A decade of excellence: The inspiring journey of Century City Conference Centre
The leadership team at Century City Conference Centre and Hotels celebrating 10 years of existence.
Image: Supplied.
So much can happen in a decade, and the Covid-19 pandemic was undoubtedly the worst catastrophe of this generation. Millions of people and businesses were adversely affected and one of the industries hardest hit was the hospitality sector.
But one Cape Town business stands testament to using the “crisis as a catalyst”, said Gary Koetser, CEO of the Century City Conference Centre and Hotels. “It forced sharper focus, faster decision-making, and stronger alignment across the organisation. The business that exists today is more diversified, more capable, and better prepared for future uncertainty than the one that entered that period,” he said.
Century City Conference Centre and Hotels CEO Gary Koetser and Mayco Member for Economic Growth James Vos.
Image: Supplied.
On 14 February 2026 the organisation commemorated its 10th anniversary with a dazzling Valentine Under the Stars event, honouring clients, partners and staff. The evening was a heartfelt expression of gratitude. “Tonight is about gratitude," said Koetser. "Our success is built on the trust and support of our clients, the commitment of our exceptional team, and the strength of our partnerships. This milestone belongs to all of us."
Hundreds of people filled the Centre including dignitaries such as the United States Embassy in South Africa, Mayco Member for Economic Growth James Vos, Deputy Mayor of Cape Town Eddie Andrews and Premier Alan Winde.
Winde thanked Koetser and his team for the phenomenal work they were doing for the Western Cape, the job creation and creating a space where people can come together.
He acknowledged the organisation's multiple awards including:
- 4 star green rating in 2016;
- Best conference venue of the year in 2018 and 2019;
- Best large hotel conference venue 2019;
- MICE sustainable venue of the year 2019;
- World travel market 2024 silver award; and
- Gold award for the global best conference centre in 2025
“The world concurs with of us here in Cape Town that you run a damn good conference centre,” Winde said to a rousing applause from the crowd.
The organisation is proud of its many accolades, most recently, being the first conference centre in Africa and the Southern Hemisphere to achieve Green Key certification for the Conference Centre with a 100% audit score, Koetser said.
Shareen Akoodie, General Manager of Delta Air Lines Southern Africa emphasised the value of strategic partnerships, noting the natural alignment between the airline and the venue's commitment to excellence and customer experience.
"What started as a dream has become a legacy. We are grateful to every individual and partner who helped turn that vision into reality," said Leon Cohen, Chairperson of Rabie Property Group.
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, Delta Air Lines General Manager Southern Africa Shareen Akoodie, CEO of Century City Conference Centre and Hotels Gary Koetser, Rabie Property Group chairperson Leon Cohen, Premier Alan Winde and Mayco member for Economic Growth James Vos.
Image: Supplied.
Reflecting on the past decade, Koetser said the pandemic was the single most defining moment in its existence. “Overnight, our core business effectively stopped, and we had to make extremely difficult decisions to protect the long-term future of the organisation.”
And they did just that, continuing with major projects already under way such as the construction of their second hotel. “Rather than returning to the status quo, the business accelerated its development. We completed the second hotel, introduced short-term apartment accommodation through the Axis Luxury Apartments, expanded the Conference Centre by approximately 400 square metres, and evolved our food and beverage offering through the repositioning and branding of one of our restaurants. These initiatives broadened the portfolio, diversified revenue streams, and increased our ability to serve a wider range of guests and events,” Koetser said.
Through their QuadCare initiative, the Centre has been able to make a meaningful contribution to members of our community living with disabilities. As part of their birthday celebrations, the organisation committed to giving away 10 wheelchairs valued at R35 000 each to those most in need this year.
The organisation also believes in making an impact internally. “We have created long-term, skills-based jobs and career pathways, and we invest directly in the well-being and development of our team. This includes regularly providing food parcels for employees to take home to their families and sponsoring a minimum of two bursaries each year for internationally recognised national qualifications.”
Artists Katlego Maboe, Lynelle Kenned, conductor Brandon Phillips with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Louis Loock, Tarryn Lamb and Craig Lucas put a spectacular performance for Valentine Under the Stars celebration.
Image: Supplied.
Looking ahead, the organisation is forecasting to host a record 100 000 delegates this year.
Koetser added he is most excited about new emerging trends: “The shift toward frictionless, intelligent environments is most compelling. We are investing in technology that integrates intelligent environments as part of on-the-job training, role specialisation, and training that allow teams to operate with greater precision while guests experience simplicity.”