Making your do an event
Thembisa Maholwana is a seasoned and passionate events organiser.
With a career spanning more than 10 years, Maholwana has worked for reputable organisations like Old Mutual and the national department of agriculture, land reform and rural development.
Today she runs a successful events company known as TMAZ Events.
Maholwana’s flawless and professional event planning and management services result in seamless conferences, gospel concerts, Christmas parties, weddings, exhibitions, gala dinners, workshops and training and team-building sessions.
She has experience in procurement processes and budget planning for events, this has enabled her to work with a wide range of people from various professional and social backgrounds.
Maholwana works with a young, vibrant and charismatic team of event managers, whose outgoing personalities make events stand out.
Maholwana has been featured on SABC 1’s Ekhaya show to talk about the latest trends.
We chatted to her to find out how her creative process works and what goes into event planning.
What colours are trending this season for events décor?
Something very fresh. We are still in summer, so shades of pink, palettes colours and you’re always safe with your black, gold and white.
How do you assess or scout a venue?
I love to try new things, have a very good relationships in hospitality, and know what’s the latest relevant hotel, conference centre or restaurant.
How do you align the decor with the event theme?
It depends on the event. Check the client’s age, personality and whether it’s a day or evening event.
What is the best way to position, display and serve food, and how do you ensure everyone gets enough to eat?
I believe so much in food presentation – we eat with our eyes first. Let’s say, you have a 100-seater event. Always at least make extra portions for 10 because people’s appetites are not the same.
How do hosts ensure guests dress properly for an event?
Make sure the dress code is clear on the invite.
What branding is allowed to be displayed at an event?
Every event depends on the client’s interest and his or her guests’ taste, so it’s difficult to pinpoint certain things – we are the “Rainbow Nation” and also have different religions.
What makes an event successful and how do you measure that success?
Plan ahead and prep a day before. When I see my client’s smile when she or he enters the room, that’s my biggest satisfaction. I know my purpose is delivered, which is excellence, elegance and simplicity.
How do you handle a difficult client or supplier, and how do you resolve the situation?
Patience is the key in hospitality because you are dealing with different types of people. Always try to remain calm and listen.
How do you select the correct flowers and what is the importance of flowers?
Flower arrangement depend on the client’s choice colours and type of event. From then you can choose.
What advice can you give to event host on how to maintain your reputation and good people skills.
Make sure after you have done your setup with your staff, go and change to look the part. Then you oversee and make sure that everything is running smoothly – that no-one is complaining about not having water or any type of health hazard-type of food or drink. Ensure balance by making sure you have sugary and sugar-free drinks. When it comes to food, ask if any of the guests will be vegetarians or halal.