DURBAN ICC
The centre of virtually everything In the ever-changing world we live in, there are many ways we could define the innovations taking place in conference and congress centres around the world. One thing is certain, however – venues are adapting, and many of them are now integrating technology as diverse and as intelligent as the delegates that walk their hallways. One such venue is the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
“T
he Durban ICC has always aimed to position itself as “Africa’s Leading Convention Centre,” but having invested in the latest, cuttingedge meeting technology, the centre is reinventing itself as the continent’s leading high-tech convention centre. “Without moving away from our existing market positioning, we are adding this competitive edge and aiming to also be recognised as ‘Africa’s Smartest Convention Centre’,” said Lindiwe Rakharebe, chief executive officer of Durban ICC. The centre is a versatile venue of enormous dimensions, flexible enough to meet any need, no matter how extraordinary. International conventions, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts and special occasions of every kind can be accommodated. 4 Business Events Africa May 2020
Flexibility and versatility are key factors in the design of this state-ofthe-art, technology-driven centre. The complex incorporates the Durban International Convention Centre, the Durban ICC Arena and the Durban Exhibition Centre, offering over 112,000m² of flexile event space, making it the largest flat floor, column-free multipurpose event space in Africa. Anushka Sarawan, senior sales coordinator of Durban ICC, said: “At this time when face-to-face meetings are restricted, it is the ideal time for clients to convert their existing traditional events into virtual events. Some clients are even able to reach much larger audiences by taking their events online than they would have with a traditional live event and monetise them accordingly.” “However, the Durban ICC is more
than simply a venue. It is a platform for meetings, a facilitator of dialogue and a place for people to connect, debate and ultimately find common ground,” Ms Rakharebe added. She added the five-star graded centre prides itself on being the leading venue for meetings, business events, conferences and exhibitions on the African continent. Preshan Haripershadh, IT manager, Durban ICC, said: “The Centre has an extensive Wi-Fi network that covers the entire Durban ICC complex with internal and external wireless antennae offering our guests seamless, uninterrupted high-speed internet whilst in the centre, outdoor courtyards and parking areas. The Wi-Fi network is quite a feather in our cap as this can be easily up-scaled to suit any event requirement, boasting www.businesseventsafrica.com
