South Africa Unveils New Convention Bureau Leadership as Business Events Sector Gains Momentum
South Africa’s business events industry is entering a dynamic new era with the appointment of Ms Corne Koch as the new Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the helm of the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), effective 1 December 2025. This announcement comes as the country takes centre stage at IBTM World 2025 in Barcelona, where South African Tourism is showcasing the nation’s robust capabilities in hosting world-class meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
The SANCB, a strategic business unit within South African Tourism, plays a pivotal role in positioning the country as a leading destination for both domestic and international business events. Its mandate extends beyond simply attracting conferences and exhibitions; it is a catalyst for economic growth, sector transformation, and sustained global competitiveness. In the first half of 2025 alone, the Bureau secured 35 successful bids, injecting over R415 million into the economy and drawing nearly 16,000 delegates to South Africa. These achievements underscore the SANCB’s critical contribution to industry development and the broader economic landscape.
Ms Koch’s appointment is widely regarded as a strategic move to further elevate South Africa’s standing in the global business events arena. Bringing more than two decades of experience in tourism destination marketing and promotion, she is well-positioned to lead the SANCB through a period of significant opportunity and growth. Her most recent role as Head of the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau at Wesgro saw her drive the Western Cape’s emergence as Africa’s top business-events destination, building a reputation for excellence and innovation in the sector.
Her expertise spans programme and project management, strategic partnerships, event strategy, and stakeholder engagement—skills that will be instrumental as South Africa prepares to host a growing roster of major international gatherings, including the prestigious G20 Leaders’ Summit. Ms Koch’s leadership arrives at a crucial juncture, with the country gearing up for the 20th edition of Meetings Africa in February 2025 and Africa’s Travel Indaba in May 2026, both flagship events that highlight the continent’s tourism and business events prowess.
Commenting on her new role, Ms Koch emphasized the transformative power of business events, noting that their impact extends far beyond tourism to drive economic and knowledge growth for destinations. She highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the sector, crediting passionate professionals across government, academia, and industry for their role in advancing South Africa’s business events ecosystem. Her vision is to continue strengthening the country’s position as the continent’s premier home for business events, leveraging the SANCB’s platform to attract high-value gatherings and foster sustainable sector growth.
South African Tourism’s Acting CEO and COO, Darryl Erasmus, echoed this sentiment, describing the appointment as a testament to the organization’s commitment to building a strong, visionary executive team. He underscored the importance of leadership in navigating a defining era for South African Tourism, particularly as the country prepares to host events that will further amplify its global visibility and competitiveness.
South Africa’s appeal as a business events destination is rooted in its diverse tourism offering. From vibrant urban centres and award-winning convention precincts to breathtaking natural landscapes, the country seamlessly blends business efficiency with memorable leisure experiences. This unique combination is a key selling point at IBTM World 2025, where South Africa is engaging with global buyers and partners to showcase its readiness, innovation, and capacity as a trusted host for major international gatherings.
The business events sector remains a top priority for South African Tourism, with the SANCB’s results-driven approach delivering tangible benefits for the broader economy. The influx of delegates and investment generated by successful bids not only supports local businesses and job creation but also enhances South Africa’s reputation as a reliable and world-class host. The upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit and other high-profile events will serve as powerful proof points of the country’s capability and excellence in this arena.
For Africa’s travel industry professionals, these developments signal a wealth of new opportunities. The growing prominence of South Africa on the global MICE stage opens doors for partnerships, knowledge exchange, and expanded product offerings. As the sector continues to evolve, there is a clear imperative to innovate, collaborate, and invest in skills and infrastructure that will sustain growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.
With Ms Corne Koch at the helm of the SANCB, South Africa is poised to build on its recent successes and chart a bold course for the future of business events on the continent. Her leadership, combined with the country’s compelling value proposition and proven track record, positions South Africa as a destination of choice for global gatherings—where business meets inspiration, and every event leaves a lasting legacy.
