As Master of Ceremonies and International Guest Speaker, there are few people who can boast the varied and successful career which Jo-Ann Strauss has built up over the past 22 years. She has hosted international events from Barcelona to Dubai, chaired a panel discussion with global entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson and social media sensation, Caspar Lee as well as hosted the first charitable fundraiser in Monaco for Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene.
 

She hosted the VIP events for BMW International at the Ryder Cup in Paris. She also hosted the biggest amateur golf tournament in the world in Mexico as well as the Conde Nast International Luxury Conference with Vogue’s Suzy Menkes. Her clients are often repeat clients who book her well in advance, which emphasises her work ethic and attention to detail. Even though Covid-19 has challenged the events industry in unimaginable ways, she has hosted a number of virtual or online events for top companies and has used her influence to effect positive change in various ways.
 

Both in South Africa and worldwide, she is renowned for her ability to seamlessly integrate her witty charm and take audiences on an insightful and entertaining journey throughout the proceedings she hosts. She has been the brand ambassador of Lufthansa, Samsung and BMW in South Africa and has sat on the boards of Media24 (Africa’s biggest media company), M&C Saatchi Abel (advertising agency) as well as the advisory board of one of Africa’s top business schools, the University of Stellenbosch Business School. She served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has even designed a clothing range which raised funds to feed over 8000 families.

She has four children aged 7 and under with her husband, an orthopedic surgeon, and has an inspirational social media account called “Modern Mommy.” She strives for balance in everything she does. Her social media credentials are also worthy of mention, as well as the fact that she produced #SocialStar, a media property that enables young influencers to carve profitable and sustainable businesses in the new sphere of media. She has almost 700 000 followers across the most popular platforms.
 

She has MC’ed conferences for bespoke brands on 4 continents and traveled extensively as a television host and producer. Her innate sense of style has earned her a number of awards and magazine covers. She is passionate about entrepreneurship and creating an environment in her home country which helps people grow their own businesses. She is mentoring 50 women who she has given online bursaries too to study through two of Africa’s top business schools.

As Master of Ceremonies and International Guest Speaker, there are few people who can boast the varied and successful career which Jo-Ann Strauss has built up over the past 22 years. She has hosted international events from Barcelona to Dubai, chaired a panel discussion with global entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson and social media sensation, Caspar Lee as well as hosted the first charitable fundraiser in Monaco for Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene.