Local Knowledge, Global Expertise
Paragon Africa is an established Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Our experienced team have co-ordinated and executed multiple successful events across a diverse range of business sectors, including the Medical, Legal, Arts, Technology, and Educational fields in various cities around the world.
In addition to our local team, we are supported by a formidable team of experts from the International offices of the Paragon Group.
We have the knowledge, skills and inspiration to create a truly awe-inspiring event for you - no matter how big or small or where it is located.
Conference and event planning, branding, production and management is equivalent to creating art. Our creative attitude, combined with our human touch and passion for knowledge, leads to memorable masterpieces, filled with imagination, creativity and fun.
Successful conferences evoke opportunities for personal and professional growth. After defining our clients' precise needs, our team embarks on an extraordinary process of empowerment. The end result is an event like no other, accomplishing diverse goals - client branding, enhanced professional reputation, specific and continuous audience participation, increased revenue - and much more.
What makes a work of art truly awe-inspiring? How does one spark inspiration? We use imagination and vision to create conferences that reflect quality and professionalism, providing participants with a lasting impression.
Lara Le Roux
DIRECTOR AND PARTNER
Lara Le Roux is the Managing Director and Partner of Paragon Africa, bringing over 20 years of experience in the conference and events industry across South Africa and the United Kingdom, with a strong focus on association business.
Before joining Paragon Africa, Lara successfully owned and managed her own professional conference organising (PCO) company. Her career also includes key roles with leading PCOs in Cape Town and with a major UK-based association, where she was responsible for managing a portfolio of high-profile events. Since joining Paragon Africa in 2018, Lara has played a central role in driving the company’s growth — overseeing complex projects, streamlining operations, and leading an expanding and passionate team.
Career highlights include managing two landmark international congresses: the 62nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2011, hosting 3,500 delegates, and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly 2024, a two-week, fully hybrid, open-access event attended by over 2,600 participants.
Lara holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management, majoring in Events Management, and a Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Business Management Sciences, specialising in Events. In addition to her professional work, Lara has shared her expertise as a part-time lecturer in Event Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
She currently serves as board member of the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) and is part of the CPUT Events Management Advisory Board.
Lara is passionate about mentoring her team, fostering growth, and sharing industry knowledge. Above all, she thrives on creating exceptional conference experiences — ensuring every client’s event is a success and every delegate leaves with lasting memories.
Lerisha Naicker
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Lerisha Naicker has over a decade of experience in destination marketing, event, and project management. She combines creativity with strategic insight to deliver exceptional results. With hands-on experience at the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, she has supported association congresses from inception to completion. Lerisha's award-winning project management skills reflect her commitment to excellence, as demonstrated during her tenure at Wesgro. She values dignity and respect in client relationships, ensuring tailored solutions for every challenge. Lerisha’s character is built on honesty, accountability, and integrity. She follows the Japanese concept of Kodawari—the relentless pursuit of perfection in everything she does.
Adanda Bornman
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Adanda began her journey at Paragon Africa as a Project Administrator and, through dedication and hard work, has grown into her role as Executive Assistant to Lara Le Roux, Director and Partner at Paragon Africa. She is the glue that holds everything together in the office – with a liberal sprinkle of glitter.
Her sparkling personality and can-do attitude bring a sense of calm and order to both Lara and the team. Adanda thrives in the fast-paced environment of events and project coordination, where she enjoys engaging with delegates and ensuring every experience runs seamlessly.
Her warm nature, attention to detail, and genuine care for people make her an invaluable part of the Paragon Africa team.
Jane Gilliland
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Jane has extensive experience in the travel and events industry and brings a calm energy to the team. She is especially adept at negotiating and managing accommodation blocks, ensuring our delegates have a comfortable and convenient 'home-away-from-home'. A studious person with an eye for detail, projects managed by Jane are in simply the best hands.
Monique Kasselman
PROJECT MANAGER
Monique has literally grown up in the conference industry, starting out by assisting a family-owned company part-time as a young teen, and later joining full time as a registration co-ordinator. Since then she has evolved into an accomplished registration manager, and is now tackling project management. Her confidence with numbers and a firm grasp of specialized conference software gives her a strong foundation for success.
Renee Lukin
PROJECT MANAGER
With over 20 years of experience working in the conference and event industry, I currently serve as Project Manager at Paragon Africa, where I live for the “big picture” thrills of seeing an event go from bid to boom. Holding a Diploma in Business Management, I’m passionate about crafting memorable moments, connecting people, and turning complex projects into elevated experiences. I love working with diverse stakeholders, diving into the logistics and the creative, and watching the entire event unfold — it’s the people, the energy, and the transformation that truly inspire me.
Isabella Mostert
ASSISTANT ASSOCIATION MANAGER
Isabella Mostert has over a decade of experience in higher education administration. She is a seasoned producer of numerous Theatre Productions. She also enjoys teaching, with experience teaching French at the Alliance Française de Bloemfontein and Drama classes for children and young adults.
Aaron Crowie
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION MANAGER
Aaron Crowie is a marketing and partnerships professional with extensive experience in developing high-impact sponsorship strategies and managing stakeholder relationships across major events and brand environments. As Sponsorship & Exhibition Manager at Paragon Africa, he focuses on building meaningful partnerships, enhancing event value, and delivering engaging experiences for clients and collaborators. Aaron is driven by relationship-building, strategic thinking, and creating opportunities that connect organisations with purpose and impact.
Ebeth Wilson
FELLOWSHIP COORDINATOR
Ebeth Wilson has a long history in medical practice administration.
She is also a qualified Stage Manager, using every and any opportunity to live out this passion.
Luzette Botha
ASSISTANT RESEARCHER AND PROJECT COORDINATOR
A true people’s person, Luzette has a deep passion for history, remarkable destinations, and cultures from around the world. With over 16 years of experience in communication, marketing, and events, she has developed a strong understanding of the industry and how to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Luzette approaches every project with critical thinking, empathy, and integrity, embracing challenges and thriving on learning and discovering new experiences.
Cheryl van Zyl
ACCOUNTS
Hayley van der Merwe
JUNIOR ADMINISTRATOR
Meet Hayley, our new Junior Administrator! After recently completing her Matric, Hayley is taking a gap year to gain hands-on experience in business operations and the events industry. With plans to pursue a BCom in Business Management next year, she’s eager to learn and grow. Hayley’s vibrant energy and positive attitude make her a wonderful addition to our team!