I recently had the opportunity to host two very stylish launch events at the Benmore Centre in Sandton. Benmore has undergone an extensive renovation program over the last couple of years to bring one of the city’s most established retail hubs into the 21st century, with a slick new look.

I MC’d two great events – a fun High Tea and a sophisticated champagne evening to unveil their bold new look to Sandton’s A-listers and a host of media personalities.

To get a glimpse of these spectacular events, watch the video below

Zoë Brown and the team from SABC3’s Expresso joined us to get a sneak peek at what the new centre has to offer. In my interview with them, I shared my thoughts on how the revamped space has something to offer to every single shopper in the area. It’s important for Benmore to stay ahead of trends and remain relevant to the community in which it is situated – especially as part of Africa’s richest square mile.

It was great fun to be able to MC the two very different – but equally stylish – events and see some famous and familiar faces out in the crowd. MC’ing an event in a working shopping centre presents different challenges to hosting one in a conference room, but I think the bustle of shoppers all around us really added to the occasion. My role at events like these is to welcome guests and ensure that the brand at hand gets plenty of attention – and after its revamp, Benmore Centre was certainly the star of the show.

I’m excited to see how the new Benmore Centre thrives and am proud to have played a role in unveiling its new face to the who’s who of Sandton.

To see more check out my instagram here @bennumvanjaarsveld