Meetings Africa, Africa’s premier business events trade show, kicked off with great enthusiasm as industry professionals gathered to showcase the continent’s growing potential in the meetings and events sector. The event, which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, brought together over 1,000 exhibitors from across Africa and around the world.
The theme for this year’s Meetings Africa was “Shared Economies,” highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving the growth of the meetings industry in Africa. The event featured a wide range of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and business matchmaking sessions aimed at connecting buyers and sellers in the industry.
One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of the Africa Association Summit, a platform for African associations to connect and collaborate on issues affecting the industry. This initiative aims to strengthen the role of associations in driving economic growth and development in Africa through the meetings and events sector.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the future of the meetings industry in Africa, with industry experts discussing the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Speakers highlighted the continent’s diverse cultural offerings, growing infrastructure, and increasing connectivity as key factors driving the growth of the meetings industry in Africa.
According to Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South African National Convention Bureau, Meetings Africa provides a platform for industry professionals to showcase Africa’s potential as a premier meetings and events destination. “Africa has so much to offer in terms of unique experiences, world-class facilities, and warm hospitality. We are confident that the continent’s meetings industry will continue to grow and attract more international events in the years to come,” she said.
Overall, Meetings Africa 2022 was a resounding success, with industry professionals expressing optimism about the future of the meetings industry in Africa. The event showcased the continent’s potential as a leading destination for business events, highlighting the opportunities for growth and collaboration in the sector.
As the meetings industry continues to evolve and expand in Africa, events like Meetings Africa play a crucial role in driving growth and fostering partnerships in the sector. With its focus on collaboration and shared economies, Meetings Africa is set to be a key driver of the continent’s meetings industry in the years to come.
