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SAACI Official SAACI is the recognised umbrella body of the business events industry in Southern Africa.

SAACI Gauteng members are invited to join us on 25 March 2026, from 15h00–17h00, at The Egoli Villa in Houghton Estate f...
27/02/2026

SAACI Gauteng members are invited to join us on 25 March 2026, from 15h00–17h00, at The Egoli Villa in Houghton Estate for our Regional Annual General Meeting.

During the AGM, we will:

🧭 Reflect on the strategic direction of our region and examine the evolving opportunities within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.

🌐 Followed by a focused keynote exploring the practical implications of Artificial Intelligence for leadership, networking, and team performance.

✋ We will also elect the 2026 Regional Committee.

Join us for an afternoon of insight, engagement, and meaningful connection with peers shaping the future of our sector.

Register: https://saaci.glueup.com/event/saaci-gauteng-agm-172386/

26/02/2026

This week, SAACI took part in Meetings Africa 2026, advocating for ‘staying power’!

In a world wired for “what’s next”, we challenged the industry to stay present, committed, and connected. To listen fully, show up consistently. This is what builds trust over time.

CEO Glenton de K**k says his engagements echoed these sentiments. “Our community is craving substance over speed, connection over convenience, and presence over pressure.”

When we choose to stay true, we don’t slow down, we strengthen. We build resilient businesses and relationships that last.

Check out all the highlights in the Meetings Africa Edition of our Morning Memo: https://saaci.glueup.com/organization/6496/campaign/N6kDhkRcqYYfyxIQCqf%2F6w%3D%3D/

On 18 February, SAACI Western Cape came together to "connect the various pieces" that will help them host successful eve...
23/02/2026

On 18 February, SAACI Western Cape came together to "connect the various pieces" that will help them host successful events in Southern Africa in 2026.

SAACI National Chairperson, Alex Wrottesley, unpacked how the association continues to support members first, and industry always, providing various helpful resources and opportunities for business event professionals to develop themselves and their organisations.

She was followed by our National Youth Ambassador, Zimkitha Bavuma, who shared how SAACI includes the next generation of MICE leaders in conversations that directly shape their future, too.

Thank you to BlackBrick Gardens for hosting us, and to Adventure Works for bringing the fun – because business events don't have to be boring!

One of the MICE industry’s most valuable contributions to tourism is its ability to support destinations during quieter ...
10/02/2026

One of the MICE industry’s most valuable contributions to tourism is its ability to support destinations during quieter periods.

July and August may be 🦗 for DMCs and tour operators, but during this time the business events industry is booming! SAACI’s National Conference, for example, takes place annually at the end of July.

Africa’s Eden MICE Show will explore how business events can help fill seasonal gaps, creating more consistent demand for hotels, venues, and local suppliers while supporting year-round employment.

Register now: https://africaseden.travel/events/africas-eden-mice-show-2026/

Africa's Eden

Join us on Tuesday, 18 February at BlackBrick Gardens for an early-evening gathering designed to bring clarity, cohesion...
06/02/2026

Join us on Tuesday, 18 February at BlackBrick Gardens for an early-evening gathering designed to bring clarity, cohesion, and momentum to the year ahead for business events in the Western Cape.

This edition of SAACI Western Cape MICE Connect offers focused updates from SAACI and its Youth Chapter, insight into priorities shaping the 2026 MICE landscape, and the opportunity to connect with industry peers in a contemporary, rooftop-style setting.

We’ll close the evening with a surprise team activity that puts collaboration, creativity, and quick thinking to the test – with a reward up for grabs... You’ll have to register to find out more! Adventure Works

📅 Tuesday, 18 February
⏰ Arrive from 16:00
📍 BlackBrick Gardens, Cape Town

Come for the insight. Stay for the connection.

👉 Register now and be part of shaping 2026: https://saaci.glueup.com/event/saaci-western-cape-mice-connect-170612/

Participate in a strong workshop and panel discussion at the Africa's Eden MICE Show in Livingstone, Zambia (19–22 Feb),...
06/02/2026

Participate in a strong workshop and panel discussion at the Africa's Eden MICE Show in Livingstone, Zambia (19–22 Feb), focused on how MICE business is evaluated and won across the region.

🔹 Glenton De K**k, CEO – SAACI
Why Africa’s next wave of MICE growth depends on looking beyond capital cities, and how purpose-built platforms unlock opportunity for emerging destinations.

🔹 Frank Murangwa, Regional Director Africa – ICCAWorld
From data to decisions: how ICCA’s work across Africa shows why second-tier destinations are increasingly winning international MICE events.

🔹 Panel "From Destination to Decision: What Wins Big MICE Business"
• Thembi Kunene-Msimang, COO – Tourvest Destination Management
• Mulemwa Moongwa CMM CED HMCC, - HelmsBriscoe ResourceOne
• Sandra Katambwa, Senior Destination Expert – SW Africa DMC

This panel unpacks how destinations and suppliers are assessed, where opportunities are often lost, and how products can be positioned to secure large-scale meetings and events.

Buyer registrations are still open (in-person and virtual options available)!

REGISTER: https://web.cvent.com/event/83d29c9d-8e43-4e46-919b-eaa67732768b/register

SAACI has officially opened its Call for Venue Proposals (RFP) to host the SAACI National Annual Conference, taking plac...
05/02/2026

SAACI has officially opened its Call for Venue Proposals (RFP) to host the SAACI National Annual Conference, taking place in KZN from 26–28 July 2026.

We’re looking for venues and destinations that can deliver:
✔️ A flexible conference venue supporting plenaries, breakaways, AGM, networking and a gala-style awards dinner
✔️ Creative welcome or gala concepts that reflect destination character
✔️ Accessible accommodation options and value-driven pricing
✔️ Clear sustainability and accessibility practices

📅 Key dates
Proposals due: 13 February 2026
Venue announcement: 2 March 2026

👉 SAACI members and stakeholders are encouraged to submit proposals and position your venue and destination at the centre of national MICE industry dialogue.

Link in comments!

Business travellers become tourists when event destinations impress them enough. From 18 to 20 February 2026, business e...
03/02/2026

Business travellers become tourists when event destinations impress them enough.

From 18 to 20 February 2026, business event and tourism professionals will find out how to tap into this potential at the Africa’s Eden MICE Show 2026.

With engagements taking place across Livingstone, Zambia, participants will get an exclusive peek into what their clients and attendees experience when attending events, and how intentional incentive planning can convert them into customers for the tourism industry.

Plus direct access to relevant buyers ready to make this a reality!

Register now: https://africaseden.travel/events/africas-eden-mice-show-2026/

Africa's Eden

Africa’s Eden MICE Show is back for its second year, and the conversations have evolved significantly! From 18 to 20 Fe...
27/01/2026

Africa’s Eden MICE Show is back for its second year, and the conversations have evolved significantly!

From 18 to 20 February, Africa’s business events community will come together in Livingstone, Zambia, to explore how MICE and destination marketing can work as one to boost local businesses.

Over the two days, attendees gain access to regional and international suppliers in exciting networking environments, discovering authentic incentive opportunities that go beyond the traditional conference model and continue long after the event ends.

Register now: https://africaseden.travel/events/africas-eden-mice-show-2026/

Walking the floor at the Tshwane Tourism Showcase on 23 January 2026? Follow the SAACI signs! They’ll lead you to a spec...
21/01/2026

Walking the floor at the Tshwane Tourism Showcase on 23 January 2026?

Follow the SAACI signs! They’ll lead you to a special session taking place from 13h30 to 15h00 that looks at the role of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in the region’s larger tourism offering...

As well as how the two industries can work together to attract more international business events and travellers!

If you haven’t registered yet, then let this be your final reason to!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSex8L2wBvZWFcPIBEnSau8FamczFudbCt7DeLgC2nRZZwSv4w/viewform?usp=send_form

SAACI is back for another year of bringing insights, advocacy, and resources to Southern Africa’s business events commun...
12/01/2026

SAACI is back for another year of bringing insights, advocacy, and resources to Southern Africa’s business events community!

In 2025, we learned that collaboration is essential for the industry to compete on an international scale.

In 2026, we will need clarity and courage as we navigate ongoing global and regional uncertainty.

For SAACI, the priority is to strengthen cooperation across the business events ecosystem, support practical and relevant innovation, and advance a sector that delivers measurable value for members, stakeholders, and the broader economy.

Find out more about our commitment to members and the industry for the new year in our Morning Memo, available now: https://saaci.glueup.com/organization/6496/campaign/be%2B7xC0H2qIKcPpQLJEVxw%3D%3D/

We look forward to reconnecting with you through our programmes, platforms, and partnerships!

#2026

Before we head out for the holidays, we wanted to celebrate YOU, the professionals who make up Southern Africa's MICE in...
19/12/2025

Before we head out for the holidays, we wanted to celebrate YOU, the professionals who make up Southern Africa's MICE industry.

Together, we've navigated challenges, created opportunities, and proved that connection and creativity really are our superpowers.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, innovated, and elevated the business events community this year.

Your support has not only strengthened the association, but also shaped a more resilient, more competitive future for our industry.

We can't wait to see how you continue to show up in 2026!

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