Three days

Conference Programme

A draft agenda moving from framing the value chain, through evidence and enterprise, to firm commitments on the closing day. Times and sessions are indicative and will be confirmed with the final speaker line-up.

Day 1

Wednesday, 12 May 2027

Framing the gastronomy value chain

08:00Registration and welcome refreshmentsBreak
09:00Official opening and welcome addressConference Chair, CPUT GCMPlenary
09:45Keynote: Food, place and the visitor economyDr Nomsa DlaminiKeynote
11:00Panel: Who owns the value in the food chain?Cross-sector panelPanel
12:30Networking lunch with Durban producersBreak
14:00Parallel tracks: inclusive participation and supply integrationSelected paper presentersTrack
16:00Township food economy site visitCommunity Tourism OrganisationField
18:30Welcome reception and indigenous tasting menuSocial

Day 2

Thursday, 13 May 2027

Evidence, policy and enterprise

08:30Morning briefingProgramme DirectorPlenary
09:00Keynote: Culinary tourism routes that actually payChef Sipho NgcoboKeynote
10:15Ministerial address on tourism and agriculture alignmentNational Department of TourismPlenary
11:30Research track: measuring local economic impactAcademic presentersTrack
13:00Lunch and sponsor exhibitionBreak
14:15Workshop: getting smallholders onto hotel procurement listsProf. Anele MokoenaWorkshop
16:00SMME pitch stageTwelve selected enterprisesShowcase
19:00Gala dinner and heritage cuisine awardsSocial

Day 3

Friday, 14 May 2027

From declaration to delivery

09:00Keynote: Business events as economic catalystsLerato KhumaloKeynote
10:15Drafting session: the Durban Gastronomy DeclarationPolicy liaison teamWorkshop
12:00Closing plenary and commitmentsConference ChairPlenary
13:00Farewell lunchBreak
14:30Optional culinary route excursion, Valley of a Thousand HillsField

Demonstration programme. Session titles, times and presenters are illustrative and to be confirmed.