The Gauteng Tourism Authority has confirmed the professional conference organisers and tourism partners who will represent the province at Meetings Africa 2026. The announcement outlines the SMMEs selected under the PCO Development Programme and details the confirmed co-exhibitors that will share Gauteng’s stand at the continent’s leading business events trade show.
Meetings Africa, hosted annually in Johannesburg, brings together African destinations, tourism authorities, buyers, and global industry stakeholders. Gauteng will exhibit at stand E02 under the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau platform.
The participation forms part of the province’s broader strategy to strengthen Gauteng’s position as a business events destination and support enterprise development in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector.
ALSO READ: Gauteng to Mark 20 Years at Meetings Africa 2026 with Focus on Provincial Partnerships
PCO Development Programme Participants for 2025/26
The Gauteng Tourism Authority confirmed the following SMMEs participating under the Professional Conference Organisers Development Programme for Quarter 4 of the 2025/26 financial year:
- Refilwe Moroane – Adam Rock (Pty) Ltd – West Rand
- Peggy Morgans – Lifestyle Trips – West Rand
- Yolanda Lestsatsi – All Seasons Conferencing & Events – Sedibeng
- Lindi Madida-Senda – Judy Gab – Ekurhuleni
- Mmemi Lebone Thuso – Lebone Solutions t/a Metsi Wines – Tshwane
- Laura Makgamathe – 5 Senses Event Management – West Rand
- Zanele Chakela – Baki Travel
- Xolile Melamane – Sibanye Team Building – Johannesburg
According to the Gauteng Tourism Authority, the programme is designed to support emerging professional conference organisers and strengthen Gauteng’s pipeline of locally owned events management businesses.
Profile Spotlight: Lifestyle Tours & Safaris
Lifestyle Tours & Safaris describes itself as a destination marketing and professional conference management company specialising in business events and curated tourism experiences across Gauteng and surrounding regions.
Its services include:
- International and national conference project management
- Destination marketing and exhibition representation
- Township and cultural heritage immersion tours
- Educational and school group travel management
- Bespoke corporate and leisure travel experiences
The company positions itself at the intersection of conference management and cultural tourism.
Profile Spotlight: Baki Travel
Baki Travel, established in 2016, operates as an inbound safari and tour operator based in Fourways, Sandton.
Its focus areas include:
- All-inclusive Southern Africa safari tours
- Wildlife and nature photography safaris
- Tailor-made safari experiences
- Cultural immersion programmes
- City experiences in Johannesburg and Cape Town
The company targets adventure seekers, families, cultural explorers and wildlife enthusiasts, aligning with Gauteng’s positioning as both a gateway and experiential destination.
Confirmed Co-Exhibitors at Stand E02
In addition to SMME participants, Gauteng will host several confirmed co-exhibitors at its stand:
- City of Ekurhuleni
- City of Tshwane
- Constitution Hill
- Cradle of Humankind Projects
- Dinokeng Projects
- Maropeng Visitor Centre
These entities represent a mix of metropolitan governments, heritage attractions, and nature-based tourism assets.
According to the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau, this collaborative approach allows the province to present a consolidated destination offering to international buyers.
Strategic Context: Gauteng’s Business Events Positioning
Meetings Africa serves as a marketplace where African destinations compete for association conferences, corporate events, and incentive travel programmes. Gauteng, as South Africa’s economic hub, continues to position itself as a host city region with:
- Established convention infrastructure
- International air connectivity
- Diverse accommodation capacity
- Cultural and heritage attractions
The inclusion of heritage sites such as Constitution Hill and the Cradle of Humankind underscores the province’s emphasis on combining business events with experiential tourism.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The participation of SMMEs and co-exhibitors at Meetings Africa has direct implications for Gauteng’s economy.
Business events contribute to:
- Hotel occupancy
- Restaurant and retail spending
- Transport and logistics demand
- Job creation in events management and tourism services
The inclusion of locally developed professional conference organisers under the PCO Development Programme signals continued provincial investment in skills development and enterprise growth within the sector.
For residents, the economic benefits of attracting conferences and exhibitions extend beyond the event venues into township tourism, heritage sites, and local suppliers.
Gauteng’s 20 Year Milestone at Meetings Africa
The 2026 participation also coincides with Gauteng marking 20 years of involvement in the Meetings Africa platform. Over two decades, the province has used the exhibition to secure bids, promote convention infrastructure, and build partnerships across the continent.
This year’s stand E02 presentation aims to showcase both metropolitan strength and heritage depth, while highlighting the role of SMMEs in sustaining the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meetings Africa?
Meetings Africa is an annual business events trade show hosted in Johannesburg that connects African destinations with international buyers.
What is the PCO Development Programme?
It is a Gauteng Tourism Authority initiative supporting emerging professional conference organisers through exposure and market access.
Where is Gauteng exhibiting?
Gauteng will exhibit at stand E02.
Why are co-exhibitors included?
Co-exhibitors present a unified provincial offering covering metros, heritage sites and tourism projects.
Will SMMEs be exhibiting independently?
This year’s participation is structured under the provincial platform at stand E02.
What Happens Next
Meetings Africa 2026 is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, where Gauteng’s delegation will engage with hosted buyers, associations, and event planners during the exhibition.
According to provincial officials, outcomes from the event will be assessed in terms of lead generation, bid opportunities, and long-term partnerships secured.
The Gauteng Tourism Authority is expected to provide post-event reporting on performance and economic impact once the exhibition concludes.
