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Charting The Course
Navigating tomorrow with insight and agility
Charting The Course
Navigating tomorrow with insight and agility
In a world that keeps shifting, finance needs a clear direction.
This May, join us for the IDU User Conference 2026 as we focus on Charting the Course.
Connect with peers, gain perspective from thought leaders on AI, global trends and leading through change, and discover how integrated, collaborative planning can help you navigate uncertainty with confidence.
We would love you to be part of the journey.
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Join us from 13th to 15th May 2026 at The Rockefeller Hotel in Cape Town
Why Attend The IDU User Conference 2026?
Three days of insight, innovation, and strategic clarity
Strategic Insights
Gain powerful perspectives from keynote speakers on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of leadership and finance.
Executive Networking
Meet finance leaders, business managers, and peers in your industry. Build connections that strengthen collaboration and open doors to future opportunities.
Future-Ready Tools
Discover IDU’s evolving tools — innovative resources that simplify reporting, improve efficiency, and keep planning agile in today’s fast‑changing world.
Expert‑Led Sessions
Learn directly from The IDU Team through tailored sessions that sharpen skills, build confidence, and maximize the impact of your IDU investment.
The sessions were insightful - I found real value in them.
Management Accountant -
IDU Conference 2025
Keynote Speakers
Hear from voices at the forefront of change as they unpack AI, global trends and leadership in uncertain times
Pierre du Plessis
Founder of Be Brave
Only The Brave
Pierre is the founder of Be Brave, a Strategy Design Lab that helps businesses and people find clarity in the chaos. With over two decades of experience developing people, building products, and designing strategies, Pierre blends ancient wisdom, systems thinking, and gut feels to create brave roadmaps for the future. He’s spoken on four TEDx stages, written four books, won the Desmond Tutu Gerrit Brand prize for literature, worked with global brands like Tencent, BP, Yum!, Allan Gray, and HATCH, and delivered keynotes all around the world, that feel more like conversations around a campfire than boardroom lectures. Part strategist, part modern-day philosopher, Pierre’s academic research focused on loneliness and belonging and he is fascinated by what it means to be human in an age of machines. He lives in Cape Town with his wife, and two kids and when he is not reading or lifting weights, enjoys doom-scrolling.
Daniel Silke
Director of Political Futures Consultancy
The New World (Dis)Order
Daniel Silke is a leading political economy analyst and keynote speaker based in Cape Town. As Director of Political Futures Consultancy, he delivers strategic insights on global, African, and South African political and economic trends to major corporations and conferences worldwide. With a Master's degree in Politics from the University of Cape Town and experience as an elected Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Silke brings over 20 years of expertise to his presentations. His client portfolio includes Bank of America, Oracle, PwC, Deloitte, Marriott International, and BMW, among others. Silke is a sought-after media commentator, appearing on BBC, CNBC Africa, Bloomberg, and Sky Australia. He has lectured at U.S. universities and addressed international forums including the World Travel Forum and Cross Border Planning conferences. He is the author of "Tracking the Future" and contributes to major South African publications.
Nazareen Ebrahim
Founder of Naz Consulting International, AI Ethics Lead at Socially Acceptable.
The Business of AI:
Asking the Right Questions
Nazareen Ebrahim is a South African communications and AI ethics practitioner with over 20 years’ experience at the intersection of technology, public discourse, and policy. She works across AI ethics, AI literacy, governance, and policy participation, advising organisations, boards, and institutions on responsible AI adoption and strategic communication. She is the creator of the Quadrant of AI Fundamentals™, a practical framework that integrates AI Literacy, Ethics, Governance, and Policy to help organisations move beyond fragmented efforts toward coherent, values-led implementation. Nazareen is a Director at the Minara Chamber of Commerce and a former Advisory Board Member of the South African AI Association. A regular speaker, facilitator, and moderator, she is known for translating complex AI concepts into clear, actionable insight grounded in real-world contexts, particularly across Africa and emerging markets.
Ashley Francis
CEO and Founder Safricang Group
Data as a Compass
Ashley Francis is a seasoned entrepreneur, chartered accountant, and visionary leader with over 35 years of experience across diverse industries in South Africa. He is the Founder and CEO of Safricang, an investment group dedicated to advancing African innovation and development through strategic ventures in food and agriculture, renewable energy, real estate, higher education, medical technology, and sports science.
Conference Agenda
Three days of insight, innovation, and strategic clarity
Day 1 - Wednesday, 13 May
Only available to delegates booked on Conference Package 1
13:00 - 17:00
Early Registration Available
Sign in and receive conference name badge
13:00 - 17:00
Book a 30-minute one-on-one session or Team Session with an Expert IDU Consultant
18:30 onwards
The Captain's Cocktail
The Studio Bar, 18th Floor, The Rockefeller Hotel
The Captain's Cocktail
Welcome aboard! Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks and light bites as we gather to begin our journey together.
Wednesday 13th May at 06.30pm
The Studio Bar
18th Floor The Rockerfeller Hotel
Anchors Down: The Gala Dinner
The Gala Dinner Experience
Join fellow delegates for an unforgettable evening of connection, cuisine and celebration. The Gala Dinner is where conversations deepen, partnerships spark, and the spirit of the IDU conference comes alive.
Harbour Lights
Gala Dinner
We've reached safe harbour.
Let's celebrate the journey, the destination and what lies ahead.
Thursday 14th May at 6.30pm
The Royal Cape Yacht Club
SWAG or
Sea Change?
You choose.
Every conference bag is packed with good intentions — but we know they don't always get used. This year, we're giving you a choice.
We have partnered with Waves for Change, a remarkable organisation that uses surf therapy to support the mental health and resilience of vulnerable young people in coastal communities across Africa. Their work is as impactful as it is inspiring.
If you'd like to direct the value of your conference gift bag to Waves for Change instead of taking one home, we'd love that. And if you'd prefer to receive the conference gift bag, that's absolutely fine too.
To make your choice, simply tick the relevant option on your registration form.
The Venue
The setting where direction becomes discovery
The Rockefeller Hotel
Cape Town Foreshore
Our annual conference takes place in Cape Town’s Foreshore, chosen for its energy, accessibility, and inspiring atmosphere. The venue provides the perfect backdrop for charting the course ahead, combining modern design with spaces that encourage collaboration.
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Delegates gather in a spacious main venue designed to energize shared learning and inspiration. Breakaway rooms extend the experience with expert‑led one‑on‑one training, private meetings, and networking opportunities. With natural light, integrated technology, and tailored catering, every space is crafted to keep attention sharp and collaboration effortless.
State‑of‑the‑art accommodation ensures delegates can stay close to every session in comfort and style. Sleek, modern rooms accented with custom local design touches create an inspiring environment, while central city access, covered parking, and airport transfers make logistics simple and stress‑free.
Location Details
12 Christiaan Barnard Street
Cape Town
Western Cape
South Africa
8000
+27 21 054 8448
Additional Accommodation
Conference Parking
Delegates wishing to extend their stay may book directly with The Rockefeller Hotel. The conference rate will be honoured for additional nights, with immediate payment required at the time of booking. Please refer to the group name IDUSOFT or block number 1325234 when making your reservation, and contact Aleashire Van Wyk or Thandiwe Jacobs in the reservations department. Where the same room type is available, guests will remain in their original rooms for the duration of their extended stay.
Please note that parking is included for the guests sleeping over and conferencing between the 13th and 15th May.
Parking: Limited off-street is available and located opposite the hotel. Across the hotel entrance at The Halyard Building (KPMG) there is parking area marked as ROCK PARKING, Guests will be issued a parking ticket on arrival, which must be exchanged for a validated paid ticket before departure.
Airport Transfers
Transfers by African Eagle Day Tours & Upfront Concierge:
The rate below per way applies which includes Transport itinerary management and a dedicated "in office" agent from 07h00 to 23h00. Each vehicle has R100 000 000 (100 million rand) public + passenger liability as well as the valid licenses and trackers.
Cape Town International Airport Transfers
Standard Rates
1 to 2 pax – R750 per way
3 to 12 pax – R950 per way
Trailer for 6 or more people R550 – per way
Luxury Rates
1 to 2 pax – R1490 per way
3 to 12 pax – R1760 per way
Trailer for 6 or more people R550 – per way
Conference Packages
Choose your package, chart your course
PACKAGE 1
R13,850
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Early access to IDU Consultants (Wed 13th May
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2 Day Conference Pass (Thurs 14th & Fri 15th May)
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All meals, selected beverages
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Cocktail Function
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Gala Dinner
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2 nights (13th & 14th May) accommodation, B&B basis at The Rockefeller Hotel
PACKAGE 2
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2 Day Conference Pass (Thurs 14th & Fri 15th May)
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All meals, selected beverages
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Gala Dinner
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1 night (14th May) accommodation on a B&B basis at The Rockefeller Hotel
R10,850
PACKAGE 3
R7,950
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2 Day Conference Pass (Thurs 14th & Fri 15th May)
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All meals, selected beverages
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Gala Dinner
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NO ACCOMMODATION
Early Bird Discount
Book and Pay by the 16th of March and receive 5% off
* Please note the above prices are exclusive of 15% VAT
Recharge & Refocus: Wellness at the Conference
Because clarity thrives when body and mind are aligned
Join us for a guided wellness activity designed to refresh your energy and sharpen your focus. Whether it’s mindful breathing, light stretching, or a moment of reflection, this session helps you step away from the numbers and return with renewed clarity.
Conference Highlights
Experience the energy, insights, and connections from last year’s conference. Watch the highlights to see what’s in store for 2026!
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With Thanks to Our Trusted AV Partner – Driven Events & AV
With over two decades of experience, Driven Events & AV transforms ideas into impactful events through expert technical production, innovative design, and meticulous planning. They offer comprehensive services including audio-visual setups, lighting, staging, technical support, and event coordination — all tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Committed to innovation, quality, and collaboration, the team has successfully delivered major events across South Africa, partnering with leading venues and esteemed brands under the leadership of JJ and Juhan van der Walt. Whether managing a large conference or an intimate celebration, Driven Events & AV ensures every detail aligns with the client’s vision and objectives. Their dedication to enhancing the event experience is reflected in their use of advanced technology and customizable design elements, creating captivating environments that engage audiences. Staying ahead of industry trends, they continuously evolve to offer cutting-edge solutions. Driven Events & AV is passionate about crafting extraordinary experiences that connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. For inquiries or to learn how we can elevate your next event, please contact us. Together, We Are Relentless.
Your Trusted Partner in Audio-Visual and Event Management Solutions