Chapter 2: Sun City – where creativity took root

Chapter Two in developing my personal brand: Sun City — Where Creativity Took Root.
From the elegance of Paris to the wild beauty of Sun City, South Africa, my next chapter in the meetings and events industry was nothing short of extraordinary. It was here that creativity blossomed, and where one of the most meaningful relationships of my career was forged — with Vera Harvey, one of South Africa’s first female entrepreneurs in the meeting planning space.
When I started, I was told Vera was “difficult” and “demanding.” What I saw instead was a woman who knew what excellence looked like, and expected it. I made her a priority. Every request got a response within five minutes. Respect turned into trust, and trust into friendship. Twenty-five years later, Vera visited our family as a guest in our home (see photo). She taught me the kind of loyalty and relationship-building that has become a cornerstone of my brand to this day. Sun City offered endless possibilities for creative events and the ability to work with GRACE UNDER PRESSURE:
✨ Turning a 4,000-person theater setup into a banquet hall in 2 hours — with teamwork.
🎰 Planning a Global Gaming summit with slot machines and casino freight from around the world.
🎭 Designing a “Rich Man, Poor Man” dinner with alternating courses, themed decor, and live entertainment (yes, that was Vera’s idea!).
🌿 Hosting black-tie galas in a game reserve — with lions roaring in the distance.
💦 Conducting site visits for international incentives across multiple properties… and staying hydrated in the African heat!
Sun City taught me to say “yes” to the wild ideas, to trust the process, and to never underestimate the power of a bold vision.
The lesson? Anything is possible when creativity meets commitment
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