News & Media

Sandton Convention Centre is gearing itself up for one of the greatest shows on earth – in preparation for the greatest show on earth, which hits our shores in June 2010.

For the third consecutive year, this world-class venue is hosting Soccerex ’09 from 28 November to 02 December, amid the sounds of vuvuzelas blowing, finishing touches to soccer stadiums and all the last-minute preparations that precede the greatest global event our continent has yet witnessed.

Karin White, General Manager: Sales & Marketing  of Sandton Convention Centre, can hardly contain her excitement.  “2010 fever is here and is spreading to the farthest corners of our country as we prepare ourselves to welcome the world in June next year. It’s been a long time coming, but all of us at SCC are ready – in fact, we can hardly wait!

“This year’s Soccerex promises to be a five-day football fiesta. It is the leading conference on football as a business, offering the global football community a unique platform to network, learn, interact and do business all under one roof – that of Sandton Convention Centre.  And this year’s event is particularly important, as it takes place as the lead-up to the official 2010 FIFA World Cup final draw in Cape Town on 04 December,” states White.

All the big names in world football will be here, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter, the LOC’s CEO Danny Jordaan and Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, as Brazil prepares to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Football clubs from around the world will be represented at the event, together with bidding nations, international and local business partners, government delegates, the media and football legends.
“This event truly is the meeting place and the melting pot of everything related to the world of football,” comments White. “We expect more than 3000 delegates and 50 football legends to pass through our doors during the event.  It is estimated that we will serve 1400 meals and set up more studio’s, VIP areas and one on one meeting facilities, over and above the main conference and exhibition, during the five days. SCC literally becomes ‘soccer city’ during Soccerex.”

One of the highlights of the event is the Soccerex World Cup Legends Dinner, hosted by the Gauteng Province, and which promises to be a five-star affair with a specially-designed three-course menu from SCC’s Head Chef Sean Riley and his team, and entertainment from the likes of Danny K, the Soweto Gospel Choir and UB40 legend Ali Campbell.

“The versatility of the space within Sandton Convention Centre and its physical location within the heart of the Sandton CBD, makes it the ideal venue for an event such as Soccerex. Everything the delegates need during their stay is on our doorstep – from five-star hotels and world-class shopping malls to restaurants and entertainment.

“Our team is prepped, the venue is ready and we are looking forward to hosting this year’s Soccerex.  It is a wonderful event and serves as a tasty appetiser to whet the appetites of all South Africans – and the rest of the world – in preparation for next year’s World Cup,” concludes White.