Affiliations

Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of efficiency and professionalism for the conference industry in Southern Africa. The South African conference industry is recognised around the world as a dynamic growth area.

What is SAACI? SAACI is aware of the increasing importance of South Africa as an international conference destination and is endeavouring to ensure that the industry meets the required standards.

SAACI comprising over 600 members from a variety of sectors within the Conference Industry, including conference venues, professional conference organisers and a large variety of services such as Audio Visual, Entertainment, Decor, Catering and many more.

The need for an organisation of this kind was originally identified by South African Tourism. As result, people involved in the South African conference industry came together to create a national organisation which could assist people in organising or providing facilities or services for conferences or meetings. The Association was formally established in 1987.

The foremost certification program of today's meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry, the CMP designation recognizes those who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. Established in 1985, the CMP credential was developed to increase the proficiency of meeting professionals in any component or sector of the industry by:

Identifying a body of knowledge;
Establishing a level of knowledge and performance necessary for certification;
Stimulating the advancement of the art and science of meeting management;
Increasing the value of practitioners to their employers;
Recognizing and raising industry standards, practices and ethics;
Maximizing the value received from the products and services provided by Certified Meeting Professionals.

A Certification Board designated by CIC governs the program and includes one representative from each planner organization of CIC and four representatives from the supplier category. The CMP Board seeks to represent the diversity that exists within the profession and serve as a voice for stakeholders who have an interest in maintaining a high meeting industry standard.

International Marketing Council (IMC) was established to create a positive and united image for South Africa by:

Focused efforts on Tourism, Trade and Investment. These three area's have tremendous potential for job creation. By encouraging the creation of employment, we strive to curb poverty. To provide context and balance in the news and approach the press proactively rather than reactively.