Founder of the MICE Academy, Helen Brewer – who passed away on Tuesday morning (May 28) – leaves a lasting legacy in the Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) space.
She was a strong supporter of Tourism Update and Travel News, often commenting on business travel articles, adding her unique insights in her commentary and in her op-ed pieces.
Her passion for the industry she served shone through in everything she said and did.
Shanna Jacobsen, Former Managing Editor of Meetings, The Exhibition Planner and The Meetings & Event Planner magazines and current Online Editor of Travel News echoed the sentiments of many in the industry:
"Like many of us, the news of Helen Brewer’s untimely passing has left me shocked to my core and deeply saddened. Helen contributed so much to the professionalisation of South Africa’s business events sector and was a huge advocate of excellence, consistently leading by example. She was never afraid to speak her mind, and this played a fundamental role in shaping my views on the inner workings of the MICE industry. Helen, thank you for your invaluable input at a time when it was most needed. To all who knew and loved her, I’m so very sorry for your loss.”
When news of her passing was announced on Facebook, tributes poured in, with many remarking that she was a pioneer in her field and an inspiration to all. The Event Greening Forum’s (EGF) John Arvanitakis, highlighted that she was a founder and “great friend” of the EGF, and “a leading light of inspiration and support for the events industry”.
Director and Event Strategist at STRONG PR, Marketing and Events, Herkie du Preez, called Brewer “a powerful and influential voice in our industry”.
Brewer started her prolific career as Ops Manager for a member foundation responsible for planning 30 conferences per year; she also undertook extensive convention centre consultancies throughout southern Africa and founded the MICE Academy, where she designed, planned and facilitated educational training programmes.
She served on several boards, including as a Durban ICC Board Director, as SAACI National Chairperson and a member of the SATSA Board and an EGF Founding Member.
Details of a funeral service will be shared via the MICE Academy Facebook page in due course.
