Tuesday, February 27, 2024
South African Tourism, in collaboration with the Southern African Tourism Educators of South Africa (TESA) through the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB), will host the highly anticipated Future Leaders Forum at the upcoming Meetings Africa trade show.
The Future Leaders Forum, a key event on the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on February 26, is designed to engage and inspire young individuals aspiring to excel in the dynamic business events sector.
With youth empowerment at the forefront of the tourism and business events industry, this carefully crafted program aims to guide students towards successful careers.
Bjorn Hufkie, the GM MICE Sales Officer at SANCB, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “At South African Tourism, we are serious about empowering tomorrow’s leaders, and this globally recognised platform allows us to do that while ensuring that we nurture talent that will benefit our business events industry in the future.
It is really about ensuring the industry’s sustainability through investment in our young people.”
Hufkie went on to say, “Through this Future Leaders Forum programme, students gain international recognition and become proud representatives of their country.
In their engagement and interactions with other students from other parts of the world, they get to impart information about South Africa and inspire other people to come meet and visit South Africa.
The IMEX-MPI International University Challenge is not only a great and worthwhile challenge for the students, but it is also a wonderful way to showcase our brand.
I wish all three finalists the best of luck, and I look forward to welcoming them to the business events industry in future meetings and gatherings.”
Participants at the forum will engage in a transformative experience over two days, building valuable industry connections, accessing top-tier educational content, gaining insights from experienced professionals, and collaborating with peers.
An important highlight of the Future Leaders Forum is the involvement of three outstanding students selected from universities across the country. Eligible students, enrolled in NQF level 7 and 8 qualifications in Tourism and Hospitality, are selected based on their keen interest in the business events industry, academic excellence, and age not exceeding 35 years.
The nominated finalists include James Kgabo from Tshwane North College, Hlolohelo Zwane from Tshwane North College, and Anaïs Saayman from North-West University. These finalists will present their proposals on February 26, potentially launching their careers in the global meetings and events arena.
The 2024 Future Leaders Forum winner will advance to the prestigious International University Challenge, a global competition featured at Future Leaders Forums worldwide.
The winner of the Future Leaders Forum – International University Challenge at Meetings Africa 2024 will be awarded a prize package, covering flights, accommodation, and a travel allowance to participate in the global Future Leaders Forum at IMEX Frankfurt in May 2024. Accommodation will be funded by Meeting Professional International (MPI), the world’s largest industry association for meeting and event professionals, while flights and allowance will be supported by the SANCB.
Meetings Africa, dedicated to Meetings, Incentives, Conventions/Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), will be held at Johannesburg’s prestigious Sandton Convention Centre from February 26th to 28th, 2024.
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