Africa ’s premier venue, Sandton Convention Centre, has appointed Charles Drewe (46) as General Manager: Sales and Marketing. Drewe will be responsible for identifying new revenue channels for the centre, increasing its market share in both international and domestic conferencing and conventions, with particular accent on inbound conferences from the rest of Africa – a major growth market in this industry.

The Sandton Convention Centre is expecting a 14,2 % increase in conferences and 6 % growth in exhibitions this year, and with the increase in visitors from other African regions like West Africa into South Africa, countries such as Ghana and Nigeria are showing interest in SA's exhibitions.

Charles Drewe’s career started in the hotel industry back in 1978, and from the start he specialised in groups, banqueting and conferencing. In the early 80’s he became banqueting manager at the Western Province Sports Club – Kelvin Grove, which at the time was the premier banqueting venue in the Western Cape .

He joined the Southern Sun group in 1994, and has managed various properties all over the country, including the Riverside Hotel and Conference Centre on the Vaal River which, during his tenure, won an award for Best Banqueting & Conference Venue catering for groups under 500 in South Africa .

He also managed the 444 bedroom Holiday Inn Garden Court Sandton City , which was a headquarter hotel during the World Summit for Sustainable Development, and host to teams of both the under 21 Rugby World Cup in 2002 and Cricket World Cup in 2003.

About 12 months ago, Drewe moved to Southern Sun’s National Sales Division focusing on groups and conventions.

‘’As a result of the successful launch of our Group and Convention product – Delivering Certainty – and his excellent relationship with our conference clients, Charles was an appropriate choice for this key position in our premier Conference Centre’’ said  Southern Sun Managing Director, Helder Pereira.

‘’In addition to his new role, Charles will continue to work closely with the group’s National Sales Division to ensure that our Group and Convention objectives and service delivery are met,’’ said Pereira.

Executive Director of Sandton Convention Centre, Nomaxabiso Majokweni, stressed that ‘’accommodation and transport infrastructure are great drivers of competitiveness in the industry. Having worked in the hotel industry , primarily with groups, conventions and large events Charles Drewe’s strength lies in his ability to leverage his hotel experience to market the Sandton Convention Centre and adjoining hotels effectively as a complete package.’’

‘’Working with bodies such as South African Tourism and Johannesburg Tourism Company the Sandton Convention Centre is committed to making sure that Johannesburg gets to claim it’s rightful position as the business hub of Africa,’’ said Majokweni.

Future international conferences to be held at the centre include the 18th World Petroleum Congress in 2005 and the 2009 Institute of Internal Auditors international conference.