A Guide To Cape Town International Convention Centre

In 2003, Cape Town opened the Cape Town International Convention Centre and almost immediately it became a fixture on the international calendar of events. Despite only being six years old the Cape Town International Convention Centre is undergoing expansion directly as a result of the success of the convention centre. The expansion of the Convention Centre will provide more exhibition space, complemented by a 15-storey tower block of offices built within the Convention Tower.

Further expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre has been announced and will double the size of the current facility. The expansion of the Convention Centre requires the purchasing of Customs House which is on the opposite side of the Foreshore Freeway. The expansion will also include a new 500-room hotel and further space for offices. This latest expansion is expected to conclude in 2010. Currently, the Cape Town International Convention Centre is served entirely by the Westin Grand Hotel which is located in a corner of the site, conveniently close to Cape Town's metropolitan centre and a few minutes' from Cape Town Harbour.

Situated in the centre of Cape Town Harbour, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of the big attractions for holding major events in the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Lying between Table Mountain and Robben Island, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront offers visitors to the Convention Centre a fantastic array of shops and entertainment, complemented by luxury hotels and apartments, and top quality restaurants. From the Victoria & Alfred Marina, it is possible to take boat trips to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated during apartheid.

South Africa has a new president and is going from strength to strength. Although the global recession is biting hard in some parts of the world, South Africa is riding the financial storm with ease and the Cape Town International Convention Centre is enjoying many successful events.

Typical exhibitions and conferences at the centre in 2009 include:
- The IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis Treatment & Prevention;
- FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology & Obstetrics;
- FAB Bridal Autumn Show;
- Discover Islam Exhibition 2009;
- Cape Town Book Fair;
- India Clothing and Textile Trade Show; and
- MediFest Trade Fair 2009.

Whatever you are planning, whether it is an international trade fair, an exhibition, or a special event, the Cape Town International Convention Centre has much to recommend it, to exhibitors and visitors alike.