Carol Weaving is Top Performing Businesswoman of the Year

Weaving, described by peers in the industry to be at the cutting edge of the meetings and exhibitions industry in Africa, leads one of the continent's most forward-thinking and successful exhibition and events organisations. She is also former chairperson of the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA).

She has been the driving force behind the Meetings Africa exhibition, a business tourism platform for Africa, described as the continent's largest annual gathering of the conference, special events and incentive travel sector. So successful is this event that South African Tourism acquired the exhibition - which Weaving managed until last year.

Established exhibitions owned by the group include Decorex SA, Mediatech Africa and the Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo. The group is also bringing three brand new exhibitions to South Africa - the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange taking place at the CTICC, 27-29 July; Design in Hospitality at The Forum in the Turbine Hall in Newtown, Johannesburg, 15- 16 September and the Retirement Expo at the Coca-Cola dome in Johannesburg, 28-30 October.

Weaving is also known for her managerial skills, including managing venues. She landed the contract to manage the Coca-Cola dome in Johannesburg and has taken it from a venue which was the proverbial 'white elephant' to one of the leading venues in South Africa. This contract is valid until 2019 - the third term in a row. A hands-on strategic operator, Weaving enthuses her team and empowers people to deliver, whatever it takes.

"I am proud and honoured to receive this prestigious award," says Weaving. "The empowerment of women is even more critical in today's business world. I thank my team who continue to inspire and support me."

The Top Performing Businessman of the Year is Andrew Mills of Boxer Superstores.