Neo named contender for international grant
Limpopo businessman Neo Mohlatlole is one of five professionals in the running to win a UFI grant
LIMPOPO – UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, named Business Development Director at Seven Colors Communications, Mohlatlole, as one of five talented exhibition professionals from around the world to win the 2017 UFI Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant.
Mohlatlole, who hails from Limpopo, received his primary education at Marken Primary School. He completed his schooling at Waterberg High School, Mokopane.
“I had quite a nomadic upbringing as I grew up in Marken, Mokopane, Lebowakgomo and Mafefe,” he said.
UFI is the global association of trade show organisers, fairground owners, national and international associations of the exhibition industry, and its partners. The association is based in Paris, France.
The NGL grant is all about promoting the upcoming talent in the exhibition industry, and giving the best rising professionals the international recognition and opportunities they deserve. The purpose of the UFI NGL scheme is to facilitate the dialogue between the generations.
“It is exciting to have been chosen as one of the winners,” Mohlatlole said. “As a South African, it’s an honour to be given an opportunity to represent my country, especially since we have been doing well in terms of attracting many international association meetings, conferences and exhibitions to be hosted here.”
Once he completed his schooling, Mohlatlole moved to Pretoria to further his studies in travel and tourism operations with Boston City Campus and Business College.
“During my studies, I helped other people with company registrations through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (Cipro) system to earn extra money.”
Mohlatlole is the co-founder of Seven Colors Communications, a marketing and communications agency he runs with his business partner, Eugene Mametse.
“Currently, our company operates as an integrated marketing and communications agency with headquarters in Johannesburg and satellite offices in Mafikeng and Polokwane.” Mohlatlole and his business partner have managed to launch the first exhibition for Stokvels titled Stokvelex, which has been running for three years now across three provinces.
After Mohlatlole graduated, he moved to Cape Town for a short while where he worked as a car salesman. He moved to Johannesburg where he got the opportunity to take part in a tourism guiding and event learnership. Here he worked as a venue manager for the duration of the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Through this learnership he had the opportunity to work with Thebe Exhibitions, now known as Reed Africa Exhibitions, as an intern where he learned some invaluable lessons in the events and exhibitions sector.
After the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup he was nominated for an award for his role in this international sport event.
“I worked on numerous projects through Thebe Exhibitions. After my departure from the firm I set up Seven Colours Communications with my business partner Mametse. South Africa’s exhibition sector provides an incredible opportunity to create new influencers, showcase new products as well as reach out to new clients,” he said.
“The industry is of great importance for up-and-coming entrepreneurs and businesses as exhibitions and expos become the best opportunities for them to market and promote themselves.”
