What sets theSQUAD apart is our role as COLLABORATION CATALYSTS. We ignite the transformative power of collaboration, bringing together the passionate SQUAD team, our trusted suppliers, and our valued clients to create events that entertain and educate.

To find out more about this alchemy we went to the heart of the matter, chatting to some of theSQUAD on-the-fly production and visionary muscle. These team members are the special ops who add that sought-after spark, firing up that essential chemical reaction, ensuring each experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

P.S. We’re delighted to announce the return of the ultimate Collaboration Catalyst project, NIGHT OF 1000 DRAWINGS JOZI! Behind it all is theSQUAD, with Drew and Jess driving the event pre-production.

DREW ELLITHORNE, AUXILIARY WING WOMAN (INTERN)

WHAT DOES COLLABORATION CATALYST MEAN TO YOU?

A few words that come to mind are synergy, teamwork, progress and innovation.

HOW DOES COLLABORATING WITH THESQUAD HELP FIRE-UP YOUR SKILLS?

Everyone at theSQUAD has been helpful and welcoming, providing guidance and inspiration. I’ve been pushed to think out of the box and give the Night of 1000 Drawings project my all. This combination of things has helped grow my skills and creativity.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

At the moment, the most experience I’m getting is working on Night of a 1000 Drawings. I am so excited for the project and all the good it aims to do, but also for all the new things I’m learning and the new people I’m meeting!

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THESQUAD SO FAR?

What I’ve found surprising is how fun planning an event can be! There are so many different elements that go into making Night of a 1000 Drawings a success. It is a lot of work, but it is a lot of fun doing it and watching the event start taking shape.

ALBERTINA NGOBENI, SENIOR AUXILIARY WING WOMAN

WHAT DOES COLLABORATION CATALYST MEAN TO YOU?

When I hear the term Collaboration Catalyst, I envision a person, tool, or concept that ignites and enhances collaboration among individuals or groups within a team or community.

HAS COLLABORATING WITH THESQUAD GROWN YOUR SKILLS?

Absolutely, working with theSQUAD has boosted my production skills, especially with the diverse perspectives and personalities in the team. The experience has contributed to my collaborative learning, and I love the synergy among the team members to do better and work harder.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL CATALYST FOR GOING THE EXTRA MILE?

My good client relationships are an important catalyst for me. I believe if you have great relationships with your clients and suppliers, you can always be honest with them. This makes it easier to go that extra mile for them.

WHAT JOB HAVE YOU MOST LOVED DOING WITH THESQUAD?

All of the jobs that I have done so far have been amazing! They are so different and unique, so it’s difficult to identify a specific one. But I do enjoy the jobs that are a bit outside of my comfort zone more – I like the challenges.

DAMIAN ARMSTRONG, SPECIAL CORPS: CREATIVE

WHAT DOES COLLABORATION CATALYST MEAN TO YOU?

There’s a spark here… Kinda like a school science experiment where, at the very least, two combined chemicals cause an explosion. A big, beautiful, explosion. Also, as a writer, I commend considered alliteration.

HOW DOES SQUAD COLLABORATION FIRE-UP YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS?

theSQUAD live by this wonderful belief that mediocrity should be crushed. This infectious ethos is fertile ground for Creatives, because we’re literally being asked think beyond the norm. With that as a foundation, ideas flow with ease and agility.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL CATALYST FOR DELIVERING INSPIRING CREATIVE?

Fear of stagnation, but more so, fear of an eye-roll from Kelly.

WHAT JOB HAVE YOU MOST LOVED DOING WITH THESQUAD?

The KFC Win On Taste Quiz Show, with its multiple layers of technical complexity, was super-challenging to pull off. After months of work we delivered a highly engaging, human-centered, life-changing show that looked and felt fantastic. This was deeply satisfying, ticking all the creative, logistic and purpose boxes.

JESSICA WHY, AUXILIARY WING WOMAN (iNTERN)

WHAT DOES COLLABORATION CATALYST MEAN TO YOU?

I think of collective thoughts, skills and experiences that encourage innovation and propel projects forward in an unstoppable way. It’s about combining everyone’s talents, skills and experiences – fuelling each other’s creativity to achieve remarkable things.

HAS COLLABORATING WITH THESQUAD GROWN YOUR SKILLS?

Yes, I’ve learnt that it’s not just about getting the job done. It’s about using your passion and creativity to create a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s the shared enthusiasm, energy and support from the team that keeps me excited for what’s to come.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN FOCUSING ON AT THESQUAD?

I’ve been working on the Night of 1000 Drawings project. Through this, I’ve discovered that you don’t have to make things over-complicated to make a difference. It can be as simple as putting your creative thoughts on a piece of paper and selling it to help alleviate the day-to-day struggles that the community faces. One doesn’t need much to make a difference.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I get out of bed inspired because every day is a new day. I know that each day provides an opportunity to learn, to contribute, or to better myself.

XANDRI REDELINGHUYS, SPECIAL CORPS: ARTIST & CONCEPTUAL DESIGNER

WHAT DOES COLLABORATION CATALYST MEAN TO YOU?

Collaboration has become something of a religion for me. Those who know me will tell you that I’m a Lone Ranger and I like to creatively and conceptually navigate projects and briefs on my own. But parallel to this, runs my quiet appetite for collaboration which has become thoroughly inflamed.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THAT A LITTLE MORE?

I now fully relish the push and pull of a good force to produce something that I could never have accomplished on my own. With the right attitude, it’s a healthy confrontation and exchange that leaves you with a lucky packet of gifts. Catalyst is a powerful word and is simply a more eloquent way to describe something I am both loved and hated for: challenging boundaries.

HOW DOES COLLABORATING WITH THESQUAD SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY?

It’s the healthy kind of collaboration and confrontation. The briefs sent my way are often ‘unrealistic’, leaving me with a left-to-right-rinse-repeat head movement. Just the way I like it. The problem-solving required to execute the Creative Direction of these SQUAD projects stretches, and in turn strengthens, some of my favourite creative muscles.

HOW DOES THIS TRANSLATE AT AN EVENT?

To successfully deliver an execution that is realistic on functional levels, and artistically produced, has dizzying dopamine injections. With every project, the creative process doesn’t ever stop; it only has to end because the guests are arriving. Art can never completed, it is only abandoned when the event is complete.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL CATALYST FOR DELIVERING THE “WOW” FACTOR?

I compete with myself. My worst trait also moonlights as my strongest attribute. Pride. But I’ve managed to train it to be an holistic creature – if I keep my awareness constant, guided by righteous and reasonable discernment. I LOVE being tested, experimenting, exploring, and constantly pushing. It challenges my failures and the beautiful hindsight stands next to me, watching how I prepped and equipped for the present victories.

WHAT JOB HAVE YOU MOST LOVED DOING WITH THESQUAD, AND WHY?

Mmmmm. That’s a bit like asking what’s your favourite sunset? To date, the job that embodies that essence of Collaboration Catalyst was the Momentum Leadership Conference, hosted at Sun City in 2023. It was a glorious collection of visceral and conceptual interactions and exchanges, paired with screaming moments and quiet mediations and appreciations.

JACQUES GROSS, SPECIAL CORPS: DESIGN

WHAT DOES COLLABORATION CATALYST MEAN TO YOU?

The first thought that springs to mind is how many clients speak about striving for collaboration in projects, yet few of them actually do. Collaboration is tricky business (especially in business – see what I did there?) and is much harder in reality than the perception thereof. That being said, when you come across a business relationship where someone is truly a collaboration catalyst, it’s appreciated so much more because they’re few and far between.

HOW DOES SQUAD COLLABORATION FIRE-UP YOUR CREATIVITY?

theSQUAD embody the spirit and idea of collaboration perfectly in that no matter the odds, stakes or clout on the line, they allow for effortless collaboration by giving suppliers and partners the freedom to do their best.

HOW DOES THIS WORK IN THE EVENT SPACE?

They are open to suggestions, keen to hear thoughts and viewpoints gained form experience. They allow me to delve deeply into creative thinking without stifling or restricting me with close minded feedback. In essence theSQUAD team realise the worth and value of a collaborative relationship and actively work to keep it alive.

WHAT JOB HAVE YOU MOST LOVED DOING WITH THESQUAD?

Let me answer your question like this: There has yet to be a project I’ve done with theSQUAD that I wanted to wish away, or felt it wasn’t conducive to our relationship. And as long as theSQUAD keeps embodying their collaboration catalyst mindset, I can’t see why there would be a job I loved less than others.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL CATALYST FOR CREATIVITY?

This answer could be very, very long, but the theme or thought that encapsulates it best is CURIOSITY. My love and drive for seeking to know a little bit about just about everything has served me tremendously over the span of my career and has garnered me the most incredible opportunities and circumstances – certainly better than your average creative professional. If there’s one thing I wish I could teach every person in the world, it would be to stay curious above all else.

In the kaleidoscope of corporate events, we pride ourselves in delivering experiences that leave a lasting impression for everyone. Building relationships, we become a family with a common goal; a SQUAD.  Read more here:

FIVE ways to be a COLLABORATION CATALYST