The Cape Town International Convention Centre was in celebration mode when three female leaders – Tracy Mkhize, general manager: operations – food & beverage, Adéle Maritz, international business development manager, and Bianca van Niekerk, national business development manager, were named 2018 Top40 Women in MICE.
CEO of the CTICC Julie-May Ellingson, said: “We are extremely proud of Tracy, Adèle and Bianca! The South African business events industry has produced some remarkable women known for their impressive professional accomplishments.
"The CTICC is very fortunate to have these highly talented and professional women as part of our dynamic CTICC Team. As a female CEO, it is very rewarding to see other women in our business be acknowledged for the enormous contribution that they make, not only to our business and the sector but also in the communities we serve."
Ellingson was herself named a Top40 Women in MICE in 2016 and last year inducted into the Women in MICE Hall of Fame in 2017.
“At the CTICC we believe that empowering women is a pivotal cornerstone to making fundamental strides in shaping society and transforming the role that women play in the business arena. We will continue to provide support and training to help all our staff reach their full potential,” she added.
Mkhize is responsible for close to 40% of the revenue generated by the centre, and manages an expenses budget of more than R49-million. She leads a team of 79 permanent staff members as well as the hundreds of temporary staff employed for events.
The face of the CTICC at international trade shows, Adele Maritz has the task of convincing delegates to bring their international conferences, exhibitions and meetings to Cape Town and the CTICC. Maritz also maintains important relationships with the CTICC ambassadors who help advocate on the CTICC’s behalf.
Van Niekerk shared her conferencing skills and experience with a youth conference group, Reset, whose annual conference she helps organise. She also organises charity drives for the disadvantaged in her community.
