The 7th MACE Directors’ Symposium will take place in the second quarter of 2024, with the date and venue to be confirmed soon – watch your MACE email, our website, and social media for confirmation.

The symposium is aimed at Executive Directors, Directors, Deputy Directors, and Managers in marketing, advancement, and communication at higher education and TVET institutions in South Africa. It offers a line-up of expert speakers who deliver and convene keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops covering a range of topics relevant to marketing and communication, branding, alumni, and fundraising.

The 2023 Directors’ Symposium, which took place at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Granger Bay Campus from 23 to 24 August under the theme ‘Sustainability in a changing higher education landscape’, debated hot topics and charted various paths forward for MACE professionals.

How artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT is changing the way we work was a particular focus area. Chantal Janneker, Senior Director: Communication and Marketing at Nelson Mandela University, presented on the topic ‘The future of communication and marketing in the digital age’, and told attendees, “The future is digital. Embrace the digital revolution in higher education. Harness its power to reach, engage, and inspire the next generation of graduates… Adaption is key. Higher education institutions must evolve to stay competitive and relevant.”

She advised MACE professionals to use tools including enhanced data analytics, to engage through social media, explore emerging technologies, and unlock potential by seizing opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and social media.

The 2024 symposium will be a valuable opportunity for you to gain insight into the latest trends and best practices in the higher education sector.

Please look out for additional information and details about the symposium and the programme in the next few weeks.

We look forward to your attendance!

Enquiries: chair@mace.org.za

You can watch last year’s Directors’ Symposium discussions by clicking here.