Gweru-based events planner and caterer, Farirai Nandipa Muregi has secured an educational grant to perfect her craft. This was announced this week by the South African-based exhibition organisers’ continental body, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).
“Congratulations to the AAXO Young Professional, Farirai Nandipa Muregi of Farirai Nandipa Events on her 2020 Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund grant!,” the association announced on its social media handles.
The Bob Dallmeyer Education Grant is administered by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), which is based in the United States.
According to the IAEE website, the Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund supports exhibitions and events industry education and professional development by providing a challenging and engaging educational experience for young professionals, professionals who are new to the exhibitions and events industry, those that are intellectually curious about trends and opportunities, and those that are interested in learning about the global marketplace.
Each year, applicants for grants are required to submit detailed information regarding their employment and experience in the exhibitions and events industry, as well as their intent for continued education and development of their career.
“Each year, IAEE awards grant funding to industry members who stand out because of their passion and commitment to enhancing their professional skills. This year, we are proud to recognize and reward these individuals for their ongoing pursuit of excellence in our industry,” IAEE President and CEO David DuBois said.
Muregi is one of the six applicants from across the world who applied for and were awarded the education grant.
“Farirai Nandipa Muregi is the owner of Farirai Nandipa Events, an events management company in Zimbabwe, which has been operating for the past four years playing a major role in the positive transformation in the exhibitions and events management industry in Gweru. She is passionately committed to acquiring essential knowledge, developing leadership skills and honing the utmost professional expertise. Muregi will be applying her grant toward earning her Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) designation,” read the IAEE citation on the association’s website.
“When I came across the CEM Learning Programme, I was ecstatic as I had been searching for the right programme to further my career in events and this was the perfect fit. Receiving the Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund Grant means I am now able to study with peace of mind knowing that my journey has been fast-tracked. I will finally be part of an elite group of exhibitions and events professionals and hopefully make a meaningful contribution to the industry in Zimbabwe,” Muregi said.
A holder of a Bachelor of Commerce honours degree with a finance major, Muregi started Farirai Nandipa Events in November 2016. Apart from her company, she is also the founder of the Midlands Weddings & Events, a platform that links events service providers in the events industry to the clients specifically in the Midlands Province. In February this year, she and her Midlands Weddings & Events team hosted the inaugural Midlands Weddings and Events Expo in which 35 exhibitors from the province participated.
Muregi is a member of AAXO.
