05Oct

ICON PROPERTIES PLC STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 2026 A CORPORATE EVENT IN MALAWI MANAGED BY MIRAGE PR

October 5, 2026By 0 comment

15th July, 2026

Client: ICON Properties Plc

Assignment: Event Management, Creative Design

Solutions: On 15 July 2026, ICON Properties Plc successfully hosted its annual Stakeholder Meeting at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre, bringing together key stakeholders including property investors, tenants, real estate professionals, financial advisors, Blantyre City Council officials, business partners and members of the media. The meeting provided an important platform for ICON Properties to engage directly with stakeholders, share updates on the company’s performance, discuss its position in the Malawi real estate market and outline its future plans. Mirage PR was responsible for the end-to-end event management and coordination, including developing the event branding concept, coordinating venue and supplier arrangements, producing branded materials and overseeing the execution of the corporate event.

Mirage PR managed the event from concept to execution, developing the event branding and creative direction, coordinating the venue and suppliers, producing branded materials and overseeing the guest experience and programme flow. Through detailed planning, technical rehearsals and on-site coordination, Mirage PR ensured that the event provided a professional platform for ICON Properties’ leadership to engage stakeholders and communicate its business performance, developments and future vision. 

The event officially commenced at 10:00 AM, with senior executives from ICON Properties sharing updates on the company’s financial and operational performance, key achievements and strategic priorities. The Chief Finance Officer provided insights into projects, while the Property Manager highlighted the company’s diverse property portfolio. CEO Washington Chimuzu shared updates on future plans and ongoing developments, including the hotel development at Lilongwe Golf Club, which was approximately 90% complete. A key highlight was the interactive Question and Answer session, where stakeholders actively engaged with the company’s leadership. The Mayor also commended the contribution of investors such as ICON Properties to economic development. The event recorded strong attendance, with shareholders engaging on the company’s performance, future direction and progress of their investments.

Through its event management and creative design expertise, Mirage PR created an environment that balanced professional corporate communication with an engaging stakeholder experience. From the visual presentation and event branding to guest coordination and technical execution, every element was carefully managed to support ICON Properties’ objectives and ensure a seamless event experience. 

Highlights

  • The ICON Properties Stakeholder Meeting attracted over 100 stakeholders, exceeding the expected attendance and resulting in a full venue.
  • Professional décor, ambience and event branding created a welcoming corporate environment that was well received by attendees.
  • The programme was executed smoothly through effective event coordination, including logistics, guest management, catering and executive support.
  • The event received same-day coverage across multiple media outlets, while the official event article was published on the company’s website on the day of the event.
  • Technical rehearsals and dry runs were completed on schedule, ensuring presentations, equipment and event elements were fully prepared for a seamless corporate event experience.
READ MORE
30Sep

THE VALUE CREATION BUSINESS BREAKFAST: MIRAGE PR COORDINATES THE COMING TOGETHER OF CORPORATE GIANTS AND GOVERNMENT IN COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP

September 30, 2026By 0 comment

   

24 September 2026

Client: Government of Malawi, Press Corporation, One NICO and Old Mutual

Assignment: Public Relations, Event Management and Experiential Marketing

Solution:
On 24 September 2026, the Government of Malawi, Press Corporation, One NICO and Old Mutual hosted a high-level Business Breakfast at Ryalls Hotel in Kabula, bringing together key public and private sector stakeholders to discuss matters of national interest, with a focus on mining and trade, industrialization and tourism.

Under the theme “Driving Economic Transformation through Collaborative Partnerships,” the business breakfast created a platform for government and private sector leaders to discuss opportunities for investment, collaboration and sustainable economic growth.

Mirage PR provided event management, coordination, branding and PR support, ensuring that the high-value business meeting delivered a polished and engaging experience from guest arrival through to the final programme.

Creating the Right First Impression: Registration and Event Branding

Guests began arriving at 7:30 AM and were welcomed through a digital registration through the Event Management system by Mirage PR at the foyer, creating a streamlined check-in experience.

The guest journey continued through a branded corridor featuring the logos of the participating companies and ministries before guests entered an elegantly decorated conference room. White chairs and tables, branded menus and carefully considered décor created a premium environment appropriate for the high-level business audience.

The branded menus and intentional room design helped strengthen the overall event experience, while the digital registration point generated interest among attendees and streamlined the guest arrival process.

The official programme began at 8:30 AM, with host Jimmy Lipunga welcoming guests and introducing the Minister of Industrialization, Hon. Simon Itaye. The Minister spoke about the value Malawi needs to create to drive industrialization and highlighted the importance of developing an environment that supports economic transformation.

The programme then moved to the mining sector, with the Minister of Mining, Hon. Thoko Tembo, MP, presenting investment opportunities and highlighting areas of potential for investors.

CEO Panel: Turning Conversations into Business Insights

Following the ministerial presentations, the event transitioned into a panel discussion featuring leaders from the private sector.

The panel brought together Dr. Ronald Mangani, Press Corporation CEO; Mr. Vizenge Kumwenda, NICO Group Managing Director; and Mr. Tavona Biza, Old Mutual Group CEO. The CEOs unpacked the issues raised during the ministerial presentations, offering private sector perspectives on the opportunities and challenges surrounding economic transformation. A question and answer session also gave guests an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and contribute their own perspectives.

A Corporate Event Experience Designed for Engagement

Beyond the programme itself, the event was designed to create a professional and engaging environment for meaningful business conversations.

Mirage PR managed the event setup and coordination, responding to logistical requirements and ensuring the programme flowed effectively. The team also adapted to last-minute changes, including the addition of a six-person panel discussion and a live-streaming component communicated on the morning of the event.

A photo booth and gift area added an experiential element to the event as guests got branded gift bags as a keepsake to feel part of the event and carry on the experience. The branded environment provided opportunities for the participating organizations to maintain a strong visual presence throughout the experience.

Media Engagement Extends the Reach of the Business Breakfast

Strategic media coordination formed part of the event execution, with invited media personnel attending the business breakfast and conducting interviews with key participants.

The resulting media coverage extended the conversation beyond the event venue, allowing the issues discussed around economic transformation, mining, industrialization and investment to reach a wider audience.

Highlights of the Event

  • Business breakfast event management: Mirage PR coordinated the event setup, logistics and programme flow for a high-level public-private sector meeting.
  • Digital event registration: Digital registration streamlined guest check-in and enhanced the arrival experience.
  • Experiential event elements: A photo booth and gift area added interactive elements to the corporate event experience.
  • Media relations and coverage: Invited media conducted interviews and generated coverage that extended the reach of the event beyond the venue.
  • Live-streaming coordination: Mirage PR adapted to the late addition of a live-streaming component and supported the technical requirements.
  • Premium corporate event experience: Intentional décor, branded menus and room design helped create an environment suited to senior business and government stakeholders.

The Result

The Business Breakfast at Ryalls Hotel created a platform for government and private sector leaders to exchange perspectives on economic transformation, investment and opportunities across mining, trade, industrialization and tourism.

For Mirage PR, the event demonstrated our ability to combine event management, public relations, corporate event branding and experiential marketing in Malawi to create professional experiences that support meaningful stakeholder engagement.

From high-level business breakfasts to conferences, corporate launches and experiential activations, Mirage PR brings creativity and strategy together to deliver memorable and purposeful events.

READ MORE
08Sep

NICO General Sponsors the 2026 SARPCCO Conference, the Region’s Biggest Security Event Managed by Mirage PR

September 8, 2026By 0 comment

 

 

10-12 June 2026

Client: NICO General

Assignment: Public Relations and Event Management, Experiential Marketing

Solution: When police chiefs and security leaders from across Southern Africa came to Lilongwe for the 2026 SARPCCO Conference, NICO General Insurance was there as a sponsor, with Mirage PR  an event management and experiential marketing agency in Malawi, managing how the brand showed up at every stage of the programme.

The Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organization (SARPCCO) Conference is one of the region’s most significant security gatherings. It brought together senior law enforcement leaders, government representatives and stakeholders from across the SADC region to strengthen collaboration against cross-border crime and advance regional security.

The work covered strategic brand positioning, event branding execution and media coordination. The aim was for NICO General’s presence to make an impact and to match its commitment to safety, resilience and sustainable development across the region.

SARPCCO Technical Organs Meetings: Visibility from Day One

The programme opened with the SARPCCO Technical Organs Meetings from 8 to 10 June 2026. Delegates discussed regional security challenges and joint solutions. Mirage PR kept NICO General’s branding consistent across these sessions and created openings for stakeholder engagement and positive media exposure.

The NICO General Private Dinner: Dialogue on Regional Security

On 10 June 2026, NICO General hosted an exclusive Private Dinner. Senior executives from NICO General, representatives of the wider NICO Group and regional security leaders attended. The conversation covered emerging security risks, the importance of regional cooperation and the role of strategic partnerships in building safer communities and economies.

The 31st SARPCCO Annual General Meeting at the Bingu International Convention Centre

The conference reached its peak at the 31st SARPCCO Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 11 and 12 June 2026 at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe. Ceremonial parades and high-level engagements marked the official opening. NICO General’s sponsorship put the company at the center of the conversations on security, resilience and regional cooperation.

African-Themed Gala Dinner: Celebrating the Conference

The conference closed on 12 June 2026 with an African-themed Gala Dinner, where delegates celebrated the conference and the continent’s cultural heritage. Carefully curated branding and visibility opportunities kept NICO General prominent throughout the evening and reinforced its reputation as a trusted partner committed to protecting people, businesses and communities.

Highlights of the Campaign

  • SARPCCO conference branding in Lilongwe: Comprehensive branding and visibility management across every conference touchpoint kept the NICO General brand strong and consistent.
  • Public relations for a regional security conference: Strategic PR support with pre event interviews and online articles to help place NICO General alongside the key conversations on regional security, cooperation and resilience.
  • NICO General Private Dinner: A well-executed evening for high-level stakeholder engagement and relationship building.
  • NICO Group representation: Strong Group presence, with NBS Bank providing banking support and services to delegates throughout the conference.
  • Gala Dinner branding in Malawi: High-impact branding at the African-themed Gala Dinner created memorable brand experiences for delegates and stakeholders.
  • Event photography and videography: Professional coverage captured key moments, engagements and brand activations across the conference.
  • Media coverage in Malawi and the SADC region: Extensive traditional and digital coverage raised visibility for both NICO General and the SARPCCO Conference.
  • Insurance brand positioning in Southern Africa: NICO General’s standing was strengthened as a trusted insurer supporting safer, more secure and resilient communities across the SADC region.
  • Multi-stakeholder event management: Smooth coordination between government institutions, conference organizers and NICO Group representatives delivered every event requirement.

The Result

Across five days, from the Technical Organs Meetings to the Gala Dinner, NICO General stayed visible in the region’s most important security conversations. The project showed Mirage PR’s ability to combine public relations, branding and event management to build stakeholder engagement and support business objectives.

Sponsoring a conference or corporate event in Malawi? Talk to Mirage PR about public relations, event branding and event management that get your brand noticed.

READ MORE
19Aug

What happens when a corporate strategy needs to become more than a presentation?

August 19, 2026By 0 comment

Date: 26th, 28th, 31st March 2026

Client: Old Mutual

Solution: What happens when a corporate strategy needs to become more than a presentation?

For Old Mutual Malawi, the launch of its bold THRIVE Strategy was an opportunity to bring employees together around a shared vision for growth, execution and the future. Rather than creating a conventional corporate town hall, Mirage PR transformed the strategy into a high-energy, multi-city employee experience designed to make THRIVE something employees could see, feel and participate in. The result was The THRIVE Launchpad a three-city corporate event experience that brought the strategy to life across Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre.

Strategic Experience Design

Old Mutual Malawi set out to introduce a future-focused strategy designed to energise employees, align teams and create momentum for the organisation’s next phase. With employees across multiple locations, the challenge was not simply to communicate the strategy. It was to create a consistent, memorable and engaging experience across three cities.

This is where Mirage PR’s approach to event conceptualisation, corporate event management and experiential marketing came into play. The objective was simple, turn strategy into an experience and turn an experience into momentum.

To create the energy required, Mirage PR drew creative inspiration from boxing. The discipline, preparation, focus and determination associated with the sport provided a powerful visual and storytelling framework for THRIVE. The result was a corporate event experience that positioned employees as a team preparing to step into the next round focused, disciplined and ready to execute.

Designing an Immersive Corporate Event Experience

For Mirage PR, the experience was about much more than décor. Every visual and production element was designed to reinforce the THRIVE story.

High-impact visual branding

Premium décor, stage branding and carefully considered visual elements created a polished corporate environment that reflected the scale and ambition of the strategy.

Boxing-inspired storytelling

Boxing-inspired visuals and animations brought energy and personality to the campaign while reinforcing themes of discipline, resilience, preparation and performance.

Motion graphics and animation

Dynamic motion graphics helped transform strategic messaging into engaging visual moments, making the content easier for employees to connect with throughout the programme.

Campaign Highlights

  • High audience energy across all locations, with Lilongwe delivering exceptional engagement, Mzuzu emerging as the most vibrant, and Blantyre achieving the highest attendance, demonstrating both depth and scale of impact
  • Premium décor and branding execution elevated the overall look and feel, contributing significantly to a polished, high-quality brand experience that was well received by attendees
  • Progressive improvement in hosting delivery, with increased confidence and energy in subsequent cities, resulting in stronger audience connection and smoother programme facilitation
  • Well-coordinated technical execution, driven by thorough dry runs, ensured seamless cueing, precise lighting transitions, and an overall fluid event experience
  • Strong visual storytelling through motion graphics and themed animations, with boxer-inspired visuals and impactful quotes reinforcing the core concept in a sophisticated and engaging manner
  • Powerful guest speaker integration, with Isaac Chilemba effectively connecting sports and business, reinforcing the THRIVE narrative, and resonating deeply with the audience

Full Production & Experience Management

Mirage PR delivered end-to-end execution, managing every aspect of the experience:

  • Creative concept development
  • Thematic storytelling and narrative design
  • Stage design, lighting, and audio-visual production
  • Run of show and scripting
  • Speaker choreography and entrance design
  • Interactive experience structuring
  • Audio-visual production
  • Event branding and visual identity
  • On-site production management across all cities
  • Photography and videography

The Result

The THRIVE Townhall Cascade Strategy successfully transformed a corporate strategy launch into a shared organizational experience.

Employees left not only with a clear understanding of the THRIVE Strategy, but with a renewed sense of purpose, energy, and alignment, ready to take action.

Through bold creative direction, immersive storytelling, and seamless execution, Mirage PR demonstrated how experiential marketing can turn strategy into culture, ensuring that THRIVE was not just introduced, but fully activated across the organization.

READ MORE
14Aug

Launching a Financial Product in Malawi? The Old Mutual Equity Fund Launch by Mirage PR

August 14, 2026By 0 comment

 

 

 

 

17th June, 2026

Client: Old Mutual Investment Group

Assignment: Event Conceptualization, Event Coordination and Event Management

Solution: When Old Mutual needed to launch a new financial product to Malawi’s investment community, they turned to Mirage PR Malawi’s full-service communications, PR, and experiential marketing agency to conceptualise and execute the event from the ground up.

On 17 June 2026, Mirage PR delivered the official launch of the Old Mutual Equity Fund at Ryalls Hotel, Blantyre, under the theme “OWN Your Growth: Thrive Through Equity.” The launch had a room full of regulators, investors and business leaders including the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s Director of Capital Markets and Microfinance Supervision as Guest of Honour experiencing a product launch built as an immersive brand journey, not just a press event.

Turning a Financial Product Into an Experience

Launching a financial product is a communications challenge as you look at how you make equity investment feel tangible, exciting and personal? Mirage PR’s answer was to design every touchpoint of the evening from arrival to closing ceremony around the idea of ownership and growth.

Guests checked in through an innovative QR-code registration system reducing queues and setting a modern, tech-forward tone from the first interaction. The foyer was reimagined as a networking lounge with welcome refreshments turning dead time before the formal programme into relationship-building time for OMIG’s stakeholders. Guests had the opportunity to take photos on the Equity Fund Photo Booth, an open book installation symbolising the start of a new financial chapter, giving guests a shareable on-brand photo moment.

The stand out feature of the launch was the Collaborative Live Art Experience where guests added brush strokes to a growing canvas throughout the evening, visually representing how individual contributions build collective wealth. The finished artwork became a literal, physical symbol of the Fund’s value proposition.

The formal programme featured strategic presentations from Old Mutual leadership, providing guests with insight into the Group’s broader THRIVE strategy, the Equity Fund’s value proposition, and its role within Malawi’s investment landscape. The evening culminated in the official launch of the Equity Fund by the Guest of Honour, marking the product’s formal introduction to the market and signaling a new opportunity for investors seeking long-term growth.

Another successful execution in the books, demonstrating Mirage PR’s ability to transform corporate launches into memorable brand experiences that engage audiences, communicate complex concepts creatively, and deliver meaningful stakeholder engagement.

Highlights of the Campaign

  • Successful conceptualization and execution of the “OWN Your Growth: Thrive Through Equity” launch theme, bringing the Equity Fund proposition to life through immersive event experiences.
  • Seamless QR-code registration process that enhanced guest arrival and created a modern, efficient event experience.
  • Bespoke book-themed photo booth installation that symbolised the beginning of a new investment journey and became a highly engaging guest activation.
  • Interactive live painting experience that encouraged audience participation and visually represented the collective nature of wealth creation and investment growth.
  • Elegant venue transformation and décor execution that aligned with the premium positioning of the Old Mutual Equity Fund and reinforced the event theme.
  • Strategic programme management, ensuring smooth transitions between presentations, product demonstrations, and the official launch ceremony.
  • Professional audio-visual production, including LED screen management, presentation support, and technical coordination throughout the event.
  • High-quality photography and videography services that captured the sophistication, engagement, and key moments of the launch.
  • Successful hosting of key stakeholders from the financial services industry, including regulators, investors, business leaders, and strategic partners.
  • Delivery of a memorable product launch experience that strengthened awareness of the Equity Fund and positioned Old Mutual Investment Group as a leader in innovative investment solutions.

Activations like these are what separate a forgettable corporate event from a talked-about one and they are core to Mirage PR’s experiential marketing offering.

READ MORE
12Aug

How Mirage PR Brought Old Mutual Malawi’s Africa Day Campaign to Life Across Three Cities

August 12, 2026By 0 comment

 

 

25th, 27th and 29th May 2026

Client: Old Mutual Malawi

Assignment: Campaign Conceptualisation, Event Coordination and Internal Engagement Management

Solution: In May 2026, Old Mutual Malawi entrusted Mirage PR to conceptualise and execute a nationwide Africa Day campaign that celebrated not only the continent’s rich cultural heritage but also two significant milestones in the organisation’s history of 181 years of the Old Mutual Group and 72 years of Old Mutual’s presence in Malawi.

The campaign was designed to honour Africa’s identity, rooted in resilience, diversity, unity, and shared progress, while reinforcing Old Mutual’s longstanding commitment to empowering communities and creating positive futures. Through a series of immersive employee engagements across Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu, Mirage PR transformed Africa Day from a commemorative occasion into a memorable celebration of culture, heritage, and belonging.

Held under the broader theme of celebrating African identity and Old Mutual’s enduring legacy, the activations encouraged employees to embrace their cultural roots by wearing traditional African attire and sharing locally prepared meals with colleagues. What began as a cultural celebration quickly evolved into a series of unforgettable experiences designed to surprise, engage, and unite employees across the country.

The campaign officially launched in Blantyre on 25 May 2026, where employees arrived expecting a traditional Africa Day celebration. Instead, they were treated to a carefully curated programme filled with unexpected moments and immersive cultural experiences. A standout highlight was a surprise flashmob activation featuring an acapella group disguised as firefighters responding to what appeared to be a routine fire drill. As the unsuspecting crowd gathered, the performers broke into song, transforming the moment into a captivating celebration that instantly energized the audience.

The excitement continued with vibrant performances from traditional dance groups, urban dance crews, and live musical acts that brought African culture to life through movement, music, and storytelling. Branded culinary stations served a variety of local delicacies, creating a shared dining experience that encouraged interaction and strengthened employee connections.

The celebrations moved to Lilongwe on 27 May 2026, where Mirage PR recreated the Africa Day experience as employees were welcomed into a fully branded environment featuring a dedicated photo booth, professional photography, and cultural installations designed to encourage participation and engagement. A highlight of the Lilongwe activation was the authentic bwandiro-inspired experience, featuring local food stations and traditional meals that celebrated Malawi’s culinary heritage. Live cultural performances, urban dancers and a local band. 

The final leg of the campaign took place in Mzuzu on 29 May 2026, extending the celebration to Old Mutual’s Northern Region workforce. Employees were welcomed into a cultural experience featuring traditional performances, interactive engagements and local cuisine. The Mzuzu activation created meaningful moments of connection while reinforcing the values of unity, inclusivity and cultural appreciation that underpin both Africa Day and the Old Mutual brand.

Across all three cities, Mirage PR ensured a consistent campaign experience while adapting activations to reflect the unique character of each location. Through culture, music, food, storytelling, and shared experiences, the campaign successfully celebrated Old Mutual’s legacy while creating memorable moments that strengthened employee engagement and organisational pride.

Another successful execution in the books, demonstrating Mirage PR’s ability to design and deliver large-scale internal engagement campaigns, corporate events and experiential activations that connect people through culture, create memorable brand experiences, and bring organisational values to life.

Highlights of the Campaign

  • Successful conceptualisation and rollout of a nationwide Africa Day campaign celebrating Africa Day, Old Mutual’s 181-year Group legacy, and 72 years of operations in Malawi.
  • Simultaneous activation across Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu, ensuring consistent brand messaging and employee engagement across all key regional offices.
  • Surprise flashmob experience featuring disguised performers that transformed a routine fire drill into one of the campaign’s most memorable moments.
  • Live cultural entertainment including traditional dance troupes, urban dancers, acapella performers, and live musical acts that celebrated Africa’s rich cultural diversity.
  • Professionally branded photo booth experiences deployed across all three cities, creating engaging content opportunities for employees.
  • Authentic culinary activations featuring locally inspired food stations, traditional dishes, and the popular Mutual Meals concept that encouraged participation and cultural exchange.
  • High employee participation levels, with strong engagement across all regions through cultural attire, shared experiences, and interactive activations.
  • Professional photography and videography coverage that captured key moments and ensured consistent storytelling throughout the campaign.
  • Development and delivery of a combined campaign highlight video showcasing the celebrations across Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu.
  • Extensive traditional and digital media coverage that amplified the significance of the celebrations and highlighted Old Mutual’s 181-year African legacy and 72-year presence in Malawi.
  • Same-day delivery of social media reels, highlight videos, and campaign content to sustain momentum and maximise audience engagement throughout the activation period.
  • Successful reinforcement of Old Mutual’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, cultural appreciation, and community-building through meaningful employee experiences.
READ MORE
30Jun

Mirage Brings Premium Event Experience to The Blantyre Open Championship

June 30, 2026By 0 comment

On 27th and 28th June, Mirage brought an experience to remember to the Blantyre Sports Club Open Championship. As proud sponsors of the event, Mirage PR set out to do more and went the extra mile to create an unforgettable experience. We built a space where golfers and guests could pause at the midway point, connect, and enjoy the weekend in style.

This sponsorship was also strategically designed to generate leads while showcasing the Mirage brand. It went beyond traditional marketing, demonstrating our experiential capabilities and how our strategies take brands out of the rough and into the green.

The experience featured a branded photo booth, capturing memorable moments with golfers; branded water to keep players refreshed throughout the tournament; a spa area, offering relief from the tension of the course; and a curated cocktail and mocktail bar, serving something for every taste.

At the centre of it all sat the Mirage Lounge, a relaxed retreat where players and spectators could unwind, network, and take in the action in comfort.

As part of its sponsorship commitment, Mirage also took to the podium to present one of the tournament’s prizes, recognising the skill and competitive spirit of this year’s field while reinforcing its role as an active partner in the championship.

For us, this is what sponsorship should look like, not just visibility, but value. We didn’t just show up; we showed up with an experience worth talking about.

READ MORE
23Jun

NICO Group One Lived Experience: Multi-City Employee Engagement & Event Management by Mirage PR

June 23, 2026By 1 Comment

 

 

14th March, 21st March and 28th March, 2026 

Client: NICO Group

Assignment: Event management, Event coordination

When an organization operates across multiple subsidiaries, creating a strong sense of unity can be a challenge. For NICO Group, the answer was to move beyond communicating its “One NICO” philosophy and create an experience employees could actively participate in, connect with and remember.

NICO Group partnered with Mirage PR, a leading strategic communications, public relations, event management and experiential marketing agency in Malawi, to bring its One NICO Lived Experience initiative to life.

The multi-city employee engagement campaign was designed to strengthen collaboration across the Group’s diverse subsidiaries while turning the One NICO philosophy into a shared corporate experience.

Mirage PR approached the project as more than a corporate event. The objective was to create an immersive employee engagement experience that would encourage collaboration, break down departmental barriers and reinforce a shared organisational identity. Through strategic event conceptualisation, creative design, event coordination and experiential marketing, Mirage PR developed a dynamic experience built around participation, symbolism, teamwork and collaboration.

One of the key elements was a colour-coded participation system. Employees from different NICO subsidiaries were intentionally mixed into teams, with coloured wristbands determining seating arrangements and groupings.

This simple but purposeful event design encouraged employees to interact with colleagues outside their usual departments and subsidiaries, reinforcing the central message which is One Group.   

Interactive Experience Design

Mirage PR crafted a series of high-energy, purpose-driven challenges designed to reinforce the One NICO philosophy. These included the Synergy Sprint, where teams solved a dynamic word-search featuring terms from various business units to emphasize collaboration and cross-functional understanding. The Integrity Grid required participants to open a locked vault using logic and ethical decision-making, reinforcing values of transparency and disciplined execution. Finally, The Innovation Hub challenged teams to answer complex questions creatively, pushing them to think differently and collaborate under pressure in alignment with the Group’s forward-thinking culture.

Multi-City Execution

To ensure inclusiveness and full workforce participation, the campaign was rolled out across three cities: Blantyre (approximately 800 employees), Lilongwe (350 employees), and Mzuzu (130 employees). This consistent experience across multiple locations demonstrated Mirage PR’s ability to scale a large-scale concept while maintaining high production quality, engagement levels, and brand consistency throughout the entire Group.

Full Production & Experience Management

Mirage PR delivered end-to-end execution, managing every aspect of the production process. This included creative concept development, stage and set design, event branding, and the full run of show and scripting. They also handled voice-over and sound effects production, the development of a theme song with performance coordination, interactive game design, traditional dancer coordination, and a CEO flag ceremony. Furthermore, the agency managed all printing, fabrication, event hosting, and on-site production, as well as comprehensive videography and photography.

Impact and Media

A standout feature was the One NICO Lived Experience theme song, performed by NICO Group artists, which served as a defining element of the experience and reinforced the emotional connection to the initiative. The campaign’s success attracted significant media attention across television and online publications, successfully amplifying the internal initiative into a broader brand moment for the Group.

Campaign Highlights

  • Interactive games captivated audiences across all three cities, creating excitement and strong employee engagement.
  • Traditional dancers added cultural richness and elevated leadership entrances with memorable visual storytelling.
  • Production leads were clearly identified with name tags, improving coordination and operational efficiency.
  • Branding and décor execution consistently brought the One NICO Lived Experience concept to life across venues.
  • The One NICO Lived Experience theme song became a crowd favourite and strengthened emotional resonance.
  • Cross-subsidiary seating successfully encouraged collaboration and interaction among employees.
  • Strong attendance across all cities demonstrated high internal buy-in and enthusiasm.

The Result

The campaign successfully transformed the One NICO philosophy from a strategic message into a shared organisational experience. Employees engaged across subsidiaries, leadership visibly championed unity, and the Group delivered a consistent cultural moment across multiple locations.

READ MORE
23Jun

NICO Group 2026 MCCCI Lakeshore Business Leaders’ Summit Sponsorship Activation & Event Management by Mirage PR

June 23, 2026By 0 comment

22nd April, 23rd April and 24th April, 2026 

Client: One NICO Group

Assignment: Event coordination, Event Management, Creative Design 

Solutions: When Malawi’s business leaders gathered at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi for the 2026 MCCCI Lakeshore Business Leaders’ Summit, one brand stayed visible from the first session to the last note of the evening and that is NICO Group, the summit’s Lead Sponsor.

Held under the theme “Leading with Purpose: Harnessing the Power of Transparency and Accountability,” the three-day conference brought together industry players, decision-makers and business leaders. For NICO Group, it was a chance to do more than attach a logo to an event. The Group engaged Mirage PR, a leading strategic communications, public relations, event management and experiential marketing agency in Malawi, to design and deliver a sponsorship experience built around meaningful brand interactions.

A Lead Sponsor Presence Built for Visibility

From the opening session on 23rd April, NICO Group’s brand was placed deliberately among the summit’s key voices. Curated brand placements and carefully planned audience touchpoints showcased the Group’s diverse portfolio of services and reinforced its place within Malawi’s business and financial ecosystem. Conference branding was completed well ahead of the event, giving the venue a polished, ready-to-go look.

The NICO Group Cocktail: The Wealth Lounge

After the conference, NICO Group hosted stakeholders at a curated evening cocktail. The setting was relaxed but premium, giving guests room to talk with the brand and its leadership. Mirage PR completed the setup on time, and the last-minute adjustments went unnoticed by guests. CEOs and attendees commended the décor and ambience. The evening ended with a live performance by Nathaniel “Chalu Chalu.” His set lifted the room, added to the exclusivity of the event and gave guests a memorable finish.

Highlights 

  • The cocktail setup was completed on time, and any adjustments made went unnoticed by guests. The décor and ambience were also commended by the CEOs as well as attendees
  • The addition of QR codes during the event was a strong enhancement, allowing guests to easily access the landing page.
  • Mirage PR demonstrated quick turnaround time in supporting media coverage despite the late request.
  • The performance by Nathaniel Chaluchalu enhanced the exclusivity of the event and was a great addition to the evening.
  • Conference branding was completed in ample time, allowing for a polished setup.
  • The card game interactive activity was well thought out and enjoyed by attendees. This unique element enhanced engagement and contributed positively to the overall event experience.
  • The Mirage PR team ensured attendees were well catered for, with all event elements closely monitored. The team also coordinated AV support with hotel management and managed reconciliations, ensuring everything remained in check.

The Result

NICO Group left the 2026 Lakeshore Business Leaders’ Summit with a strong showing, visible as Lead Sponsor and memorable at the cocktail. It reinforced the Group’s position at the forefront of financial innovation in Malawi.

Planning a sponsorship activation, corporate cocktail or conference in Malawi? Talk to Mirage PR about event management, creative design and experiential marketing built to get noticed.

READ MORE
21May

Old Mutual Triple Crown Legacy

May 21, 2026By 0 comment

 

7th March, 2026

Client: Old Mutual 

Assignment: Event coordination and event management

Solution: On 7 March in Blantyre, Old Mutual entrusted Mirage PR to conceptualise and coordinate the Triple Crown Legacy — a farewell cocktail honouring three distinguished outgoing directors. More than just an event, it was a thoughtfully crafted experience celebrating leadership, legacy, and lasting impact

The Triple Crown Legacy theme was intentionally developed to reflect the remarkable contributions and enduring influence of the outgoing directors. Every element was curated with purpose. Mirage PR designed and delivered bespoke gifts for the occasion, including engraved glass awards and custom portraits timeless keepsakes that honoured their journeys.

A standout moment of the evening was the reflections segment, an immersive storytelling experience that brought personal milestones, achievements, and tributes to life. It elevated the event beyond a formal send-off into a powerful celebration of legacy.

Another successful execution in the books, demonstrating Mirage PR’s strength as a leading marketing and communications agency, focused on delivering experiences that are not only seamless, but meaningful and memorable.

Highlights of the campaign 

  • Hand painted portraits for two of the directors and 3 engraved awards for the outgoing directors 
  • The collective tapestry was a great interactive activity on the day and provided for a very lively engagement 
  • The decor and ambiance matched what was conceptualized for the Triple Crown Legacy theme – it moved from just an ordinary farewell cocktail to a spectacle 
  • Live band performance that brought a touch of elegance to the event
  • Mirage PR also handled the run off show including the LED screen and PA System 
  • Videography and Photography captured the elegance of the event perfectly and provided the client with a true picture of the event
  • The event was covered in great length in the news publications signifying it’s importance and the role that Mirage PR was able to fulfill
READ MORE