It is natural to look tense before the event, no matter how many times the organisers have been organising the event. This was the general feeling among members of the Department of Marketing and Communications this week when they met to discuss the progress of the annual Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC) that will be in Durban from 18 to 19 September 2025. Among what the team discussed were the awards that delegates have to enter. The main reason for having the awards is that the team recognises the importance of attending the EAC, and their role in different segments of the EAC.
The first award is the ‘Delegation Mobiliser Award’. This award recognises individuals who successfully mobilise prospective EAC delegates to attend the conference. Next is the Connector Award. Mbali Mkhize, the Founder and Convenor the soon to be 12-year old event, said this award recognises individuals who build bridges and expand the EAC’s reach by identifying, and rallying the right people to attend the EAC. “This acknowledges individuals who clear the way for others to participate in transformative platforms, such as the EAC by doing the groundwork,” said Mkhize. Mkhize also the third award is the Next Level Networker Award, which celebrates individuals who ensure that the EAC is positioned to the right minds in the right spaces. “And in doing so, this ensures that high-level delegations attend the EAC,” said Mkhize.
The fourth award is the Ambassador of Impact Award. This award honours organisations which show foresight in developing the skills of their employees. These organisations enable their employees to show up and sign up for the EAC.
The last event is the Influence and Inclusion Award. This award is presented to individuals who have been actively engaged on social media platforms, interacting with the EAC, and thereby raising the profile of the EAC and expanding its reach. While delegates are requested to enter the first four awards, it is a bit different with this award. Delegates will have to be active on social media, promoting the EAC. The organisers will monitor what the delegates are posting on social media, and then the necessary decisions.