Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 1 November 2017 – The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) and the Association of African Exhibition Organizers (AAXO) are pleased to announce a new partnership to actively promote the business events and exhibition industry within Africa.

This ground-breaking agreement aims to strengthen and promote both industries in the Southern African region. SAACI and AAXO are looking forward to the mutual benefits both associations and their members will enjoy through this cooperation – chief among these a commitment to extend SAACI and AAXO members reciprocal membership benefits.

“It is truly a massive step forward for us as associations to be able to bring cohesiveness to the business events and exhibitions industry in Southern Africa,” says SAACI CEO, Rudi van der Vyver. “Partnerships like these will allow our members to create stronger businesses in the future. With these industries having such a massive impact on South Africa’s economy and placing Africa on the global stage we are proud to be driving the industry to new heights, together.”

By agreeing to this cooperation, SAACI and AAXO will not only mutually benefit, but will also strengthen and promote the business events and exhibition industry through various initiatives. These include the sharing of relevant research data and information, the creation of jointly sponsored activities and events that will encourage interaction between members of both organisations, the participation of the leaders of both associations in the major events of each organisation, as well as collaboration from both parties at the SAACI Conference and AAXO Exhibition of Exhibition respectively.

Chairperson of AAXO, Carol Weaving states that both SAACI and AAXO contribute greatly to the overall economy of South Africa. “The estimated economic impact totalled a remarkable R75 billion and the tourism impact is estimated at R23 billion. AAXO and SAACI will work together to promote further growth in the exhibition industry, not only in South Africa but in the rest of Africa.”

SAACI and AAXO are extremely excited by the myriad of opportunities this agreement will provide both associations to effectively promote business events and the exhibition industry in our region and are confident that this partnership will benefit the larger industry and its members for years to come.

Additional information: 

SAACI is the recognised umbrella body of the business events industry in Southern Africa and membership is a vital recognition of professional practice. Since 1987 SAACI has been dedicated to efficiency and professionalism in the industry.

The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) was formed to provide a collective platform of address and representation for professional exhibition organisers throughout Africa. AAXO aims to promote the industry, encourage people to invest and participate in exhibitions, and give members the tools and resources to run successful exhibitions.