"South Africa stands proudly as one of the world’s most exhilarating, exciting and impactful destinations for meetings, conferences, incentives and exhibitions of every kind. It is also an unbeatable value proposition," says Corne Koch, the new Chief Convention Bureau Officer of South African National Convention Bureau.
Corne Koch, Chief Convention Bureau Officer, South African National Convention Bureau"We are a nation where world-class infrastructure meets ideas, and where every event can become a catalyst for innovation and long-term impact. As I step into the role of Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), I am excited to champion a country that doesn’t just stage events but actively advances global conversations.
Fresh from the success of hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit, South Africa has once again proven its capability to deliver high-impact global gatherings with precision, professionalism and unmistakable character.
South Africa is home to globally ranked universities, specialized research institutes, influential science councils and sector-leading think tanks. Our research output and collaborations span health sciences, epidemiology, biotechnology, climate and ocean sciences, astronomy, agriculture, engineering, fintech and advanced manufacturing.
Our business events offering is built around this intellectual depth. All of our major convention centers — in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg — sit at the heart of vibrant knowledge and innovation districts.
Inspired Meetings and Experiences
South Africa delivers high-impact global meetings with world-class venues, seamless infrastructure and a distinctive sense of place, set against breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich cultural backdrop.
Learn more about South Africa’s meeting and incentive opportunities.
This geography matters. It means that conferences hosted in South Africa are not isolated events, they are embedded in living ecosystems. Delegates can engage with local researchers, visit labs and innovation hubs, collaborate with African and global partners, and design programs that include technical tours, site visits and policy roundtables. The destination itself becomes an extension of the conference agenda.
Our momentum is reflected in the results: in the first half of 2025, the SANCB secured 35 major international bids, contributing more than R415 million to the economy and bringing nearly 16,000 delegates to the country. These events spanned critical sectors including health sciences, technology, agriculture, sustainability, energy and education — areas where South Africa continues to lead the global conversation.
But we know that the modern participant wants more than meeting rooms. They want meaning, connection and experience — and this is where South Africa is unbeatable. Here, business and leisure blend effortlessly. Delegates can step out of a cutting-edge conference hall and into a gallery, a wine estate, a township walking tour, a Big Five safari or a world-class restaurant. They can meet, engage and explore — all in one trip. And for pre- and post-convention programs, South Africa provides unlimited possibilities: golden beaches, mountain adventures, culture-rich cities, wildlife encounters, luxury retreats and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that inspire and energize.
Whether your aim is innovation, motivation, building new partnerships, generating policy outcomes or inspiring staff with fresh perspectives, South Africa offers the people, the institutions and the environment to make that happen.
We are a nation built for big ideas — and we look forward to welcoming yours."
For more information on hosting a South Africa event, contact the South African National Convention Bureau.