South Africa’s Top Expo Venues

Expo venues in South Africa

South Africa is a country rich in culture and history, making it a popular destination for exhibitions, fairs and conventions. From the vibrant city of Cape Town to the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, there are a range of venues to suit any meeting or conference. Here is a rundown of some of the top exhibition venues in South Africa, along with a list of attractions and transport links to help you plan your visit and accommodation.

CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre)

Located in the heart of Cape Town, the CTICC is a modern and versatile venue that can accommodate trade shows of all sizes. With a total of 46,000 square meters of exhibition capacity, it is the largest international convention centre in the region and by far the most beautiful conference venue in South Africa (unbiased, of course).

The Cape Town International Convention Centre has three main areas, the CTICC 1 and 2 and the ballroom with all the latest technology and excellent catering available. It truly is a fantastic meeting place for conference guests.

Attractions:

• The V&A Waterfront is a popular shopping and entertainment district with restaurants, bars, and a range of activities for all ages. It’s a great location with ample convenience.
• Table Mountain is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a cable car to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland at the southern tip of the peninsula known for its dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Transport links:

• The CTICC is easily accessible by public transport, with a dedicated train station and numerous bus routes. Exhibitors should opt for an Uber or MyCiti bus for safety.
• The airport is also a short distance away, with regular shuttle services and taxis available.

Sandton Convention Centre

Situated in the upscale suburb of Sandton, the Sandton Convention Centre is a state-of-the-art venue with a range of modern facilities, making it perfect for hosting conferences. With 21,000 square meters of exhibition and function space, it is well-equipped to host a wide range of events and is great for meeting with clients.

Attractions:

• The Nelson Mandela Square is a popular shopping and dining destination with a statue of the late South African leader at its centre.
• The Johannesburg Zoo is home to over 320 species of animals from around the globe.
• The Johannesburg Art Gallery features a collection of South African and international artworks.

Transport links:

• The Sandton Convention Centre is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site.
• The Gautrain rapid rail system also serves the area, with a station just a short walk from the venue.

Durban ICC (International Convention Centre)

Located in the coastal city of Durban, the Durban ICC is a world-class venue that has hosted a range of major events. With a total of 22,000 square meters of exhibition space, it is well-equipped to host a wide range of events with great on-site support.

Attractions:

• The Durban Beachfront is a popular destination with a boardwalk. Make sure you visit some of the local restaurants.

Transport links:

• The ICC is best visited by car and has a large parking area for visitors.
• Public Bus: Durban’s public bus system, known as “Go Durban,” has several routes that stop near the ICC.
• Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Durban and can easily drop you off at the ICC.
• Air: Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is approximately 35km away from the ICC; you can take a taxi or shuttle service to get there.

Century City Convention Centre

Located in Cape Town, the Century City Convention Centre is a modern facility that can accommodate events of all sizes. With a total of 8,000 square meters of exhibition space, you can expect it to be a popular choice for smaller events and independent event organisers.

Attractions:

• The Canal Walk Shopping Centre is a large mall with over 400 stores and a range of dining and entertainment options.
• The Intaka Island Wetland is a nature reserve with walking trails and a bird sanctuary.
• The Ratanga Junction theme park is a fun day out for families with various rides and attractions.

Transport links:

• The Century City Convention Centre is easily accessible by car, with ample parking.
• The MyCiTi bus service also serves the area, with a stop just a short distance from the venue.

Gallagher Convention Centre

Located in Johannesburg, the Gallagher Convention Centre is a large and modern venue that has hosted a range of major events. With a total of 60,000 square meters of exhibition space, it is one of the largest venues in the country.

Attractions:

• The Johannesburg Lion Park is home to a range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and giraffes.
• The Montecasino Entertainment Complex is a popular destination with a casino, hotels, restaurants, and a range of entertainment options.
• The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of ancient fossil sites.

Transport links:

• The Gallagher Convention Centre is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site.
• The Gautrain rapid rail system also serves the area, with a station just a short distance from the venue.

Johannesburg Expo Centre (NASREC)

Situated in Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Expo Centre, formally known as NASREC, is a large and versatile conference venue that can accommodate events and specialised exhibitions of all sizes. With a total of 40,000 square meters of exhibition space, it is well-equipped to host a wide range of events.

Attractions:

• The Lion Park is home to a range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and giraffes.
• The Montecasino Entertainment Complex is a popular destination with a casino, hotels, restaurants, and a range of entertainment options.
• The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of ancient fossil sites.

Transport links:

• The Johannesburg Expo Centre is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site.
• The Gautrain rapid rail system also serves the area, with a station just a short distance from the venue.

The Westin Cape Town

Located in the heart of Cape Town and directly joined to the CTICC, The Westin Cape Town is a luxurious hotel with a range of modern conference venues and exhibition facilities. With a total of 4,000 square meters of exhibition space, it is a popular choice for smaller events.

Attractions:

• The V&A Waterfront is a popular shopping and entertainment district with restaurants, bars, and a range of activities for all ages.
• Table Mountain is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a cable car to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland at the southern tip of the peninsula known for its dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Transport links:

• The Westin Cape Town is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site.
• The airport is also a short distance away, with regular shuttle services and taxis available.

Emperors Palace

Located in Johannesburg, Emperors Palace is a luxurious hotel with a range of conference and exhibition facilities. With a total of 4,000 square meters of exhibition space, it is a popular choice for smaller events.

Attractions:

• The O.R. Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in South Africa and a hub for international travel.
• The Johannesburg Zoo is home to over 320 species of animals from around the world.
• The Johannesburg Art Gallery features a collection of South African and international artworks.

Transport links:

• Emperors Palace is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site.
• The Gautrain rapid rail system also serves the area, with a station just a short distance from the hotel.

Tshwane Events Centre

Located in Pretoria, the Tshwane Events Centre is a large and versatile venue that can accommodate events of all sizes. With a total of 25,000 square meters of exhibition space, it is well-equipped to host a wide range of events.

Attractions:

• The Union Buildings is the official seat of the South African government and a popular tourist destination.
• The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a beautiful park with various indigenous plants and a popular spot for picnics and walks.
• The Voortrekker Monument is a towering granite structure that commemorates the Afrikaans people’s 19th-century migration to the region.

Transport links:

• The Tshwane Events Centre is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site.
• The Gautrain rapid rail system also serves the area, with a station just a short distance from the venue.

Sun City

Situated in the North West province of South Africa, Sun City is a luxury resort and casino complex that is home to a number of exhibition and conference venues. The resort’s main conference venue is the Sun City Convention Centre, which offers over 5,000 square meters of exhibition space. The convention centre can host events for up to 4,000 people and offers state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities.

Attractions

• Sun City offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors, including the Valley of Waves water park, a casino, golf courses, and a wildlife sanctuary.
• Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Pilanesberg National Park, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and leopards.

Transport links

• Sun City is easily accessible by car, with major roads leading directly to the resort. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport and take a shuttle bus to the resort.
• Sun City also offers its own airport, Pilanesberg International Airport, which is a popular choice for travellers.

Boardwalk International Convention Centre

Located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, the Boardwalk International Convention Centre is situated in the heart of the beachfront Boardwalk complex in Port Elizabeth. The convention centre offers over 5,000 square meters of exhibition space and can host events for up to 3,000 people.

Attractions

• Port Elizabeth is a popular meeting destination for visitors interested in history and culture. The city is home to a number of museums and historical sites, including the Donkin Heritage Trail, which takes visitors on a tour of the city’s historical landmarks.
• Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Addo Elephant National Park, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos.

Transport links

• The Boardwalk International Convention Centre is easily accessible by car, with major roads leading directly to the complex.
• Alternatively, visitors can fly into Port Elizabeth’s airport and take a shuttle bus to the Boardwalk.

Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre

Located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre is situated in the heart of the city of Kimberley. The convention centre offers over 3,000 square meters of conference space and can host events for up to 2,000 people.

Attractions

• Kimberley is a popular destination for visitors interested in history and culture. The city is home to the Big Hole, an enormous diamond mine that was once the largest excavation site in the world.
• Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby McGregor Museum, which tells the story of the history and culture of the Northern Cape province.

Transport links

The Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre is easily accessible by car, with major roads leading directly to the city. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Kimberley’s airport and take a shuttle bus to the convention centre.

NAMPO Park

Located in the Free State province of South Africa, NAMPO Park is a large agricultural expo centre that hosts a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year. The park offers over 15,000 square meters of conference space and can host events for up to 15,000 people.

Attractions

• NAMPO Park is a popular destination for visitors interested in agriculture and rural life. The park hosts a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year, including the NAMPO Harvest Day, which is the largest agricultural expo in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby town of Bothaville, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Afrikaans architecture.

Transport links

• NAMPO Park is easily accessible by car, with major roads leading directly to the expo centre. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Bloemfontein’s airport and take a shuttle bus to the park.

Overall, South Africa is a popular destination for conference-goers, offering various venues and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re planning your next event, interested in the history and culture of Port Elizabeth, the natural beauty of the Pilanesberg National Park, or the latest in agricultural technology at NAMPO Park, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and beautiful country.

From the modern CTICC in Cape Town to the versatile Tshwane Events Centre in Pretoria, there is a venue to suit any event; each venue is surrounded by a range of attractions and transport links to make your trip easy and enjoyable. So there you have it, a rundown of some of the top conference venues in South Africa; whether you’re in South Africa for business or pleasure, there is something for everyone to enjoy.