The Canvas Riversands.
The three main days, 22 to 24 March 2027, run at The Canvas Riversands on the northern edge of Johannesburg. The Schools Policy Simulation and Day Zero run at a university venue that will be confirmed here.
- Main venue
- The Canvas Riversands, Johannesburg
- Main days
- Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 March 2027
- Pre-conference
- Friday 19 March (Schools Policy Simulation) and Sunday 21 March (Day Zero), at a university venue to be confirmed
- Included at the venue
- Arrival, mid-morning and afternoon refreshments, a buffet lunch, water, Wi-Fi and secure parking
- Nearest international airport
- O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
- Main Auditorium
- 500 seats, with live-feed overflow
Where to stay
We are agreeing negotiated rates and a booking code at hotels near Riversands for 20 to 25 March 2027. They will be published here by 30 November 2026. Delegates book and pay for their own accommodation; travel and accommodation are not included in any pass.
Getting there
Secure parking is included. Airport transfers and hotel shuttles are being arranged with partner hotels and will be listed here with the hotel rates. Ministers and heads of delegation are met at O.R. Tambo through the protocol desk.
Visa letters
Once your pass is paid, we can issue a letter confirming your registration to support a visa application. It is not a visa guarantee. If your visa is refused, send us the refusal letter before 22 March 2027 for a refund less the 10% administration fee. Youth Policy Prize winners receive visa letters the week they are named.
Accessibility
Tell us about any access needs when you register, or email info@apea.international, so we can make reasonable arrangements. Accessible routes are part of our venue inspection. Application forms accept a voice note or video in place of written answers.
Rooms and what happens in them.
| Room | Seats | What happens there |
|---|---|---|
| Auditorium | 500 | Plenary sessions, Pathfinders Showcase, Global Leaders' Summit, Network founding, Public Session, Closing Ceremony |
| Breakout Room 1 | 30 to 200 | Opening overflow, then Forum 1 (Day One); Charrette Working Group A (Days Two and Three) |
| Breakout Room 2 | 30 to 200 | Forum 2 (Day One); Charrette Working Group B (Days Two and Three) |
| Breakout Room 3 | 30 to 200 | Forum 3 (Day One); Charrette Working Group C (Days Two and Three) |
| Breakout Room 4 | 30 to 200 | Forum 4 (Day One); AFSI Global Investment Chamber (Days Two and Three) |
| Breakout Room 5 | 30 to 200 | Forum 5 (Day One); AFSI Global Human Capital Chamber (Days Two and Three) |
| Exhibition Hall | · | Exhibition (open all three days) and the AFSI Innovations Demo Theatre; Media Mini-Programme on Day Three |
| Atrium | 250 | Registration, coffee breaks, lunch, overflow |
| Dining Space | · | Gala Dinner, Commitment Reception, Compact Breakfast |
| VIP & Investment Lounge | 30 to 200 | Premium lounge for ministers, heads of delegation, investors, DFIs and senior sponsors; investor matchmaking; Auditorium feed. |
| Media Centre | 30 to 200 | Working base for accredited press, media partner crews, podcast teams and digital creators, with an Auditorium feed. |
| Media Interviews Room | up to 16 | Scheduled interviews and press briefings. |
| VIP Room 1 | 10 | Ministers' holding room; Bilateral Lounge on Day Two evening |
| VIP Room 2 | up to 16 | Heads of delegation, keynote speakers and senior sponsors; bilaterals; Bilateral Lounge on Day Two evening |
Good to know.
- All food and drink is served by the venue. Lunch is in the Atrium each day.
- Halal, kosher, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Tell us your dietary needs when you register.
- Digital by default, with no single-use plastics and waste separation on site.