Brimming with economic verve, home to an array of global industries and shining as the hotbed of business and cultural ideas, Johannesburg is, no doubt, the engine of Africa.
Meetings Africa 2023 makes its way to the heart of Sandton from 27 February to 1 March 2023. The venue being Sandton Convention Centre has become synonymous with Meetings Africa since the show was first hosted there in 2007.
Zinhle Nzama, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), says Sandton has been the natural home for Meetings Africa, as the city presents the continent’s business events aspirations. “Hosting Meetings Africa in Sandton is a statement. It says that while we are part of a global billion-dollar business events industry, we have ambitions of being among the best destinations in the world.”
Sandton is a global financial powerhouse and is home to numerous multinational companies that use Johannesburg as a springboard to the rest of Africa.
The Sandton Convention Centre itself is the financial hub’s centrepiece. It offers easy access to over 5,000 hotel rooms all within close distance, is adjacent to the country's top shopping and entertainment complexes and provides nearly 11,000 secure parking bays.
“We have thousands of delegates returning to Meetings Africa each year. They are attracted to the energy emanating from not only the continent, but also the city,” said Nzama.
Navigating Sandton is a breeze, but for first-time visitors, it can be a little daunting. But don’t worry, the people of Sandton have a knack of making you feel at home.
To get you started on your journey through Sandton, we have put together a little guide to help you navigate your way while you’re here for Meetings Africa.
Getting to Sandton
Getting to Sandton is easy. The Gautrain connects directly from OR Tambo International Airport to the Gautrain Station, in Sandton. The station is a mere 700-metres from the Sandton Convention Centre. The Gautrain schedule is up to date and quite extensive. Be sure to take a close look at the train
schedule.
There are two options when paying for a ride. You can either purchase a Gautrain card which you would need to top up or you can use your bank’s contactless card. You may use your contactless bank card to travel on Gautrain, trains, buses and parking included.
If you are staying at accommodation outside of Sandton, it would be advisable to catch an Uber ride from the Gautrain Station in Sandton. The Gautrain bus is also a convenient option if you are not in too much of a rush. Consult the Gautrain bus schedule. Download your preferred bus route
here.
Accommodation
The Southern Sun hotels in the Sandton precinct have partnered with Meetings Africa and are the accredited accommodation providers for the duration of Meetings Africa.
Cuisine and entertainment
Sandton boasts some of the finest dining on the continent, all within walking distance of the Sandton Convention Centre. Find a restaurant which suits your tastes
here.
For art lovers, the Keyes Art Mile Precinct makes for the perfect and serene break, after a day of activities at the Meetings Africa trade show. Situated just seven klilometres away from the Sandton Convention Centre, one can explore art from some of South Africa and the world’s – leading artists. Anchored by heavyweight galleries Everard Read and Circa, the precinct has become an ecosystem of creativity. A design studio, highly conceptual eateries such as Marble and Momo Kuro, designer accessory outlet Okapi and the exclusive entrepreneurial Mesh Club make up the precinct’s tenants.
To quell the shopper’s itch, Sandton City is right there. With all sorts of local and international brands, the mall can easily brag about offering the world’s best and trendiest products under one roof.
Your safety is our priority
South African Tourism is committed to providing a safe Meetings Africa 2023 to all delegates. As South Africa’s destination marketing organisation, we have put in place protocols that aim to keep all South Africans and visitors to the country as safe as possible.
It is best to keep the following emergency telephone numbers saved on your mobile phone, should you need:
- Public ambulance: 10177
- Private ambulance (Netcare 911): 082 911
- South African Police Service: 10111
The following private medical facilities are within a 20-kilometre radius of Sandton:
- Netcare Sunninghill Hospital
Cnr Nanyuki Dve & Witkoppen Rd
+27 11 806 1500
- Morningside Medi-clinic
Address: Cnr. Rivonia & Hill Rd, Morningside
+27 11 282 5000
- Netcare Rosebank
14 Sturdee Ave, Rosebank
+27 11 328 0500
Follow Meetings Africa on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #MeetingsAfrica2023 and #VisitSouthAfrica. To participate at Meetings Africa 2023, register at
www.meetingsafrica.co.za and play your part in unlocking Africa’s opportunities through quality connections.