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Date for the African Global Events Industry Summit announced The inaugural African Global Events Industry Summit (AGEIS) is heading to Gauteng in South Africa. This groundbreaking event, focusing on fostering networks and collaborations within the African events industry, will take place from 22-25 February 2024 at the Garden Court OR Tambo International airport hotel in the City of Ekurhuleni, in Gauteng Province. The Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport hotel, situated in close proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport, provides easy access for both local and international AGEIS attendees.
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he AGEI Summit is being hosted on the back of the reported growth of the African events industry in recent years. The industry is cited as a growing contributor to Africa’s economy by attracting foreign investors and contributing to the economic development of many countries. The weddings industry alone is a major contributor, with over 5 million weddings hosted annually in Africa, according to Africa.com. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), it is projected that business travel and tourism in Africa will grow at an annual rate of 7.6% by 2028. The theme of the Summit: ‘Building Bridges in the African Events Industry’, encapsulates the vision for the African events community to come together and drive the industry forward. Owing to its origin within the successful Ghana Events Industry Conference, the Summit is expected to attract leaders, influencers, innovators and professionals within the events industry to discuss and explore ways to enhance cooperation and establish a stronger foundation for growth across Africa. The objective of the AGEIS, as it’s commonly called, is to bring industry professionals together to unite, professionalise, and grow the events industry in Africa. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence, the Summit aims to elevate the standards of the industry and contribute to its economic success.
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“Bringing together industry professionals from various African countries, the inaugural Summit is expected to attract between 100 and 150 event professionals. The majority of attendees will represent Central and West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa. Corporate and social event planners, event designers, photographers, DJs, MCs, and many other professionals will be present,” said Ms Kate Hassan, Managing Director, Thea Eventistics. The AGEIS agenda features topics that will be delivered in formats including master classes, panel discussions and one-on-one interviews with thought leaders, experts and advocates, sharing their insights and experiences to inspire and empower the delegates. The AGEIS will provide delegates with numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration through social and networking events like the Welcome function on 22 February, the Gala and Awards Dinner on 25 February, Wine Tasting, and Wellness sessions. All of these fucntions have been added to create an inclusive environment for delegates to connect and build collaborative bridges. Additionally, and most importantly, the AGEIS delegates will also take part in the Meetings Africa Trade Show, which will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 26-28 February 2024. The AGEIS is strategically organised to coincide with the annual Meetings Africa
trade show. The significance of hosting the Summit alongside the 18th Meetings Africa Trade Show is to provide delegates with additional networking and business opportunities. Meetings Africa is renowned as Africa’s leading trade show for business events, attracting decision-makers and executives from around the world. “By participating in both events, delegates will access a diverse network of industry professionals,” said Ms Mmatšatši Ramawela, Managing Director, Africa Tourism Connect. The AGEIS organisers, their partners and sponsors invite industry professionals, entrepreneurs and other role players to join the Summit by registering their intention online on https://africaneventsprofessionals. com. "Building Bridges Summits 2024 is not just a gathering of events professionals; it’s a movement towards an interconnected African events industry,” emphasised Kate Hassan, managing director, Thea Eventistics. Various packages are available for the Summit. Delegates will have the opportunity to network with experts, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the future of professionalising the African events industry. For contact and media enquiries, the details are as follows: For West and Central Africa, Ms Kate Hassan, tel: +233 24 655 9291 and email: president@africaneventsprofessionals.com. For South Africa and SADC, Ms Mmatšatši Ramawela tel: +27 82 903 9769 and email: office@africaneventsprofessionals.com.
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