LIASA Annual Conference 2025 a Resounding Success in Nelson Mandela Bay

GQEBERHA – The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) proudly hosted a highly successful 2025 Annual Conference at The Boardwalk Hotel and Convention Centre in Gqeberha from 30 September to 3 October 2025, drawing over 700 delegates from across the country and abroad under the inspirational theme: "Inspiring a Nation of Winners."

As a nationally and internationally recognised professional body for the library and information services (LIS) sector, LIASA once again demonstrated its commitment to professional excellence, equitable access to information, and meaningful dialogue by curating a robust platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

This year’s event was made even more significant as it was recognised as an official G20 side event, firmly placing LIS at the heart of global policy discussions on knowledge, development, and innovation.

Traditionally hosted in South Africa’s major metros – Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban – the 2025 conference marked a historic first for Nelson Mandela Bay, following a successful bid by the Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau (NMBCB). This achievement positioned the city as a credible and competitive destination for hosting large-scale national and international events.

The seamless organisation, exceptional hospitality, and strong infrastructure showcased during site inspections were instrumental in securing the event for Gqeberha – reinforcing the city's growing reputation as a hub for business events and academic tourism.

Over four days, delegates engaged in a range of high-impact activities, including:

Parallel sessions and workshops focusing on innovation, digitisation, and information ethics;

An interactive exhibition showcasing the latest in LIS technologies and services;

A vibrant City Tour (1 October), which offered 250 delegates an immersive experience of Gqeberha’s cultural and historical landmarks through the celebrated Route 67 Walking Tour.

A special highlight of the City Tour was the inclusion of learners from Coega Primary School, who brought youthful energy and community spirit to the programme — a proud moment of inclusivity and intergenerational knowledge sharing.

The conference generated an estimated R14.28 million in direct economic impact over a six-day period (including setup and breakdown days), benefiting a range of local industries including accommodation, transport, catering, and tourism services. The event provided meaningful business opportunities for local SMMEs, tour operators, and hospitality providers, while boosting the city’s visibility as a destination of choice for professional gatherings.

In alignment with the goals of the Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) Directorate, the event also:

Strengthened the city's destination marketing efforts;

Promoted local cultural and heritage assets;

Encouraged inclusive economic growth;

Demonstrated legacy-building potential through future event hosting.

Legacy and Looking Ahead

Now in its 28th year, LIASA continues to champion professional standards within the LIS sector, aligned with global bodies such as IFLA and AfLIA. The success of the 2025 Conference cemented LIASA’s role as a convenor of impactful dialogue and professional development — while establishing Nelson Mandela Bay as a world-class destination for knowledge exchange.

The event also reinforced the strong partnership between LIASA, the National Convention Bureau, and the NMBCB, paving the way for further collaboration and positioning the city for future national and international conferences.