The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) will be represented at the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Regional Conference in Sandton on Friday, 21 August 2026, where Executive Director Nonnie Kubeka will deliver a keynote address to entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry professionals from across South Africa. The conference, hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton, forms part of a national initiative aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs through networking, mentorship and business development opportunities. Kubeka’s participation places Gauteng’s business events and tourism sector at the centre of discussions about entrepreneurship, economic growth and leadership.
The conference is one of three regional events in the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Development Series, which culminates in the national conference and awards later this year.
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Gauteng Represented at National Women’s Business Conference
The Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Development Series brings together women entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, business experts and policymakers to share knowledge and create opportunities for collaboration.
The regional conference is designed to build entrepreneurial communities while providing access to valuable business networks, mentorship and practical learning opportunities.
This year’s Gauteng edition takes place in Sandton, one of South Africa’s leading business and conference destinations.
Nonnie Kubeka to Deliver Keynote Address
Nonnie Kubeka, Executive Director of the Gauteng Convention and Event Bureau, will deliver the keynote address from 10:00 to 10:20 following the opening remarks and Standard Bank keynote presentation.
Her participation reflects Gauteng’s continued role as a leading destination for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and business events.
Kubeka will also serve as one of the judges during the conference’s Pitching Den competition, where entrepreneurs will present their businesses to a panel of industry experts.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Through Business Development
The EmpowHER Development Series is designed to equip women entrepreneurs with practical skills, business knowledge and professional networks.
Delegates will hear from entrepreneurs, Standard Bank Top Women Award winners and business leaders who will share their experiences of building successful enterprises.
The programme also includes networking sessions intended to encourage collaboration and create business opportunities among attendees.
Pitching Competition Offers Funding Opportunities
One of the conference highlights is the Standard Bank Top Women Pitching Den.
Ten pre selected entrepreneurs from Gauteng will present three minute business pitches before a panel of judges before taking part in a question and answer session.
The regional winner will receive R50 000 and advance to the national Standard Bank Top Women Conference, scheduled for September 2026.
The national winner will later compete for the Standard Bank Top Women Champion title and additional prize funding at the annual awards ceremony.
How the Conference Supports Women in Business
The Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference combines keynote discussions, networking sessions and business development opportunities throughout the day.
Attendees will hear from industry leaders, participate in structured networking sessions and watch entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to an expert judging panel for an opportunity to advance to the national competition.
According to the organisers, the programme has been designed to give entrepreneurs practical knowledge, meaningful business connections and exposure to experienced leaders from both the public and private sectors.
Nonnie Kubeka will deliver a keynote address during the morning session before joining the panel of judges for the Pitching Den competition later in the day.
Why Business Events Matter for Gauteng
Business events play an important role in Gauteng’s tourism economy.
Conferences, exhibitions and corporate meetings attract delegates who contribute to hotels, restaurants, transport services, attractions and local businesses.
Events hosted in Johannesburg and Tshwane also strengthen Gauteng’s position as South Africa’s leading meetings and events destination while supporting jobs across the visitor economy.
Industry conferences such as the Top Women EmpowHER Conference create opportunities for collaboration between government, the private sector and entrepreneurs while showcasing Gauteng’s conference infrastructure.
Why Sandton Remains a Leading Conference Destination
The conference will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton, an area recognised as one of Africa’s premier business districts.
Sandton hosts many of the country’s largest conferences because of its accommodation, transport links, convention facilities and proximity to corporate headquarters.
Hosting national business events in Sandton continues to reinforce Gauteng’s position as a gateway for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The participation of the Gauteng Tourism Authority at the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference highlights the province’s continued investment in business tourism and entrepreneurship.
For local entrepreneurs, the event provides opportunities to build professional networks, learn from industry leaders and gain exposure through the Pitching Den competition.
For Gauteng’s tourism sector, conferences of this nature contribute to visitor spending while reinforcing the province’s reputation as South Africa’s business events capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Gauteng Conference?
The conference takes place on Friday, 21 August 2026, from 08:00 to 17:00 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton.
Who is representing the Gauteng Tourism Authority?
Nonnie Kubeka, Executive Director of the Gauteng Convention and Event Bureau, will deliver the keynote address and serve as a Pitching Den judge.
What is the purpose of the conference?
The conference aims to support women entrepreneurs through networking, mentorship, business development and pitching opportunities.
What is the Pitching Den?
The Pitching Den gives selected entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their businesses to a panel of judges, with the regional winner advancing to the national competition.
Who can attend the conference?
According to the organisers, the event is aimed at entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals and individuals interested in leadership and enterprise development.
Final Thoughts
The Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Regional Conference brings together entrepreneurship, leadership and business development under one roof while highlighting Gauteng’s role as a leading destination for conferences and business events. With the Gauteng Tourism Authority participating through Executive Director Nonnie Kubeka’s keynote address and involvement in the Pitching Den, the event also reflects the province’s ongoing contribution to strengthening South Africa’s visitor economy and business events sector.
