Deon Viljoen, Executive Director: It’s been a mind-blowing year! We are delighted with how the Sandton Convention Centre has evolved and developed. The design and accommodation features have merged perfectly to provide a platform for the expression of the full spectrum of activities we have hosted, whether private or corporate, government or non-government, exhibition or special event, and many others.  

For me personally, a highlight of the year has been the continuous flow of compliments from visitors about the commitment, dedication and ability of our staff to deliver what has proved to be a world-class facility. Their performance has, quite simply, been fantastic.

They have earned the reputation among all those who have participated in the varied activities at the Sandton Convention Centre of “Nothing is too much of a problem.” It has been particularly pleasing to see how well our artwork in our foyers and elsewhere, that is so resplendent in our African culture, has blended with our first world technological facilities.

Looking ahead I see only a rosy future for the Sandton Convention Centre, with bookings stretching into 2004 and bids for as far ahead as the year 2007. We are especially excited about the fact that our Centre will be hosting the Johannesburg World Summit (the so-called Earth Summit, as it was known in the past).

The Johannesburg World Summit will not only be the “Best and Biggest” event ever staged in South Africa, but there will be a lead up of a host of events starting in February/March and culminating in the Summit itself in September 2002. Like New York’s Madison Square Gardens, which built up a legacy on the back of a single boxing match, the Johannesburg World Summit will leave a lasting legacy for our city, province and country.

The Sandton Convention Centre is committed to taking a pro-active role in ensuring that government at all levels and civil society will reap the rich rewards of this legacy.