Sandton Convention Centre set on increasing market share

The Sandton Convention Centre is expecting a 14.2% increase in conferences and 6% growth in exhibitions this year, and with the increase in visitors from other African regions like West Africa into South Africa, countries such as Ghana and Nigeria are showing interest in SA's exhibitions.

Drewe's career started in the hotel industry back in 1978, and from the start he specialised in groups, banqueting and conferencing. In the early 80's he became banqueting manager at the Western Province Sports Club - Kelvin Grove, which at the time was the premier banqueting venue in the Western Cape. He joined the Southern Sun group in 1994, and has managed various properties all over the country, including the Riverside Hotel and Conference Centre on the Vaal River which, during his tenure, won an award for Best Banqueting & Conference Venue catering for groups under 500 in South Africa.

He also managed the 444 bedroom Holiday Inn Garden Court Sandton City, which was a headquarter hotel during the World Summit for Sustainable Development, and host to teams of both the under 21 Rugby World Cup in 2002 and Cricket World Cup in 2003.

Future international conferences to be held at the centre include the 18th World Petroleum Congress in 2005 and the 2009 Institute of Internal Auditors international conference.