As an entrepreneur, you need to be aware of opportunities that are aligned with your business. Some of the best opportunities for entrepreneurs are events. The events range from expos to trade shows but are typically designed to provide insights and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs. To find these events, you need an entrepreneurship event guide.
Entrepreneurship events are a great way for business owners to promote themselves and their businesses. These events bring together entrepreneurs from different industries and provide them with an opportunity to network, arrange funding and share industry-specific insights.
As the year comes to an end, there are very few entrepreneurial events left. Most are happening this week; others have passed and only a select few are left for the year. You need to know which ones are still happening so you can attend and take advantage of the opportunities for your own benefit.
This article is here to serve as your guide for any events for entrepreneurs.
Types of Business Events
Before we look at all upcoming events, we need to distinguish between the different types of business events. Some of the most common types of business events include:
Conferences: Conferences are events where people come together to share their views, spread messages, engage in debates and provide insights into specific issues or topics.
Tradeshow: A tradeshow is an event where people go to display their products and services to the public or invited attendees.
Meetings: Meetings are a gathering of people to allow them to learn from each other, understand what is being said and observe any future plans.
Convention: Conventions are an event which combines different elements to make up the event.
Corporate Event: Corporate events can be defined as corporation events or association events. They are there to provide attendees with information and discuss policies and reports.
Product Launch: A product launch is used by businesses to showcase any new products they are unveiling.
Congress: Congress is when a large group of people talk about a particular subject.
Each type of event offers different benefits for its attendees. You will be able to know whether the event is for you or not just by looking at what type of event it is.
Forthcoming Entrepreneurial Events
Below is a list of upcoming entrepreneurial events in South Africa. Keep in mind that these are not all the events happening in South Africa so always keep your eyes open.
WomenIn Festival 2024
The WomenIn (WiN) Festival is an event designed to bring together women from different industries. The event will happen over two days and will feature leadership sessions, practical workshops, immersive site visits and networking opportunities.
The event will take place from the 14th to the 15th of November 2024 at the Silo District in Cape Town. Both days begin at 8:00 and end at 17:00.
ICT Summit 2024
The ICT Summit is an annual event that is taking place in the Eastern Cape. The event’s theme this year is “30 years of democracy: Reflecting on the current trends and future insights within the ICT Sector” and provides attendees with an opportunity to network and sell their ideas to various stakeholders.
This year’s ICT Summit will take place from the 19th to the 21st of November 2024 at the East London ICC.
rAge Expo 2024
The really Awesome gaming (rAge) expo is back again this year. The event is an all-inclusive hub which provides its attendees with a chance to celebrate the gaming industry. Additionally, attendees will be able to explore the latest in PC, mobile and console gaming.
This year’s rAge expo will take place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. The event runs from 9:00 to 18:00 on Friday and Saturday and 9:00 to 16:00 on Sunday.
Market Your Practice
Market Your Practice is an event which offers masterclasses on effective marketing strategies for professional services and consulting. The event will also focus on developments in social media and inbound marketing.
Market Your Practice takes place on the 9th of December 20204 at the Apollo Conferencing Hotel in Johannesburg. The event runs from 9:0 to 16:30.
Africa Tech Festival 2024
Africa Tech Festival is the premium tech event in Africa. The annual tech event hosts over 15 000 attendees and provides networking opportunities, industry insights, an exclusive look at new technologies and a pitching stage for startups.
The event takes place within three days at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The 11th -14th November is for VIP and partner events and 12th – 14th November is for expo and content sessions.
These events are some of the most premium events available for entrepreneurs. These events will be good for you as an entrepreneur because you will be able to network with industry leaders and possibly get funding.
For more information on business events in South Africa, read our article on how to find business events.
