Meetings Africa 2023: Real Business, Sustainable Practices, and Cultural Heritage
At the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the 17th edition of Meetings Africa 2023 has been hailed as a resounding success by delegates, buyers, and exhibitors alike. Zinhle Nzama, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), announced that the number of confirmed meetings is approaching pre-pandemic levels, with 7,000 meetings confirmed using the online diary system, compared to just 3,000 in 2022.
Sustainable tourism practices were emphasized at the event, with a focus on the Green Stand Award and Sustainability Village. The former recognizes exhibitors who meet environmentally-friendly criteria, while the latter promotes the use of locally-produced, recycled, and reused materials.
The long-term impact of business connections and exchanges made at Meetings Africa 2023 is expected to result in policy changes, new partnerships, and increased business opportunities for Africa's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry for years to come.
First-time exhibitor, Ikala Nala of IPS Tours, was impressed with the beauty of African products and the connections made, resulting in quality leads established. Claire Kivedo, Managing Creative Director of Overall Events and Communication from South Africa's Nelson Mandela Bay, also praised the valuable connections made at the trade show.
Buyer Raymon Honings, Managing Director of Travelmediate Global from the Netherlands, was impressed with the diversity of exhibitors, noting that the quality of meetings was higher than in the past and that he had access to a wide range of potential suppliers showcasing what the African MICE industry can offer. Phumeza Nywe Ndjock of Mankwe Gametrackers was ecstatic after scoring multiple confirmed bookings for her business, highlighting the success of Meetings Africa 2023.
Myra Theron, Business Development Consultant at Mankwe Gametrackers, proposed using Q codes to share business cards and reduce the event's carbon footprint. "Meetings Africa is sure to have a long-term impact on the industry, benefiting local communities and the environment," concluded Nzama.
