Meetings Africa, the continent’s premier business events industry gathering, has exceeded its target of 350 exhibitors who will showcase their products and services to global buyers. So far, 352 exhibitors from 23 African countries will exhibit at Meetings Africa, with seven countries showcasing for the very first time.

Angola, Gabon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Sudan and Togo will all be exhibiting for the first time at Meetings Africa.  

According to Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), Zinhle Nzama, the increase in the number of African exhibitors is an indication that leaders throughout Africa recognise the business events industry as vital to the continent’s economy.

Nzama said Africa provided the business events industry with a host of experiences unmatched anywhere in the world. “We have the technological and infrastructural capabilities to host big events, much like other industrialised nations. Couple that with African hospitality and warmth and you have a recipe for a kaleidoscopic experience, one that immerses you into the fabric of this great continent.

“There are high-quality delegates that attend the trade show, thanks to a globally benchmarked vetting process that selects only the best buyers in the world.”

Fresh ideas boost the economy

Nzama, said the show’s new theme, Africa’s success built on quality connections, was about connecting people and ideas that will drive Africa forward. “Expanding African representation means that we are looking to bring in fresh ideas and to show our partners that this platform is serious about boosting Africa’s economic development.”

Nzama referred to Meetings Africa’s new logo and positioning as a symbol of developing new perspectives that can restore the business events industry to profitability. “To stay relevant and fresh, we would need to deploy a bit of elasticity to our thinking. That means we would need to share our unique differentiators and stories in person and learn from our peers and industry leaders on how to succeed in the future.”

African exhibitors in for a treat

“The value of Meetings Africa for exhibitors is twofold: they will have the chance to trade with credible buyers on the floor and drive relevant leads and they will garner unique insights from businesses and speakers at the Boma Talks to help drive their success,” said Nzama.

To learn more about meetings Africa, visit www.meetingsafrica.co.za