By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
In a bid to bolster international meetings and meeting global standards the Uganda’s premier integrated convention, events and exhibition destination at Munyonyo Speke Resort Convention Centre, has been admitted as an official IAPCO Convention Centre Partner, marking a significant step in elevating Uganda’s profile within the global meetings and events industry.
In an increasingly competitive global meetings industry, international associations and organisers prioritise venues that demonstrate robust professional standards, operational excellence, advanced technical capabilities and strong industry affiliations. The IAPCO partnership reinforces Speke Resort Convention Centre’s commitment to these benchmarks and significantly boosts its visibility in the international business events marketplace.
The new affiliation complements the centre’s existing international memberships, including the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers’ sister body AIPC, creating a more comprehensive platform for engagement with global meetings professionals.
The partnership with the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) provides the resort with enhanced access to a worldwide network of professional congress organisers, meeting planners, association executives and key decision-makers who determine the hosting locations for major international events. This development aligns with Speke Resort Convention Centre’s strategic ambition to establish itself as one of Africa’s leading venues for high-level congresses, association meetings, exhibitions and major business events.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria within the expansive Speke Resort Munyonyo and Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort complex, Speke Resort Convention Centre stands as Uganda’s largest integrated convention and hospitality destination. The facility boasts an impressive infrastructure, including 34 dedicated meeting, conference and exhibition venues and more than 10,000 square metres of indoor meeting space. Its flagship Rwenzori Convention Centre serves as a centrepiece, supported by extensive outdoor event and exhibition areas.
The integrated resort model offers 476 guestrooms and suites, multiple restaurants, state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, ample parking and comprehensive security infrastructure. This seamless setup enables event organisers to accommodate conferences, exhibitions, accommodation, dining, networking opportunities and leisure activities all within a single destination, delivering a streamlined and memorable experience for delegates.
Speke Resort Convention Centre has already demonstrated its capability by successfully hosting several high-profile international gatherings. Notable events include the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, the G77+China Third South Summit, the Commonwealth Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers, the Uganda–European Union Business Forum, and the AFRAA Annual General Assembly and Summit.
Through its IAPCO partnership, the centre is poised to gain greater exposure among international congress organisers and professional event planners. This is expected to open new avenues for attracting additional high-calibre conferences and business events to Uganda, while also providing access to valuable industry knowledge, best practices, professional development opportunities and global networking platforms.
The partnership represents another milestone in Speke Resort Convention Centre’s long-term vision to become East Africa’s premier convention destination and one of the continent’s most respected venues for international meetings and events. By combining world-class facilities, integrated hospitality services, strategic international affiliations and a proven track record of delivering major global events, the centre continues to strengthen Uganda’s position as a gateway to the international meetings industry.
Industry observers note that such partnerships are increasingly vital as destinations across Africa compete to capture a larger share of the lucrative global business events market, which continues to drive significant economic benefits through tourism, investment and knowledge exchange.
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