It's my great pleasure to Chair the 2009 International Conference in South Africa. It is with pride that I invite you to attend the first international conference hosted on the African Continent.

The conference programme will feature a plenary and at least seven concurrent tracks. Outstanding speakers from all over the world, including leaders in the internal audit profession, will share their views on best practice internal auditing, emerging issues and a variety of business and personal development topics. Several vibrant and exciting events will keep delegates entertained throughout the course of the conference.

South Africa is a country of unparalleled diversity and visitors to the conference will have the chance to sneak in a bit of personal enjoyment through the social program and possible pre or post conference trips. If you have a family or partner you plan to bring along, there will be a diverse selection of activities, ranging from a diamond mine tour to a retreat to the untouched beauty of nature, for them to choose from and participate in.

The Conference will be held in Johannesburg, the commercial capital of the country, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Africa’s largest purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. It is situated in the city’s premier hotel, business and entertainment district and is located only 25 minutes by road from Johannesburg’s international airport, OR Tambo, which is served by the majority of the world’s international airlines.

There will be a wide variety of accommodation choices from five star hotels to B&Bs, ranging from superior international first-class to modern economy establishments. The major hotels are either next to, across the road or connected to the Convention Centre.

I look forward to inviting all internal auditors from around the world to join us in our city for the
2009 conference!

Sincerely,

Anton van Wyk