Following on from last week’s fantastic DAS CPD conference, we caught up with event pioneer Marlene Van Rooyen, CEO and Owner of Media in Africa Group.
Marlene shared the origins of DAS, what sets it apart, and why MiTek’s approach aligns perfectly with the conference’s vision.
The birth of DAS
DAS, originally an acronym for Designer, Architect and Specifier, began 17 years ago as an alternative to large trade shows, which were often labour and time intensive, and costly for clients.
“When we founded the business, we saw an opportunity to deliver more value and less waste,” explains Marlene. “We asked ourselves, ‘What’s the need in the market?’ The answer was clear to us: architects needed CPD points, and manufacturers needed a platform to showcase their products. By creating a focused event, we could meet both needs efficiently.”
Now, as Marlene pointed out to us, ‘it’s grown into a phenomenon’ that’s reshaping the landscape of architectural knowledge sharing in South Africa. So, what’s it delivering to the industry?
Real solutions for real challenges
What sets DAS apart is the value it places on delivering practical knowledge rather than sales pitches. Marlene and her team understand the challenges facing architects: “It’s not just about building structures, but about protecting reputations and managing significant financial risks – it’s a really high risk job.
“Our goal has always been to provide expertise that architects might not otherwise have access to, helping them navigate the complexities of their profession with confidence.”
And this understanding mirrors our own approach at MiTek. We’re dedicated to supporting our customers throughout uncertain times, offering solutions that help them thrive despite challenges. It’s why MiTek has partnered with DAS.
Building partnerships that deliver
“Our partnership with companies like MiTek has been instrumental in elevating the conference to new heights,” says Marlene. “Their technology, expertise, and service offering align perfectly with our vision of empowering architects.”
Our presentations at DAS do more than just inform. We have a platform and opportunity to demonstrate our solutions, to show our Design-Make-Build methodology of building smarter and faster, and to share the design possibilities with our PAMIR software.
“MiTek’s presentations expand architects’ minds,” explains Marlene. “It gives them confidence to pitch new ideas and approach clients because that’s ultimately what they need and what they want to do.”
One of the most exciting aspects of the collaboration is how it bridges the gap between conceptual design and practical implementation. Our integrated approach helps transform architectural concepts into buildable projects efficiently. “This is particularly valuable for builders,” says Marlene, “who can now engage with designs, at least from the initial stages, armed with the vocabulary and understanding to bring these visions to life.”
Raising the service standard together
It’s hard to overstate the positive impact events like DAS have on our industry. The conference serves as a platform where leading architects can share knowledge with their peers, and where we can provide technical expertise to enhance their professional development.
“We can’t have the calibre of talks and attendees without the sponsorship, help and support from people like MiTek,” Marlene concludes.
Like MiTek, DAS places relationship-building at the heart of its success. We’re not just sharing information; we’re building relationships and fostering innovation. Together, we’re shaping an industry where architects can design with confidence, knowing they have access to the latest technologies and expertise.
To find out more about what we’re doing, follow us on LinkedIn.
