{"id":34630,"date":"2026-02-19T15:46:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T13:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=34630"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:41:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:41:34","slug":"smmes-and-co-exhibitors-meetings-africa-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/smmes-and-co-exhibitors-meetings-africa-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Meetings Africa 2026: Gauteng Tourism Authority Unveils SMMEs and Co-Exhibitors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Gauteng Tourism Authority has confirmed the professional conference organisers and tourism partners who will represent the province at Meetings Africa 2026. The announcement outlines the SMMEs selected under the PCO Development Programme and details the confirmed co-exhibitors that will share Gauteng\u2019s stand at the continent\u2019s leading business events trade show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meetings Africa, hosted annually in Johannesburg, brings together African destinations, tourism authorities, buyers, and global industry stakeholders. Gauteng will exhibit at stand E02 under the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The participation forms part of the province\u2019s broader strategy to strengthen Gauteng\u2019s position as a business events destination and support enterprise development in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/gauteng-to-mark-20-years-at-meetings-africa\/\">Gauteng to Mark 20 Years at Meetings Africa 2026 with Focus on Provincial Partnerships<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PCO Development Programme Participants for 2025\/26<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/\">The Gauteng Tourism Authority <\/a>confirmed the following SMMEs participating under the Professional Conference Organisers Development Programme for Quarter 4 of the 2025\/26 financial year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Refilwe Moroane \u2013 Adam Rock (Pty) Ltd \u2013 West Rand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peggy Morgans \u2013 Lifestyle Trips \u2013 West Rand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yolanda Lestsatsi \u2013 All Seasons Conferencing &amp; Events \u2013 Sedibeng<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lindi Madida-Senda \u2013 Judy Gab \u2013 Ekurhuleni<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mmemi Lebone Thuso \u2013 Lebone Solutions t\/a Metsi Wines \u2013 Tshwane<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laura Makgamathe \u2013 5 Senses Event Management \u2013 West Rand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zanele Chakela \u2013 Baki Travel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Xolile Melamane \u2013 Sibanye Team Building \u2013 Johannesburg<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Malethola Matube- E Tlang Ko Vaa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Gauteng Tourism Authority, the programme is designed to support emerging professional conference organisers and strengthen Gauteng\u2019s pipeline of locally owned events management businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3655454595\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Profile Spotlight: Lifestyle Tours &amp; Safaris<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lifestyle Tours &amp; Safaris describes itself as a destination marketing and professional conference management company specialising in business events and curated tourism experiences across Gauteng and surrounding regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its services include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>International and national conference project management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destination marketing and exhibition representation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Township and cultural heritage immersion tours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educational and school group travel management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bespoke corporate and leisure travel experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The company positions itself at the intersection of conference management and cultural tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Profile Spotlight: Baki Travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Baki Travel, established in 2016, operates as an inbound safari and tour operator based in Fourways, Sandton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its focus areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All-inclusive Southern Africa safari tours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wildlife and nature photography safaris<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tailor-made safari experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural immersion programmes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>City experiences in Johannesburg and Cape Town<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The company targets adventure seekers, families, cultural explorers and wildlife enthusiasts, aligning with Gauteng\u2019s positioning as both a gateway and experiential destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2655084026\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confirmed Co-Exhibitors at Stand E02<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to SMME participants, Gauteng will host several confirmed co-exhibitors at its stand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>City of Ekurhuleni<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>City of Tshwane<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constitution Hill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cradle of Humankind Projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dinokeng Projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maropeng Visitor Centre<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These entities represent a mix of metropolitan governments, heritage attractions, and nature-based tourism assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau, this collaborative approach allows the province to present a consolidated destination offering to international buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic Context: Gauteng\u2019s Business Events Positioning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meetingsafrica.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Meetings Africa <\/a>serves as a marketplace where African destinations compete for association conferences, corporate events, and incentive travel programmes. Gauteng, as South Africa\u2019s economic hub, continues to position itself as a host city region with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Established convention infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International air connectivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diverse accommodation capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural and heritage attractions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The inclusion of heritage sites such as Constitution Hill and the Cradle of Humankind underscores the province\u2019s emphasis on combining business events with experiential tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1143114241\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The participation of SMMEs and co-exhibitors at Meetings Africa has direct implications for Gauteng\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Business events contribute to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hotel occupancy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restaurant and retail spending<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport and logistics demand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Job creation in events management and tourism services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The inclusion of locally developed professional conference organisers under the PCO Development Programme signals continued provincial investment in skills development and enterprise growth within the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For residents, the economic benefits of attracting conferences and exhibitions extend beyond the event venues into township tourism, heritage sites, and local suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gauteng\u2019s 20 Year Milestone at Meetings Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2026 participation also coincides with Gauteng marking 20 years of involvement in the Meetings Africa platform. Over two decades, the province has used the exhibition to secure bids, promote convention infrastructure, and build partnerships across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s stand E02 presentation aims to showcase both metropolitan strength and heritage depth, while highlighting the role of SMMEs in sustaining the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3026418307\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is Meetings Africa?<\/strong><br>Meetings Africa is an annual business events trade show hosted in Johannesburg that connects African destinations with international buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the PCO Development Programme?<\/strong><br>It is a Gauteng Tourism Authority initiative supporting emerging professional conference organisers through exposure and market access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where is Gauteng exhibiting?<\/strong><br>Gauteng will exhibit at stand E02.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why are co-exhibitors included?<\/strong><br>Co-exhibitors present a unified provincial offering covering metros, heritage sites and tourism projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Will SMMEs be exhibiting independently?<\/strong><br>This year\u2019s participation is structured under the provincial platform at stand E02.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Meetings Africa 2026 is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, where Gauteng\u2019s delegation will engage with hosted buyers, associations, and event planners during the exhibition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to provincial officials, outcomes from the event will be assessed in terms of lead generation, bid opportunities, and long-term partnerships secured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng Tourism Authority is expected to provide post-event reporting on performance and economic impact once the exhibition concludes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Gauteng Tourism Authority has confirmed the professional conference organisers and tourism partners who will represent the province at Meetings Africa 2026. The announcement outlines the SMMEs selected under the PCO Development Programme and details the confirmed co-exhibitors that will share Gauteng\u2019s stand at the continent\u2019s leading business events trade show.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":34634,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"meetings africa,gauteng tourism authority","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"The Gauteng Tourism Authority has confirmed the professional conference organisers and tourism partners who will represent the province at Meetings Africa 2026. The announcement outlines the SMMEs selected under the PCO Development Programme and details the confirmed co-exhibitors that will share Gauteng\u2019s stand at the continent\u2019s leading business events trade show.","footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[999,101],"class_list":{"0":"post-34630","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-visit-gauteng","8":"tag-things-to-do-in-gauteng","9":"tag-visit-gauteng"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34630","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34630"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34630\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34646,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34630\/revisions\/34646"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34630"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34630"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34630"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}