Financial Director: Peter Ssali
Youth month has prompted me to think about our current obsession with all things new, fresh and young.
Being young in years and spirit myself, I don’t mean to sound critical of all things young and new. I just think that balance is essential. Respect for what has stood the test of time, acknowledgement for experience and appreciation for what is classic and timeless.
Gallagher Convention Centre first opened its doors in 1993. This landmark property has been host to many fresh and new ideas, events and concepts. It has been the venue for many inspirational speeches about future ideals and hosted many thought leaders, game changers and great future leaders.
It is almost impossible not to recognise the contribution this venue and the event industry have made to the South-African economy. Conferences and exhibitions have a direct impact on business development and increased foreign confidence and investment. This venue has been the facility for historical events, conversations and meetings that changed the face, fate, and future of our country.
The 27 venues that we offer have borne witness to pivotal moments and the personal journeys of many South Africans. Gallagher Convention Centre has seen many couples married and provided a dignified memorial space for many to send their loved ones off.
GCC has proven itself resilient in the face of many challenges over almost three decades. The venue is operated with an appreciation for experience.
Timeless in its natural beauty, the gardens and wildlife flourish and offers oases in the middle of the city to the delight of visitors. The property is maintained with great respect for the design style, architecture, and luxury with which it was initially opened while keeping it relevant, functional and “forever young” at heart.
The event industry is an incubator for out-of-the-box thinking and innovation. The sheer pressure for perfection creates an environment always aspiring to produce something new and fresh. At Gallagher Convention Centre, our appreciation for experience facilitates the freedom to create. We encourage the new because our experience has taught us confidence in the basics. We can accommodate the “never been done” because we thoroughly understand the fundamentals. And while we are excited about all things “new” and “fresh”, we have a deep appreciation for the classics.
Fads fade, and not all new ideas are great ideas. By my calculations, experience with enthusiasm for innovation is the best decision you can make. We look forward to hosting your next big idea.
