Hostex 2026 Webinar: “Opening doors for 40 years — and now for the G20”

With South Africa’s G20 Leaders’ Summit set for 22 to 23 November 2025 in Johannesburg, Hostex is convening a fast-paced webinar on 30 September to put the country’s hospitality, food, drink and retail readiness under the spotlight. Taking place eight weeks ahead of the G20, the webinar is focused on critical strategies and what must happen behind the doors to deliver world-class standards whenover 40 heads of state and thousands of delegates arrive.

“The G20 puts the hospitality industry on show and presents a unique opportunity to showcase South Africa’s hospitality, tourism, and service excellence. Hostex has been opening doors for 40 years and is in a unique position to bring together the companies who will ensure South Africa shines in November,” says Lerato Nako, event manager for Hostex.

The summit, which brings together leaders representing 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade, will feature over 135 meetings across all provinces, including key sessions on tourism and investment. Tourism revenue is projected to exceed R1.2 billion, with job creation rising to 1.7 million in the short term.

Comments Nako, “The Hostex webinar is for the people who serve the industry: the teams behind the brands, menus and experiences. We’ll be debating what’s working, where the cracks are showing, and the practical steps we can take now.”

The panel of industry experts are Hostex 2026’s esteemed ambassadors, including Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo (Chief Operating Officer, City Lodge Hotels), Gustav Pieterse (Inland Chair, FEDHASA), Trevor Boyd (Operations General Manager: F&B, City Lodge Hotels), Iain Evans (Publisher, The Coffee Magazine) and Omelele ‘Omie’ Mmbo (Head of Business Development: SME, FNB).

What’s on the table?

·Hospitality sector: How can South Africa’s hospitality sector elevate its service standards to meet the expectations of G20 delegates and global tourists?

·Tourism sector: How can companies in accommodation, transport, and experiences prepare for the influx of international visitors?

·Culinary sector: What innovations in food service and sourcing should the food service industry consider to meet global standards?

·Retail sector: What role do forecourt retailers, pop-ups, and SME exhibitors play in shaping the visitor experience?

· Beverage sector: How can local beverage brands use the G20 to expand their reach and visibility?

· Partnerships that move the needle: Cross-trade collaborations (hotels, chefs, beverage, retail, logistics) that turn the G20 moment into long-term momentum.

Event details

Hostex 2026 Webinar – Opening doors for 40 years and now for the G20

Date & time: Tuesday, 30 September 2025 | 09:30–11:00 (SAST)

Platform: Microsoft Teams (Town Hall + optional breakaway networking)

Registration: Free to industry

Why it matters now

The G20 brings unparalleled global attention and demand compression into Gauteng across accommodation, dining, events and supply chains. This webinar gives operators and suppliers a clear, operationally focused forum to compare notes, raise standards and convert attention into opportunity.