Ways Coronavirus will affect Kenya’s conference tourism
By People Daily, March 10, 2020There are growing concerns about the impact the Coronavirus epidemic will have on Africa’s economies. The continent is already reeling and several sectors are feeling the pinch, given the fact that China plays a huge role particularly in African business. Here are some of the key areas expected to suffer following the viral outbreak, according to Market Watch
1. East Africa Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition
Were it not for the postponement, the East Africa Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition (EAOGS) would have marked its sixth anniversary as the most prestigious industry summit in the region.
EAOGS annually provides a platform for East African ministries and National Oil Companies to engage with international and local investors to examine, discover and debate the vast opportunities across East Africa’s oil and gas sector.
An estimated 450 delegates and exhibitors were to attend the summit and exhibition. The event will now not take place between March 18 and 19.
2. Next Einstein Forum
The biennial gatherings that form the Einstein Forum (NEF) are the largest science and innovation gatherings on the African continent.
Far from an ordinary science forum, the NEF global gatherings position science at the centre of global development efforts. In the presence of political and industry leaders, and with a strong focus on youth and women, the voices of global science leaders have the opportunity to be heard and to have major impact on Africa’s scientific future.
It was set to be held between March 10 and 13 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre
3. Annual Summit on Investment Opportunities in Kenya
Under the theme, “Promoting Kenya as a Premier Business Gateway to Africa,” the annual event delves into opportunities and risks as well as all aspects of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Kenya and the larger African Continent.
The event is driven by the need to streamline and expose foreign investors to the already existing investment-worthy opportunities, the sectors that are most profitable to invest in, the laws and regulations surrounding business ownership and operations and also the partners to work with.
Over 200 delegates and exhibitors were expected to attend the event, to take place between March 30 to April 1 at the Sarova Pan Afric Hotel.
4. The 63rd ACI Africa Board and Regional Committees’ Meetings and Conference
The Kenya Airports Authority has the 63rd ACI Africa Board and Regional Committees Meetings and Regional Conference planned to take place in Mombasa from March 14 to 20 stands postponed to a later date, due to the ongoing global threat from the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The event, which was due to take place at the Mombasa-based PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Convention Centre and Spa was to discuss among other issues, how the tourism industry can support the air transport development in Africa, formulation and adoption of the African Aviation Industry Group (AAIG) roadmap for the development of air transport on the continent.
5. European Alliance for Innovation International Conference on Innovations and Interdisciplinary Solutions for Underserved Areas
The conference was slated to take place from March 8 to 9 at the University of Nairobi but has been postponed.
The conference was to focus on building disaster resilience to extreme events; translating the local to global, land use transitions and spatial modeling, scenarios, complex systems thinking, and multi-criteria decision analysis, Human health and pollution in the total environment, nature-based and ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, ecological infrastructure, green and blue spaces and ecosystem services, environmental justice and role of civil society making resilience equitable among others.
6. The Digital Agenda: Insurance, Insurtech, Innovation
Between 500 and 1000 delegates are expected to attend this event at the Movenpick Hotel between March 19 and 20, to discuss how digital disruption is forcing incumbents across all industries to reinvent their businesses.
The conference was also to cover current trends such as the opportunities and threats of a digital world, blockchain technology, Internet of things, Chatbot implementation, AI, machine learning, regulation and channels.
7. Magical Kenya Open 2020
The Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship, which is part of the European Tour, was to take place at the Karen Country Club from March 12 to 15.
The annual global event is a crowd puller, especially for local golf enthusiasts, who come to watch the world’s top golfers in action and cheer their local heroes as they battle it out for a stake of the €1.1 million (Sh130 million) prize money.
It also doubles up as a family gathering where great food, good music and loads of activities for the entire family are witnessed.
8. Africa ICS Cybersecurity Conference and Expo
The Africa ICS Cybersecurity Conference and Expo is one of the international platforms that presents top level Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumers (B2C) networking opportunity.
The platform also guarantees sponsors and exhibitors a one to one meeting with top level buyers within the African Market and beyond. Similarly, it is one of the platforms where top level government officials, Private sector Chief Executive Officers, Researchers and Innovators congregate to share latest information in Cybersecurity and how the sector, which has become a minefield for hackers can be secured to give businesses confidence.
The event is a crucial opportunity for buyers, vendors and experts. This year, the event that was to happen at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre attracted 2,500 visitors and 500 exhibitors.
9. Agri-Food Trade and Investment East Africa Summit
Innovation in transforming the business of agriculture and creating new opportunities
AFTI East Africa Summit attracts over 300 high-level delegates, and provides a unique opportunity to connect with agri- technology influencers and innovators across a variety of networking platforms.
The takeaway is normally an accurate and well-informed vision of the agri technology development and evolving agri opportunities in the region. The forum also provides agri-businesses with the ideal setting to develop relationships, explore ideas and expand into new markets.
The event will take place at the Villa Rosa Kempinski between March 24 and 25.
10. Africa Banking and Finance Conference 2020
Themed “Growing middle class consumers, infrastructure development needs and the growing external interest on Africa,” the Africa Banking and Finance Conference is a continuation of the discussions and a preview of the implementation strides made this far, as the sector continue to push the Financial Inclusion agenda in the continent.
The conference also focuses on delivering financial services to those that banks have traditionally not reached by advocating the issue to be placed at the top of corporate growth strategy.
It takes place between April 22 and 23, and comes after the 30-day limit. Its fate hangs in the balance.