Pinnacle Financial Services 5 Year Celebrations

27th March, 2025

Client: Pinnacle Financial Services

Assignment: Event concept, Event Management, Creative designs

Solution: On 27th March 2025, Pinnacle Financial Services (PFS) celebrated a remarkable milestone, five years of transforming lives in Malawi’s microfinance sector. To bring this milestone to life, PFS partnered with Mirage PR, who conceptualized and executed an immersive anniversary celebration at Mount Soche Hotel, welcoming stakeholders from various sectors of the economy.

The evening began with guests arriving slightly ahead of schedule at 5:50 PM, though the majority trickled in after 6:20 PM. Upon arrival, attendees were greeted at the registration desk and introduced to interactive activity stations designed around PFS’s core values: Courage, Respect, Accountability, and Excellence. Each station presented a challenge that reflected the essence of its respective value. For instance, the Courage Challenge featured real-life financial dilemmas, encouraging guests to think boldly about financial decisions for individuals and businesses alike.

In addition to the core-value challenges, participants engaged in the Fishbowl Facts Quiz, where guests picked cards containing random questions about PFS, penned down their answers, and placed them into a fishbowl. This activity quickly became a favorite, with higher participation rates than the initial interactive stations, as it allowed guests to test their knowledge about the brand in a fun and engaging way.

By 6:45 PM, with a significant number of guests settled, the program officially kicked off. Event host Sam Kabambe welcomed attendees and guided them through the evening’s agenda. Shortly after, testimonial and team videos were displayed on the LED screen, celebrating PFS’s journey over the past five years.

The spotlight then turned to Douglas Kamwendo, PFS CEO, whose keynote address focused on the event’s theme: “5 Years of Uplifting Lives.” Following the CEO’s remarks, the Fishbowl Facts Quiz transitioned onto the stage, with a Mirage PR representative presenting responses for verification by PFS staff. This segment not only entertained but also ensured that accurate information about the company’s history and services was shared with all attendees.

The celebration continued with closing remarks from Board Chairman Dr. Brian Malambo, who addressed the audience for five minutes, followed by a vote of thanks and celebratory toast led by Dr. Sera Gondwe. Guests raised their glasses in unison, marking PFS’s five-year journey of empowering individuals and communities.

The evening concluded with a cocktail reception, offering guests the opportunity to network, enjoy refreshments, and engage with PFS leadership. Eight journalists from leading media houses, including MBC, Zodiak, Times, and Nyasatimes, conducted interviews with the CEO, ensuring media coverage in both English and Chichewa.

The event was a resounding success. Through creative experiential activities, strategic media engagement, and meticulous event management, Mirage PR delivered a celebration that not only honored PFS’s achievements but also strengthened its brand narrative. Guests left inspired, informed, and immersed in the story of Pinnacle Financial Services’ commitment to uplifting lives over the past five years.

Highlights of the campaign

Videography and Photography was well delivered.

Provided hosting services for the client

Branded guest gifts with the 5 years theme

Creative design of all artworks

Engaging interactive activity curated for the event

Organized professional media and post event PR tracking

 

 

READ MORE

National Bank of Malawi Fuel 360 Launch

 

30th April, 2025

Client: National Bank of Malawi

Assignment: Event Coordination, Event Management , Experiential Marketing

Solution: On April 30, 2025, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) launched an innovative financing solution called Fuel 360, aimed at revolutionizing fuel retail in Malawi.

Fuel 360 was developed to provide financial support to fuel retailers, helping them maintain consistent fuel supplies and enhance operational efficiency. By addressing common cash flow challenges, the product aimed to ensure a steady and reliable fuel distribution network across the country.

The initiative formed part of NBM’s broader strategy to empower key sectors of the Malawian economy through tailored financial products. By improving access to working capital, Fuel 360 enabled fuel retailers to meet demand more effectively and consistently.

Mirage PR conceptualized and coordinated the launch event, and the following report outlines the highlights and lessons learned during the event.

Highlights of the campaign

  • A high-impact highlight video captured the most important moments of the launch event.
  • The event décor perfectly reflected the theme of the launch, leaving guests impressed with the overall ambience.
  • Another key highlight was the seamless coordination by the Mirage team, who ensured that client needs were fully met throughout and after the event.
  • The professional hosting services provided ensured the event ran smoothly and delivered an exceptional experience for all in attendance.
READ MORE

NBS Bank Townhall Culture

13th February, 19th February  and 21st February, 2025

Client: NBS Bank

Assignment: Event Coordination, Event Management

Solution: On February 13, 2025, NBS Bank hosted its highly anticipated Townhall and Culture Launch event at Mount Soche Hotel, followed by similar events in Mzuzu at Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel on February 19, and in Lilongwe at BICC on February 21, 2025. These significant events were designed to celebrate and reinforce the bank’s core values, aligning with its mission to cultivate a strong, unified internal culture. The occasion provided a platform to emphasize the importance of teamwork, accountability, and a customer-first approach in driving organizational excellence.

Mirage PR was honored to coordinate and execute the events, leveraging our expertise in corporate engagement management. Our team collaborated closely with NBS Bank throughout the process to ensure the seamless execution of activities, from pre-event planning to post-event evaluation.

During the events, NBS Bank took a moment to unveil the Champions—the individuals entrusted with the responsibility of bringing this important cultural transformation to life. Their roles and contributions were celebrated, reinforcing the collective effort required to drive the values of teamwork, accountability, and customer-centricity across the organization.

Highlights of the campaign

  • A total of 400 guests attended the launch event in Blantyre, 80  guests in Mzuzu and 170 in Lilongwe.
  • The guests commended the cultural themed décor that resonated well with the launch for all the events.
  • The event registration was unique and engaging – as guests were required to scan a QR code beamed on the LED screens at the event.
  • The cultural troupe present at the event spiced it up and it was well received by the guests.
  • All events were coordinated by Mirage PR and they were expertly executed to the satisfaction of the client

 

READ MORE

NICO ASSET MANAGER’s Offshore Product Offering Launch

13th March to 14th March, 2025

Client:  NICO Asset Managers

Assignment: Event Coordination, Event Management

Solution: NICO Asset Managers launched its new Offshore Investment product, allowing clients to invest in property outside the country. The launch events were held on March 13th at Mount Soche in Blantyre and March 14th at BICC in Lilongwe.

In partnership with Sanlam, NICO aims to provide clients with expert financial advice and insights on international property investments. Group CEO Daniel Dunga and his team worked tirelessly to bring this product to life, and the launch showcased their dedication and success. The event brought together invited guests from the financial sector and business community.

Mirage PR provided an exciting interactive activity. The interactive activity called Bumpy Road was designed to get the conversation started. Guests selected a mode of transportation—ranging from a salon car to a yacht—before navigating a journey filled with obstacles like flooding and broken bridges, symbolising investment challenges. The experience concluded with a private jet takeoff, representing offshore investment opportunities.

Highlights of the campaign

  • The Lilongwe event had 60 guests in attendance, while the Blantyre event hosted 70 guests.
  • Guests were delighted with the gift boxes, which featured a selection of books. These books tied into the product launch, since they mainly focused on wealth.
  • The décor was a major highlight, with impressive entrance and room decorations.
  • The interactive activity served as a great conversation starter, and guests were particularly intrigued by the placards.
  • Guests enjoyed networking opportunities while sharing breakfast.
  • Captivating highlight video that captured both launch events – that took place at Blantyre and Lilongwe. This high impact video highlight was coordinated and produced by Mirage PR.

 

 

 

READ MORE

Director’s Retreat 2025

28th March to 30th March, 2025 

Client: NICO Group

Assignment: Event Coordination, Event Management

Solution: From March 28 to 30, 2025, NICO Group hosted a high-impact Directors’ Retreat at Sunbird Livingstonia and Waterfront Hotels in Salima. The retreat was designed to foster leadership excellence, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate the achievements of the Group’s top leadership. Mirage PR successfully managed and executed the event, working closely with NICO from planning through to delivery and post-event wrap-up.

The retreat began on Friday with Directors arriving throughout the day and being warmly welcomed at two reception points. A creative welcome activity involving a colour-by-number elephant painting was used to spark interaction, with numbers drawn also intended for team selection. Although the evening’s Braai Masters Competition saw an adjustment due to turnout, the Directors enthusiastically formed their own teams. The beachfront dinner that followed featured live music, fun games, and an engaging cooking competition led by CEOs as team head chefs. Teams competed using shared ingredients and braai stations, and winners received Malawi watches while the judges received appreciation gifts.

Saturday began with a morning aerobics session attended by 25 participants, despite minor delays due to music equipment. A timely and well-attended leadership conference followed, where the Group Managing Director and Board Chairman delivered key messages on leadership, commitment, and unity. In the evening, a Sundowner Cocktail eased into the Golden Gates Gala Dinner. Dressed in black tie, the Directors participated in an interactive fish tasting game called “Big Fish, Small Fish,” which emphasized strategic thinking in changing markets. The Gala featured inspiring speeches and entertainment, including a standout performance by Kell Kay, who personalized his songs to reflect NICO’s journey, followed by an open dance floor that extended into the night.

Sunday began with another aerobics session and a group photo, followed by tailored leisure activities. Directors had a choice of a game drive at Mkuyu Game Ranch, horseback riding, mountain biking, a guided self-drive tour at Kuti Game Reserve, or spa treatments at the Waterfront Garden. These included express manicures, pedicures, and massages. All activities concluded by 1:00 PM, after which the Directors enjoyed lunch and checked out. The retreat successfully blended strategic engagement with relaxation, reinforcing the theme of “ONE NICO” and positioning the Group as a unified, high-performing force in Malawi’s financial sector.

Highlights of the campaign

  • A total of about 70 Directors attended the retreat for the entire three days.
  • The Directors fully immersed themselves in all of the activities at the retreat beginning from painting all the way to the Sunday activities, and expressed genuine enjoyment.
  • There was ample brand presence at the event and a considerable number of directors commended the aesthetics, i.e., stage, lighting, etc.
  • The Braai Masters Competition encouraged teamwork while still encouraging the competitive spirit, and the participants continued to discuss and make references to it the whole weekend.

 

 

READ MORE

ONE NICO EXECUTIVE GOLF CHALLENGE

The One Executive Golf Challenge

9th September and 30th September, 2023 (Blantyre and Lilongwe

Client: NICO Group

Assignment: Event Concept and Coordination

Solution:  The NICO Group of companies, which includes NBS Bank Plc and Eris Properties, engaged Mirage PR to conceptualise and coordinate the ONE NICO Executive Golf Challenge. This golf tournaments were held under the theme “Strokes of Genius” and this was a term that was used to marry business performance with the game of golf through golfing tips. The Blantyre edition was held at Country Club Limbe on the 9th of September, 2023 while the Lilongwe edition was held at Lilongwe Golf Club on the 30th of September, 2023. 

 

 

 

READ MORE

NICO Group Cocktail: The Billionaire Escapade

NICO Group Cocktail: The Billionaire Escapade

Date: 28th September, 2023 

Client: NICO Group 

Assignment:  Event Concept and Event Coordination

Solution: The NICO Group engaged Mirage PR to conceptualize and coordinate its customer appreciation efforts through a well-curated cocktail. The event which was held at The Kumbali Lodge in Lilongwe took place on a Thursday, 28th of September from 6PM to 10 PM. The event was themed “The Billionaire Escapade” and the purpose of the event was to engage with and treat the stakeholders to an exciting memorable experience, as well as celebrate The Group’s success testified by impressive mid-year financial performance results.

Stakeholders were treated to a unique one-of-a-kind experience during the event, as they were required to play Monopoly in real time. This was an exciting and memorable experience for many of the patrons and the event was both exciting and educational.

 

READ MORE

NICO ASSET MANAGERS COFFEE EXPERIENCE

Date: 29th August and 31st August, 2023 (Lilongwe and Blantyre) 

Client: NICO ASSET MANAGERS 

Assignment:  Concept Development and Event Coordination

Solution: NICO Asset Managers (NAM) engaged mirage PR to coordinate and conceptualize an event that would be able to engage prospective clients, to share their solutions. The NICO Coffee experience was an experiential marketing activity that delivered a curated brand experience for the prospective clients. The Lilongwe event was held on the 29th of August, 2023 and it took place at the Bingu International Convention Centre (B.I.C.C). While the Blantyre event took place at Ryalls hotel on the 31st August, 2023. 

 

READ MORE

CDHIB Staff Engagement

5th August, 2022

Client: CDH Investment Bank

Assignment:  Concept and Event Coordination  

Solution:  CDH Investment Bank assigned Mirage PR to conceptualize and coordinate the bank’s Staff Engagement Launch as part of the Banks 10-year celebrations. The events were held to allow staff and executive members of the Bank to celebrate a decade of creating value as an Investment Bank. Mirage PR also organized an award segment as part of the celebrations and this was well received by patrons. Both events were implemented and coordinated expertly and this was attested by the excitement exuded by the staff.

 

READ MORE

NICO GROUP EASTER ACTIVITIES

7th – 10th April, 2023

Client: NICO Group 

Assignment: Concept and Event Coordination 

Solution:  Mirage PR was assigned by the NICO Group to execute and coordinate an experiential activity for children and adults. Children were left for 15 minutes and engaged in various activities such as face painting, Sip and Paint, Treasure hunt and bunny board. This was a great way to celebrate the Easter holiday while creating a memorable with experience for the children with the brand. It was a wonderful way to create brand engagement in a unique and fun way.

READ MORE