Posts by theSQUAD
3 Intense Wellness Events Trends 2020
Forest Bathing Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing is a practice begun by the Japanese and over the centuries groves of Sugi and Hinoki cypress trees, known for their sense- aroma, have been nurtured in Japan specifically for therapeutic reasons. Forest therapy is also part of the national healthcare in some parts of Asia, treating chronic illness…
Read MoreIntern Love with theSQUAD Creative Event Management
Introducing theSQUAD Creative Event Management Interns 2020. Our stylish Karabo Mpheta is a Snake according to the Chinese Zodiac giving him sophisticated traits and making him the eye of the storm in a chaotic environment (it could be he’s in the right place). Before joining theSQUAD Karabo was a promoter/ brand ambassador for Bos Ice Tea,…
Read MoreArt Matters with Darryl George Gray
Darryl George Gray has studied Spanish, trekked most of Peru and seen the scorched in the deserts of Chile. He is also the Founder of the Henry George Gallery and supporter of a cause close to our hearts. We spoke to him about South African art matters and more. Darryl, you’ve been in business since…
Read MoreDesign Matters with Bradley Kirshenbaum
theSQUAD’s loves Brad and how he’s expressed his complex relationship with the city of Jozi through both design and commitment to urban renewal. Bradley spoke to us about his recent project – a collaborative book called, “I Love You I Hate You”, and this conversation follows in context of Gus Silber’s comments below: “Rarely have…
Read MoreDesign Matters with Nikki Meier
Anyone else designing a sci-fi alphabet in 2020? Thought not. It’s amazing to work with designers who “get” a project because they’re talented and like the challenge of figuring out how to translate briefs into beauty. We spoke to Nikki Meier (designer of our Design Matters theme this month) about being creative and everything in between.…
Read MoreDesign Matters with Vanessa B Clothing
Vanessa of Vanessa B Clothing has worked with theSQUAD since the year dot when we started (2013). She does bespoke clothing design, manufactures uniforms and outfits for activation staff, events, choirs and corporate wear, and can work to any brief. She’s also been an integral part of the wardrobe department on 10 seasons of Strictly…
Read MoreMeet the Interns
theSQUAD believes in doing it differently – no little black dresses (LBDs), schoolroom seating or death by PowerPoint. We are also passionate about up-skilling and knowledge sharing! So, we’re pleased to introduce next intake of fabulous new interns who are learning the event-management ropes. Lethabo Kgotse is an undergraduate at the University of Johannesburg currently…
Read MoreLive Life Inspired with Kelly McGillivray
Spearheading theSQUAD’s Live Life Inspired interview series is our Squadron Leader, Kelly McGillivray, who is a seeker, always looking for new ways to do things differently and better. We chatted to her about keeping inspired, tracing her family heritage in Scotland and making lifestyle changes to fuel the body and the mind. Hello Kelly, let’s…
Read MoreLive Life Inspired with Daria Higgins
If hearing stories that feed your soul appeals to you, read on! We interviewed Daria Higgins – wanderer, event producer, creative, photographer and Epicurean as part of theSQUAD’s Live Life Inspired series. Enjoy! Hello Daria, how did you come to be where you are now in life? “I accidentally fell into events when after three…
Read MoreLive Life Inspired with Sonia Zocchi-Dommann
Sonia Zocchi-Dommann is a 52 years young South African gal with Italian heritage. She’s married to Guy Dommann and they have a 16 year old a son. She studied a BADA (Dramatic Arts) at Wits, majoring in Film and Theatre Directing in 1989, doing a thesis on the similarities between Italian creators Federico Fellini and…
Read MoreLive Life Inspired with Paul Boyter
Owner and head facilitator of Harmonics, Paul Boyter, doesn’t have a music degree and can’t read music. What he can do is read drum notation and he has a genius knack for finding new instruments to master. As part of our “Live life inspired” series theSQUAD spoke to Paul (who helps us with employee engagement…
Read MoreWhat’s in an Event Planner’s Inspirational Toolbox?
Having a locked and loaded (i.e. well stocked) toolbox is an event planner’s superpower. But having an inspirational toolbox gives us soul power. Here are some recommendations which can be used as a once-off to lift the spirits or as a mix and match; taking what you need, when you need it, depending on how…
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