CHRISTO BISSCHOFF, ANDRE P. CALITZ, MARGARET CULLEN
Abstract
Academic conferences serve as a platform to present recent research, remain current with the latest developments in a specific study field and engage in meaningful dialogue with professional colleagues. The International Business Conference (IBC) have been hosted for the past 17 years in different locations in Southern Africa and attended by over 2000 academics and researchers. It is recommended that conference organisers regularly request delegates to evaluate a conference they attended. The theoretical basis for successful conference organisation and management is grounded in the Theory of Events and using the IBC academic conference model. Delegates have not formally evaluated the 2024 IBC conference. This study aimed to determine delegates’ perceptions of the factors that are important for attending academic conferences and their satisfaction with the IBC 2024 conference held in September 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. An online survey was conducted using QuestionPro, and the findings were statistically analysed. The findings indicate that the delegates enjoyed the location, that the conference was well-organised and that they appreciated the journal publication. The conference provided networking opportunities and younger academics appreciated the opportunity to present their research findings. The delegates further indicated that they would like more workshops included at the annual conference, panel discussions and excursions included in the conference fee. The literature and findings identify the important factors that the IBC conference organisers need to consider when planning and organising future IBC conferences.