What this life looks like
You are the engine behind the meetings that shape decisions. Conference and Meetings Coordinators plan and deliver business meetings, conferences, seminars, product launches, and corporate retreats — managing logistics, venues, technology, catering, and participant experience to ensure that business events achieve their objectives. Africa's growing position as a global meetings destination makes this a career with expanding opportunity.
What she actually does
You manage all logistical elements of business events — venue booking, catering, AV technology, accommodation, transport, signage, registration, and speaker management. You work from client briefs, develop event run sheets and budgets, coordinate with venue and supplier teams, manage on-site execution, handle delegate registration and enquiries, and ensure that every technical and logistical element supports the event's business objectives.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Convention Centres | CTICC (Cape Town), Sandton Convention Centre (SA), KCC (Kigali), AU Conference Centre (Addis Ababa) |
| Hotels with Event Spaces | All major business hotels across Africa — Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, Intercontinental |
| Professional Conference Organisers | PCO companies across Africa managing conference logistics for associations, corporations, and governments |
| Corporate Events Teams | In-house events coordinators at major African corporations and government departments |
Why it matters in Africa
Africa is asserting itself as a major global meetings destination — the African Union Summit, the World Economic Forum on Africa, and major industry conferences are held across the continent. Kigali's Convention Centre, the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Sandton Convention Centre, and the Addis Ababa African Union Conference Centre are world-class facilities generating significant demand for professional conference coordinators.
Your pathway in
- Study Events Management, Hospitality Management, or Business Administration
- Gain experience as an events assistant or conference organiser's assistant — practical production experience is essential
- Develop technical knowledge of conference AV: understanding sound systems, projection, live streaming, and hybrid event technology is increasingly important
- Build proficiency in event management software: Cvent, Eventbrite, and Aventri are widely used
- Pursue the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) qualification — it is the global gold standard for meetings and events professionals
Skills you will need
- Conference logistics management
- AV and hybrid event technology
- Budget management
- Delegate registration management
- Supplier coordination
- Event run sheet development
A woman in this field
Tes Proos
South Africa
Tes is a South African meetings and events industry leader who served as President of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Southern Africa and has been a prominent voice in developing South Africa's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. She has coordinated major international conferences across South Africa and has been recognised with industry awards for her contribution to the professional development of the meetings industry in Africa. She is active in mentoring young professionals entering the events and conferences sector.
Take your first step
- Research the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and Kigali Convention Centre — both publish information about their facilities and the types of events they host, giving you insight into the scale of Africa's meetings industry
- Study what a conference run sheet looks like — search online for 'conference run sheet template' and study how every minute of a conference day is pre-planned
- Research the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) qualification at conventionindustry.org — it is the most recognised professional credential for meetings and events professionals globally
- Volunteer to assist at a business seminar, conference, or professional association meeting in your area — even managing registration or directing delegates gives you practical experience in conference coordination