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Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba back for 2025 editions!

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Johannesburg, South Africa – Mark your calendars for the 2025 editions of the  African continent’s trade events designed to elevate the African continent’s leisure tourism and business events industry.

South African Tourism-owned Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba are back in 2025 and are set to enhance business connections and networking opportunities. These Pan Africa shows will once again offer robust agendas featuring a diverse range of exhibitors, insightful workshops, and keynote presentations from industry leaders and experts, providing opportunities for global tourism professionals to connect, collaborate, and create lasting value and economic impact.

Meetings Africa, the continent’s premier business events trade show, is set to take place from the 24th to the 26th  of February at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng province, in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority and Johannesburg Tourism Company.

Africa’s Travel Indaba will take place from the 12th to the 15th   of May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban in partnership with Durban Tourism and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission.

Meetings Africa focuses on highlighting the African business events products and promoting closer collaboration for the continent sector’s growth. The show will again feature a dedicated educational programme that unites and builds partnerships, driving the business events sector forward. By connecting the best of the African business events industry with relevant buyers from across the globe, Meetings Africa creates an environment conducive to transacting and building quality connections.

Meetings Africa 2025 will commence with a Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on 24 February 2025, providing a platform for professionals to forge new partnerships, explore collaborative ventures, and gain invaluable insights from industry experts. This exclusive prelude sets the stage for the main event, ensuring attendees maximise their networking potential.

Under the theme, “Africa’s Success Built on Quality Connections”, Meetings Africa emphasises the importance of forging strong, meaningful relationships in driving the continent’s economic progress and industry innovation. The trade show will also provide a platform to showcase Africa’s leading and diverse business event offerings to decision-makers from key source markets worldwide.

Reflecting on Meetings Africa’s Success of 2024:

  • 382 exhibitors representing 22 African countries displayed the diverse and dynamic nature of the continent’s tourism landscape.
  • 371 international and local buyers were in attendance, with a total of 3,480 delegates engaged in the event, underscoring its significance in the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) calendar.
  • Over 8,150 meetings were conducted between buyers and exhibitors, highlighting the event’s role in creating substantial business opportunities.
  • The airline pavilion featured nine airlines, emphasising the critical role of aviation in connecting the continent.
  • 25 SMMEs (Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises) displayed their innovative solutions, demonstrating Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit.
  • 179 members of the media provided extensive coverage, amplifying the event’s reach and impact.
  • In total, 63 countries were represented.

“Meetings Africa 2025 is not just a trade show; it’s a catalyst for business success,” said Minister of Tourism,  Patricia de Lille. “We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and buyers from our continent and from  around the world to South Africa.”

“Meetings Africa 2024 has had a significant impact on South Africa’s economy, contributing R420 million to the GDP and creating over 770 jobs. The event showcased the strength of South Africa’s business events industry as a key driver of economic growth, generating R27 million in national tax revenue and providing significant business opportunities for exhibitors. Beyond economic gains, Meetings Africa emphasised sustainable practices and supported small local businesses, provided great networking opportunities for exhibitors from the rest of the continent, further elevating South Africa’s profile as an attractive and appealing destination for global conferences and events,” Minister de Lille added.

Africa’s Travel Indaba focuses on showcasing the African continent’s leisure tourism products and promoting partnerships geared towards advancing the continent’s growth. Africa’s Travel Indaba will also lead with a Business Opportunity Networking Day featuring industry and business experts and leaders sharing knowledge.

The 2024 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba hosted 9280 registered delegates, marking an incredible 7% increase when compared to 2023. No less than 24,000 meetings were held between exhibitors and buyers.  Additionally, the event featured over 1200 exhibitors who displayed an impressive array of African tourism products and experiences.

The economic activities triggered by Africa’s Travel Indaba, from event infrastructure to accommodation establishments, restaurants, and shuttle services, were significant.

The direct economic impact on the city was no less than R226 million, with a spillover effect contributing an additional R333 million. The overall contribution to the city’s GDP exceeded R500 million, indicating significant economic benefits and over 1 000 jobs created, especially for the youth.

“For Africa’s Travel Indaba we look forward to working with all our partners to showcase the city of Durban and the greater Kwa Zulu-Natal province once again and, indeed, the rest of our country. Given the continent’s wide variety of tourism products and experiences, Africa’s Travel Indaba showcases a wide variety of exhibitors and continues to be the best Pan Africa leisure global trade show for all our buyers, exhibitors, media and other stakeholders,” Minister de Lille said.

Looking forward to 2025, both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba, will be tailored to  provide immersive experiences and provide excellent value for exhibitors, buyers and media alike.

By connecting the best of the African leisure and business events industry with relevant buyers from across the globe, both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba create an environment conducive to transacting and building quality connections.

  • Meetings Africa Dates:

 24 February 2025: Business Opportunities Networking Day (BONDay)

 25 – 26 February 2025: Exhibition Days

 Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

 Africa’s Travel Indaba Dates:

 12 May 2025: Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay)

 13 -15 May 2025: Exhibition Days

 Venue: Durban International Convention Centre

More announcements will be made on www.southafrica.net

VUKA Group and The Global Trust Project: Commit to building a worldclass platform for ‘what matters most, Trust!’

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23rd September 2024
In a world where trust is often seen as a rare commodity, the recent signing of the Joint Venture Agreement between VUKA Group, an African conference, exhibition and media agency, and The Global Trust Project marks a significant milestone. This partnership, spearheaded by David Ashdown, CEO of VUKA Group, and Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director and co-founder of The Global Trust Project, is set to revolutionise the way businesses and governments approach trust and its impact on organisational success.


The journey to this partnership began over a year ago, with both parties exploring their relationship and defining the grounds to support Dominic in his vision for The Global Trust Project. David Ashdown, reflecting on the initial stages of their relationship, recalled, “Dominic’s passion for trust resonated deeply with me, and I saw an opportunity to support his journey. At VUKA Group we are experts at connecting people and organisations to information and each other, which is what The Global Trust Project needs to achieve its mission of influencing 10 million actors to impact 1 billion people on what matters most, Trust! We provided Dominic, during the last 12 months, with the runway he needed to breathe, think, and transform”.
David continues “Bringing Dominic into the VUKA Group, fits our strategy of diversifying our portfolio whilst connecting with the deep relationships we have established through the industry verticals we serve. We have seen an immediate positive response to The Global Trust Project being introduced and Dominic has been a featured key-note speaker on the stages of our conferences all year.”
Bruce Robinson, Chairman of VUKA Group, played a crucial role in this partnership. He emphasised the importance of trust in professional relationships, stating, “One of the fundamental building blocks of professional relationships is trust. It’s something that isn’t often discussed, but it’s essential for success. Dominic’s approach to trust is both scientific and practical, making it accessible and impactful for organisations”.
The Global Trust Project aims to operationalise trust through four key areas: advisory and consulting, learning and development, awareness and engagement, and research and assessment. The flagship product, the Trust Master Class, has already made a significant impact on VUKA Group’s employees. “The Trust Master Class has been a brilliant learning experience. It has helped us understand the fundamental principles of trustworthiness and how to apply them in our daily work, it helped us define our values and create a shared understanding of trust within the organisation.” David explained.
The partnership between VUKA Group and The Global Trust Project is not just a business relationship; it is a deeply human and transformative journey. “It’s been more than just a business relationship. It’s been a journey of growth, tears of joy, and no little discomfort. We are here to take on the world and pursue a vision of reaching 10 million people who, in turn, will impact 1 billion”, Dominic shared.
As the partnership moves forward, both parties are excited about the future. Bruce Robinson highlighted the potential for The Global Trust Project to engage with governments and multinationals globally. “The future is very bright. There are so many areas where trust can be applied to make a substantial impact. The only question is how rapidly we want to introduce this into the marketplace”.
Dominic Wilhelm envisions a future where trust is at the forefront of organisational success. “I would like to see high-level engagement with governments and multinationals globally. Our learning offerings, like the Trust Master Class, have the potential to scale and make a significant impact. The Trust Equity Index can become an enterprise plug-in, enabling leaders to see trust dynamics at the click of a button”.
During the interview, Dominic illustrated the four pillars of the trust model: integrity, benevolence, capability, and the inclination to trust. These pillars form the foundation of trustworthiness and are essential for building trust in any relationship.


Integrity is the first pillar. Dominic explained, “When David and Bruce first met me, they were implicitly or explicitly trying to figure out whether I was good. Integrity means having a binding ethical framework and demonstrating it consistently”.
The second pillar is benevolence. Dominic elaborated, “Benevolence is about being concerned with not only your well-being but also the well-being of others. It’s about showing that you care about the success and welfare of your partners and stakeholders”.
Capability is the third pillar. “Capability refers to having the skills, knowledge, and abilities to do what you profess to do. It’s about demonstrating competence and effectiveness in your actions”, Dominic explained.
The fourth pillar is the inclination to trust. Dominic highlighted, “Even if someone is highly trustworthy, the inclination to trust them can be influenced by personal biases and perceptions. It’s important to address these perceptions to build a trusting relationship”.
Bruce Robinson reflected on the journey of understanding and applying these principles within VUKA Group. “It took some time to understand what Dominic actually does. His approach is highly scientific, but he has managed to boil it down into practical applications that can be used in the professional world”.
As the partnership continues to evolve, both VUKA Group and The Global Trust Project are committed to making a positive impact on the world. “We are excited about the future and the potential for transformative change. Trust is at the heart of everything we do, and we are dedicated to building a better future through trust”, Dominic concluded.
The signing of the Joint Venture Agreement between VUKA Group and The Global Trust Project is a testament to the power of trust and the vision of both parties. It is a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As they embark on this journey together, the future looks promising, and the potential for transformative change is immense.

UFI Global Barometer confirms 2024 as record year for the exhibition industry globally

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  • 2023 and 2024 revenues expected to grow by 20% and 17% on average globally year on year
  • 48% of companies plan to increase staff numbers in the coming 6 months
  • 77% of companies plan to expand their scope of activities, and 43% declare an intention to expand into new countries and regions
  • Adaptation of generative AI continues to take hold across the industry
  • Complete report includes dedicated profiles for 19 markets and regions, showcasing differences around the world

Paris – 8 August 2024: UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest 33rd edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer report which takes the pulse of the industry.

The results highlight that the exhibition industry will achieve record revenues globally in 2024, moving beyond the post-pandemic recovery that was achieved at the end of 2023 on average. 2023 and 2024 revenues are expected to grow by a respective 20% and 17% year on year.

Globally, 48% of companies declare that they plan to increase their workforce in the coming 6 months, while another 48% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable.

“State of the economy in home market” is the most pressing issue (22% of answers globally), followed by “Global economic developments” (15% of answers).

There is a universal consensus that AI will affect the industry, with 90% of companies stating this, and a growing share of businesses reporting that they actively utilise this new technology.

“This edition of UFI’s flagship Barometer research confirms our early data from January that 2024 will be a record year for industry revenues globally. This edition shows how this growth translates into new jobs in our sector as well as in expansion plans from the majority of businesses – aiming both at new business activities as well as new geographies. Against a complex global backdrop, the global exhibition industry is bullish about its short and mid-term prospects”, comments Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director and CEO at UFI.

“The barometer also shows how 19 key exhibition markets and regions match up both against their respective regions and against the global averages. We have expanded this reporting further to make this data more easily accessible. There is no other research in this industry that allows for such level of comparison”, Hattendorf adds.

Size and scope

This latest edition of UFI’s bi-annual industry report was concluded in July 2024 and includes data from 453 companies in 68 countries and regions.

The study also includes outlooks and analysis for 19 focus countries and regions – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the USA – as well as five additional aggregated regional zones.

Operations

Globally, the level of operations in the first half of 2024 has picked up for half of the companies (4 out of 10 in Asia-Pacific, Central & South America and the Middle East & Africa; and 6 out of 10 in Europe and North America) while it was qualified as “normal” for one in three.

This trend will continue in the coming year with, on average, a percentage of companies reporting an increased activity ranging from 59% in North America to 50% in Asia-Pacific, 49% in the Middle East and Africa, and 48% in Central & South America and Europe, respectively.

Turnover and operating profits

Revenues increased by 20% on average in 2023, and this trend is expected to continue. In 2024, revenues are expected to grow again by an average of 17% year over year.

These general trends vary from one country to another:

  • Revenues from 2023 compared to 2022 vary from 143% in Malaysia, 139% in Thailand, 132% in Argentina and the USA, to 105% in Spain, 103% in Brazil and 101% in Australia.
  • Revenues from 2024 compared to 2023 vary from 148% in Colombia, 138% in Brazil, 123% in the UAE, to 106% in Germany, 105% in China and 98% in France.

In terms of operating profits for 2023, 61% of the companies declare an annual increase of more than 10%, and 27% declare a stable one. The same total of 88% applies to the 2024 operating profits, with 47% planning an annual increase of more than 10% and 39% a stable one.

The highest proportion of companies expecting an annual profit increase of more than 10% are in Malaysia (100%), Spain (83%) and Thailand (75%) for 2023, and Brazil (82%), the UK (69%) and Malaysia (58%) for 2024.

Workforce development

Globally, 48% of companies declare that they plan to increase their staff numbers, while another 48% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable.

The highest proportion of companies planning to add staff are identified in Malaysia (91%), Brazil (75%) and the UAE (73%).

Most important business issues

This edition does not show significant changes when compared to the previous edition of the Barometer released six months ago:

  • The most pressing business issue is “State of the economy in home market” (22% of answers globally – same as six months ago – and the main issue in all regions, except the Middle East and Africa, where it ranks second).
  • Overall, “Global economic developments” come in as the second most important issue globally (15% of answers, compared to 17% six months ago), followed by “Geopolitical challenges” (14%, and the top issue for the Middle East and Africa) and “Competition from within the exhibition industry” (14%).
  • “Internal management challenges” (11%), “Sustainability / Climate” (9%) and “Impact of digitalisation” (6%) follow.

An analysis by industry segment (organiser, venue only and service provider) shows no differences regarding the most pressing issue (“State of the economy in home market”), but the second and third ones vary: “Global economic developments” (17%) and “Geopolitical challenges” (16%) for organisers;  “Competition from within the exhibition industry” (18%) and “Sustainability / Climate” (13%) for venues; “Competition from within the exhibition industry” (19%) and “Global economic developments” (15%) for service providers.

Current strategic priorities

In all regions, a large majority of companies intend to develop new activities, either in the classic range of exhibition industry activities (venue/organiser/services), outside of the current product portfolios, or in both areas: 69% in Asia-Pacific, 74% in North America, 75% in Central & South America, 83% in Europe and 84% in the Middle East & Africa.

In terms of geographic expansion, 43% of companies declare an intention to develop operations in new countries and regions.

Generative AI applications

Globally, there is an overwhelming consensus that AI will affect the industry, with 90% of companies stating this.

The areas expected to be most affected by the development of AI are the same in all regions: “Sales, Marketing and Customer Relations” (83% globally), “Research & Development” (82%) and “Event Production” (69%).

These are precisely the areas where generative AI applications are already mostly used, and in all regions (39%, 38%, and 28% globally, respectively).

Background

The 33rd Global Barometer report, concluded in July 2024, provides insights from 453 companies, across 68 countries and regions. It was conducted in collaboration with 32 associations:

AAXO (The Association of African Exhibition Organizers) and EXSA (Exhibition and Events Association of Southern Africa) in South Africa, ABEA (Australian Business Events Association), ABEOC (Associao Brasileira de Empresas de Eventos) and UBRAFE (União Brasileira dos Promotores Feiras) in Brazil, AEFI (Italian Exhibition & Trade Fair Association) in Italy, AEO (Association of Event Organisers) in the UK, AFE (Spanish Trade Fairs Association) in Spain, AFECA (Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations) in Asia, AFEP (Asociacion de Ferias del Peru) in Peru, AFIDA (Asociación Internacional de Ferias de América) in Central & South America, AIFEC (Asociacion Colombiana de la Industria de Ferias, Congresos, Convenciones y Actividades Afines) in Colombia, AKEI (The Association of Korean Exhibition Industry) in South Korea, AMEREF (Asociacion Mexicana de Recintos Feriales) and AMPROFEC (Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales de Ferias y Exposiciones y Convenciones) in Mexico, AOCA (Asociación Argentina de Organizadores y Proveedores de Exposiciones, Congresos, Eventos y de Burós de Convenciones) in Argentina, APPCE (Asociación Panameña de Profesionales en Congresos, Exposiciones y Afines) in Panama, AUDOCA (Asociación Uruguaya de Organizadores de Congresos y Afines) in Uruguay, HKECIA (Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association) in Hong Kong, IECA/ ASPERAPI (Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association) in Indonesia, IEIA (Indian Exhibition Industry Association) in India, JEXA (Japan Exhibition Association) in Japan, MFTA (Macau Fair & Trade Association) in Macau, MACEOS (Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers) in Malaysia, MECA (Myanmar Exhibition and Conference Association) in Myanmar, PEIFE (Professional Events Industry Association Saudi Arabia) and SCEGA (Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority) in Saudi Arabia, SECB (Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau) in Singapore, SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers) for the US, SOKEE (Greek Exhibition Industry Association) in Greece, TEA (Thai Exhibition Association) in Thailand, and UNIMEV (French Meeting Industry Council) in France.

“Thank you to all the partners who help us reach good levels of answers, leading to valuable snapshots for many markets”, says Christian Druart, UFI Research Manager.

In line with UFI’s objective to provide vital data and best practices to the entire exhibition industry, the full results can be downloaded at www.ufi.org/research.

The next UFI Global Exhibition Barometer survey will be conducted in December 2024.

Following the Success of Enlit Africa, VUKA Group Launches VUKA Energy Portfolio

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16th July 2024

VUKA Group, the Cape Town-based event and media agency, brings together its diverse energy-related media assets to launch the VUKA Energy portfolio and introduce an intuitive digital platform that brings insights, resources, and engagement to energy professionals across the continent.

  • The VUKA Energy Portfolio is well-positioned to create value and drive results for the wider industry through a series of in-person, digital and print projects
  • The VUKA Energy site is a comprehensive digital platform that transforms collaboration, insight-sharing, and engagement for the industry at wearevukaenergy.com

Building on the continued success of sector-leading brands Enlit Africa and ESI Africa, VUKA Group has launched the VUKA Energy Portfolio and introduced a centralised insights and resources hub built for industry professionals. It illustrates VUKA’s commitment to moving the energy transition forward across Africa in a just and inclusive way.

“We have made digital transformation central to our planning as an organisation, and this is reflected in the launch of the VUKA Energy site, our new home and reached at www.wearevukaenergy.com” says David Ashdown, CEO of VUKA Group. “The site is an intuitive series of curated information gateways designed to provide quality information that’s accessible and relevant, year-round. This digital platform will be integrated and cloned across the industry sectors we serve; Energy, Mining, Mobility, Retail and Green Economy, providing a depth of content unrivalled in the African media space.”

The site includes Insights and Resources that delivers evergreen content that provides solutions, addresses challenges, and focuses on long-standing industry issues and conversations. This section is bolstered by content collated by dedicated editorial teams that serve fresh insights, analyses and industry-relevant vertical topics in easy-to-read formats that are accessible on multiple devices and platforms. Users can navigate seamlessly through the site to find articles, podcasts, webinars, reports, white papers, and video content that aligns to their interests and expectations. The design is deliberate. It ensures visitors to the VUKA Energy site can quickly and easily find the information they need, delivering value and insights at speed.

The Events and Webinars listing offers readers access to a calendar of upcoming conferences and exhibitions alongside access to a library of world-class digital content. This includes our targeted and well-attended webinar series that has been created in partnership with ESI Africa and Enlit Africa.

“We have introduced an Investment Projects section which serves up a fully searchable interface connecting project owners to the investor landscape,” explains Ashdown. “From start-ups to scale-ups through to national infrastructure, we list and billboard your projects for free. The projects are listed after verification from our Quality Assurance team and selected projects are invited to our pitch stage at our live events so they can tell their story to a qualified audience.”

VUKA provides pitch event attendees with coaching so that they are on-point with their delivery and supplies the audience with insight into must-know elements. Investors benefit from an exclusive concierge matchmaking service that allows for them to connect with owners directly. Project decks can be downloaded from the site for added ease.

The site includes a section entitled Dialogues where badge details captured at the bustling Enlit Africa event will be used to send exclusive invitations for monthly online meetings. These sessions will deepen discussions around targeted industry topics with colleagues and thought leaders. The Supplier Directory section completes the picture of the launch, providing users with the ability to search for suppliers who do business in Africa. It includes information such as where they do business, their product range, and relevant contact people and is regularly updated by the Quality Assurance team. The directory promotes trade and engagement online to a qualified energy audience.

“The VUKA Energy Portfolio and website are our new home to engage with stakeholders and provide an access point to our portfolio of industry-related brands,” concludes Ashdown. “With the launch of the C&I Solar + Storage Summit into Gauteng during 19-20 November 2024 and the launch of Water Security Africa to co-locate with Enlit Africa 2025, alongside our established live and media brands: Enlit Africa, ESI Africa, Utility CEO Forum, African Power & Energy Elites, Women in Energy, and the Municipal Forum, our the VUKA Energy Portfolio delivers great influence across the sector and is recognised as an important platform to bring people and organisations together to connect with information and each other across the African energy, power and water industry verticals.”

Find out more about the VUKA Energy Portfolio at the dedicated URL www.wearevukaenergy.com to discover a world of energy-related insights and support curated specifically for the industry. To learn more about VUKA Group, our sector focus and markets connect here www.wearevuka.com

ABOUT VUKA Group

VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With over 20 years of experience in serving the business community across Africa, the company is a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences, and media in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy, e-commerce, and CX sectors. VUKA Group is an independent B-BBEE compliant company, adapted to the unique conditions of Africa. VUKA Group successfully launched, as a venture partner to the race promoter, the exciting E-Fest ELECTRIC, evrt Africa, and Africa’s Green Economy Summit as part of the E-Fest in Cape Town 2023 that culminated in the historic Formula E race. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include Enlit Africa, DRC Mining Week, Nigeria Mining Week, DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, ECOM, and CEM Africa.

 Press Contact:

Marcel du Toit. Commercial Lead – VUKA Energy . VUKA Group

Event Synthesis International Expands with New Team Member and an additional Office

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Event Synthesis International is thrilled to announce significant developments as it continues to grow and expand its footprint in the event management industry.

Joining the esteemed team at Event Synthesis International is Seipati Maaga, who brings a wealth of creativity and fresh perspectives to the organization. Seipati’s background in Event Management, positions her perfectly to contribute to the dynamic and innovative events that Event Synthesis International is known for.

“We are delighted to welcome Seipati back to our team after she completed her internship,” said Angelique Smith, CEO at Event Synthesis International. “Her passion for events and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our company values. We are confident that her expertise will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional event experiences for our clients.”

In addition to this exciting personnel update, Event Synthesis International is expanding its presence with the opening of an additional office in the Western Cape. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for premium event management services in the region.

“Our expansion into the Western Cape marks a significant milestone for Event Synthesis International,” said Angelique. “We are excited about the opportunities this new office brings to better serve our clients and partners in this vibrant and dynamic part of the country.”

The new office will serve as a hub for creativity and innovation, enabling Event Synthesis International to further elevate its event planning and management capabilities across a broader geographical area.  As part of this expansion, we are updating our contact details effective immediately.

Please note our new web address and email:

– **Website:** www.esiglobal.co.za

– **Email:** all email accounts change from to

These changes are designed to streamline communication and provide enhanced support as we continue to grow and evolve. Rest assured, our commitment to delivering exceptional event management services remains unchanged.

About Event Synthesis International:

Event Synthesis International is a leading event management company known for its creativity, professionalism, and dedication to delivering outstanding event experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Event Synthesis International has established itself as a preferred partner for corporate, incentive and leisure events.

For more information, please contact:

Angelique Smith

CEO

Event Synthesis International

+27 60 970 7653

www.esiglobal.co.za

Energy Capital & Power Appoints James Chester as CEO

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Co-Founder and Senior Director James Chester will lead Energy Capital & Power as CEO effective June 26, as the company advances its 2024 events calendar.

 Energy Capital & Power (ECP) – Africa’s leading energy investment platform – proudly announces the appointment of James Chester as CEO, effective June 26, 2024.

As Co-Founder and Senior Director at ECP, Chester holds varied and dynamic experience in events, strategic communications, custom publishing and investment promotion activities across Africa’s fastest-growing markets. Chester serves as project lead for the South Sudan Oil & Power conference – ECP’s longest-running event – and Libya Energy & Economic Summit, working closely with key government and private sector stakeholders to showcase national investment opportunities and deliver measurable results.

 Through the inaugural US-Africa Energy Forum in 2021 and successive events in Houston including the Angola Oil & Gas networking event earlier this year, Chester has successfully introduced American companies to African investment opportunities, playing a critical role in bridging the two regions. As CEO, he will continue to innovate and develop new strategies to attract global capital, knowledge and technology to Africa’s energy sector, adapting to the evolving energy investment landscape and driving growth and development in the industry.

“We are thrilled to appoint James Chester as CEO, given his longstanding commitment to the company, robust financial acumen and in-depth market knowledge. Having led ECP projects in South Sudan, Libya and the US – as well as played an active role in each of our departments – James knows the business inside and out and will undoubtedly infuse new spirit and direction to our existing product and service offerings,” says Kelly-Ann Mealia, ECP Chairperson.

The appointment comes as ECP executes a dynamic 2024 events calendar including the Angola Oil & Gas conference in Luanda on October 2-3; MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference in Dakar on December 3-4; African Energy Week in Cape Town on November 4-8, organized in partnership with the African Energy Chamber and the Libya Energy & Economic Summit in Tripoli on January 18-19, 2025.

“It is an honor to lead ECP into its next chapter of success, with a focus on aligning our strategic vision and advancing Africa’s energy sector progress. I look forward to bringing new partners on board, expanding audience reach and evaluating how we can better serve the markets in which we operate,” notes Chester.

Scan Display’s MD presented with IFES award

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Scan Display’s Managing Director, Justin Hawes, was presented with the Roger Taurant Award at the 2024 IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services) World Summit in Malaga, Spain last week.

The award was established by IFES’ founding President, Roger Taurant, and acknowledges Justin’s exceptional contribution to IFES and the global exhibition industry during his 13 years as an IFES board member. In 2011, he became the first African to be represented on the IFES board. He was Treasurer of the association from 2013-2016, Vice President: Finance from 2017-2020, and President from 2021-2022.

This year, IFES is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It currently represents 300 exhibition and event contractors and service providers from around the world, and works closely with 14 industry association members, sharing knowledge and enabling cooperation amongst exhibition and event industry peers.

 

Empowering the Next Generation: Introducing the AAXO Youth Chapter

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Africa boasts the world’s youngest population, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30[1]. This significant youth demographic in Africa presents a growth opportunity for the continent, which can be realised by ensuring youth inclusion in decision-making processes and providing suitable opportunities for work and innovation.

Recognising the critical contributions made by the youth to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector across Africa, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) is proud to launch the AAXO Youth Chapter, an exciting new forum for members dedicated to empowering the young voices within the industry.

This initiative calls upon AAXO members aged 18-35 (defined as ‘Youth’ in the South African National Youth Policy) who have at least two years of industry experience and are employed at an AAXO member organisation to join the committee, with the aim of providing a platform for the industry’s youth to voice their perspectives.

“The main objective of the AAXO Youth Chapter is to empower our industry’s future leaders by offering a platform for their voices to be heard. In order to effectively address the needs of this important demographic, we believe it is crucial to involve youth input and participation. That is why we are thrilled to announce the formation of a Youth Chapter Committee, responsible for spearheading relevant initiatives and activities within the chapter. Through this committee, we hope to create a dynamic and engaging space for the next generation to share their ideas and perspectives while paving a path towards a more inclusive and successful events and exhibitions industry,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson of AAXO.

Why Join the AAXO Youth Chapter Committee?

Members are encouraged to seize the opportunity to express their innovative ideas and engage in meaningful discussions about industry challenges with their peers. By joining the AAXO Youth Chapter Committee, they can expand their professional network and enhance their visibility within the industry through this exceptional opportunity which will enrich their experience with a role that showcases their commitment and contributions to the MICE industry.

Nomination Process:

Nominations for members to the AAXO Youth Chapter Committee must be completed on the nomination form (accessible by clicking here) and emailed to by the 5th of July 2024. Voting opens on the 8th of July 2024, and closes on the 12th of July 2024 with the newly elected Committee members being announced on the 16th of July 2024.

For more information, visit www.aaxo.co.za/aaxo-youth-chapter/

[1] https://www.un.org/ohrlls/news/young-people’s-potential-key-africa’s-sustainable-development

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