#MeetingsAfrica2020: Nina Freysen-Pretorius on the legacy of hosting events on the African continent

The Conference Company Director, Nina Freysen-Pretorius, discussed the legacy of hosting events on the African continent in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters at the ongoing Meetings Africa 2020. Freysen-Pretorius represents ECA, the International Conferences and Conventions Association, which is a not-for-profit organization based in Amsterdam. ECA's primary focus is on bringing people together to host international meetings and conferences. Their members include convention centers, convention bureaus, airlines, technical support providers, and conference organizers. By facilitating collaboration among these entities, ECA plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of global events and fostering development and infrastructure across different regions. The key theme explored in the interview was the significant impact of hosting events on the African continent, particularly in terms of driving growth, fostering investment opportunities, and enabling legacy projects. Freysen-Pretorius highlighted the continent's immense potential and the substantial knock-on effect that stems from hosting big meetings and conferences in Africa. She emphasized how these events not only contribute to immediate economic benefits but also lead to long-term infrastructure development and investment prospects. The interview delved into the appetite for hosting events in Africa, with Freysen-Pretorius noting that governments have recognized the value of attracting international gatherings to their countries. She explained that hosting diverse meetings, ranging from medical conferences to engineering summits, creates opportunities for showcasing a country's potential, thereby attracting investments and driving infrastructure growth. The conversation then shifted to strategies for enhancing South Africa's appeal as a top meeting destination. Freysen-Pretorius emphasized the importance of collaboration between different sectors, including academia, tourism, and business, in order to create a compelling value proposition for hosting events. She stressed the need for closer engagement with associations and special interest groups to promote South Africa as a preferred choice for conferences. Additionally, Freysen-Pretorius emphasized the significance of promoting meetings across the African continent to ensure shared growth and increased legacy impact. Amid concerns surrounding the global impact of the coronavirus outbreak on conferences and meetings, Freysen-Pretorius acknowledged the challenges facing the industry. She highlighted the current uncertainties and disruptions caused by the virus, expressing particular concerns about the potential economic ramifications of widespread travel bans. Freysen-Pretorius underscored the importance of following government guidance and called for collective efforts to contain the virus and mitigate its impact on the conferencing sector. While the situation remains fluid, she expressed hope for positive outcomes and emphasized the need for vigilance and cooperation to address the global health crisis effectively.