Uganda is set to host the inaugural Africa Destination Celebrations Conference and Expo (ADCCE) from 23 to 27 March 2026 in Kampala, marking a significant milestone for Africa's destination celebrations, luxury events and experiential travel industry.
Historic First for Africa
The five-day conference and expo will be hosted at the Speke Resort Munyonyo Convention Centre and will be the continent's first specialised platform dedicated exclusively to destination celebrations and the luxury events economy. The event is designed to position Africa as a leading global destination for high-end celebrations and experiential travel.
Expected Participation and Impact
Organisers anticipate strong participation from international buyers, African suppliers, investors, tourism boards, media professionals and creative industry leaders, creating a dynamic marketplace for collaboration, trade and global exposure across Africa's fast-growing events and tourism sectors.
Buyers & Investors
Global luxury event planners and investment partners seeking African destinations and experiences
Suppliers & Creatives
Event service providers, destination experts, and creative professionals from across Africa
Official Statement
"Speaking at the official launch, Mellon Tukeikiriza, Senior MICE Officer at the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), noted that hosting ADCCE aligns with Uganda's National MICE Strategy and the recently introduced National Tourism Policy, reinforcing the country's commitment to developing business and celebration tourism."
Mellon Tukeikiriza
Senior MICE Officer, Uganda Tourism Board
Comprehensive Event Program
ADCCE 2026 has been curated as a comprehensive industry gathering, featuring conference sessions and keynote presentations, expert-led masterclasses and panel discussions, a curated exhibition showcase, structured B2B matchmaking meetings, VIP networking opportunities and immersive cultural experiences. Delegates will also participate in familiarisation tours highlighting Uganda's diverse tourism offerings.
Conference Sessions & Keynote Presentations
Industry-leading insights and strategic discussions on destination celebrations
Expert-led Masterclasses & Panel Discussions
Practical learning and knowledge exchange with industry experts
Curated Exhibition Showcase
Display of Africa's finest destination celebration offerings and services
Structured B2B Matchmaking Meetings
Pre-arranged business meetings between buyers and suppliers
Signature Events Within ADCCE
The Sounds of Africa Welcome Dinner
The conference will officially open with "The Sounds of Africa Welcome Dinner," an exclusive cultural evening celebrating African music, cuisine, fashion and storytelling.
The Ice Ball Gala & Awards
The programme will culminate in the Africa Destination Awards Gala, known as "The Ice Ball," to be hosted at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, recognising excellence and innovation within Africa's destination celebrations and luxury events industry.
Post-Event Familiarisation Tours
Following the main event, international delegates will take part in curated post-event familiarisation trips across Uganda, including gorilla trekking, Lake Victoria and River Nile boat cruises, island escapes, wilderness dining experiences, cultural heritage tours and adventure tourism activities.
Wildlife & Adventure Experiences
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Lake Victoria boat cruises
- River Nile exploration
- Island escape experiences
Cultural & Luxury Experiences
- Wilderness dining experiences
- Cultural heritage tours
- Adventure tourism activities
- Photographic safaris
Strategic Importance for Africa's MICE Industry
Organisers note that while global platforms such as IMEX, IBTM, EWPC and DWP dominate the international events calendar, Africa has historically lacked a dedicated forum focused solely on destination celebrations and luxury events.
Addressing a Critical Gap
ADCCE seeks to address this gap by showcasing the continent's natural landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage, creative industries and hospitality excellence, while driving economic impact across tourism, aviation, transport, hospitality and cultural sectors.
Global Event Platforms
- IMEX (International)
- IBTM (International)
- EWPC (Global)
- DWP (Global)
Africa's New Platform
- ADCCE (Africa's First)
- Destination Celebrations Focus
- Luxury Events Specialization
- Pan-African Representation
Impact on Uganda's Tourism Development
For Uganda, hosting ADCCE is expected to significantly enhance national brand visibility and further position the country as a competitive global destination for celebration and experiential tourism.
Strategic Benefits for Uganda
Enhanced Brand Visibility
Global exposure as premium celebration destination
Tourism Positioning
Competitive global destination for experiential tourism
Industry Development
Strengthening local MICE and creative sectors
International Partnerships
Building global networks and collaborations
A Landmark Event for African Tourism
The Africa Destination Celebrations Conference and Expo 2026 represents a significant step forward for Africa's luxury events and experiential tourism industry. By creating a dedicated platform for destination celebrations, Uganda is not only positioning itself as a premier host destination but also leading continental efforts to capture a greater share of the global luxury events market.
As the first event of its kind in Africa, ADCCE 2026 has the potential to transform how the continent is perceived as a destination for high-end celebrations, while driving economic growth, fostering industry innovation, and creating new opportunities for African creatives and tourism professionals.
ADCCE 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Africa's destination celebrations industry, positioning the continent as a competitive player in the global luxury events market while showcasing Uganda's capabilities as a world-class host destination.
