One of the meeting venues in South Africa
Top 10 Reasons to organise a conference or meeting in South Africa
Unforgettable, enriching experience
A conference, summit or meeting needs to be inspiring in order to be optimally beneficial and to change the way people think and do business. Delegates will experience the impact of inspiration and learn 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 such life-changing experiences.
World-class conference & meeting venues
There are more than 1700 conference venues in South Africa, with International Convention Centres located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and East London. Capacity in the international convention centres is up to 14,000 delegates, but in South Africa nothing is impossible and we have successfully hosted the World Summit on Sustainable Development, a mega-event of over 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 urban centres as in our game lodges.
Add ancient to modern African wisdom
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 organizing lekgotlas, bosberaads and indabas and maybe throw in a bit of Xhosa stick-fighting or drumming workshops?
Impressive track record
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 and the 2010 SITE International Conference are all examples in a long list of successfully hosted events.
Well-established industry
Our conferencing and meeting industry is well-established and your every need will be met with friendly, professional service. Whether you are looking for convention centres or 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.
Any size, any budget
Conferences and meetings of any size are catered for in a wide variety of inspiring 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’t say no to. 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 enquiries, big or small.
Easy to connect
With over 40 international airlines flying to South Africa, 3 world-class international airports, numerous domestic airports, airlines and air schedules, 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 has seen a major upgrade in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, making it easy for any group to stay connected.
Diverse leisure experiences
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.
Warm, welcoming people
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.
Green meetings
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. International convention centres in Durban and Sandton have also implemented greening initiatives. Many opportunities exist for companies to include corporate social responsibility activities into their meeting agendas.
Share your experience with us
|
RSS