Twenty-Three Years On: Why the CTICC Still Feels Like My City Office
By Naushad Khan
I still remember standing at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on opening day in June 2003. Like many Capetonians, I was curious about this ambitious new development on the Foreshore and what it might mean for the city. What I could never have imagined was that, more than two decades later, I would still be walking through those same doors on a regular basis.
Over the years, my relationship with the CTICC has evolved far beyond that of a visitor. I have attended countless events, worked at functions hosted there, partnered with the centre on social investment initiatives and used its facilities as a meeting place for clients, colleagues and friends. In many ways, the CTICC has become part of my professional journey and, more recently, something of a second office in the city.
Watching the centre grow has been remarkable. What began as a single convention facility has expanded into a world-class complex comprising CTICC 1 and CTICC 2, connected by the now-familiar glass sky bridge. Today, it stands among Africa’s leading convention venues, hosting international conferences, exhibitions, trade shows and corporate events that continue to position Cape Town as a major global destination for business tourism.
My admiration for the CTICC is not based solely on its scale or impressive economic contribution. Some of my most memorable experiences have involved its people. In 2019, when we hosted the Humanity Lunch Table initiative, the CTICC catering team prepared and served 5,000 hot meals. It was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when world-class infrastructure is combined with a genuine commitment to community impact.
The centre’s success over the years has been reflected in its growing international reputation, strong event pipeline and numerous industry accolades. Yet for me, its greatest strength lies in its consistency. Whether attending a major conference, hosting a meeting or simply stopping in for coffee, the experience remains professional, welcoming and efficient.
These days, CTICC 2’s P5 parking area and a coffee at Coffee on the Circle have become part of my routine. It is often where I start my working day in the city, catch up on emails, meet business contacts or simply take a moment to appreciate the energy of Cape Town’s business district. The quality of the food, the accessibility of the venue and the professionalism of the staff have remained constant through the years.
Twenty-three years after attending its opening, I still find myself returning to the CTICC. Few buildings become woven into the fabric of a city, and even fewer become part of one’s personal story. For me, the CTICC is both. It is a venue that has grown alongside Cape Town itself and remains one of the city’s most important gathering places — a place where business, community and opportunity continue to meet.
