Meet the team.
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/ Over 20 years of experience
/ Meet the Team
These profiles offer a glimpse into the exceptional talent that fuels our agency’s dynamic approach to event production and experiential marketing.
It’s important to note that these are just a few of the many remarkable individuals who collaborate with us as part of our elastic resource model.
Meet the Experience Makers
Explore their stories, expertise, and the extraordinary experiences they help us craft.
Philippa Hudson-Bennett
Founder & Managing Director
Philippa Hudson-Bennett
Guiding the vision of Just Begin is Philippa Hudson-Bennett, with over two decades of experience in orchestrating local and international large-scale corporate productions, complemented by a robust background in B2B marketing. Her visionary leadership infuses Just Begin with an innate understanding of the intersections between creativity, strategy and flawless execution.
Years experience: 22
Career Highlights:
- BMW 3 Series Launch with Cirque du Soleil 2006
- Absolut Vodka International Campaign 2014
- Nelson Mandela Centenary Event (Mvezo) 2018
Andrew
Marryatt
Lighting and Set Design
Andrew Marryatt
Andrew Marryatt, affectionately known as Drewza, has been professionally involved in our industry for an astounding 28 years.
Starting off as a lighting technician for Gearhouse SA for 5 years and then moving onto Lighting Designer for O’MAGE for the next 9 years where I he designed lighting shows for many high profile clients locally and around the world.
Moving on from there, in 2009, started a company in Joburg called The Tuckshop Brand with his 2 business partners where he headed up the technical department and continued to design lighting shows as well as staging and set design for TSB clients
Since moving to Cape Town, Drewza has continued to apply his trade in the biz as lighting designer, set designer, Technical project manager, production manager, producer and show caller for many large scale events and clients and is as comfortable in the conference room as he is in a stadium.
He epitomizes the essence of cutting-edge design, top-tier execution, and adept project management for live events. His commitment is to ensure our clients enjoy a seamless journey, backed by unwavering support, while attendees relish every moment of the experience.”
28 years in the biz.
3 Big Events:
Cassper Nyovest – fill up FNB STADIUM – technical director
YPO Conference – CTICC – Production and Technical
Red Bull Dance your Style World Finals – Design, Production and Technical Director
Ovation
Art
Audience Relationship Team
Ovation
Ovation ART is a leading provider of RSVP services, celebrating our 15th year in business in 2023. We, Marisa Buys and Melodie Schoeman, with a combined 39 years of experience in Guest Logistics, have worked on some of the largest promotional events in South Africa, developing the skills and experience to fulfil key roles in the event supply chain.
Our goal is to enhance the guests’ journey with the right tool and accomplish a seamless registration process. To achieve this, we have partnered with www.cvent.com, the world’s #1 guest management platform. This 12-year partnership helped refine our ART and is of our success story.
The human touch backed with Cvent’s technology is why we can turn invitations into a lasting conversation.
Ovation’s Highlights:
16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture with President Barack Obama, Wanderers Stadium, 2018
PAX: 10992
TYPE: Express
SERVICES: RSVP/Onsite
38th Asian Racing Conference, Cape Town, 2020
PAX: 588
TYPE: Face-to-face
SERVICES: RSVP/Pay to attend/Onsite/App/Logistics
11th kykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival, Camps Bay, 2023
PAX: 2000
TYPE: Face-to-face
SERVICES: RSVP/Onsite/App/Logistics
Olivia
Mothilall – Neethling
Experiential Event Producer
Olivia Mothilall - Neethling
Experiential Event Producer, with attention to detail and focused on translating the vision into one-of-a-kind event.
Expert in all facets of event planning, project management, sponsorship engagement, project estimation and bidding, logistics management, business administration, & vendor procurement, with success and commitment to going the extra mile on projects large and small.
Bringing 18 years industry experience and top-level skills as a Metaverse Project Manager & Onsite and Hybrid Event Producer & Senior Production Manager.
Top 4 career highlights:
- Singularity University chapter & Summit: A global learning and innovation community using exponential technologies to tackle the world’s biggest challenges and build an abundant future for all.
- Miller Rock the Boat: 3 day cruise ship celebration of SA’s top DJs, bands and entertainment
- Vodacom Summer 2009: 3 month long experiential campaign, engaging consumers at beach clean-ups, mall activations, roadshows, and sponsor hosted events
- Africa Rare: African Metaverse that will help uncover Africa’s untapped talent, creativity and innovation and connect Africa to the global digital economy.
Stefan
Van Der Walt
Connectivity for hybrid and virtual events
Stefan Van Der Walt
I embarked on my journey in the events industry back in 1995. Presently, I’m dedicated to the fields of playback and layout design, meticulously tailoring configurations to align with the creative brief. We harness an array of playback software and hardware, customizing them for each event’s unique requirements.
For hybrid and virtual events, we ensure seamless connectivity by employing bonded connectivity with WAN smoothing, which serves to reduce packet loss and enhance redundancy. With this approach, we can merge up to six internet lines into a unified connection, additionally providing temporary event WiFi solutions.
In the past 12 months, I’ve had the privilege of orchestrating a diverse range of events, including:
Live Broadcasts:
Metro Awards
SA Sports Awards
Cricket Awards
Gsport
Miss SA
Afrima
Concerts:
RMB Starlight Classics
Scorpion Kings
Big Zulu
Francois van Coke
Furthermore, our services extend to a multitude of awards ceremonies and conferences, catering to events of all sizes, from intimate single-screen gatherings to expansive multi-screen productions pushing beyond 16,000 pixels.
Tanya
Rademan
Event Producer
Tanya Rademan
Tanya is a seasoned event producer with a unique strength – she’s been on both sides of the event planning process, previously serving as a client.
With this dual perspective, Tanya has an unparalleled ability to anticipate and fulfill client needs while delivering flawless event execution. She is known for her eagle-eye attention to detail and being a logistics queen. Her calm demeanor under pressure consistently results in memorable events, and she’s dedicated to turning her clients’ visions into reality, leaving no logistical stone unturned
Hein
Kotzé
Visual Storyteller
Hein Kotzé
I speak through visuals.
Pretty much any visual you can think of; video, animation, design, photography, AR, VR and anything amazing that comes along.
If there is a story to tell or a message to land I can help do that through the magic of visual creation.
I’ve been around the block, tasted the mainstream, ventured with the mavericks…my eyes are wide open.
It’s a fascinating world out there full of EPIC ideas and an effective visual is the first tangible step in making them real.
Experience:
2010 – present (13 years) in events.
Highlights:
Castle Lite Unlocks concerts – massive talent and even larger screens (+50m of moving LED, multiple stories high)
Mercedes-Benz Actros Launch – Full 360 revolving screen and set, designed and purpose-built for the launch of their new vehicle.
FNB Innovators Awards – 7 screen interactive, choreographed and synched, performance content displayed across an expansive venue
Tracy
Moseley
Senior Producer
Tracey Moseley
After forging and early career in television, brand commercials and feature films, Tracy took this experience with her when launching into the eventing arena in 2010 and has subsequently amassed extensive experience in conferencing, awards shows, video production, internal campaigns, product launches, ceremonies and experiential events.
As a Senior Producer and Client Service Manager, she is passionate, adaptable, honest, fiercely loyal, responsible, driven and loves bringing magic and inspiration to any team she collaborates with.
Years of Experience: 14 years and counting
Career Highlights: Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebration, MTN Global Leadership Gathering 2019 in Dubai, SAPHILA 2023 at Sun City
Nick
Warren
Wordsmith
Nick Warren
Nick Warren is an awarded author, playwright, screenwriter, copywriter and creative director.
He is known for his ability to produce compelling content across various media and channels,
for both internal and external consumer and corporate audiences. Nick has a passion for creative clarity in his work. His dedication to his craft is evident in his extensive portfolio and the diverse range of projects he has been a part of.
Currently running Creative Clarity Communications, Nick’s past experiences include creative leadership roles at The Actuate Group, OMAGE, Mann Made Media, VWV Group andOchre Media.
He also served as a Writing Teacher at the Market Theatre Laboratory, contributing to the arts and culture sector.
Throughout his career, Nick has been involved in various radio, TV and theatre projects, including Rhythm City, Soul City, Takalani Sesame, and Making Mandela. He has also published works such as ‘Sunday Morning’ & ‘Thirty Years in a Turtleneck Sweater’
Nick holds a BA[Hons] in English Language and Literature from Oxford Brookes University and a Master of Arts in Narratology from Middlesex University.
David
Fleminger
Stage Manager / Technical Host
David Fleminger
David has been working in the media industry for over 25 years as a script writer, director, video editor, stage manager, creative consultant, and production manager.
In terms of live and virtual events, he has established himself as an expert ‘technical host’ functioning as a vital and often neglected link between the technical crew running the event, the event organisers, and the various speakers, MCs and guests who will be participating – whether online or in person. By ensuring that all participants are confident and comfortable, David makes a big contribution towards ensuring a smooth and enjoyable virtual event for all.
Renowned for his calm and pleasant demeanour, David has proven himself adept at dealing with just about anyone, including government ministers, CEOs, international politicians, celebrities, academics and even a Miss Universe or two! Some notable clients have included the United Nations Population Fund, UNICEF, Coca Cola SA, MTN, Liberty, Standard Bank, Nestle, Naspers, etc.
Mike
Fynn
Technical Director
Mike Fynn
Mike Fynn is a seasoned Technical Director with a wealth of experience in the global event industry.
He has built a successful career managing complex technical aspects of events of all sizes, from intimate corporate events to large-scale concerts, sporting events and festivals. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the latest technology, Mike is skilled at managing all aspects of an event, including sound, lighting, video, and special effects.
Throughout his career, Mike has worked on events around the world, giving him a unique perspective and an ability to adapt to different cultures and customs. He is committed to delivering exceptional results for his clients and is skilled at collaborating with event teams to ensure that every aspect of an event runs smoothly.
With his technical expertise and his ability to manage complex events, Mike is a valuable asset to any team. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the industry, ensuring that he can deliver the best possible experience for his clients and their audiences.
Jason
Macnamara
Creative Director
Jay Mac
I began my 23 year career in the Events industry as a qualified graphic designer and motion graphics animator, working my way up to Creative Director.
I went on to partner with like-minded creatives, to create two of my own highly profitable and award winning boutique events agencies in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
My experience means that I’m able to achieve client and consumer satisfaction through my knowledge which extends to conceptualizing, designing, planning, executing and managing teams on multi-million dollar product launches, world-class event productions & exhibitions.
During these years, I have had the privilege of working for global brands such as ABSA, AngloGold Ashanti, Barloworld, Deloitte, FNB, Globacom, MINI, Motorola, MTN, Nintendo, Standard Bank, Toyota and Trek Bikes.
Three career defining highlights to date have been as the Event Director & Show-caller for the 2023 T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup, Technical Production Manager for the Loeries Awards and Creative Director over a four year contract for Standard Bank, in which we were tasked to uplift staff morale and boost productivity through carefully designed activations, internal communications to deliver measurable results.
I believe that my diverse skills in various artforms and entrepreneurial spirit are what define me as a Creative Director and Team Leader.