The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) has congratulated Nina Freysen-Pretorius on being elected as president of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
Freysen-Pretorius, SAACI’s immediate past national chairperson, has served as ICCA’s second vice-president since October 2010.
SAACI National Chairperson Zelda Coetzee said Freysen-Pretorius’ election is a feather in the cap of the African business events industry, as she is the first African to take up the position.
“SAACI is immensely proud of her. Nina has had a strong influence on the local conference industry over many years and now the international industry can benefit from her leadership.”
SAACI also congratulated Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer at the South African National Convention Bureau on being elected as geographical member for Africa on the ICCA board.
SAACI CEO Adriaan Liebetrau said her election will help to establish the African continent as a sought-after meetings destination.
ICCA represents the main specialists in organising, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events, and comprises almost 1 000 member companies and organisations in over 90 countries worldwide.