Programme

Meetings Africa 2026 Official Programme

09:00 – 13:00

Meetings Africa BONDay Educational Sessions

The Meetings Africa Business Opportunity Networking Day is a carefully curated selection of educational sessions, informative current trends and topical issues being discussed with the business events industry in a meaningful way. The aim is to empower businesses with the latest in global business events developments and encourage robust conversations towards innovative solutions.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Plenary Level -2 Ballroom 1/2/3 – Breakaways

Attendees: Open for registration to exhibitors, buyers, media and non exhibiting visitors

09:00 – 17:00

IMEX – MPI – MCI Future Leaders Forum

A youth-focussed business events forum, which hosts a selection of top students from various African academic institutions. This session aims to educate students as well an entice them towards careers opportunities in the business events industry.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre -Committee Room 5

Attendees: By Invitation Only

10:00 – 11:30

ICCA Africa Chapter Meeting

The International Congress and Convention Association Association Day is designed for ICCA Africa members as an educational seminar and to informally network with Association Buyers attending Meetings Africa.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Boardroom 6/7

Attendees: By Invitation Only (Closed event: ICCA members and Hosted Association Buyers)

11:00 – 17:30

ICCA Meetings Africa Association Day

The International Congress and Convention Association Association Day is designed for ICCA Africa members as an educational seminar and to informally network with Association Buyers attending Meetings Africa.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Bill Gallagher

Attendees: By Invitation Only (Closed event: ICCA members and Hosted Association Buyers)

14:00 – 16:15

Hosted Buyer Exhibition Orientation Session

This session is designed to help you familiarise yourself with the exhibition venue and gain a clear understanding of the exhibition floor layout ahead of the show.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre

Attendees: By Invitation Only

15:00 – 16:30

TGCSA Speed Marketing – Business Incentives focused session

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa hosts its annual Speed Marketing Session, aimed at showcasing leading business events products to buyers and media. The session will predominantly feature incentive products—including key tourism attractions and activities—with a footprint in South Africa and selected parts of the African continent, unlocking Africa’s opportunities through quality connections.

Venue: Committee Room 4

Attendees: By Invitation Only – Buyers and Media

17:00 – 19:00

ICCA Meetings Africa

Association Day Cocktail Reception
ICCA Meetings Africa Association Day Cocktail function
 

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Bill Gallagher Foyer

Attendees: By Invitation Only (Closed event: ICCA members and Hosted Association Buyers

17:30 – 22:00

Southern Sun Meetings Africa Buyer Networking Cocktail Event

As a bid partner, Southern Sun Group welcomes buyers to the host city in collaboration with the Host Venue, the Sandton Convention Centre.
 

Venue: Sandeck, Sandton Sun & Towers

Attendees: By Invitation Only – Open to all Buyers (TBA)

08:00 – 09:30

TGCSA Speed Marketing – Accommodation and venue focused session

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa hosts its annual Speed Marketing Session geared towards showcasing eminent business events products to buyers and media. This session will predominately feature hotel groups (accommodation and conference/meeting venues) with a footprint in South Africa , unlocking Africa’s opportunities through quality connections.

Venue: Committee Room 4

Attendees: By Invitation Only – Buyers and Media

08:30 – 10:00

Trade Floor Opening

The Official opening ceremony of Meetings Africa 2026. Guests are requested to be seated at 8.30am for 9am.

Venue: Exhibition Level -2 – Restaurant Area

Attendees: Open to all attendees

10:00 – 12:00

Minister of Tourism – Walk-about

The Minister of Tourism does the official walk-about of the Meetings Africa exhibition floor. Exhbitors have the opportunity to engage the stakeholder in an intimate way.
 

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Hall 1 & -2

Attendees: Pre-selected exhibitors & Ministerial, Board and EXCO Entourage

10:00 – 17:00

Exhibition Times

Vendors featuring local products for sale.
 

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Exhibition 1

Attendees: Open to all attendees

10:00 – 17:00

Sustainability Village

The Sustainability Village is an iconic feature of Meetings Africa where delegates can support local arts and crafters to purchase authentic South African products. Operates during show times.
 

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Level -2

Attendees: Open to all attendees

11:00 – 11:30

BOMA Talks – Session 1

Business Opportunity Meetings Aspirations – intimate conversations between delegates
 

Venue: BOMA 1: Collaboration for Success (Exhibition Level 1, Escalators)

Attendees: Open to all attendees

11:00 – 15:00

Tourism Communicators Forum

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Ballroom 6/7

Attendees: By Invitation Only

12:00 – 13:00

Media Talks – Session 1

Media discussions addressing pertinent issues impacting the business events industry.
 

Venue: Media Centre, Café Nala, Mezzanine Level

Attendees: Open to media

13:00 – 14:00

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Session 2

Minister’s outreach program in collaboration with Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and SA Tourism. Session 2 is for Hosted Buyers from Mainland China, Indonesia, Mexico, and India.
 

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Ballroom 4

Attendees: By Invitation Only

13:00 – 16:00

AAXO Collective – Connections to Conversions

Join us as industry expert Andy Preston unpacks how to turn meaningful connections into measurable conversions. In today’s exhibition landscape, it’s not just about who you meet, it’s about what you do next. This session will explore practical strategies to maximise engagement, strengthen relationships and drive real business results.
 

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Ballroom 2

Attendees: By Invitation Only – Members Only

14:00 – 15:00

Media Talks – Session 2

Media discussions addressing pertinent issues impacting the business events industry.
 

Venue: Media Centre, Café Nala, Mezzanine Level

Attendees: Open to all attendees

14:00 – 15:30

Ministerial Aviation Engagement

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Committee Room 4

Attendees: By Invitation Only

15:00 – 15:30

BOMA Talks – Session 2

Business Opportunity Meetings Aspirations – intimate conversations betweeen delegates.
 

Venue: Media Centre, Café Nala, Mezzanine Level

Attendees: Open to all attendees

15:30 – 16:30

Media Talks – Session 3: Club Med Media Engagement

Club Med is a global leader in all-inclusive resort holidays, known for its premium locations, world-class amenities, and exceptional guest experiences across destinations worldwide. They will be opening their first South African resort in July 2026.
 

Venue: Media Centre

Attendees: Open to media

18:00 – 22:00

Meetings Africa Welcome Networking Event

The Meetings Africa Welcome Networking Event seeks to immerse delegates in an authentic Johannesburg experience.
 

Venue: Sandton City Rooftop

Attendees: Open to all invited and RSVPed attendees

05:30 – 08:30

Meetings Africa Yoga

A Meetings Africa Community-Building Fun outdoor activity that attracts fitness fondness of every level. Join us for a great start to the day as we explore the sights and sounds of the host city.

Venue: Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton

Attendees: By Registration

05:30 – 08:30

Meetings Africa Fun Run

A Meetings Africa Community-Building Fun outdoor activity that attracts fitness fondness of every level. Join us for a great start to the day as we explore the sights and sounds of the host city.

Venue: Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton

Attendees: By Registration

10:00 – 11:00

Media Talks – Session 4: How Hosting the World Economic Forum’s Special Davos Meeting in 2027 Positions South Africa and Africa for Business Events Growth

This discussion will explore the strategic significance of South Africa hosting the World Economic Forum’s Special Davos Meeting in 2027, and the broader implications for Africa’s positioning as a competitive and credible destination for global business events. Given your leadership and expertise, your insights would add significant value to the conversation and help shape perspectives on legacy, investment attraction, and long-term sector growth.

Venue: Media Centre, Café Nala, Mezzanine Level

Attendees: Open to media

10:00 – 16:00

Exhibition Times

Pre-scheduled appointments between hosted buyers and exhibitors

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Hall 1o media

Attendees: Open to all attendees

10:00 – 17:00

Sustainability Village

The Sustainability Village is an iconic feature of Meetings Africa where delegates can support local arts and crafters to purchase authentic South African products. Operates during show times.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Level -2

Attendees: Open to all attendees

11:00 – 11:30

BOMA Talks – Session 3

Business Opportunity Meetings Aspirations – intimate conversations between delegates

Venue: BOMA: Shaping Sustainability(Exhibition Level 1, Escalators)

Attendees: Open to all attendees

12:00 – 13:30

Meetings Africa Inspiration, Green Stand & 20 Years Recognition Awards

Meetings Africa awards its valued exhibitors for demonstrating excellence in the various awards categories.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre – Media Centre, Café Nala

Attendees: Open to all attendees

15:00 – 17:00

Meetings Africa Closing Celebration

A celebratory culmination of Meetings Africa 2026! Join the Meetings Africa team as we say thank you for a great show. See you next year!

Venue: Exhibition 1 Foyer and Maude Street

Attendees: Existing Delegates

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