What Gallagher Convention Centre does

Gallagher Convention Centre, trading as the venue brand of Atterbell Investments (Pty) Ltd (registered 2010/024889/07), is a privately held conference and exhibition venue in Midrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, founded in 1993. The 32-hectare property operates 27 multi-purpose venues across three size tiers — small (2–220 guests), medium (250–700 guests), and large (700–7,000 guests) — totalling more than 27,000m² of exhibition space across Halls 1–5, plus the Ballroom, Auditorium, and outdoor/garden areas. The venue is differentiated by purpose-built resilience infrastructure to mitigate South African loadshedding and water-supply disruption, including full generator backup, a 1 million litre on-site water tank, solar generation, evaporative cooling (no refrigerant), and borehole water for landscaping.

The business operates a hybrid venue-rental and integrated-services model. Direct revenue streams comprise venue hire, Day Delegate Packages (R465–R690 per person), and gala dinner tiers (R400–R850 per person), sold primarily through a B2B sales-led motion targeting four segments: corporate organisations, exhibition and conference organisers (via the PCO Network and alliances AAXO, AACI, EXSAA), private event clients, and government/public-sector buyers. Ancillary revenue is generated through wholly-owned operating subsidiaries — Gallagher Convention Centre Catering (GC3H, NIHT-certified Halaal, led by Executive Chef Gordon Fraser) and Gallagher Event Promotions (GEP) — plus preferred-supplier referrals for décor (Unlimited Events Group), security (Seriti), medical (Medi Response), freight (King Cargo Onsite), staging (DNG), coffee (Ciro), and accommodation (eight partner hotels). Pricing is per-cover, billing is one-time per event, and the business reports no disclosed revenue or external funding.

The venue was recognised as AAXO Venue of the Year 2024 (presented March 2025) and hosts approximately 35 exhibitions annually alongside corporate functions, galas, and private celebrations. Operational scope is domestic (Gauteng only) with no disclosed international footprint; the company employs 51–100 staff across sales, operations, catering, and disaster management functions and reports no parent company, institutional investors, or public shareholders.

Name

Gallagher Convention Centre

Legal name

ATTERBELL INVESTMENTS (PTY)LTD trading as GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE

Website

https://gallagher.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Gallagher Convention Centre operates a 32-hectare, 27-venue event facility in Midrand, South Africa, hosting conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, and private events for corporate clients, exhibition organisers, government, and private clients, with integrated in-house catering (GC3H) and event management (GEP) subsidiaries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Convention & Exhibition Venue Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Caterers (722320), Traveler Accommodation (7211)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Conference & Convention Center Catering (THAHAKAB), Event Hospitality & VIP Lounge Staff (HSACAEAH)

Keywords

• Conference venue services
• Exhibition hosting
• Event management
• Venue rental
• Convention facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Johannesburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Venue Rental: Rental of 27 multi-purpose venues ranging from small boardrooms (2-220 guests) to large exhibition halls (700-7000 guests). Venues are available for conferences, gala dinners, exhibitions, cocktail events, and private celebrations
2. On-site Catering (GC3H): Gallagher Convention Centre Catering (GC3H) provides all culinary requirements on-site. Offers NIHT certified Halaal catering with diverse menu options for events
3. Event Management Services (GEP): Gallagher Event Promotions (GEP) provides solutions-based event organizing services including catering, bars, health and safety, crowd control, event management, infrastructure, staff, and logistics
4. Conference Packages (DDP): Day Delegate Packages offering inclusive refreshment breaks and meals for conference attendees. Multiple tiers available from budget to executive packages
5. Event Support Services: Additional services including electrical, plumbing, compressed air, security, medical response, staging, décor, freight/logistics, and registration services through preferred suppliers

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gallagher Convention Centre rents 27 multi-purpose venues across a 32-hectare property in Midrand, Johannesburg, for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, cocktail events, and private celebrations, hosting 2 to 7,000 guests per event across named spaces such as Halls 1-5, the Ballroom, the Auditorium, the Koi Deck, the Lotus Suite, boardrooms, and The Marquee. The offering is bundled with in-house NIHT Halaal-certified catering through GC3H (led by Executive Chef Gordon Fraser) and turnkey event organization through Gallagher Event Promotions (GEP), supported by exhibition services (electrical, plumbing, freight, security, medical) and resilient infrastructure (generator backup, 1M litre water reserve, solar power).

Product overview

Gallagher Convention Centre is South Africa's premier conference and exhibition venue offering a comprehensive portfolio of physical event hosting services. The core offering consists of 27 multi-purpose venues across three size categories: Small venues (2-220 guests), Medium venues (250-700 guests), and Large venues (700-7000 guests). The venue portfolio includes specific named spaces such as The Koi Deck, The Lotus Suite, The Ballroom, The Auditorium, Halls 1-5, and The Marquee. Supporting services include Gallagher Convention Centre Catering (GC3H) providing NIHT Halaal-certified catering led by Executive Chef Gordon Fraser, Gallagher Event Promotions (GEP) for event management solutions, video conferencing facilities, exhibition services (electrical, plumbing, security, medical), parking services, and generator backup solutions. The venue also offers 360° virtual tours for remote venue exploration. The company was established in 1993 and hosts approximately 30 exhibitions annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gallagher Event Promotions (GEP): Solutions-based event organizing service provider offering professional conference organizing, catering, bars, health and safety, crowd control, event management, infrastructure, staff, and logistics services.
• Gallagher Convention Centre Catering (GCCC/GC3H)
• Gallagher Cares

Products and services

• Multi-Purpose Venue Rental (27 Venues) Rental of 27 multi-purpose venues spanning boardrooms and meeting rooms (2 guests), medium venues such as the Ballroom, Auditorium, and Hall 4 (250-700 guests), and five large exhibition halls (700-7,000 guests / 27,000+ m²) for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, cocktail events, and private celebrations.
• Gallagher Convention Centre Catering (GC3H) On-site catering led by Executive Chef Gordon Fraser offering NIHT Halaal-certified menus, special dietary accommodations, and tiered packages (Classic, Crystal, Diamond, Showcase) including a premium Showcase package with live plating by the Executive Chef.
• Gallagher Event Promotions (GEP) Solutions-based event organising service covering catering, bars, health and safety, crowd control, event management, infrastructure, staff, and logistics for destination or location-based events. Halaal-certified food with special dietary accommodations.
• Exhibition Hosting Services End-to-end exhibition hosting including venue setup, electrical services (via EBS Electrical), plumbing and compressed air (SA Plumber), security (Seriti), medical response (Medi Response), décor (Unlimited Events Group), freight and logistics (King Cargo), staging (DNG Presentation Staging), and event registration (Pinstripe, Green Exhibitions).
• Conferencing and Day Delegate Packages Day Delegate Packages bundling venue access, refreshment breaks, meals, and event support services across multiple tiers (Special Budget, Standard, Executive) with annual price increases kept minimal (~2%) to support client budgets.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.8% recycling rate achieved October 2023 to October 2024 with only 0.2% waste
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• King Cargo OnsitecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFreight and logistics service provider for exhibition and event freight handling. Offers comprehensive door-to-door service for consignments by air, sea or road including customs clearing, dangerous goods, and military/fine arts logistics. Combined knowledge base covers all aspects of exhibition and events logistics.
• Unlimited Events GroupcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDécor supplier of choice for Gallagher Convention Centre following competitive tender. Part of specialist event supply businesses including décor, hire, entertainment, balloons, kids parties, photos, and hair & beauty. Themes thousands of private and corporate events annually. Rated level 3 BEE company by SEESA.
• Seriti Security ServicescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSecurity services for build-up, breakdown and event security. Staff are trained, certified, friendly, efficient and helpful, dressed in branded uniforms with two-way radios. Provides event stewards at entrances, loading bays, emergency exits, and floor patrol.
• Medi ResponsecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMedical services provider delivering integrated site-based medical services. Specializes in emergency medical, fire, and rescue with advanced technology and bespoke vehicles. Provides 24/7 Global Coordination Centre with physician-led telemedicine, real-time coordination, and Medivac capability.
• Gallagher Convention Centre Catering (GC3H)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPreferred on-site supplier for all venue culinary requirements. Led by Head Chef Gordon Fraser with 23+ years at Gallagher. Offers NIHT certified Halaal catering, creative and innovative menus, and special dietary requirements accommodation.
• Gallagher Event Promotions (GEP)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSolutions-based event organizing service provider offering catering, bars, health and safety, crowd control, event management, infrastructure, staff, and logistics. Services travel to destination or location-based events. Halaal certified food with special dietary accommodations.
• Pinstripe Event RegistrationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProfessional conference organising services and event registration solutions. Features 32-inch touch screens for quick registration with on-site name card printing. Software records every interaction for accurate post-event reports.
• Green ExhibitionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTurnkey visitor registration solutions for online and on-site registration. Services include consumer ticket sales, RSVP management, conference and trade exhibition visitor registration, automated invoicing, and electronic barcoded ticket confirmations.
• EBS ElectricalcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerElectrical services for exhibitions, events, and conventions. Full management of all lighting and electrical requirements including compliance certificates and qualified electrician on site.
• SA PlumberminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEvent plumbing and compressed air services for exhibitions. Knowledge of venue, exhibition regulations, and operations with focus on communication and client satisfaction.
• DNG Presentation StagingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEquipment rental provider carrying top recognized equipment from leading brands with value-added service approach.
• Ciro CoffeeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected as preferred coffee partner after extensive evaluation. Ciro is the largest manufacturer of pure coffee in South Africa with 70+ years experience. Known for consistent quality, innovative product formats, and extra value offerings. Roast Master travels globally to source finest beans from trusted farms.
• Midrand Mercure (Accor)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site accommodation partner with dedicated booking code GCC2024 for Gallagher clients. Located in Midrand area for attendee accommodation.
• Town Lodge WaterfallminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred accommodation partner with booking code GALLAGHER. Located at Waterfall Park, Midrand for convenient venue access.
• City Lodge Waterfall City and Courtyard Waterfall CityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdditional accommodation options in Waterfall City area with coordinated booking for Gallagher event attendees.
• Concordia Boutique HotelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoutique accommodation partner with booking code GAL080 in Glen Austin, Midrand area.
• Protea Hotel Midrand (Marriott)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarriott property accommodation partner with booking code E4074 in Noordwyk Ext 20, Midrand.
• AAXO (Association of African Exhibition Organisers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry body for exhibition organisers. Gallagher maintains membership and hosts ROAR awards ceremony. Venue of the Year 2024 recipient.
• AACI (Association of African Conference Institutes)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry alliance for conference institutes providing networking and professional development opportunities.
• EXSAAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry alliance for exhibition and conference professionals in Africa.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sandton Convention Centre: Headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg, this is the most direct competitor to Gallagher — a large convention and exhibition venue in Gauteng targeting corporate conferences, exhibitions, and gala events with similar capacity ranges. Comparable business model and customer base in the same metro.
• Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC): South Africa's other flagship purpose-built convention centre, hosting large conferences, exhibitions and banquets. Operates a comparable multi-venue, integrated-services model (catering, event management) and competes for the same national and African association events, though in a different city.
• Century City Conference Centre: Cape Town-based conference and exhibition venue inside the Century City mixed-use precinct. Comparable mid-to-large capacity conference and exhibition offering with integrated hotel and parking; competes with Gallagher for corporate and association events seeking a single-campus experience.
• Emperors Palace Convention Centre: East Rand-based convention and banqueting complex adjacent to a hotel and casino. Competes for corporate conferences, weddings and exhibitions in the broader Johannesburg metro with similar integrated venue-plus-catering-plus-accommodation offering.
• Nasrec (Johannesburg Expo Centre / CTEX): Nasrec exhibition centre in Johannesburg hosts major trade fairs such as the Rand Show and trade exhibitions. Directly comparable as a large-scale exhibition venue and competes for the same annual exhibition calendar that Gallagher relies on.
• Durban ICC: KwaZulu-Natal's leading convention centre offering exhibition halls, conference venues and banqueting for events up to several thousand delegates. Directly comparable in venue structure and MICE focus; primarily competes for the same rotating slate of large African association congresses.

Regional players

• Ticketpro Dome / SunBet Arena (venue operator): Large indoor arena venue in Johannesburg used for exhibitions, consumer shows and major events. Overlaps with Gallagher's exhibition and large-scale event business in the same Gauteng region but focuses on arena-style single-floor configurations rather than a multi-venue campus.

Broad incumbents

• Sun International (Sun City / Time Square): Large South African hospitality and gaming group whose Sun City and Time Square complexes include substantial convention and banqueting facilities. Competes for incentive travel, conferences and large gala events but as part of a broader resort/entertainment portfolio rather than a dedicated MICE venue.

Others

• Accor / Marriott (accommodation-linked event partners): Global hotel groups whose Midrand-area properties (Midrand Mercure, Protea Hotel Midrand) partner with Gallagher for delegate accommodation. Indirectly compete for the broader corporate event wallet via hotel convention space, but act as ecosystem partners more than direct venue competitors.

Emerging players

• Spier Wine Estate (event venues): Stellenbosch-based wine estate with growing conference, wedding and corporate event venue offering including on-site catering and accommodation. Adjacent competitor for private and corporate events, particularly weddings and incentive trips, though at smaller scale than Gallagher.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtkgzgifdaQmQaJF74RN77g
• Facebookfacebook.com/GallagherConventionCentreMidrand
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gallagherconventioncentre

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gallagher Convention Centre