Times Media events division plans to almost double events in 2017

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Taryn Westoby, head of Times Media Events, says, “Our remit is to draw on the editorial expertise and media-powerhouse advantage of the Times Media Group (TMG) to deliver stimulating and engaging encounters that encourage excellence across South Africa’s various industries.”

Events are aligned to Times Media’s prominent platforms such as the Sunday Times, Financial Mail, Business Day, Sowetan, Business Day TV, Business Live and a host of other print, online and broadcast platforms. In 2016:

• 25 events were hosted

• 4,383 guests were engaged and infotained (informed, and entertained)

• 57 companies recognised the value of brand exposure, and came on-board as event partners

“Apart from the number of events we conceived and delivered last year, the calibre of speakers and presenters we secured has allowed Times Media to deliver outstanding content to delegates. This also means that our corporate partners see value for their brands via their partnerships.”

Some of those key speakers included:

• Minister Pravin Gordhan delivering a captivating keynote address at the inaugural Business Day and Financial Mail Investment Summit;

• Former President Thabo Mbeki impressing with his keynote address to South Africa’s captains of industry at the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies;
• Adv Thuli Madonsela holding the audience rapt at the Sunday Times Literary Awards with her keynote address;

• Juan Senor, leading international media figure and partner at Innovation Media Consultants, delivering the opening presentation at the Future of Media Conference

Other highlights of the year included the launch of the Business Day Investor Relations Conference and the Business Day and Financial Mail Investment Summit, as well as a series of bespoke events for clients, such as the Business Day Dialogues, Financial Mail Private Lounges and the Sunday Times Leaders on the Move tours.

“2017 promises to hold much more in store. Forty-two events are lined up for the year, including the inaugural Business Day TV SME Summit (8 March), the Liberty Radio Awards and Conference (7-8 April), a series of Sunday Times Food Tasting events, and a host of bespoke events covering a broad range of topics,” concludes Westoby.