Jhb continues to attract top conferences

JOHANNESBURG is a firm favourite for local and international conventions and exhibitions, according to the Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC), cited by the Johannesburg News Agency. "We have been overwhelmed with bookings for some really big events," said Deon Viljoen, ceo of JTC. Upcoming conferences and exhibitions include: the Holidaymakers Expo at Nasrec; the World Petroleum Congress and the annual South African Association of the Conference Industry congress. Long-term events include the World Disabled Peoples' Assembly in 2006, the World Internal Audit Conference in 2009 and the International Congress of Paediatrics in 2010. The Johannesburg Convention Bureau, a division of JTC, which helps clients identify potential conferences, exhibitions and events that could be attracted to Johannesburg, has also reported that interest in the city's venues has increased to such an extent that it has had to hire additional staff members to cope with the demand. (Lucy Siebert)