Nico Panagio was born and bred in a beautiful little village known as Pretoria. After matriculation at Pretoria Boys High School, Nico went on to complete his military service in the South African Navy.
He was appointed the Captain of his Division and was ranked Able Seaman.
Following 5 years in the corporate industry as Manager of a chemical manufacturing business – Nico decided to return to his childhood love of drama. He joined the Method Actor’s Training Centre and soon after graduating, started his drama career. Brief stints on ‘Egoli’ as well as ‘Generations’, preceded what would be the start of a long term contract with the soapie, ‘7de Laan’, where he played businessman George Kyriakis. Nico Panagio has also performed in various theatre productions around the country.
Nico soon realised that he had a talent for presenting and started honing his skills as a Master of Ceremonies. He comperes and is invited to be guest speaker for various events ranging from fashion shows and golf days to special occasions and corporate functions. His corporate clients have included, amongst others – Land Rover, ABSA, Volvo, MTN, SAB, Seeff, SABC and many more. Nico Panagio was the Master of Ceremonies for the Miss South Africa pageant 2006 and performs as MC, on a weekly basis.
After 5 very educational and formative years on ‘7de Laan’ Nico decided to say fare-well to ‘George’ and join the Top Billing Team, as presenter. Apart from the incredibly interesting content and the exotic travel, Top Billing also allows him the freedom to pursue other acting ventures. Nico has recently completed working on the role of Bruno in SABC 3’s ‘Erfsondes’. Nico also plays the role of the Drug Lord, ‘Mr. Big’, in the SABC 1 series, ‘Zone 14’.
Other than his corporate education and his training as an actor, Nico Panagio completed various courses including Paramedics, Body Guarding & Anti – Terrorism and Advanced Scuba Diving. He also has a brown belt in Karate and has trained as a kick boxer and Thai boxer (Muay Thai).
To keep in shape, Nico likes to exercise outside, so apart from martial arts he likes swimming, mountain biking, horse-riding and playing golf.
He has had the awesome experience of delivering a new born baby, plays the didgeridoo and guitar (for his wife and good friends only!) and is very happily married to actress Christi Panagio.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Unathi Msengana professionally known as Unathi Nkayi is a South African singer, radio host and actress. A Rhodes University Journalism and Drama graduate and a University of Utrecht International Media studies graduate. Unathi moved to Johannesburg in 2001 becoming a presenter for Castle Loud and then moved onto the YFM platform. The singer, songwriter, Idols […]
Jason Greer is an event emcee and voice artist, well respected in his industry. His strong vibrant presence and reputable voice have kept him busy over the past decade. Jason has recently hosted M-net’s latest gameshow, Spellbound and he has presented a number of other successful shows including Top Travel and the award-winning, All Access. […]
Sechaba Gqeba, affectionately known as Sechaba G, is a dynamic force in South African media—a celebrated radio and television personality whose voice, presence, and message resonate far beyond the airwaves. With a career spanning over two decades, she brings a commanding presence to every stage, seamlessly blending her passion for storytelling with an authentic connection […]
Amanda du-Pont is an actress, television presenter, and commercial and fitness model, voice over artist and business woman. Amanda has acted on numerous television shows such as Muvhango, Generations, A place called Home, City Sesla, Intersexions, End Game, Task Force, Tarryn & Sharon, Kowethu, Mzansi Love and Single Guyz. Amanda has also acted on CBS […]
With a captivating blend of elegance, grace, and charm, Ursula Chikane reigns as a prominent figure in the realm of event hosting. Renowned for her illustrious tenure as the face of SABC3’s prestigious magazine program, Top Billing, and her electrifying presence on MTN Gladiators, Ursula, fondly referred to as “Brown Sugar,” exudes charisma and sophistication. […]
Jeannie D has experiences that have resulted in Jeannie being an ideal MC for local and international clients who are looking to add that “little bit extra” to their event. The famous Arabian tale goes something like this………Aladdin rubbed the lamp three times, out popped a ‘Genie’ and granted him three wishes. In today’s story, […]
Graeme Richards from anchoring live time prime news to practicing martial arts, Graeme Richards is a man of every moment. Having presented on almost every South African television and platform and having conducted interviews with local and international superstars in sport, lifestyle and entertainment, Graeme has sustained an admirable level of success. Currently based in […]
Sisanda Henna is the winner of the 2003 Best Actor in Drama duku duku award, who has acted in more than 35 international and local film and television productions. Brought up in rural Eastern Cape and an over achiever at school, Henna started out writing and performing comedy skits before landing leading roles in prime […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
