South Africa NCB to partner with AIPC on Summit and to develop conference facilities

The South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) has announced its partnership with the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) to host the continent’s first AIPC Summit. Speaking at a press briefing at IBTM World in Barcelona, acting chief convention bureau Officer at the SANCB, Zinhle Nzama said that business events had a big role to play in the overall recovery of the global tourism sector and that bringing the Summit to Africa is one way in which South African Tourism is taking the lead in the recovery of the continent’s tourism sector. “We are excited to host the first AIPC summit on the continent and to be at the forefront of the opening of the Africa chapter of the AIPC. We want to ensure that the continent’s venues are in line with global standards and provide impeccable service,” said Nzama. The Africa chapter of the AIPC Summit will take place at the 2023 edition of Meetings Africa on 27 February at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Nzama said this was the ideal time to host this summit, as the continent’s business events products will already be gathered in one place for Meetings Africa. AIPC chief executive officer, Sven Bossu said that Africa’s population is growing and its economy is booming, therefore business events will become increasingly important to cater for the growing demand, which is why the AIPC is excited to bring the Summit to the continent. “People are looking for unique experiences, and our job as convention and exhibition centres is to figure out how we cater for these experiences. What we need to focus on is resources, technology and sustainability to make sure our venues are catering to the unique needs and experiences of delegates,” said Bossu. The collaboration with the AIPC is part of the SANCB’s efforts to advance the work of associations, including the ICCA Association Day, which also takes place at Meetings Africa with the aim to bring the African and International association community together to help them co-create solutions to manage their associations better, advance their work and further the interests of their members.