FCM launched its South African Meetings & Events operation in April 2025 to better support MICE clients with venue sourcing, event planning, meeting coordination, big-stage productions and complex group travel, says the company.

"It's an exciting time for the MICE sector in South Africa," says Mummy Mafojane, General Manager at FCM Meetings and Events. "According to Allied Market Research, the South African MICE industry was valued at USD6.6-billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly over the next five to 10 years. Africa — and South Africa — offers incredible opportunities in terms of venues, accommodation, activities and downtime or leisure opportunities. It's the perfect place to innovate and we're here to set a new standard for business gatherings."

FCM M&E's Reporting & Analytics Tool, which will be introduced in a phased roll-out over the next few months, aims to enhance operational functionality, deliver measurable savings, enable informed decision-making and ensure comprehensive peace of mind for clients across the globe.

"The MICE space is dynamic," says Mafojane. "Often plans need to come together at pace, decisions are made quickly and clients need solutions and tools that can keep up. The new platform brings all your meetings and events data together in one simple dashboard, so you can stop wrestling with manual spreadsheets and focus on what really matters — running your business."

In addition to the Reporting & Analytics Tool, FCM M&E will introduce venue sourcing and event requests into the existing FCM Platform, says the company.

"The core version of FCM Venue Finder and the new Meeting Request Form will be available to new and existing customers, and the integration provides a centralised hub for venue selection, streamlined processes and improved collaboration — on top of the Reporting & Analytics Tool," Mafojane explains.

Data from FCM M&E's inaugural Global Trends Report 2025 (covering North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa) reveals that almost 40% of respondents do not have a clear view of their meetings and events budget for this year, adds the company.

"Whether you're planning an annual team get-together, massive event or major conference, budget visibility is crucial," says Mafojane. "When costs are unclear, event planners can't make smart decisions. Our new tool gives clients complete visibility over their budgets and spending, so they always know where they stand financially."

Key Features of the FCM M&E Reporting & Analytics Tool:

  • Operational Efficiency: Reduces time spent on compiling and merging reports with a consolidated dashboard for all meetings and events data.
  • Verified Savings: Instantly quantifies missed savings opportunities by visualising supplier and event-level spending against budgets.
  • Stronger Negotiating Power: Offers data and proof points to secure better supplier rates, with filters for detailed drilling into reports by event, market and department.
  • Smarter Decision-Making: Provides trends and insights to guide purchasing strategies, supported by intuitive charts and reports for easy identification of trends and next steps.
  • Peace of Mind: Ensures timely and reliable data with a secure platform featuring role-based access and a daily refresh schedule.

Mafojane — who is keeping a close eye on the global rollout — believes the tool will redefine how businesses manage their MICE portfolios, says the company.

"Our customers will not only gain fresh insights, but they'll be better positioned to leverage those insights for strategic growth," concludes Mafojane. "Importantly, companies now want more flexibility, better technology, sustainable options and unique, engaging solutions. We're ready to deliver all that and more."

For more information, visit www.fcmtravel.com.

*Image courtesy of contributor