The inaugural African Global Events Industry Summit (AGEIS) is heading to Gauteng in South Africa.

The event, focusing on fostering networks and collaborations within the African events industry, will take place from February 22-25 at the Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport Hotel in the City of Ekurhuleni.

The AGEIS will be held annually on the back of the reported growth of the African events industry in recent years. The industry is cited as a growing contributor to Africa’s economy by attracting foreign investors and contributing to the economic development of many countries.

The wedding industry alone is a major contributor with over five million weddings hosted annually in Africa according to Africa.com. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, business travel and tourism in Africa are projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.6% by 2028.

The theme of the Summit, ‘Building Bridges in the African Events Industry’, encapsulates the vision for the African events community to unite and drive the industry forward through collaboration, highlighted Kate Hassan, MD of Thea Eventistics.

Owing to its origins from within the successful Ghana Events Industry Conference, the Summit is expected to attract leaders, influencers, innovators and professionals within the events industry to discuss and explore ways to enhance co-operation and establish a stronger foundation for growth across Africa.

The objective of the AGEIS, as it is commonly called, is to bring industry professionals together to unite, professionalise, and grow the events industry in Africa.

“Bringing together industry professionals from various African countries, the inaugural Summit is expected to attract between 100 and 150 event professionals. The majority of attendees will represent Central and West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa. Corporate and social event planners, event designers, photographers, DJs, MCs, and many other professionals will be present,” said Hassan.

The AGEIS agenda will feature topics that will be delivered in various formats including Master Classes, panel discussions and one-on-one interviews with thought leaders, experts, and advocates sharing their insights and experiences to inspire and empower the delegates.

The AGEIS will provide delegates with numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration through social and networking events, such as the Welcome function on February 22, the Gala and Awards Dinner on February 25, as well as wine tasting and wellness events.

Meetings Africa synergy

Additionally, and most importantly, the AGEIS delegates will also participate in the Meetings Africa trade show, which will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from February 26-28.

Hassan said the AGEIS was strategically organised to coincide with the annual Meetings Africa trade show.

It is a two-day trade show with a dedicated Educational Day (Bond Day) which is executed in conjunction with the key global, continental and national industry associations.

The significance of hosting the Summit alongside Meetings Africa is to provide delegates with additional networking and business opportunities.

Delegates can register by clicking here – https://africaneventsprofessionals.com