Joburg to host national events and technical sector consultation

The meeting will be organised by the Events and Technical Association of South Africa (ETASA).

The consultation follows a call by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture for the country’s cultural and creative industries to organise into structured sector bodies, as part of a broader framework recognising 17 sub-sectors within the creative economy.

Within this framework, the events and technical services sector has been identified as a key contributor to the delivery of festivals, exhibitions, conferences, concerts and public cultural programmes.

The one-day consultation is expected to bring together industry practitioners, event organisers, venue operators, technical production specialists and representatives of sector organisations from across the country. The gathering aims to provide a national platform for engagement on challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Participants will discuss a range of issues, including sector coordination and representation, capacity building and professional development, policy alignment within the creative economy, technical infrastructure and event production systems, industry sustainability and growth opportunities and collaboration across the wider cultural and creative industries.

The outcomes of the discussions are expected to inform a national report and a set of recommendations reflecting stakeholder input.

In addition to the consultation sessions, companies and organisations operating within the events ecosystem will have an opportunity to showcase their services and technologies.

Speaking ahead of the event, ETASA board member Mafokate said the consultation would provide an opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage on the sector’s future.

“Following the Minister’s call for the cultural and creative sectors to organise themselves, this consultation 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,” Mafokate said.

“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 interested in attending are required to register in advance, with participation limited. Media organisations may also apply for accreditation.

ETASA is a sector coordination body that facilitates collaboration and development within South Africa’s events and technical services industry.