Freysen-Pretorius is the chief executive officer of The Conference Company, which has offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg and celebrates 20 years in business this year.

Vince Alonzo, Editor-in-Chief of Successful Meetings, says the 25 individuals have been chosen because they have either contributed to the business of meetings, made it easier for meetings professionals to do their jobs, helped raise awareness of the industry, or, through their actions, have had a significant impact on meetings professionals.

Potential honorees were suggested by key members of the meeting industry, recipients from previous years and through open nominations.

Named one of the top strategists in the meetings industry, Freysen-Pretorius is serving a second term as president of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the first South African to fill the position.

Arnaldo Nardone, immediate past president of ICCA, says Freysen-Pretorius has a vision for the international meetings industry. "She is a strategist. She is work-focused and is hyper-engaged with the meetings industry community. She is a game-changer and shifts paradigms."

Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism, says this is a huge achievement – not only for Freysen-Pretorius as an individual but for the South African meetings industry as a whole. "Thank you, Nina, for making a real contribution to the industry on a global level and for being an outstanding ambassador for South Africa at the same time. Congratulations from South African Tourism and the entire industry."

"Being included in this list of industry achievers is truly humbling. I believe in the meetings industry and how it can contribute to successful economies across the world, including South Africa," says Freysen-Pretorius. – Source: www.bizzcommunity.com