Speke Resort Convention Centre has taken another major step in strengthening Uganda’s position on the global business events map after becoming an International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Convention Centre Partner, a recognition expected to boost the country’s appeal as a destination for international conferences, exhibitions and corporate gatherings.
The new partnership connects Uganda’s premier integrated convention and hospitality facility to a worldwide network of professional congress organisers, event planners, association leaders and industry decision-makers who influence the selection of venues for major global meetings.
Within the international meetings and conventions sector, IAPCO affiliation is widely regarded as a symbol of professionalism, quality standards and operational excellence. The partnership is expected to increase Speke Resort Convention Centre’s visibility among global event organisers while strengthening confidence in its ability to successfully host large-scale international conferences.
The new achievement adds to the centre’s existing global partnerships with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), further expanding its connection with the worldwide business events industry.
Situated along the shores of Lake Victoria as part of the Speke Resort Munyonyo and Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort complex, Speke Resort Convention Centre is Uganda’s largest integrated conference and hospitality destination.
The facility features 34 conference, meeting and exhibition spaces, over 10,000 square metres of indoor meeting capacity, the renowned Rwenzori Convention Centre, large outdoor exhibition areas, and 476 hotel rooms and suites. It also provides restaurants, modern audiovisual solutions, secure parking facilities and comprehensive security systems.
Its integrated design allows event organisers to combine conferences, exhibitions, accommodation, entertainment and networking activities within a single location, giving delegates a convenient and complete experience.
Over the years, Speke Resort Convention Centre has hosted numerous high-level international events, demonstrating its ability to manage complex gatherings involving global leaders, institutions and organisations.
Some of the notable events held at the venue include the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, the G77+China Third South Summit, the Commonwealth Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers, the Uganda-European Union Business Forum, and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Assembly and Summit.
Through the IAPCO partnership, the convention centre is expected to attract more international congresses, association meetings and business events to Uganda.
Beyond increased global recognition, the partnership will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional training, adoption of international best practices and stronger industry networks, helping improve service standards and operational efficiency.
The development is also expected to support Uganda’s tourism and hospitality sectors by increasing conference tourism, attracting international visitors and creating more opportunities for businesses involved in accommodation, transport, catering and other related services.
Officials say the IAPCO partnership represents another important milestone in Speke Resort Convention Centre’s ambition to become East Africa’s leading convention destination and one of Africa’s most respected venues for international meetings.
With its modern facilities, integrated hospitality services, global industry connections and experience hosting major international events, Speke Resort Convention Centre continues to strengthen Uganda’s reputation as an emerging destination for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
