09Oct

FROM OFFICIAL LAUNCH TO ELEGANT NETWORKING: HOW MIRAGE PR DELIVERED AMCHAM MALAWI’S LAUNCH AND NICO NIGHT

October 9, 2026By 0 comment

25th August, 2026

Client: NICO Group & American Chamber of Commerce in Malawi (AMCHAM)

Assignment: Event Coordination, Event Management, Creative Design

Solutions: On 25 August 2026, the American Chamber of Commerce in Malawi (AMCHAM) officially launched its Malawi Chapter, marking an important moment for strengthening commercial relationships between Malawi and the United States. On the same evening, NICO Group hosted a NICO Night cocktail reception in honour of AMCHAM and its stakeholders. Mirage PR was responsible for the event management, coordination and creative execution of both occasions, bringing together formal business proceedings and an elegant networking experience. Through strategic planning, event branding, guest registration and programme coordination, Mirage PR ensured that each event reflected its purpose.

The AMCHAM launch commenced at 5:00 PM with digital guest registration on the events portal, one of the services Mirage PR offers for seamless guest registration and check-in, followed by opening remarks from Ryan Scharar, President of FCA Corp and Vice President of Africap. Rob Scharar, Founder and CEO of FCA Corp and President of Africap, delivered a keynote address tracing the history of NICO, BHL and Africap. The programme also featured the induction of the American Chamber Trustees and remarks from Melania Arreaga, US Chargé d’Affaires, on strengthening US–Malawi commercial ties. Mirage PR coordinated the event environment and programme elements, including the stage presentation, American and Malawian flags, branded arch, photo booth and guest arrival experience, which featured a saxophonist playing subtle tunes. The launch proceedings concluded at 6:40 PM.

Guests then transitioned to the poolside garden at Ryalls Hotel for the NICO Night Cocktail Reception, where Mirage PR’s creative design and event coordination helped establish an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Following the MC’s welcome, Vizenge Kumwenda, NICO Group Managing Director, highlighted the importance of forging meaningful partnerships. From 7:30 PM, guests enjoyed networking, quality food, an open bar and live music featuring a blend of golden classics and local favourites. Branded gift bags were presented to guests as they departed, providing a thoughtful close to the evening. Through careful attention to event branding, entertainment and programme flow, Mirage PR helped create an environment that encouraged connections and reinforced the occasion’s focus on partnership.

Highlights

  • End-to-end event management: Mirage PR coordinated two connected corporate events in one evening, managing programme flow, on-site requirements and the transition from the formal AMCHAM launch to the NICO Night cocktail reception.
  • Creative event branding and design: The AMCHAM launch featured a well-presented stage, American and Malawian flags, a branded arch and a photo booth. At NICO Night, elegant event branding transformed the poolside garden into an inviting networking environment.
  • Seamless guest registration: Mirage PR supported digital registration helping streamline guest arrival and event access.
  • Premium guest experience: A saxophonist welcomed guests at the AMCHAM launch, while a live band at NICO Night delivered a mix of golden oldies, contemporary hits and local music.
  • Strategic programme coordination: Effective coordination helped keep both programmes on track while ensuring requirements and on-site needs were addressed efficiently.
  • Business networking and stakeholder engagement: The two events provided complementary platforms for formal engagement, partnership-building and relationship development among business leaders, stakeholders and invited guests.

Through the AMCHAM Malawi launch and NICO Night, Mirage PR showed its expertise in corporate event management, creative design, event branding and stakeholder engagement in Malawi. Managing two distinct experiences within one evening required strategic coordination, creative execution and attention to detail. By aligning the event environments, programme requirements and guest experiences with the objectives of each occasion, Mirage PR helped deliver a successful international launch of the AMCHAM, a bond between Malawi traders and the United States of America market. 

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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.

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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.

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22Sep

Pinnacle Financial Services 5 Year Celebrations

September 22, 2025By 0 comment

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

 

 

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