Launch of Events Indaba

According to a press statement, this disparity is symptomatic of an industry in need of the representative vision that the Events Indaba hopes to provide through the findings of a specialised DAC-funded Task Team that has been conducting in-depth research over the past three years.

The Events Indaba is also a response to an industry-wide effort to prepare for and leverage business and development opportunities flowing from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Events Indaba will be handing over a statement of intent on the establishment of a credible events industry to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) during the event.

The event will showcase a diverse range of products and services from high-tech interactive exhibitions to small business. The refurbished Coca-Cola Park, known previously as Ellis Park to adoring sports fans, will provide a world-class venue, essential for an event that is competing with a global industry worth US$740 billion. The park is the host of the opening and closing matches of next year's Confederations Cup, as well as a quarter final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Media partner

The Events Indaba is being organised by a programme content work group set up for this purpose, supported by media partner The Event Newspaper, a monthly newspaper aimed at key industry decision makers and buyers in the South African business tourism industry.

Welcoming the guests at the gala event, Ellis Park World of Sport GM Willie Geldenhuys said the Events Indaba was the fruit of a concrete partnership between private sector and government.

The Task Team's executive chairperson Helen Brewer commended the Department of Arts and Culture for its positive response and the commitment it continues to show in the initiative.

Cultural development chief director in the Department of Arts & Culture, Tale Motsepe, said it remains Government's vital role to invest in programs of this nature. “We will do whatever it takes to support them, because through them we are able to address the issue of job creation and build partnerships with the private sector,” said Motsepe.

Ellis Park Management Committee board chairman Indarin Govender said, “We have what it takes to make South Africa a destination of choice for the global events industry. As we approach 2010, the events industry must harness its potential and leverage the forthcoming global attention for economic growth and development.”