Gallagher Convention Centre

JohannesburgSouth Africa 26° S · 28° E Updated Jun 2025

Situated strategically between Johannesburg and Pretoria in the bustling Midrand area, the Gallagher Convention Centre is South Africa’s premier venue for…

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Gallagher Convention Centre

Introduction

Strategically located in the thriving Midrand area between Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Gallagher Convention Centre is renowned as South Africa’s leading venue for conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows. Since opening its doors in 1993, Gallagher has grown into one of Africa’s largest and most versatile event destinations, offering 27 multi-purpose venues across 32 hectares. Its world-class amenities, modular design, and ongoing commitment to innovation have firmly established Gallagher at the heart of the country’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Visitors benefit from seamless access via major highways, public transport, and a calendar brimming with premier events, including the Africa Health Exhibition, Big 5 Construct South Africa, IFAT Africa, and the rAge Expo.

Beyond its business focus, Gallagher provides access to cultural enrichment with nearby attractions such as the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, and Midrand Regional Mall. The centre is fully wheelchair accessible and offers ample parking, digital innovations like virtual tours, and robust hybrid event capabilities. Whether you're attending a flagship industry event or exploring the landscaped gardens, Gallagher Convention Centre blends history, modernity, and community impact, contributing significantly to Johannesburg’s economic and cultural vibrancy. For up-to-date visitor information, including visiting hours, ticketing, and upcoming events, consult the official Gallagher Convention Centre website and affiliated event pages (2exhibitions.com; Gallagher official; South Africa Tourism; IFAT Africa).

Gallagher Convention Centre exterior in Johannesburg South Africa
Photo of Gallagher Convention Centre, a premier convention venue in Johannesburg, South Africa, showcasing its modern exterior architecture.

About Gallagher Convention Centre

Gallagher Convention Centre, founded in 1993, is a premier events venue located at 19 Richards Drive, Halfway House, Midrand. It serves as a central hub for over 300 events annually, offering versatile spaces for trade fairs, expos, conferences, and private functions. Gallagher’s position between Johannesburg and Pretoria makes it highly accessible, and its facilities are designed to accommodate everything from small meetings to major international expos with up to 12,000 delegates (Gallagher official; South Africa Tourism).

The centre is recognized for its sustainable practices and community engagement, including green initiatives and support for local charities.

Venue Layout and Capacity

The 32-hectare property includes 27 multi-purpose venues:

  • Small Venues 2–220 guests, ideal for meetings and workshops.
  • Medium Venues 250–700 guests, perfect for conferences and banquets.
  • Large Venues 700–7,000 guests, accommodating trade shows and conventions.
  • Exhibition Halls Five main halls with over 27,000 m² of exhibition space, enabling simultaneous hosting of large-scale events (Conferences.co.za).

The venue’s modular design ensures privacy and efficiency for concurrent events.

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Visiting Hours:
Gallagher Convention Centre operates primarily during scheduled event hours, generally from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Some events extend into evenings or weekends. Always verify the specific event’s schedule on the official website or the event organizer’s page.

Ticketing:

  • Purchase Tickets are typically required and can be purchased online via event websites or Webtickets.
  • Pricing Prices vary by event; advance booking is recommended for major expos.
  • Discounts Some events offer free entry for children under 12; verify event-specific policies.
  • Group Bookings Contact organizers for possible group rates or arrangements.

Getting There and Accessibility

Location:
19 Richards Drive, Midrand, Johannesburg.

By Car:

  • Easily accessed via N1 and M1 highways.
  • Over 5,000 secure parking bays available, typically R25 per vehicle for major events.
  • Navigation: GPS or ride-hailing apps can be used for direct access.

By Public Transport:

  • Gautrain Disembark at Midrand station (direct from OR Tambo Airport or Sandton), then use taxis or shuttle services to the venue (IFAT Africa).
  • Bus Accessible via local routes M3 and M4-2.

Accessibility:

  • Wheelchair-friendly with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and closely grouped venues.
  • Multilingual staff and service animal access.
  • Baby-changing stations and family-friendly facilities.

Facilities and Visitor Services

  • Event Management On-site support from Gallagher Event Promotions (GEP) for logistics and planning (Gallagher official).
  • Wi-Fi and Connectivity Complimentary high-speed internet in public and event spaces.
  • Security On-site security personnel and surveillance.
  • Power Backup Full generator backup ensures uninterrupted operations.

Dining and Catering

  • Restaurants and Cafés Two main restaurants, including Wine Garden Restaurant for alfresco dining (Conferences.co.za).
  • Catering In-house kitchens certified by the National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT), offering customizable menus for diverse needs (South Africa Tourism).
  • Payment Cash and card accepted at all outlets.

Digital and Virtual Experiences

  • Virtual Tours Explore the venue online through a 360-degree virtual tour (IFAT Africa).
  • Hybrid Events Support for integrated in-person and virtual participation.
  • Online Event Management Digital tools for planning, registration, and attendee tracking.

Sustainability and Certifications

  • Green Initiatives Recycling programs, eco-friendly menus, and support for wellness zones (RX Global).
  • Industry Memberships Member of EXSA and SAACI, adhering to best practices in sustainability and event management (South Africa Tourism).

Notable Events and Industry Expos 2025

Gallagher Convention Centre will host several high-profile events in 2025:

Big 5 Construct South Africa

  • Dates 18–20 June 2025
  • Highlights Construction innovations, live demos, CPD-accredited seminars, co-located with WoodEX for Africa.
  • Visiting Hours 10:00–17:00 (Wed/Thu), 10:00–16:00 (Fri)
  • Tickets Free for trade professionals; register online (Big 5 Construct South Africa)

WoodEX for Africa

  • Dates 18–20 June 2025 (co-located with Big 5 Construct)
  • Focus Timber, forestry machinery, digital technologies (WoodEX for Africa)

IFAT Africa

  • Dates 8–10 July 2025
  • Highlights Water, sewage, recycling, air pollution control, masterclasses, and youth forums
  • Tickets Purchase online (IFAT Africa 2025 Brochure)

Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo

  • Dates 17–19 June 2025
  • Focus Transport and logistics infrastructure, strategic conferences, technical workshops (Transport Evolution Africa)

National Water and Sanitation Indaba

  • Date 27 March 2025 (by invitation; government stakeholders)
  • Focus Water security and sustainability

For a full calendar and updates, visit the Gallagher official events page.

Nearby Attractions and Johannesburg Highlights

Enhance your visit by exploring:

  • Mall of Africa Premier shopping and dining destination.
  • Johannesburg Botanical Gardens Ideal for relaxation.
  • Apartheid Museum & Constitution Hill Key cultural and historical sites.
  • Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit For motorsport enthusiasts.
  • Cradle of Humankind A UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby.

Additional local experiences are listed at Midrand Tourism and Johannesburg Events Guide.

Insider Tips and FAQs

Tips for Visitors

  • Arrive Early Especially for large expos.
  • Pre-book Tickets and Parking Reduces waiting times.
  • Use Public Transit To avoid parking congestion during peak events.
  • Bring Business Cards Networking opportunities abound.
  • Check Event Apps For real-time updates and venue maps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Typically 8:00 AM–6:00 PM during events; check event-specific times.

Q: Are tickets required for entry?
A: Yes, tickets are needed for most events and can be purchased online.

Q: Is the centre wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout.

Q: Is on-site parking available?
A: Yes, over 5,000 secure bays, with pre-purchase options online.

Q: Are children allowed at all events?
A: Many industry expos restrict entry to trade professionals; check event policies.

Q: What COVID-19 protocols are in place?
A: The centre follows government health guidelines; check event pages for updates.