With less than one month to go, the countdown is on to Hostex 2026, taking place from 8–10 March at the Sandton Convention Centre, where Africa’s food, drink and hospitality community will come together for three days of business, ideas and connection.

Taking place only once every two years, Hostex is the moment when the industry reconnects – to source solutions, share insight and explore what’s next. The 2026 edition also marks 40 years of Hostex opening doors for the sector, bringing added momentum to a programme designed to reflect both where hospitality is now, and where it’s heading.

“Hostex is about bringing the industry together in a way that’s practical, welcoming and genuinely useful,” says Lerato Nako, Event Manager of Hostex. “With two halls of exhibitors, live competitions, demonstrations and free-to-attend content, we encourage visitors to block off the dates and give themselves time to experience the full show. This is a once-every-two-year opportunity, and the next Hostex will only be back in 2028.”

Spread across two busy halls and six dedicated districts – Equipment Africa, Food & Drink Africa, Tea & Coffee Africa, Contract Furnishings Africa, Technology Africa and Sustainability Africa – Hostex 2026 combines on-floor innovation with live content designed to keep visitors engaged throughout the day.

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Ambassador programme

The programme is guided by a group of industry ambassadors whose insight helps shape the content and reflect the breadth of the sector. These include Iain Evans, Owner and Co-founder of True North Media; Omelele “Omie” Mmbo, Head of Business Development for SME (Platinum sub-segment) at FNB; Gustav Pieterse, General Manager of the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa and Chair of FEDHASA Inland; Trevor Boyd, Operations General Manager: Food & Beverage at City Lodge Hotels; and Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, Chief Operating Officer and Director of City Lodge Hotel Group.

The organisers also acknowledge Unilever Professional and Unilever Food Solutions as sponsors of visitor registration, helping to welcome thousands of industry professionals through the doors.

Plan your visit

Industry professionals are encouraged to pre-register at www.hostex.co.za and block off 8–10 March 2026 in their diaries. As a once-every-two-years event, Hostex offers a concentrated opportunity to explore new ideas, connect with suppliers and engage with the wider hospitality community – and will only return in 2028.

Hostex is a trade-only event and is free to trade visitors. No under-18s or prams are permitted on the show floor. Student groups may apply for access on the final day of the show only, and no unauthorised students will be granted entry.

Read the full article in Guzzle here.