From hotel teams and restaurant owners to caterers, procurement teams, café owners, suppliers and entrepreneurs, Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 brought together the people who help keep South Africa’s hospitality spaces running.
There is something special about being in a room full of people who understand the pace, pressure and personality of the hospitality industry.
And this year, CaterWize was there to be part of it.
A Few Busy Days at the CTICC
Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 10–12 June, the expo was full of movement, conversations, product displays, familiar faces and new connections.
For our team, it was a great opportunity to step out from behind the showroom, website, catalogues and phone calls, and meet new people face to face.
Some visitors came past with specific equipment in mind. Others were browsing, comparing, planning future projects or simply getting a feel for what is available in the industry. Either way, every conversation gave us a better understanding of what hospitality businesses are looking for right now.
And of course, there was plenty of energy on the floor.
Meeting the People Behind the Businesses
One of the best parts of the expo was the variety of people we got to meet.
We chatted to business owners, chefs, hotel teams, buyers, operators, project planners and entrepreneurs. Some were already running established hospitality businesses, while others were still in the planning stages of opening something new.
There were conversations about kitchen layouts, equipment upgrades, refrigeration needs, catering setups, food displays and the everyday challenges that come with running a busy hospitality operation.
These are the conversations we enjoy most, because no two businesses are exactly the same. A small café, a hotel kitchen, a catering company and a restaurant all need different solutions, but they all need equipment that works hard behind the scenes.
Showcasing What We Do
At the CaterWize stand, we showcased a selection of commercial foodservice equipment used across professional kitchens and hospitality environments.
From refrigeration and beverage equipment to cooking, preparation and display solutions, our stand gave visitors a closer look at some of the equipment that supports daily service.
It was great to see people interacting with the equipment, asking questions, comparing options and thinking through what would work best for their own setup.
For us, that is what makes an expo valuable. It is not just about showing products. It is about having real conversations around what businesses need and how equipment can help make day-to-day operations easier, faster and more reliable.
The Vibe Was a Highlight
Beyond the stands and displays, the expo had a great atmosphere.
There was a constant flow of people moving through the aisles, stopping to chat, asking for demos, collecting catalogues and connecting with suppliers. The hospitality industry has always been a people-driven space, and that came through clearly over the three days.
It was encouraging to see so much interest, not only from local businesses, but also from visitors exploring opportunities across different regions and markets.
The event reminded us how much energy there is in the hospitality space and how many people are actively building, improving and growing their businesses.
A Look Back at the Expo
We captured some great moments during the event, from our stand setup to product displays, team moments and visitors engaging with the space.
Looking forward to being at the Expo in 2027.
