Ruparelia’s Speke Resort Convention Centre Strengthens Global Meetings Ambitions with IAPCO Partnership

Businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has strengthened Uganda’s position in the global meetings and conferences industry after Speke Resort Convention Centre, the country’s largest integrated convention destination, secured membership as a Convention Centre Partner of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).

The new international affiliation marks another major milestone for the Ruparelia Group-owned facility as it continues to position Uganda as a preferred destination for world-class congresses, exhibitions, association meetings and large-scale business events.

Through the partnership, Speke Resort Convention Centre gains access to IAPCO’s global network of professional congress organisers, association executives, meeting planners and international event decision-makers who influence the selection of venues for some of the world’s most prestigious conferences.

The development is expected to increase the convention centre’s visibility on the international stage while creating fresh opportunities to attract high-value events that drive tourism, business travel, investment and economic growth.

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria within the Speke Resort Munyonyo complex, the convention centre has become one of Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s flagship investments in Uganda’s hospitality and tourism sector. The facility combines modern convention infrastructure with luxury accommodation, dining and leisure amenities, allowing organisers to host international events within a single integrated destination.

The venue boasts 34 conference, meeting and exhibition spaces, more than 10,000 square metres of indoor event space, the iconic Rwenzori Convention Centre, expansive outdoor exhibition grounds and 476 guestrooms and suites, making it the largest integrated convention facility in Uganda.

Joining IAPCO further strengthens Speke Resort Convention Centre’s international standing by complementing its existing memberships with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). Together, these affiliations reinforce the venue’s commitment to meeting internationally recognised standards in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

The partnerships also provide access to global industry expertise, professional development opportunities and strategic networking platforms that are expected to expand Uganda’s presence within the international business events market.

Over the years, Speke Resort Convention Centre has successfully hosted several high-profile regional and international gatherings, demonstrating its capacity to deliver world-class events.

Among the landmark conferences hosted at the venue are the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, the Third South Summit of the G77 and China, the Commonwealth Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers, the Uganda-European Union Business Forum, and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Assembly and Summit.

These events have showcased Uganda’s growing convention infrastructure while enhancing its reputation as an emerging destination for international conferences and exhibitions.

As African countries continue competing to attract global meetings, internationally recognised partnerships have become increasingly important in building credibility and securing major events.

For Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the latest IAPCO partnership represents another significant achievement in his vision of transforming Speke Resort Convention Centre into one of East Africa’s leading business events destinations.

With world-class facilities, internationally recognised industry affiliations and a proven track record of hosting global conferences, Speke Resort Convention Centre continues to elevate Uganda’s profile as a competitive destination for international meetings, exhibitions and conventions.

The partnership is also expected to contribute to the growth of Uganda’s tourism sector by attracting more delegates, investors and international organisations whose events generate business opportunities, promote knowledge exchange and support long-term economic development.