EXSA-llence Awards 2025
2025-01-23 | Midrand Conference Centre, 661 Pendulum Rd, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
Theme: The Tide is Turning
Conference: 8h30 for 9h00am
Awards ceremony: 7h00pm
The Cost of Attendance is as follows:
Conference: R750
Awards: R900
Package: R1600
Guest speaker: Ryan Stramrood

ABTA Travel Buyer’s Breakfast: HITS, MISSES & 2025 WISHES
2025-02-13 08:30 - 12:00 (Europe/Helsinki) | Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park, Princess of Wales Terrace, Cnr Carse O Gowrie, Sunnyside Drive, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2041, South Africa
Join the Africa Business Travel Association (ABTA) Travel Buyers Breakfast on 13 February 2025 at Holiday Inn Sunnyside Park Hotel, Johannesburg, where travel buying experts share their wins and misses of 2024, as well as their key focus areas for 2025. Enjoy breakfast with industry colleagues and get insights from leading corporate travel specialists into the most relevant challenges, trends and opportunities impacting corporate travel in South Africa, with peer-based insights to guide you on the road ahead.

08.00 – 08.45
Delegate arrival and networking
Tea and coffee served

08.45 – 09.30
Event opens with breakfast
Delegate welcome and a word from sponsors

09.30 – 10.15
Hits, Misses & 2025 Wishes

10.15 – 11.15
Interactive round table session

11.15 – 11.30
Business card prize draw
Event closes

11.30 – 12.00
Hotel site inspection

12.00 – 12.30
Networking coffee and snacks – TBA

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Want to participate as a breakfast sponsor? Contact Nadine Clarke for more information.

Current breakfast sponsors and partners include:

Meetings Africa 2025
2025-02-24 - 2025-02-26 | Sandton Convention Centre
Meetings Africa 2025 will see the 19th advent of this Business Events Trade Show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating a market access platform, for African Business Events Products. It serves as the primary platform to enable the growth of the business events industry on the continent and ultimately contributes towards its economic growth.
Meetings Africa is a 2-day trade show with a dedicated educational day,BONDay that is executed in conjunction with the key global, continental and national industry associations.
Meetings Africa exists to provide a platform for exhibitors to showcase their offerings to International and local buyers, African associations and corporate planners. It is the most formidable platform on the continent for you to meet face-to-face with the most influential buyers in the world, and to be part of Africa’s growth.

AIPC Cyber Resilience Bootcamp
2025-02-24 08:00 - 2025-02-27 17:00 | European Convention Center Luxembourg (ECCL), Luxembourg
The AIPC Cyber Resilience Bootcamp is a hands-on event designed to equip venue professionals with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively manage and respond to cybersecurity threats. Featuring expert-led sessions, practical exercises, and real-world scenarios, the bootcamp offers invaluable insights for building robust cyber defense strategies. Participants will gain practical skills to safeguard their organizations against evolving cyber risks while fostering resilience in their operations. Learn more about the Bootcamp at AIPC Cyber Resilience Bootcamp – AIPC

Women in Mice Awards Breakfast 2025
2025-02-25 07:30 - 10:00 | The Leonardo Hotel, 75 Maude Street, Sandton, Gauteng, 2197, South Africa
Celebrating female excellence through connections and collaborations

Under the new ownership of 4Mal Media Management, Meetings magazine and theplannerguru.co.za proudly present the eighth annual celebration of Women in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. This prestigious event honours the remarkable women shaping the industry, highlighting their achievements and the transformative power of working together and uplifting one other.
Join us in celebrating these trailblazers and building a connected community that values collaboration, innovation, and most importantly, mutual support. Together, let’s make this year’s event the most impactful yet!

PCO Alliance Network Industry Awards at Meetings Africa After Party, Hard Rock Café
2025-02-26 17:00 - 22:00 | Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg, 8 Maude Street, 10 & 10A Mandela Square, Sandton 2196 Johannesburg, South Africa, 8 Maude Street, 10 & 10A Mandela Square, Sandton, Sandton, Gauteng, 2196, South Africa
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Meetings Africa After Party on February 26th, as the PCO Alliance Network, partnering with Meetings Magazine, 4Mal Media – proudly presents its inaugural ‘You Rock Awards’ at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe! This event will celebrate the very best in our industry across six prestigious categories, honouring the visionary leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of meetings and events.
Awards ceremonies play a crucial role in the MICE industry by recognizing excellence, fostering innovation, and building community. These events not only celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations but also serve as a significant motivational force within the industry.

AAXO Roar Awards
2025-03-27
The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) is thrilled to celebrate the 6th ROAR Awards, a milestone that resonates deeply with the theme of strength and durability, epitomized by our choice of iron as a central component of this year’s celebration.
Just as iron symbolizes the enduring bond of a marriage, representing resilience and steadfastness, our awards reflect the unwavering commitment of our exhibitors and organizers in fostering excellence within the industry.
This event not only honours the achievements of those who have made significant contributions but also reinforces the collaborative spirit that binds us together, much like the iron in a marriage that strengthens over time.
As we gather to recognize innovation and dedication, let us embrace the qualities of iron—strength, durability, and unity—as we continue to build a vibrant and successful future for African exhibitions.

AIPC Academy
2025-04-07 08:00 - 2025-04-11 17:00 | Dolce La Hulpe, Dolce La Hulpe, Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
The AIPC Academy is designed for staff aiming to expand their industry knowledge and prepare for senior management roles. It also serves previous graduates and experienced managers seeking a collaborative environment to address current management challenges. Participants include centre managers with several years of experience ready to take on greater responsibilities, individuals new to the sector needing industry orientation, and alumni looking to enhance their knowledge and networks in an updated, issue-oriented format. This academy fosters professional growth and strategic development through engagement with faculty and peers. Learn more about the Academy at Academy – AIPC

World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) 2025
2025-04-09 08:00 - 2025-04-11 17:00 | CTICC
World Travel Market Africa delivers the leading global events for the travel industry. One of six shows in the WTM portfolio, our Africa show was launched in 2014 under the Africa Travel Week umbrella to bring the benefits and opportunities of our global industry expertise to travel professionals in this region. Join over 6000 travel industry professionals as they attend Africa’s leading and only business to business (B2B) exhibition for both the inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets. Mirrored on WTM flagship events like WTM London and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, WTM Africa delivers a proven mix of Hosted Buyers, Buyers’ Club members, Media representatives, pre-schedule appointments, networking, evening functions and invited travel trade visitors. Beyond the event we continue to help professionals in the African travel industry to drive commercial success with year-round access to make connections, industry news and developments, trends and technologies from around the world. Through our industry networks, global reach and regional focus, WTM Africa creates personal and business opportunities providing our customers with quality contacts, content and communitie

Amazeballs Charity Padel Tournament
2025-04-12 09:00 - 13:00
Cape Town’s sport and entertainment scene is set to collide with purpose-driven impact at the Amazeballs Charity Padel Tournament taking place on Saturday, April 12, at the launch of the much-anticipated Padel Story, Oakdale Courts in Durbanville. Entrance is free and Capetonians can expect a fun and active family day out with celebrity padel match-ups, live music, activations and incredible prizes up for grabs. This high-energy event promises a morning of padel for a purpose, all in support of local sustainability and youth upliftment initiatives.
Proceeds will benefit both the Amazeballs NPO, a local initiative turning used padel and tennis balls into functional furniture and art, as well as the Bounce Back Initiative, which promotes sustainable design by equipping emerging artists with the skills to incorporate upcycled materials into their creative processes.

Event details:
Date: Saturday, 12 April 2025
Time: 09:00 – 13:00 (courts open until 22:00)
Venue: Padel Story, Oakdale Club, Bellville

Event highlights:

Live entertainment: DJ Newton from Good Hope FM will be on the decks from 09:00 to 13:00, setting the vibe for the day.
Family fun: Capetonians can grab a bite in the braai area, or enjoy a post-game sports massage while enjoying DJ banter and music. Padel Courts are currently bookable on the Playtomic app and will remain open until 22h00 for social play.

Celebrity matches on Court 1:

Steven Kitshoff, Springbok rugby player
Cato Louw and Lucia Dramat – presenters from KFM
Morgan Newman from Good Hope FM, with Chad Simon and Jeremy Harris from Heart FM

Additional matches:

Amazeballs Charity Matches on Court 2 (09:00-10:00)
Bok Radio presenters take on Court 3 (10:00-11:00)

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: At 12:00, an official ribbon cutting will mark the grand opening of Padel Story Oakdale’s new courts.

Pay to Play! Win a scenic helicopter tour
Test your skills in a fast-paced 15-minute charity match against Padel Story’s Owner, Luke Potter.

Prize: A breathtaking Twelve Apostles Helicopter Tour for Two, sponsored by Cape Town Helicopters, valued at R6,500, offering aerial views of Table Mountain, Clifton, Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
Entry fee: R1,000 per pair
How to enter: Scan the QR code at the Amazeballs donation table on the day.
No pre-booking required – there are only 16 slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Spectators can get in on the action by placing score predictions – the closest guesses will win spot prizes.
All funds raised from the Bid for Bat auction and pay-to-play entries will support the Amazeballs and Bounce Back initiatives, driving sustainability, community upliftment and youth empowerment through sport and design.

African Travel Indaba 2025
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-15 | Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC), Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex,, 45 Bram Fischer Rd,, Durban, KZN, 4001, South Africa
About Africa’s Travel Indaba
Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar.
It showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracts international buyers and media from across the world. Africa’s Travel Indaba is owned by South African Tourism.
Africa’s Travel Indaba has won the awards for Africa’s best travel and tourism show. This award was presented by the Association of World Travel Awards.

Thrive 2025 - PAFSA EXPO & SPEAKER CONNECT
2025-07-02 10:00 - 14:30 | NH Hotel Sandton, 138 Rivonia Rd, Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
Join PAFSA for a power-packed day of connection, learning, and growth at THRIVE 2025 – a premier event for secretaries and administrative professionals.
Whether you’re looking to boost your skills, expand your professional network, or simply feel inspired, this event delivers it all – and more!
What to Expect:

🔥 Motivational Speaker – Be inspired to thrive in your career.

🤝 Powerful Networking – Connect with fellow professionals and leading industry brands.

🧩 Exhibitor Engagement – Discover tools, services, and solutions tailored to your role.

🎁 Big Giveaway Moment – Stand a chance to win exciting prizes!

Brought to you by PAFSA – the Professional Association for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants – with support from our incredible partners, including NH Hotels, Jenna Clifford, MSC Cruises, Barmotion, Flock Eventing Platform, and more.
RSVP and event details launching soon at: www.pafsa.co.za
For enquiries, contact:📧 Yolande Otto – yolande@pafsa.co.za | 📞 +27 (0)82 804 5922📧 Jeana Turner – jeana@pafsa.co.za | 📞 +27 (0)83 400 2685

Meet Stellenbosch 2025
2025-07-17 - 2025-07-18 | Jan Mouton Learning Centre, Hammanshand Rd,, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Meet Stellenbosch is a premier business event showcasing Stellenbosch as a prime destination for business events.
The 4th Meet Stellenbosch business event, is an initiative by Visit Stellenbosch and Stellenbosch University’s Central Events and Conferencing Office.
The 2025 theme, “The Empathy Edge: Human-Centric Events, Association Membership, and Academic Excellence,” focuses on exploring innovative ways to prioritise empathy and inclusivity in event planning, membership engagement, and academic collaboration. Join us by registering for the event and partnering with us as a contributing organisation. From tailored sponsorships to collaborative opportunities across key event elements, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we’ll craft an unforgettable experience-one that positions Stellenbosch as a leader in business events and cultivates powerful, lasting connections.

SAACI National Annual Conference 2025
2025-07-27 - 2025-07-29 | The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town, Colinton Rd, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
Shaping Tomorrow, Together, Today – Transforming Ideas into Impact

About the SAACI NAC
The SAACI National Annual Conference (NAC) is a yearly gathering of our members and the most influential voices in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry – where conversations and innovations meet actions that set the tone for the future of business events across Southern Africa.
Every year, we use the latest industry trends, new developments and expert insights to design an immersive experience that challenges conventional thinking, inspires collaboration, and equip attendees with the tools they need to navigate the evolving landscape of business events.
Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, the industry explores game-changing strategies and practical solutions to address both the challenges and possibilities on the horizon – with a strong focus on professionalisation, sustainability, data, and technology.
Join us at The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town this year from Sunday, 27 July, to Tuesday, 29 July, for the SAACI National Annual Conference 2025.

Why Attend?
The SAACI NAC is a strategic investment in professional and business growth for Southern Africa’s MICE industry. Delegates will have the opportunity to:

Gain insights from global and African industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators.
Engage with key decision-makers, industry peers, and future partners.
Take part in interactive debates, simulations, and expert-led sessions
Learn more about the latest developments in AI, digital transformation, compliance, and sustainable business event practices.

The insights gained over the three days will help boost your business revenue, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance your competitive position internationally.

What to Expect?
This year’s conference agenda features purpose-driven discussions and engaging activities that provide delegates with both strategic knowledge and practical tools:

The Opening Debate will set the stage with a thought-provoking discussion on whether Africa’s business events sector is poised for disruptive innovation or a more evolutionary growth path.
The Keynote Address, “Future-Proofing Business Events – Transforming Ideas into Impactful Solutions”, will explore how to create long-term value in a changing economic climate.
The Green Innovation Shark Tank will provide attendees with an opportunity to pitch their sustainable event solutions, and receive feedback from the experts in the ESG space.
The Business Events CEO Simulations will offer an immersive, real-world exercise in industry leadership, challenging participants to put themselves in their future-self’s shoes.
The Youth Panel will introduce fresh perspectives on the future of business events, sharing their expectations for current leaders laying the groundwork for them.
We will also be sharing Africa’s Business Events Growth Plan, laying out The Blueprint for 2030.

Over the three days, attendees will also take part in unique interactive elements set to improve their engagement during the event, including:

Gamified networking challenges
Collaborate and build meaningful connections.
Crowdsourced hot topics
Decide what we discuss during a surprise session.
Live forecasting challenge
Can you accurately predict the future of business events?

Attending the SAACI National Conference ensures that you and your team stay at the forefront of business events excellence.

Secure Your Spot!
Early bird rates are available until 18 June 2025.

Packages
Members: The Full Circle Experience (Best Value) – Encouraging Full Engagement – Early Bird (until 18 June 2025)
Includes:

Full access to all conference sessions & workshops (Sunday – Tuesday)
Sunday afternoon Industry Insights session
All refreshment breaks & networking lunches
Conference materials & digital resources
Welcome Networking Cocktail Reception (integrated into the base package)
Awards Gala Dinner, including:
VIP pre-dinner reception
Three-course dinner with wine pairing
Awards ceremony celebrating industry excellence
Post-dinner entertainment

(VAT Included)
R3,550

Members: The Connected Experience – Early Bird (until 18 June 2025)
Includes:

Full access to all conference sessions & workshops (Sunday – Tuesday)
Sunday afternoon Industry Insights session
All refreshment breaks & networking lunches
Conference materials & digital resources
Welcome Networking Cocktail Reception

(VAT Included)
R3,310

Non-Members: The Full Circle Experience (Best Value) – Encouraging Full Engagement
Includes:

Full access to all conference sessions & workshops (Sunday – Tuesday)
Sunday afternoon Industry Insights session
All refreshment breaks & networking lunches
Conference materials & digital resources
Welcome Networking Cocktail Reception (integrated into the base package)
Awards Gala Dinner, including:
VIP pre-dinner reception
Three-course dinner with wine pairing
Awards ceremony celebrating industry excellence
Post-dinner entertainment

(VAT Included)
R4,050

Non-Members: The Connected Experience
Includes:

Full access to all conference sessions & workshops (Sunday – Tuesday)
Sunday afternoon Industry Insights session
All refreshment breaks & networking lunches
Conference materials & digital resources
Welcome Networking Cocktail Reception

(VAT Included)
R3,860

The 2025 Women in Mice Awards
2025-08-06 13:00 - 17:00 | Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richards Drive, Halfway House, Midrand, Gauteng, 1685, South Africa
The countdown has officially begun! The Women in MICE Award returns on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, and we’re inviting the industry to come together in honour of the incredible women who are shaping and strengthening the business events space in South Africa. This year’s event will be held at the prestigious Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
Organised by 4Mal Media Management, the Women in MICE Awards have become a cornerstone for recognising leadership, excellence, and transformation across the MICE sector. More than an awards ceremony, this is a platform to uplift, connect, and inspire.

Festival of Eventing
2025-08-08 - 2025-08-09 | Century City Conference Centre, 4 Energy Ln, Century City, Cape Town, 7446, South Africa

Tech and Tourism Conference Africa 2025
2025-08-27 08:00 - 17:00
Now in its second year, the Tech and Tourism Conference Africa 2025 promises to enthral attendees with key discussions exploring the intersection of tech and tourism.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is crucial not to ignore the transformative power of technology, especially in the context and advent of artificial intelligence (AI).
Social media platforms have revolutionised the way businesses interact with their customers and promote their products or services. These platforms have provided unprecedented access to global audiences, enabling businesses to reach potential customers in a targeted and cost-effective manner. Social media has also given rise to influencer culture, where individuals with a significant following can impact consumer behaviour and shape brand perceptions. The ability to harness social media as a marketing tool has become essential for businesses across industries.
Furthermore, the rapid adoption of AI technology presents a unique opportunity to meet the revolution at its genesis. AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of the travel industry, from personalised recommendations and virtual assistants to intelligent chatbots and data analytics. By leveraging AI, businesses can gain insights into customer preferences, streamline operations, and enhance the overall travel experience. AI-powered technologies can help automate processes, reduce costs, and deliver personalised services, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Scheduled for August 27, 2025, in Johannesburg, the event will focus on cutting-edge solutions that leverage technology to enhance and revolutionise tourism and hospitality. Sponsors, exhibitors, industry players, decision-makers, and thought leaders are invited to participate and be part of the transformation in tech and travel.

8th Edition AI Expo Africa 2025
2025-10-29 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00
Back for its 8th edition, AI Expo Africa is the largest Enterprise AI trade event and conference in Africa. AI Expo Africa 2025 will run from October 29-31, 2025 at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa. The event will unite 2 500 decision-makers, investors, buyers, suppliers, innovators, SMMEs and global brands. This year, it will also be joined by the inaugural UN ITU AI4Good Impact Africa Summit, focused on how AI can be used to solve the UN SDGs.
Learn more about sponsoring, speaking and tickets here > www.aiexpoafrica.com
