Nelspruit native and mother of four boys, Wanda is no newcomer to the art of organising a successful event. And that is exactly what she and husband Werner say is the key to memorable occasions – “Planning, planning and planning!”
Mad Hatter Events is the mother of four’s fifth ‘child’ and comprises planning all sorts of parties, promotions and events. “Nothing is ever too large or too small,” Werner says, who serves as her right-hand man – something that must come quite easily to him as he finds himself in the business of architecture on a daily basis.
Nelspruit native and mother of four boys, Wanda is no newcomer to the art of organising a successful event. And that is exactly what she and husband Werner say is the key to memorable occasions – “Planning, planning and planning!”
Mad Hatter Events is the mother of four’s fifth ‘child’ and comprises planning all sorts of parties, promotions and events. “Nothing is ever too large or too small,” Werner says, who serves as her right-hand man – something that must come quite easily to him as he finds himself in the business of architecture on a daily basis.
“We try to streamline an event to such an extent that it completely suits the customer’s needs, personality and most of all, budget. Many companies simply offer clients a package that comes with certain features and anything extra is charged for separately and additionally.”
The diversity of events they have taken care of stretches from afternoon teas for a group of ladies, kitchen teas and stork parties, to massive functions such as year-end gatherings. “We have put as much thought, time and effort into small ones like making up a tee-off box on a golf course or children’s parties, as for large functions like the national Transnet year-end event. It actually comprised six functions at six locations, simultaneously. We had to make sure that all six were running smoothly, keeping around 12 000 guests happy in total.” The duo ran it without a single hiccup for arount 2 000 guests per function in Nelspruit, Witbank, Ermelo, Phalaborwa, Vryheid and Richard’s Bay. “We had to make sure that all of them also had children’s entertainment – and that meant masks, face painting, water slides, small trains – it was after all, Transnet.”
They pride themselves on delivering on clients’ requests, often opting to make certain decorative elements themselves.
“The big thing is that we enjoy doing this together,” Werner says. “Although this is Wanda’s baby and I have my own projects in architecture, I help her with the physical aspects like building decor, whereas Wanda is excellent at planning the projects.”
Another hat the beautiful blonde wears, is that of promotions manager. “Companies like Makro, Coca-Cola and Clover contact us to set up promotional events for them. We provide them with the staff to carry out these promotions,” Wanda explains, meeting her husband’s gaze with a nervous smile. “He’s the talker in our relationship!” she adds.
When referring to the name of their company, one can easily assume that parties are what they do. Five minutes in the duo’s company will show, however, that the Mad Hatter merely refers to all the various hats this creative couple wear – and wear well, if you look at any of the events they have been responsible for in the Lowveld.
“Whether we wear a big, corporate hat, or a small one for friends, we believe in bringing the exact same magic to each and every event.” She doesn’t talk much, but when she does, it’s evident that Wanda is passionate about her business.
When the helping hand her husband offers isn’t enough, Wanda ropes in her four sons – Jean-Jacques (22), Chyle (12), Quinn (10) and Vaughn (6). “They’re very creative when it comes to face painting and entertaining children. Vaughn is quickly becoming a professional at balloon art as well – you should see him make an animal with his small hands!” his proud mother says.
The Van Zyls credit their relationships with other businesses in the industry for their success, “We believe in open, straight forward communication and that is why we have such great relationships with our suppliers and clients. They always know what to expect and where they stand with us.”
She might not enjoy having to work with money – or “getting money out of some people!” – she laughs, but Wanda lights up when she explains how much satisfaction she derives from the creative process. “The best part of each event is when you see the client’s approval of your work – nothing ever comes close to that.”
Wanda’s tips for planning a successful event
• Always work on a budget
• Planning, planning and more planning
• Don’t shy away from taking on challenges
• Carry yourself with confidence
• Focus on the client’s satisfaction
• And finally, have fun!
Mad Hatter Events specialises in
• Year-end functions / Christmas parties
• Group incentives
• Product launches
• Management getaways
• Conferences/seminars
• Golf days
• Promotions
• Customer entertainment events
• PR events/relationship building
• Team-building activities (like strategic, Amazing Race, Survivor)
• Engagement parties
• Audio-visual
• Decor
• Bar services
• Accommodation.
GET IN TOUCH
Wanda van Zyl: 076-687-9557
Werner van Zyl: 082-450-6749
www.madhatterevents.co.za
