The South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) – which falls under the auspices of South African Tourism – is well on track to meet its target of hosting 350 global buyers for Meetings Africa 2023, to be held at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre from February 28 to March 1.
According to SANCB Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer, Zinhle Nzama, buyers from 39 countries have already been vetted and confirmed for the 17th edition of the premier MICE trade show.
“Leading countries with the most buyers represented include India, the US, Nigeria, Russia, Turkey, the Netherlands, Poland, the UK, France and South Africa,” said Nzama.
One of several new improvements to next year’s event is the Hosted Buyer Programme, which has been globally benchmarked, encompassing the best practice across all tourism trade shows. The SANCB team has partnered with a vetting agency who will assist in ensuring that all hosted buyers are vetted in accordance with a set of criteria.
“For the first time at Meetings Africa 2023, exhibitors are now being given the opportunity to nominate and recommend potential buyers upon application, which may form part of the hosted buyer programme, subject to evaluation,” highlighted Nzama.
3 key reasons to exhibit
As well as exposing their businesses to what Nzama terms the “best buyers from across the world”, she has outlined three key reasons for exhibitors to participate in Meetings Africa 2023.
- Do business
Meetings Africa’s unique positioning as a business events trade platform means the show is able to attract and provide exposure to global buyers and corporate executives who are specifically targeting African products.
“The stringent vetting process ensures that buyers who are ultimately selected to attend are, in fact, credible decision-makers who are able to place business in Africa and are of the level of seniority required for participation,” said Nzama.
She pointed out that the show’s targeted online diary and matchmaking programme was rated by users as “world-class”. This, coupled with a dedicated and accessible team, ensures that quality meetings take place between exhibitors and buyers.
- Network with Meetings Africa community
“While the diary system affords a formal engagement platform, exhibitors can meet delegates informally during the show’s official events, as well as during the course of the show. We take pride in delivering a professional platform that is engaging and truly representative of an authentic African business events culture,” said Nzama.
Exhibitors are invited to the extensive programme of official events, such as the Welcome Networking Event, Media Showcase events, the awards ceremony and community-building activities such as the fun run.
“These touchpoints provide added opportunities for exhibitors to leverage their brand through advertising and sponsorships,” Nzama added.
- Learn more about the industry
“Our Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) is a platform that stimulates meaningful conversations and depth of insights, which contributes to the learning and development of all who attend,” Nzama commented.
The seminars address issues that are pertinent to the business events industry, which drives change and transformation.
New recovery package
To empower the industry to attend, the Meetings Africa team has introduced a new Recovery Package for 2023. “This package is an entry-level plug-and-play package, comprising basic infrastructure and furniture, with a 50% floor-space subsidisation, at a total cost just shy of R15 000 (€880), inclusive of VAT.”
This will promote market access for all exhibitors and is a more cost-effective option for those looking to participate at the exhibition at an affordable price point.
“We have also re-evaluated the stand numbering system and synchronisation to the diary system, mitigating some of the issues that had arisen in 2022.”
