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SPOTLIGHT
www.theevent.co.za
MEETINGS AFRICA 2020
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n recent years, the global meetings industry has begun to recognise Africa as a sought after destination. Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent.
Who Attends? • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
National, provincial and local tourism authorities African Tourism authorities and products Convention and visitor bureaus Conference and exhibition centres Hotels and accommodation providers Destination management companies Event management specialists Professional conference organisers Transportation companies Business events service providers Cruise liners Spa resorts Trade associations Travel trade publications
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More importantly, these events contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth. At Meetings Africa it was revealed that business tourism contributed an astonishin R115-billion to the country’s economy, underlining an incontrovertible fact – business tourists spend more than leisure tourists; their money is commonly spent at hotels, conference centres, restaurants, country clubs and convention centres. Consequently, the benefits of the MICE sector can be felt in many South African industries: healthcare, mining, academia, to name a few. In essence, the meetings industry is a key component of the knowledge economy since it facilitates the sharing of knowledge, collaboration and information dissemination. Meetings Africa is no exception. It has enabled African decision-makers to keep abreast with what their counterparts in other parts of the world are doing, thereby lending one huge voice to a continent many rightly regard as dynamic and ripe for further growth.
Building on Success
A Shared Economy
Over the years, the South Africa has hosted many high-profile events – such as the historic World Cup in 2010, World Aids Conference, COP 17, World Economic Forum – that have greatly enhanced the stature of South Africa in the eyes of the world.
Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, the Chief Conventions Bureau Officer, knows fullwell the importance of Meetings Africa and particularly delighted about the event’s 15th year milestone. “Meetings Africa is geared to enhance the collaboration between African
countries and African associations so as to create more shared economic benefits for the continent’s MICE sector, it is where the world comes to buy Africa.” For the 15th Meetings Africa, exhibitors from 17 African countries will take part. There will also be hundreds of buyers. One thing is clear: Meetings Africa lives up to its mission of making it possible for delegates to advance Africa together.
Who Will You Meet? • • • • • • • • • •
African, international and local meeting and event planners Association buyers who organise international conventions Local corporate executives who book business travel Travel agencies specialising in incentive, business and conference travel In-house event co-ordinators Incentive houses Conference organisers Sales and promotion agencies Marketing companies PR agencies
When it Kicks Off 24 February 2020: BONDay 25 - 26 February 2020: Exhibition www.meetingsafrica.co.za
