Cape Town’s CBD will become an epicentre for global innovation and thought leadership in March as the Mother City hosts the 2019 YPO EDGE and Global Leadership conferences.
The two prestigious events, the annual YPO EDGE and the Global Leadership Conference (GLC), will bring around 3 000 global decision-makers to Cape Town, including chief executives from more than 80 countries.
From CEOs to a Michelin-star chef, from Forbes 30 Under 30 change-makers to a Tibetan monk, from theoretical physicists to best-selling authors, this year’s events will feature a wide array of participants. Guided by the YPO EDGE theme, ‘Life of RE_’, they will focus how people can re-skill, re-boot and re-invent themselves.
The conferences, which will be held from 3 to 8 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), will address key issues in business, politics, science, technology, philanthropy and the humanities. Discussion topics are diverse and include food waste, inclusive economies, business optimisation, advice from leaders, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, happiness research, and digital futures, among others.
“To be able to host such visionary events, which debate issues around leadership and innovation, is yet another milestone for Cape Town. It also provides us with an invaluable opportunity to showcase not only South Africa but the rich experiences that Cape Town and, in particular, the Central City can offer overseas visitors – especially delegates with such immense reach,” says Tasso Evangelinos, CEO of the Cape Town CCID.
The GLC is the largest YPO officer leadership event in the world and is set to contribute an estimated R80 million to the Cape’s economy. This is the second time Cape Town has been selected to host this event − one of only three cities in the world to have this distinction.
Tasso believes it is testament to the hard work of all Central City stakeholders that events of this magnitude are happening in the CBD.
“As the CCID, we are incredibly proud that the 2019 YPO EDGE and GLC will take place at the CTICC in our Foreshore precinct. It illustrates that the investment, commitment, and passion from all role players are cementing Cape Town’s position on the world map.
“The theme this year perfectly encapsulates how the CCID has continually re-formed the CBD and made it the dynamic melting pot of culture and innovation it is today. We warmly welcome all the delegates as they arrive over the next two weeks and we hope they’ll take some time out to enjoy what the CBD has to offer while they’re here,” adds Tasso.
Image by YPO EDGE