A conference, summit or meeting needs to inspire to be beneficial and alter the way people think to get results. Through unforgettable experiences, delegates will learn to to handle business challenges in new and innovative ways in a country known for discovery, invention, its entrepreneurial spirit, reconciliation and embracing the new. The wide open spaces, natural beauty, adventure, spirit of ubuntu, and welcoming people of varied cultures will encourage these life-changing experiences.

There are more than 1700 conference venues in South Africa, with international convention centres located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and East London. In South Africa nothing is impossible and we have successfully hosted conferences of more than 24 000 delegates. Conference and meeting venues adhere to a strict national star grading system and guests are just as well looked after in our game lodges as in our urban centres.

A meeting in South Africa is unlike any other. By drawing on traditional principles of negotiation and ubuntu, the well-being of the collective leads the way and a positive outcome is paramount. In no other country has there been such a dramatic 180 degree turnaround from oppression to reconciliation and freedom. Learn to solve problems the African way, by organising lekgotlas, bosberaads and indabas and why not throw in a bit of Xhosa stick-fighting or a drumming workshop?

A well-respected sporting nation, we have successfully hosted several World Cups, including the Rugby World Cup, Cricket World Cup, World Cup of Athletics, World Cup of Golf and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, which enthused the entire nation and was a huge triumph. The World Summit on Sustainable Development with around 24,000 delegates, the World Economic Forum (two years in a row), the International Paediatrics Association Congress, the 2010 SITE International Conference, and COP17 in 2011 are all examples in a long list of successfully hosted events.

Our conferencing and business events industry is well-established and you'll receive a friendly, professional service. Whether you are looking for convention centres, conference venues, accommodation, destination management companies, conference organisers, meeting planners, exhibition or event organisers, AV & production services, venue IT or décor services, transport, speakers or translators, you’ll find professionals who are capable of meeting your every need.

Conferences and business events of any size are catered for in a wide variety of inspirational settings. Whether it’s a vibrant city beating with African rhythms, golden beaches, or the open savannah - where the struggle for survival is played out at water holes in high definition - you will find the perfect choice for your group at a price you can afford. Supersized summits of more than 24 000 delegates as well as intimate strategic sessions have been successfully hosted in South Africa and we welcome all inquiries, big or small.

With more than 40 international airlines flying to South Africa, 3 world-class international airports, numerous domestic airports and airlines, charters and coaches, and an extensive modern road network, getting to and around South Africa is easy. Conference and meeting venues are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and our telecommunications network, which saw a major upgrade in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, makes it easy to stay connected.

South Africa is renowned for its natural beauty, which inspires both time to reflect and recharge as well as time to push personal boundaries with the widest range of adventure activities (for all levels of bravery) you’ll ever come across. Then there’s the rich history and heritage taking you all the way from pre-history to the origins of humankind, ancient African civilisations to our Freedom Struggle and its legendary icons such as Nelson Mandela. Encounters with people from our many distinct cultures are another popular highlight for any visitor. Watch traditional Zulu dancing at a cultural village, indulge in local cuisine under bomas, starry nightskies, township shebeens or award-winning restaurants. Definitely include game viewing on a Big 5 safari and something good for the soul such as playing golf in a sensational setting, having a soothing massage in spectacular surroundings or doing volunteer work in underprivileged communities.

As with any country and organisation, it’s the people that make the difference. The same goes with meetings, where a learning environment can be transformed into a nurturing and inspiring space if you add the right people. South Africans are enthusiastic entrepreneurs with a can-do attitude, but most importantly, they are warm, friendly and helpful. This goes a long way in making your organising task easier and your delegates experiences positive and welcoming.

The City of Cape Town is a leader in sustainability initiatives and in 2010 produced the Smart Events Handbook. The Cape Town International Convention Centre has a comprehensive environmental sustainability programme and offers green events as does the International Convention Centre Durban, and the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Many opportunities exist for companies to include corporate social responsibility activities into their meeting agendas.