industry, her wit and interest in everything around her and in all of us was amazing.”

• Mike Speed: “You made your mark on the Business Tourism sector and can be very proud of your achievements. So sad, you had so much more to give. Thank you for all that you taught me. Going to miss you, my friend.”

• John Arvanitakis: “Helen was a founding member and a great friend and avid supporter of the EGF, and a leading light of inspiration and support for the events industry in South Africa. Her passing is going to leave a huge gap.”

• Tes Proos: “The industry will not be the same without you.”

• Pieter Swart: “Most of the time we scrummed for the same team, and sometimes on opposite sides - but always enjoyed playing the game. I will miss you. Thank you for your life’s work and dedication to this industry. You will be remembered.”

• Mandy Elliott: “Life, as well as the events industry, won’t be the same without you.”

• Corne Engelbrecht: “Although we will miss you, your legacy will live with us forevermore.”

• Kevan Jones: “Always a champion for the events industry, she will be sorely missed.

• Mandy Watson: “Nobody knew more about the MICE industry and loved it more than Helen Brewer. You will be sorely missed.”

• Gill Gibbs & Sue Gannon: “An icon of our industry.”

• Sarah Vernon: “She was an inspiration and a pioneer to all.”