Who it was for

The FIA Conference 2019 was held at Sun City from 29 April to 3 May, at the kind invitation of the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA) and with the support of Motorsport South Africa (MSA).

For the first time in its history, the FIA brought together the Sport and Mobility Conferences, in conjunction with the Region I Spring Meeting and the FIA Sport Regional Congress Africa.

The week of events, meetings, plenaries, workshops and interactive sessions was a unique opportunity to discuss latest trends, build synergies and unite FIA member organisations while celebrating the achievements of FIA Members around the world. The Conference also hosted the traditional FIA MotorEx where companies and stakeholders from the global motor sport and mobility industries showcased their innovative products and new services.

The FIA Conference 2019 was open to the delegates of all FIA members organisations and related entities. FIA President Jean Todt, South Africa’s Minister of Transport Dr. Blade Nzimande, and Chairman of the Automobile Association of South Africa Sikkie Kajee, inaugurated the Navya Electric Autonomous Shuttle.

Grosvenor was appointed as the local conference organiser and assisted the FIA team with conference logistics, printing, exhibition management, on-site management, accommodation bookings, social events and transport between Sun City and OR Tambo International Airport.

How many guests

470 delegates from 161 Clubs in 117 Countries and 70 speakers contributed to making this first joint Conference a great success.

The flow of the program

Day 1: Conference followed by Welcome Cocktail at the Boma

Day 2: Conference followed by Gala Dinner in the Crystal Court

Day 3: Conference followed by a Farewell function at the Shebeen Place

Key highlights

  • Throughout the week, delegates attending the FIA Conference 2019 were invited to commute between their hotel and the conference centre with the Navya shuttle between the different event venues. The Navya shuttle was an electric, autonomous vehicle. 
  • A record 40 companies exhibited their products and services linked to Mobility and to the Motor Sport industry over 1000m2 at the FIA MotorEx 2019.
  • The Welcome Cocktail at the Boma provided an unforgettable experience under the stars. Delegates had the chance to sample the best of the African bush, and enjoy a spectacular bonfire and barbeque (braai).
  • A formal, glittering Gala Dinner was hosted in the Crystal Court in the Palace of the Lost City Hotel. It was not only an occasion for enjoying the full extent of South Africa’s warm hospitality and to celebrate the FIA’s first joint Sport and Mobility Conference, but also for honouring achievements in the area of road safety. The world famous South African band, Freshlyground was the headline act.
  • The delegates had the opportunity to take part in passenger rides and attend demonstrations of Cross Car, Drifting and Cross-Country Rally.
  • Delegates were treated to a thrilling Big 5 dawn safari to the Pilanesberg National Park, situated in the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld.
  • The FIA Smart Driving Challenge assessed the delegates’ habits at the wheel when it comes to safe and eco-friendly driving. Their smart driving skills were assessed on a 15-minute-long course in the heart of Sun City.
  • The Gran Turismo Sport Time Attack compared the delegates’ skills on the Catalunya GP Track at the wheel of Gr3. Race Cars for sessions of 10 minutes each.
  • The e-Kart Time Attack required delegates to focus on the curves of the track drawn underneath the Convention Centre, for a series of Time Attack sessions lasting 6 minutes.

A magnificent week in Sun City was brought to a spectacular conclusion at the African Night at the Shebeen Place. Delegates were transported back to the 1950s by a rich tapestry of pata-pata, street party scenes, and endless African beats.

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Feedback from the client

“On behalf of the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile, I would like to offer my particular thanks to Grosvenor for making our week in South Africa such a success. This was our first joint conference, and it truly fulfilled our expectations.

Grosvenor was there to help in every single situation we faced. We truly appreciated its work ethics as well as its determination to deliver the best service possible.

For these reasons, I strongly recommend Peter-John Mitrovich, Zelda Coetzee, Carlynne van der Merwe and the entire Grosvenor team.”

– Jean Todt, President: FIA