Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau

22/07/2024

🌱 Welcome to the delegates attending the 09th Congress on Conservation Agriculture in Cape Town, South Africa, from 22 - 25 July 2024!

Hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Landbouweekblad, Conservation Agriculture Western Cape, the African Conservation Tillage Network, and the FAO, this event invites farmers, researchers, and conservation agriculture professionals from around the globe.

Explore international best practice and South Africa’s unique sustainable farming methods in the heartland of South African conservation agriculture. With Cape Town’s breathtaking scenery and the Western Cape’s high adoption rate of conservation agriculture, this congress promises to be a spectacular and insightful event.

🚜🌱

Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

25/06/2024

The Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau recently attended The Meetings Show 2024 in London (UK), positioning the Western Cape as the ideal place to host meetings, incentives, conferences and trade exhibitions, showcasing the exceptional potential of the Western Cape as a premier destination for long-haul travel and events.

The UK business events market is experiencing significant growth, with a renewed interest in international destinations that offer unique experiences and world-class facilities. South Africa, and particularly the Western Cape, stands out as an ideal location for UK event planners seeking fresh and inspiring venues to host a business event. Some of the trends emerging from the show include a noticeable trend to incorporating wellness and wellbeing into events.

The Western Cape offers a unique blend of adventure, luxury, world-class meeting infrastructure and cultural richness that appeals to the UK market. Our participation in The Meetings Show allowed us to connect with key industry players and showcase how the Western Cape can meet and exceed their expectations for world-class events.

With the UK's increasing demand for distinctive long-haul destinations, the Western Cape is well-positioned to capture the interest of event planners and attendees alike, offering not only spectacular venues but also transformative leisure and business travel experiences and products.



Wesgro City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

13/05/2024

Explore the unparalleled offerings of Cape Town and the Western Cape as the premier destination for business events. From breathtaking landscapes to world-class venues and exceptional hospitality, Cape Town stands as the pinnacle choice for your next event.

Our Business Development Manager, Adriaan Fourie, is looking forward to meeting with you at IMEX Frankfurt, stand C500. Come and discover why the Cape is


Wesgro City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

02/05/2024

Cape Town and the Western Cape extends a warm welcome to all delegates attending the 35th PIANC World Congress at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 29 April - 03 May 2024, hosted by the South African Chapter of the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC SA)
Under the theme "Future Ready Waterborne Transport – Unlocking Africa," the focus is on charting the path towards a sustainable maritime sector.

This congress promises an engaging lineup, including presentations of cutting-edge research and development in waterborne transportation. Delegates can look forward to technical tours, offering insights into ports and coastal sites, as well as social tours showcasing the captivating attractions of Cape Town and the Western Cape, where great minds meet.

Western Cape Government City of Cape Town Wesgro

18/03/2024

Cape Town and the Western Cape is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to all delegates attending the prestigious ISPPD meeting!

Hosted by the International Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD), this gathering stands as a beacon of excellence in the field, uniting professionals dedicated to advancing our understanding and combating of pneumococcal diseases worldwide.

As a non-profit, non-governmental association, ISPPD is committed to driving progress in pneumococcal research and treatment. Their biennial ISPPD international meeting serves as the cornerstone event, attracting over 1000 delegates in recent year Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) over the next few days.

The objective of the meeting is to foster scientific exchange, promote collaboration, and raise public awareness of pneumococcal disease and its prevention.

As you embark on this enriching journey at the ISPPD meeting, we encourage you to seize every opportunity for learning, networking, and collaboration in a place where great minds meet.



Wesgro City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

14/03/2024

Cape Town and the Western Cape welcomes leaders and entrepreneurs from over 43 African nations to the Global Entrepreneurship Network + Africa event. The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC+Africa), initiated by the Global Entrepreneurship Network in 2017, is a gathering of entrepreneurs and leaders from more than 50 African nations committed to advancing entrepreneurial activity throughout their own countries in Africa.

Set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 13 - 14 March, 2024. the congress aims to shape the future of entrepreneurship on the continent by empowering African entrepreneurs and exploring the economic landscape. It will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and promises an immersive two-day experience focused on engagement, empowerment, and catalysing local and global entrepreneurial initiatives.
The event will serve as a platform for fostering entrepreneurial activity within the African economic context , driving Africa's business leaders towards a more dynamic entrepreneurial economy. For more information visit the official website at https://gecafrica.co/

We would like to welcome all delegates to the Western Cape and wish you a fruitful conference.



Wesgro City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

12/03/2024

📢 VACANCY ALERT | Business Development Coordinator

🗓️ Closing Date: 2️⃣6️⃣ March 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣

Visit the Careers page on our website➡️: https://shorturl.at/glBW2 to view the full job specs and how to apply.

Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

08/03/2024

The Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, a division of Wesgro, attended the 17th edition of Meetings Africa, a premier business events trade show organised by South African Tourism in Sandton from 26-28 February 2024. Meetings Africa 2024 served as a vital market access platform for African business events products, fostering valuable connections with both regional and international buyers.

This year's event featured educational sessions for industry professionals, covering diverse topics such as innovation, sustainable tourism, and artificial intelligence (AI). Delegates had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how these advancements are reshaping the landscape of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

At the event, the Convention Bureau hosted the Western Cape Pavilion, featuring 19 exhibitors. All participants reported a bustling meeting schedule with promising business prospects. The Convention Bureau conducted 59 one-on-one meetings over the span of two days, in order to attract new meetings to the Western Cape and fill the business events pipeline. The Pavilion won a silver award in the large stand category, acknowledging the achievement and contributions made by delegates to uphold and elevate the standards of the business events industry.

Cape Town and the Western Cape continues to be a highly sought-after destinations for future meetings. Beyond the allure of outstanding infrastructure, natural beauty, and attractions, the region's commitment to the development of the knowledge economy further solidifies its appeal. The Convention Bureau remains dedicated to fostering partnerships and creating opportunities for the region's continued growth in the business events sector.



City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

27/02/2024

Where Great Minds Meet

We are at Meetings Africa 2024 (Stand No E23). Come meet with us and embark on your journey towards success by teaming up with the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau—where innovation meets inspiration.

With a dedication to sustainability and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences, our region stands out as the premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions across Africa.

Join the ranks of association and prestigious global brands who choose Cape Town & Western Cape for their high-profile gatherings.

Together, let's shape the future of industry collaboration and drive business events with legacies.



Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

26/02/2024

Discover the Western Cape as your Ultimate Business Events Destination!

Join us at (Stand No E23). Meet with the team that is the driving force behind positioning our region as the premier destination for business events in Africa!

Why Choose Cape Town and the Western Cape for your next meeting, incentive, conference or exhibition?
✅ Unmatched allure for business gatherings
✅ Success and proven track in hosting international conferences
✅ A team with more the 20 years of event and destination experience

Let us help you plan your next event - where great minds meet and every event is a success

Wesgro City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

26/01/2024

FlashBack Friday | The Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau proudly participated in the BestCities Global Forum held in Melbourne from 18-21 January 2024. This event brought together the BestCities Global Alliance, comprising 13 premier cities around the world, united in their commitment to drawing business events to their respective destinations while delving into key issues such as social impact and legacy-building. The forum was a vibrant platform, convening 19 international association clients alongside members of the media. The event not only offered a prime opportunity for discussing prospective events in the Western Cape, but also facilitated insightful dialogues on cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, membership strategies, and social impact, among others. Subsequent to the forum, representatives from several partner cities extended their journey to Sydney, engaging in additional sales meetings and exploring prominent meeting infrastructures.



Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

25/01/2024

Business Development Manager Vacancy Convention Bureau

📢 | Are you looking for your next career move? We have some exciting vacancies available. ⬇️

💼 Business Development Manager
🗓️ Closing Date | 02 February 2024

💼 Export Promotion Manager
🗓️ Closing Date | 05 February 2024

Visit the Careers page on our website➡️: https://www.wesgro.co.za/corporate/careers to view the full job specs and how to apply.

Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

21/12/2023

06/12/2023

Cape Town and the Western Cape welcomes the prestigious 18th World Congress of Neurosurgery ( ) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) taking place from 4 - 8 December 2023.

The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, a global community comprising of 132 societies and associations, has played a pivotal role in advancing neurosurgery globally, especially in low-and middle-income countries. The progress of neurosurgery in Africa is testament to this success story, and the WFNS is enthusiastic to return to Africa. The last time the congress was held on the African continent was in Morocco in 2005. The event will celebrate strides made in this field and reaffirm the societies’ commitment to provide accessible neurosurgical care worldwide.
In the Western Cape, progress within this vital discipline of neuroscience has been given a boost with the establishment of the Neuroscience Institute.

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) multidisciplinary Neuroscience Centre, launched in 2020, is a first of its kind for the country and the continent. The centre, established in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Government, is housed at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) and aims to strengthen the existing partnership between UCT and GSH. The facility provides both clinical and academic spaces. Interaction and collaboration are encouraged through numerous shared spaces, and innovation is stimulated through facilities such as multidisciplinary clinics, technology-enabled meeting venues, innovation laboratories for testing, training and translational neuroscience, and a Neuroinformatics hub.

The amalgamation of medical progress in this field, as well as academic and humanitarian commitment by for example the NI, provide a platform for conferences and events to leave a lasting impact in the Western Cape that echoes far beyond the conference halls, as it influences additional growth, development and advancement of in this field that positively influence the region, continent and its people.

We wish all delegates and visitors a fruitful event.



City of Cape Town Wesgro Western Cape Government

01/12/2023

The Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, a unit within Wesgro, participated in the IBTM World trade show held in Barcelona from 28-30 November 2023. As part of the South African Tourism pavilion, the bureau joined forces with 21 esteemed South African suppliers to engage with 15,000+ industry professionals from over 100 countries and 3,000+ destinations. During the event, the bureau engaged with 60 potential clients, capitalising on renewed interest in Cape Town and the Western Cape as interest in business events in long-haul destinations gains traction.

Notably, the World Trends Report 2024 was unveiled, focusing on pivotal macro-economic, political, ecological, and technological facets shaping the meetings and events industry. Key themes include AI's impact, the heightened importance of accessibility, and the economic outlook for businesses in this sector. The report introduces the concept of 'Generation Me', delving into hyper-personalisation, accessibility's role, and issues surrounding individual security, data, and agency in crafting impactful experiences, events, and meetings.



Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

30/11/2023

Op-Ed by Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander | Elevating the Meetings and Events Sector - SA's hidden economic gem.

As the world celebrated World Tourism Day with enthusiasm in September, there was another formidable player in the mix: the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

While it may not bask in the limelight like traditional tourism, its potential to reinvigorate both the sector and SA’s broader economy is unmistakable, holding the promise of billions in revenue, job opportunities, and invaluable knowledge sharing, all poised for the taking.

Read the full piece on our website ➡️: https://shorturl.at/ipuKQ

Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

27/11/2023

Embrace the allure of Cape Town and the Western Cape for your next business event destination, where breathtaking landscapes meet world-class venues and unparalleled hospitality.

Join us at in Barcelona, stand M65, and explore why we stand as pioneers in Africa's thriving business events arena. Let's craft extraordinary experiences together!



Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

27/11/2023

One of the most anticipated congresses during 2023, the 18th International Congress of Immunology, is taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town from 27 November to 2 December 2023.

This historic event marks the inaugural hosting of the triennial meeting in Africa, signifying a significant milestone in the global field of immunology. Notably, this congress stands as the first major gathering since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the community collectively delves into unraveling the intricacies of SARS-CoV-2 infections, the progress achieved through the collaboration of immunology, drug development, and vaccine innovation is truly remarkable.

Aligned with the theme "Turning Discoveries into Treatments," the congress will highlight this intersection, emphasising the rapid translation of cutting-edge discoveries into practical treatments. Guided by the sub-theme "From Basic to Translational Immunology and Back," the discussions will echo the global dialogue on immunology, aiming to effectively translate foundational findings into actionable strategies, particularly addressing disease burdens in Africa.

This gathering will encompass immunology from various regional societies - FAIS, EFIS, FIMSA, ALACI, and AAI - fostering inclusivity and collaborative initiatives.

The South African Immunology Society (SAIS), affiliated with the International Union of Immunological Societies and the Federation of African Immunological Societies, is dedicated to advancing basic, applied, and translational immunology research. Their mission is to make a profound impact nationally, regionally, and in collaboration with international partners. SAIS serves as a hub connecting researchers and clinicians across diverse fields such as infectious diseases, primary immunodeficiency, allergy, rheumatology, transplantation, reproductive immunology, and veterinary medicine.

The focus remains on fostering active partnerships and collaborations among scientists, clinicians, and patients. Together, they aim to elevate the discipline of immunology in South Africa by promoting excellence, nurturing expertise, and disseminating knowledge through education.

A warm and enthusiastic welcome awaits the esteemed experts in the field of Immunology as they converge upon Cape Town and the Western Cape, where great minds meet.

Join in this exciting journey toward innovation and progress in the realm of immunology!



Western Cape Government City of Cape Town Wesgro

14/11/2023

🚨HOT OFF THE PRESS🚨

The Open edX Conference is coming to the Western Cape in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ and we look forward to hosting it!

Through the Edu Invest initiative, powered by Wesgro, the agency alongside the Western Cape Education Department hopes to use the opportunity and platform to drive investment into the education sector and also ignite innovation throughout the region.

Read the full press release on our website ➡️: https://shorturl.at/xEITV

Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

24/10/2023

The Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, a division of Wesgro, the official Tourism, Trade, and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, participated in the IMEX Tradeshow in Las Vegas as part of a South African Tourism delegation. We were joined by 22 other destination partners from across South Africa on the pavilion.

IMEX Las Vegas is the largest meetings industry trade show in the United States, bringing together thousands of business professionals from the events industry.

Our Business Development Manager (International), Adriaan Fourie engaged with prospective meeting and event planners to explore the possibility of hosting meetings, incentives, conferences, or exhibitions in the Cape in the future. The interest in Cape Town and the Western Cape has been positive, as a growing number of clients are resuming long-haul travel.

The United States is the Western Cape’s second-largest overseas market, and showing strong growth post-pandemic, supported by the launch of 3 direct air routes from Newark, Atlanta, and Washington in the past year.

In collaboration with the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and The Westin Cape Town, the Convention Bureau hosted a networking breakfast, where we welcomed 25 international meeting planners.


Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

05/10/2023

The ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting marks a significant milestone, as it convenes for the first time on the African continent. This gathering will unite arthroscopic and open hip surgeons, hip preservationists, sports physicians, and rehabilitation professionals from across the globe. It is a platform to exchange the most recent knowledge and expertise in the realm of hip preservation surgery and rehabilitation.

The event is scheduled to take place from 5 – 7 October 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), attracting an estimated 500 delegates. The Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau successfully bid for the opportunity in 2019, originally slated for 2021. However, as the association was committed to an in-person event, and 2021 was still hampered by travel restrictions, the organisers rescheduled it to this year. We commend the association for upholding the commitment to an in-person gathering amidst challenging circumstances.

The comprehensive program will emphasise the latest and most superior scientific advancements, catering to the diverse needs and interests of participants—ranging from scientists and medical doctors across various specialties to allied health professionals, all sharing a vested interest in hip preservation. Delegates will have the privilege of delving into seven distinct subject areas, covering topics such as Patient Assessment and Pre-operative Planning, the Role of Biologics in Hip Preservation, Patient Education, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Arthroscopic Surgery, Open Hip Surgery, Nutrition, Well-being, and Rehabilitation of the Elite Athlete, among others.

This meeting presents an exceptional opportunity for healthcare professionals and organisations with a focus on hip preservation to converge, engage in dialogue, and foster collaboration in person. It stands as a pinnacle event in the annual calendar for hip preservation, assembling a formidable congregation of international hip surgeons and professionals in hip preservation and rehabilitation. It signifies a significant chance for meaningful networking and collaborative prospects.

We would like to wish the delegate a wonderful stay in a city



Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

04/10/2023

📢 | CALL TO ACTION

Choose Cape Town and the Western Cape as your preferred business events destination, offering unparalleled natural beauty, top-tier venues, and exceptional hospitality.

Meet us at , stand E1123 (Bayside), and discover why we're at the forefront of Africa's business events scene.
Let's create unforgettable experiences together!



Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

03/10/2023

Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau collaborates with SANCB on West and East Africa Roadshow.

The Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau recently participated in a roadshow with the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB). The West and East African roadshow took place in Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), and Nairobi (Kenya). This insightful roadshow included presentations and workshops engaging with 80 business events organisers. The primary objective was to promote South Africa and the Western Cape as prime regional business event destinations, emphasising the potential benefits of rotating their meetings and exhibitions between these locations.

As a division of Wesgro, the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, our involvement in hosting such business events extends beyond the tourism sector. The positive outcomes encompass shared economic growth across various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and general trade.

West and East African business event organisers highlighted different opportunities and market challenges, and key learnings from the markets include:

* The importance of shared value for business event organisers with the countries they choose for conferences. African conferences and events should prioritise shared economic benefits and knowledge exchange between the host destination and organiser.
* Destinations with visa support and direct flights to regions are crucial facilitators for driving business events into the destination.
* Intra-continental trade is a fundamental driver for business events on the continent.

Since June 2021, Wesgro has successfully secured significant conferences, including the Early African Investment Summit, African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Anthropology Southern Africa Conference, among others.

These accomplishments underscore our commitment to promoting the region and fostering meaningful engagements in the business events landscape, making us a destination .



Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

27/09/2023

This World Tourism Day 2023, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), under the theme “Tourism and Green Investment” aims to spotlight the sector’s substantial contribution to the socio-economic development of nations and its role in advancing the global Sustainable Development Goals. Tourism plays a pivotal role in job creation and employment opportunities across various regions globally.

We encourage tourists to visit and discover all that Cape Town and the Western Cape has to offer; we are a destination that allows you to Get In A Good Space for yourself and your loved ones, whilst also doing good for our destination and its people.



Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

22/09/2023

The Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau was represented at the PCMA EMEA Convening Leaders Conference in Copenhagen, held from 20 - 22 September 2023.

This year's PCMA Convening EMEA was centred around the theme "Let's Collaborate. Let's Grow. Let's Belong." In a world marked by constant change and challenges, the event provided a valuable platform for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and collectively shape a more robust future for the business events community.

The conference drew participation from 500 business events leaders who shared global insights and explored potential business opportunities. Additionally, the BestCities Global Alliance convened a gathering of partner cities, clients, and media, reinforcing and expanding the global network.



Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town