South Africa’s events and technical services industry will gather at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Friday, 20th March 2026 for a National Events and Technical Sector Consultation, convened by the Events and Technical Association of South Africa (ETASA).
The consultation follows the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture’s call for the culture and creative industries to organize themselves into structured sector bodies, as part of government’s broader framework recognizing 17 sectors within the cultural and creative industries.
Within this framework, the events and technical services sector have emerged as one of the critical industries supporting the delivery of festivals, exhibitions, conferences, concerts, public celebrations, and cultural programs across South Africa.
The consultation will bring together industry practitioners, sector organizations, venue operators, event organisers, technical production specialists, and institutional representatives from across the country, creating a national platform for engagement on the future of the sector.
Participants will engage in structured dialogue on key issues affecting the industry, including:
• Sector coordination and industry representation• Capacity building and professional development• Policy alignment within the creative economy• Technical infrastructure and event production ecosystems• Industry sustainability and sector growth opportunities• Collaboration across the broader cultural and creative industries.
The outcomes of the consultation will contribute towards the development of a national consultation report and sector recommendations, capturing the perspectives and proposals of industry stakeholders.
In addition to the consultation discussions, the event will also create space for companies and organisations operating within the events ecosystem to showcase their services, products, and technologies, allowing stakeholders to engage directly with practitioners shaping the industry.
Speaking ahead of the consultation, Board Member of ETASA, highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination within the sector.
“Following the Minister’s call for the cultural and creative sectors to organise themselves, thisconsultation provides an important opportunity for practitioners and stakeholders within the events and technical industry to come together, share experiences, and contribute towards strengthening the sector’s future,” said Mafokate.
“The events industry plays a critical role in supporting South Africa’s cultural economy, and this consultation allows the sector to collectively reflect on its challenges, opportunities, and future direction.
”Stakeholders and practitioners interested in participating in the consultation are encouraged to register in advance.Event DetailsEvent: National Events and Technical Sector ConsultationDate: Friday, 20th March 2026Time: 08:30 – 16:00Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
Practitioners RegistrationParticipants can register using the following link:
https://forms.gle/bSQ7uY7ZG7A3ywst7
Participation is limited, and organizations are encouraged to nominate representatives to attend the consultation.
Nono Matuwane
Soweto Sunrise News
