Gauteng’s capacity to host quality business and lifestyle events continues to be enhanced as the province wins more bids and welcomes quality business events more than any destination or city in South Africa and the region. In Gauteng we use our business positioning to mainstream our leisure tourism offerings in the creation of a sustainable, livable, visitable, and economically
growing destination.
The characteristics that give our destination the competitive advantage includes amongst others, the proximity to major world class international airports and air access, and efficient public transportation services with the Gautrain creating a compelling proposition, and a host of industry thought leaders and experts across the many high-growth sectors. This coupled with the availability of high-quality venues, a wide range of accommodation options, infrastructure and technological support, skilled workforce, and head offices of major global corporations together with our undisputed pleasant weather, position Gauteng as the desirable destination for business
tourism events.
Since October 2024, the golden province hosted several lifestyle events, conferences, and exhibition from different sectors, resulting in unprecedented bed nights sales, increased tourism revenue and the creation of temporary and sustainable jobs for the destination as referenced by the employment and labour survey results released this week.
The AI Expo Africa took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in October, uniting over 10 000 enterprises buyers, suppliers, and innovators across the African continent. This was followed by the prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMAs) at Gallagher Convention Centre, the Feather Awards & Festival at 1 Central Fox, World Association for Culture & Heritage Global Leadership Summit, Smart Mobility Africa Summit, and the 17th International Conference on Theory & Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) 2024 to name but just a few.
The month of November also started on a high note with the hosting of the African Bank Soweto Marathon, Soweto Investment Conference and Kunye Music Festival in Linksfield. The vibrancy and drive to keep our pole position is continuing as more business and lifestyle events are confirmed for this week into the weekend. The Music & Lifestyle Expo will host panel discussion and exhibition on the music lifestyle products in South Africa on 15 and 16 November at Sandton Convention Centre. This two-day event offers an unparalleled platform for both business and consumer engagement. Attendees can explore a diverse range of exhibits and activities tailored for art aficionados, lifestyle enthusiasts, foodies, and industry professionals alike.
Another highlight in the business of music is the Black Coffee Foundation Music Conference & Exhibition which will bring together music industry leaders, recording companies, digital and streaming services, artists, and music business enthusiasts for a day of insights, learning and inspiration. The music conference is scheduled for Friday 15 November 2024 at the Empire Venue in Parktown and will culminate into a charity concert at St David’s Marist to raise funds for underprivileged children who cannot afford access to such schools in the province.
On the exhibition front, the 9th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg is set to return from 19 21 November, promising an exceptional platform for automative industry professionals across sub-Saharan Africa. Visitors will get an opportunity to experience innovation in the sector and be exposed to new technologies and trends represented by the entire value chain of automotive industry. Parallel to Automechanika will be the Futuroad Johannesburg all at the Joburg Expo Centre. The business and events hosting doesn’t stop as we continue in November with the World Anthropological Congress from 11-15 November and the Rage Expo from 29 November to 1 December 2024 closing the year with hard work, focus and determination.
Gauteng means business with the business of meetings, conventions, conferences, events, and exhibitions. This is our bread and butter, a key component of what makes up destination Gauteng and its competitive and comparative advantages. For us these are not just a list of hosted or to be hosted events, they represent a continued stamp of approval and preference by various international associations and sector leaders on Gauteng’s ability and expertise in providing exceptional and quality convention and events hosting services, explained Gauteng Tourism Chief Executive Officer Sthembiso Dlamini.
For more information on what to do and where to go this season in Gauteng, visit www.gauteng.net. Follow @visitgauteng on Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok and I Love Gauteng on Facebook and download the Visit Gauteng mobile app on App store and Google play.
Enquiries: Barba Gaoganediwe, Spokesperson Gauteng Tourism
0834467844
[email protected]
@Barba_G74 on twitter
124 Main Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
www.gauteng.net
