Media gurus from some of the world's most influential publications and broadcasters will converge at the Sandton Convention Centre this week (Photo: Walter Knirr)

RELATED LINKS: Joburg's status as conference hub grows SINCE the city's successful hosting of the Rugby and Cricket World Cups, and the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg's reputation as a world-class host of conferences is rapidly increasing. Read more Sandton Convention Centre targets growth THE Sandton Convention Centre is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the convention industry in Africa following direct dealings with the government and growth in the number of world-class conferences and exhibitions for 2004. Read more Telkom to help entrench Joburg as a smart city WITH the vision of a world class, technologically advanced city in mind, Telkom and the City of Johannesburg will work together to build the foundations for a strong, competitive Jozi, as part of the Joburg 2030 plan. Read more Conferences centres Johannesburg has the facilities to host the largest conferences. The United Nations staged its biggest conference, the World Summit on Sustainable Development, here in 2002. Read more

Media gurus to hold communications forum Communications opportunities for South Africa will be the focus of a two-day media conference at the Sandton Convention Centre to be attended by media experts from around the world. September 18, 2006 By Ndaba Dlamini EDITORS and prominent media gurus from some of the world's most influential publications and broadcasters will converge at the Sandton Convention Centre to discuss communication opportunities for South Africa. The Telkom-sponsored International Media Forum, to be held over two days from Wednesday, 20 September to Thursday, 21 September, will also be attended by South Africa's leading business decision-makers, government officials and communications professionals. The forum will provide delegates with the unique opportunity to make contacts with the most important people from the world's media, says Nontokozo Nkomo, liaison officer for the forum. "The forum will create a roadmap for media companies for future successful media relations and influential contacts. It will also allow delegates to use the media to influence customers and investors inside and beyond South Africa to give them a real edge in competing for market share and new markets." Organiser Fergal Parkinson says South African communicators need to adopt smarter tactics to get their message across in the media and the forum will provide them with the invaluable opportunity to gain knowledge from media experts. South Africa has enjoyed consistent economic growth over 12 years of democracy and investor confidence, coupled with escalating tourist figures, continues to grow, says Telkom's group executive for corporate communications, Lulu Letlape. "However, not all the success stories that can be told about the country are being highlighted by the international press, while negative stereotypes about South Africa – and the African continent – continue to enjoy unnecessary attention." The programme will comprise four workshops that will provide practical advice on news writing, crisis communication and effective media relations campaigns. South African speakers will include the minister in the presidency, Essop Pahad; head of government communications, Themba Maseko; the chairperson of the International marketing Council, Wendy Luhabe; and CEO of Telkom, Papi Molotsane. International media representatives are global business and economics editor of BBC News, Daniel Dodd; managing editor of Al-Jazeera International, Nigel Parsons; and managing editor of CNN International, Nick Wrenn, among others. During their visit, the international delegates will meet senior leaders in business and government and a meeting with the former president Nelson Mandela has been scheduled. Prospective participants can get more details and register online at www.internationalmediaforum.com. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za