The 7th and 2024 edition of the Africa Business Tourism and MICE Masterclass will hold in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday, 16 and Wednesday, 17 July 2024.
This was contained in a press release by the African Tourism Partners (ATP), dated 13 June, 2024.
The event would witness the convergence of tourism stakeholders, as the organisers of the Masterclass 2024 are focusing on equipping businesses on how to monetise their businesses through sustainable revenue generation in MICE.
Expected at the Masterclass are executives and officials of convention bureaux, tourism departments, tourism boards/authorities, municipalities, tourism development agencies, meeting planners and professional conference organisers.
Others include professional event organisers, destination marketing companies, MICE industry suppliers, youth and women in tourism, students, SMEs, entrepreneurs and start-ups in Africa travel and tourism.
The release further stated: “Since inception in 2018, over 1500 African industry professionals have participated in this programme.
“The Masterclass is the only pan-African focused MICE and business events professional development and training programme in Africa.”
Designed and delivered annually as a professional development and refresher programme by renowned African and international industry practitioners and professionals, strategic partners for the program include BDO, ICCA, Southern Africa Association of Conference Industry, UN Tourism and SITE Africa and many other partners.
“UN Tourism acknowledges that the MICE sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global tourism industry.
“The success of any business/MICE destinations and organisations is hinged on the competencies of specialist knowledge possessed by its workforce, hence the need for this Masterclass.
“It is therefore against this background that the African Tourism Partners (ATP) has designed and ready to deliver the annual Africa Business Tourism and MICE Masterclass,” it was added.
It has as its theme “Unlocking optimal economic value and revenues for Africa MICE Destinations and Businesses”.
The 7th and 2024 edition of the diverse and comprehensive Masterclass will be presented by a faculty comprising some of the world’s most experienced leaders and experts in the MICE industry.
Some of the speakers include Adele Hartdegen – CEO, Rand Show, South Africa, Professor Dimitrios Buhalis – Bournemouth University Business School, UK; Angelique Smith -CEO of Event Synthesis International, Papy Luzala – Head of Commercial & Government Affairs, Africa.
Others are Nicanor Sabula -Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA); Edward Abankwa –Founder & CEO, Pinnacle Sports and Events Management, UK, among others.
“The professional development programme will provide a holistic view of the opportunities for the Africa MICE industry.
“It will focus on among others, current issues, trends and key standards, while providing a tangible approach in leveraging current and future opportunities.
“It will equip delegates with a clear picture of what Africa MICE Tourism Industry is (and is not) as well as all the essential practical knowledge and skills delegates need to be successful in their businesses.
“Participants will get the opportunity to participate in pre-arranged and on spot One-to-One” Business to Business sessions.
“Desktop exhibition space is available on first come first serve basis. Group registration for SMMEs and students are set to benefit from a massive discount offered by the organisers.
“To sign up for participation, please contact Ms. Rejoice Chishamba – rejoice@africatourismpartners.com or telephone: +27 81 303 7030. You can also click here to register,” it was stated.
