Kampala—Speke Resort Convention Centre has joined the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) as a Convention Centre Partner, a move expected to strengthen Uganda’s position as a destination for international conferences, exhibitions and business events.
The partnership gives the convention centre access to a global network of professional congress organisers, association executives, meeting planners and business events specialists who influence where major international conferences and exhibitions are held.
The latest affiliation adds to the convention centre’s growing list of international memberships, including the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC).
Industry players say membership of IAPCO is an important step towards enhancing the venue’s international visibility and demonstrating its commitment to global standards in conference and event management.
The partnership is also expected to improve Uganda’s competitiveness in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, which continues to grow as countries compete to attract international business events that generate tourism, investment and employment.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Munyonyo, Speke Resort Convention Centre is Uganda’s largest integrated convention and exhibition facility.
The complex comprises 34 meeting, conference and exhibition venues with more than 10,000 square metres of indoor event space. Its flagship facility, the Rwenzori Convention Centre, is complemented by extensive outdoor exhibition grounds, modern audiovisual technology and secure parking.
The resort also offers 476 guestrooms and suites, restaurants and leisure facilities, enabling delegates to access accommodation, conference facilities, dining and recreation within one location.
Over the years, the convention centre has hosted several high-profile regional and international events, including the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Third South Summit of the G77+China, the Commonwealth Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers, the Uganda-European Union Business Forum and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Assembly and Summit.
According to the management, these events have demonstrated the venue’s capacity to host large-scale international meetings while delivering world-class conference and hospitality services.
Through the IAPCO partnership, Speke Resort Convention Centre expects to increase its exposure to international congress organisers, creating new opportunities to attract global conferences, association meetings and exhibitions to Uganda.
The collaboration will also provide access to professional development programmes, industry research, networking opportunities and international best practices that are expected to strengthen Uganda’s meetings and events industry.
The development aligns with the country’s efforts to position itself as a leading conference tourism destination by investing in modern infrastructure, quality hospitality services and strategic international partnerships.
As demand for business events continues to grow across Africa, the convention centre says it will continue investing in world-class facilities and partnerships to enhance Uganda’s reputation as a preferred destination for international meetings and conventions.