Lack of clarity about the state of readiness of Meetings Africa – one of SA Tourism’s flagship trade shows – is affecting exhibitor and buyer confidence that the event will deliver a return on investment.
Members of South Africa’s business events industry have voiced frustration at the lack of clear communication about planning processes, including the appointment of an events management company (EMC) to support the organisation of the event. The show, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, is set to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from February 23-25.
“Four weeks out, there is still a lot of uncertainty in the industry about the state of planning for the show despite multiple attempts to engage with SA Tourism. Lack of clear communication is having an impact on exhibitors’, buyers’ and service providers’ confidence in the show’s readiness,” said Glenton de Kock, CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI). SAACI currently has over 1 500 members across the business events sector.
Corné Koch, Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), told Tourism Update that an EMC has been appointed to support the “exhibition management, execution and logistics” of Meetings Africa but contracting processes are still underway.
“The name of the appointed supplier will be shared once all duly required contracting processes have been finalised,” said Koch.
She pointed out that “several” African countries have already confirmed their participation while registrations for exhibitors and buyers have been open since November last year.
Collaboration called into question
De Kock and Koch confirmed that the private-sector advisory panel – appointed last year to assist with planning for this year’s show – met only once in November.
“Since then, there have been no further engagements. This raises important questions about how private-sector partnership is valued,” De Kock said.
“With decades of experience in delivering world-class events and their deep understanding of the international MICE market, the committee’s expertise should be leveraged throughout the entire planning process, particularly when challenges arise,” De Kock pointed out.
Koch said collaboration with the private sector is a key component of the event – through the advisory panel and in association with industry bodies.
“Memorandums of agreement are in place with most of these associations, who will participate as exhibitors at the show, and ongoing communication with these associations about the event is actively maintained to ensure smooth coordination and support for the event.”
Koch said another meeting with the advisory panel is scheduled for late January.
Insights from exhibitor feedback sessions are “carefully reviewed and incorporated” in the planning and organisation of each year’s Meetings Africa wherever possible, she added.
“Exhibitors provide valuable input that directly informs improvements to the platform, enhancing the overall experience and impact of the show.”
Reputation at risk
De Kock stressed that, while Meetings Africa remains South Africa’s most important platform for showcasing business events capabilities to international markets, its credibility is at risk.
“Current planning challenges risk undermining the platform's credibility and costing the country’s competitive position and economic opportunities globally. This can take years to rebuild.”
He said urgent, transparent engagement and genuine partnership are required to ensure the trade show’s success.
“The industry has been patient and constructive. What we need now is actionable information and collaboration in execution. Meetings Africa can still succeed this year if we move quickly. South Africa's business events industry and our international buyers deserve a platform managed with the professionalism and partnership it demands,” said De Kock, emphasising that SAACI is continuing to pursue engagement to support successful delivery.
“We are not adversaries. Our members and our association are invested partners who want Meetings Africa to succeed. Our livelihoods, industry reputation and the country's competitive positioning depend on it.”
Koch said SA Tourism and the SANCB teams are “working diligently behind the scenes to ensure successful delivery” of the event.
