The IMM Institute will host its annual Gala Dinner on 8 May 2026, recognising outstanding achievement across marketing, supply chain management and business leadership at the prestigious IMM Institute Excellence Awards.
The evening, hosted in partnership with Kwikot, will honour exceptional individuals and organisations that have demonstrated excellence in their fields. “This year, we have taken a more deliberate and discerning approach to nominations, placing strong emphasis on meaningful impact and depth of achievement – an important step in ensuring the Awards remain both aspirational and elite as we continue to grow the calibre and diversity of entries,” says Irene Gregory, CEO of the IMM Institute.
Finalists and winners will be independently assessed and selected by a panel of judges comprising highly respected industry leaders, seasoned practitioners, and academic experts. Gregory highlights that this composition brings “exceptional credibility and a richness of perspective to the process, ensuring that every recognition is rigorously and fairly adjudicated.”
Nominations closed on 31 March 2026, and the panel has now commenced deliberations. Finalists will be notified on 25 April, followed by the announcement of the winners at the Awards Gala Dinner on 8 May.
The gala dinner will take place at The Venue, Melrose Arch, which Gregory describes as offering “a truly memorable red-carpet experience – an opportunity for industry peers to connect, celebrate, and be inspired together.” Attendees can look forward to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards – a highlight of the evening that honours individuals whose careers have left an indelible mark on the marketing and supply chain profession in South Africa.
Recipients of the two Lifetime Achievement Awards will be invited to address guests in a feature speech, offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from those who have shaped the industry, with insights drawn from decades of leadership and innovation. Alongside world-class entertainment and the celebrated Govan Whittles as Master of Ceremonies, these addresses are expected to be among the most memorable moments of the night.
The Gala Dinner also presents a valuable networking opportunity for professionals across the marketing and supply chain disciplines.