Conference and exhibition to boost large events in SA

The event will offer a comprehensive international hosted buyer programme, funded by the dti and SAT, giving international buyers the opportunity to visit the exhibition and interact with exhibitors through pre-scheduled meetings, conference sessions and networking events. The key objective of the programme is to connect international buyers with local service providers and product owners.

"It will provide exhibitors and visitors with a platform to network and interact with both local and international industry leaders. The aim is to promote South Africa as the beautiful and prosperous country that international organisers and tourists fell in love with during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and encourage them to host their future events on South African soil," explains Carol Weaving, MD of TEPG.

SAT's latest research proves the necessity and relevance of a confex such as SETE. The 2010 Confederations Cup and Lions Rugby Tour attracted approximately 52 000 visitors, contributing an estimated R669 million to South Africa's economy. More than 90% of these visitors indicated that they would return to the country, and that they would recommend the destination to others.

"We strongly believe that the conference and exhibition will encourage collaboration between the tourism and sports industry and create awareness around the sports and tourist attractions of the nation. South Africa has a culture of never backing down and I believe that this event will motivate us to assume this die-hard approach when it comes to the bidding process for large-scale, international events," concludes Sugen Pillay, global manager for events, South African Tourism.