Registration

All participants.

Introduction & Business Card Exchange Session

All participants.

Opening and Welcome Message

• Christelle Grohmann — Director, BDO
• Kwakye Donkor — CEO, Africa Tourism Partners

Keynote Message from UN Tourism

• Elcia Grandcourt — Director, Africa, UN Tourism

Guest of Honour

• Senthil Gopinath — CEO, ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association); Chairperson, Events Industry Council (EIC)

Unpacking Industry Trends, Insights and Dynamics

Insights and analysis of the future of MICE, Business Tourism and Business Events to maximise revenues beyond 2025 — from sales process to hosting of iconic events.

• Christelle Grohmann — Director, BDO South Africa

Successful Bidding and Hosting (Responding to Request for Proposals)

Understanding the critical steps and success factors for winning bids and hosting events — for tourism organisations, convention bureaux and event organisers.

• Nonnie Kubeka — Head, Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau, South Africa

Syndicated Exercises

• Bongiwe Nzeku — Head: Business Development and Support Services, South African Tourism

Networking and Refreshment Break

The Science of Storytelling to Sales and Closing Deals

From retail to tourism, MICE and hospitality.

• Marcus Baffoe-Bonnie — Executive, Wandile Mabaso Group; Former Managing Director, Michelin Tyres, Africa

Revenue Growth in Practice

Profitable revenue and yield management for African hotels and conference venue managers and sales executives.

• Andreas Lackner — Vice President Operations | Regional Head Africa & Indian Ocean TBC

Syndicated Exercises

• Lee-Anne Bac — Director, BDO

Networking Lunch

Advancing AI Disruption in MICE Venue Sales

Unpacking technology, digital and AI-powered sales and business development opportunities in MICE.

• Prof. Leid Zejnilovic — Associate Professor and Associate Dean for AI and Digital Transformation, NOVA School of Business and Economics, Portugal

Trends and Opportunities for Incentive Travel in African Destinations

• Tes Proos — Founder, Crystal Events, South Africa

Bridging the Gap Between Training and Workplace Experience

A crucial career development and talent management opportunity for MICE executives and professionals.

• Rudi Van Der Vyver — Chair of SACIA’s CEPA Council (Council of Event Professionals Africa); CEO, We Are Events
• Angelique Smith — Event, Project and Safety Specialist, South Africa

Synthesis of the Day

• Christelle Grohmann — Director, BDO South Africa TBC
• Lee-Anne Bac — Director, BDO South Africa TBC

End of Day 1 — At Leisure

Speed Marketing & Business Card Exchange Session

All participants.

The Role of Tourism and MICE Associations in Africa’s MICE Economy

ATPSA and SAACI’s perspective.

• Glenton De Kock — CEO, SAACI, South Africa

Understanding MICE Revenue Generation Footprint in Africa

An unexplored revenue generation opportunity for Professional Conference Organisers, Travel Management Companies and Tour Operators.

• Dr Linda Pereira — President, Advantage Consultants Group, Portugal

Syndicated Exercises

• Bongiwe Nzeku — Head: Business Development & Support Services, South African Tourism

The Commercial Influence of MICE

Driving commercial business performance and increasing destination visitation through value MICE partnerships and integrated marketing.

• Lee-Anne Bac — Director, BDO, South Africa

Networking Break and Business Card Exchange

Examining the Value of Government Bid Support

A strategic tool for developing sustainable subvention programmes for African convention bureaux, MICE departments and tourism agencies — the case of ICCA.

• Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo — Independent Business Events Consultant, South Africa

Syndicated Exercises

• Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo — Independent Business Events Consultant, South Africa

Networking Lunch and Business Card Exchange

From Strategy to Playbook

Key strategies for creating a future-focused, thriving and profitable Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Conferencing management enterprise and business.

• Adele Hartdegen — CEO, Johannesburg Expo Centre and Rand Show, South Africa

Mastering Effective Event Planning and Management Cycles

An essential experience for creating a thriving and economically viable event management business.

• Rudi Van Der Vyver — Chair of SACIA’s CEPA Council (Council of Event Professionals Africa); CEO, We Are Events

Synthesis of the Day, Issuance of Certificates and End of Masterclass

• Christelle Grohmann — Director, BDO, South Africa
• Lee-Anne Bac — Director, BDO, South Africa
• Glenton De Kock — CEO, SAACI, South Africa