2025 MACE
Annual Conference

Annual Conference

12-13 November 2025 | The Human Touch

Professionals from institutions of higher learning across the country will gather for the annual MACE conference to connect, share insights, and expand expertise.

This year’s theme highlights how uniquely human skills – creativity, empathy, storytelling, and connection – can thrive alongside rapidly evolving technologies.

The conference will feature thought-provoking sessions, a powerful line-up of expert speakers, valuable networking opportunities and the highly anticipated Awards Evening –  celebrating innovation and excellence across our professions.

The Directors’ Dialogue is a new addition to the MACE Annual Conference 2025 programme, designed specifically for senior leaders overseeing Marketing, Advancement and Communication portfolios in higher education.

This exclusive session, scheduled for midday on 11 November 2025 ahead of the conference, will provide Directors with a strategic forum to connect, exchange best practices, and gain fresh insights from guest speakers on the evolving landscape of our profession.

This is an opportunity for Directors to reflect on their role as champions for their teams, to identify ways to foster innovation and collaboration, and to shape the future direction of marketing, advancement and communication in our institutions.

Meet Our Speakers

MACE recognises that entering the world of Marketing, Advancement and Communication in higher education can be both exciting and overwhelming. While our conference programme is rich with high-level insights, some sessions are geared towards seasoned professionals, which can leave early-career colleagues feeling a step behind.

That’s why the Young Blood Mentoring Workshop is making its debut at the MACE Annual Conference 2025. Taking place around midday on 11 November 2025, this interactive session is tailored exclusively for new and emerging professionals and will be facilitated by an experienced industry leader who understands the challenges of starting out in our field.

Scheduled ahead of the conference, the session will explore practical strategies for thriving in this fast-paced profession – from managing workloads and navigating organisational culture, to building networks and finding a voice in decision-making spaces.

It’s also a space for open conversations – where attendees can share their own experiences, ask questions freely, and leave with a stronger sense of belonging to the MACE community.

By investing in the next generation of talent, MACE is ensuring that the human touch – our creativity, adaptability, and connection – will continue to flourish in the years to come.

Meet Our Speakers

Accommodation

Delegates qualify for a discounted conference rate, available exclusively via direct online bookings at the Indaba Hotel.

Promo Code: MACE25

We have set the booking window from 9–17 November 2025 to allow guests to arrive earlier or extend their stay after the conference. If you prefer to restrict bookings to the exact conference dates only, this can be updated on request.

For assistance please email sharon@indabahotel.co.za quoting reference: Block Number 6141401.