The Conference Venues Team

Rudi is the webmaster and blog author for Conference Venues South Africa, a free and impartial venue-finding agency helping you find the right venue according to your specific requirements for stress free conferencing, business meetings, team building events, workshops, functions or product launches.

Review of Glen Hove Conferencing Venue in Melrose Estate, Johannesburg

 Conference Venues in Johannesburg, Conference Venues in Sandton  No Responses »
Jul 102013
 

Glen Hove Conferencing situated in Melrose Estate, Johannesburg, Gauteng has a 200 seater, fully equipped auditorium with several well-appointed flat floor meeting function rooms, secure on-site parking for a total capacity … Overlooking the Killarney Golf Course.

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Exhibitions
– The venue lends itself to exclusive small item exhibits and product launches.

Catering
– A variety of menus allows a choice of excellent cuisine.

Accommodation
– Choice of accommodation from inexpensive B&B establishments to the most luxurious of hotels.

Ease of Access
– Conveniently situated in Johannesburg, with easy access from all areas.

For day, evening and weekend functions in proximity to all business areas, with easy access.

THE AUDITORIUM

Plush raked seating with top of the range controlled lighting and sound system complement touch-screen, user friendly facility … An ideal conference venue.

LOWER AND UPPER GLEN HOVE

Flexible, carpeted and comfortable, flat-floor spaces …
Training environment conducive to workshops and breakaway groups.

THE MAPLE BOARDROOM

Elegant, tasteful, exclusive …

PANACEA PUB

Designed and stocked for medical purposes – to revive, relax and compare notes.

Make a Booking or Enquiry at this Conference Venue

Heavy Haul Rail Africa Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg

 Conferences in South Africa  No Responses »
Jul 092013
 

Heavy Haul Rail Africa Conference will bring mining and rail representatives the latest projects and investment opportunities in Africa. This conference will be held at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Rivonia Road, Sandton, Johannesburg, 18th to 19th September 2013.

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Heavy Haul Rail Africa 2013 will cover all the relevant issues including resource and government sector perspectives on future developments in heavy haul rail infrastructure, challenges in planning and construction, rolling stock requirements, opportunities to source relevant funding, regulatory progress, capacity and maintenance enhancement.

Key Conference Topics include:

  • Rail safety and security
  • Automation in heavy haul transportation
  • Infrastructure financing and investing
  • Remote project challenges
  • Asset management and maintenance
  • Pit to port logistics
  • Integrating rail with port expansions
  • Capacity and efficiency enhancement

Take the opportunity to meet face-to-face with senior representatives across rail and mining sector – both globally and across Africa – and establish relationships with key people that will help your business for years to come. Attendees will include CEOs plus project and operations managers from resource companies plus rail operator representatives, government officials, engineers, financial and legal advisers & financers.

Companies in attendance at Heavy Haul Rail Africa 2012 included:

  • Transnet Freight Holdings
  • Ultratech Cement South Africa
  • Speno Rail Maintenance
  • Hatch Aurecon
  • Kumba Iron Ore
  • Rand Merchant Bank
  • Invensys Rail Dimentronic
  • Aurizon
  • Eskom Holdings
  • Thales South Africa
  • African Energy Resources Botswana
  • TransNamib
  • Gibb South Africa

Click here to register for this conference

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Image Source : Hugh Llewelyn

7 Things Bad Conferences Have in Common

 Organizing Conferences  No Responses »
Jul 082013
 

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The following are seven things that you will need to address when planning  your next conference to ensure that it is a successful event.

Sessions That Don’t Offer New Information
Your conference sessions should offer information that is fascinating and new. The speakers should not be rehashing information that delegates have heard at other conferences. Beware of offering content that is too general because you are trying to attract a wide audience. Consider attracting a wide audience by offering diversity in session types.  Delegates can then choose the sessions which interest them to get the most out of the conference.

Distracting Presentations
If not done correctly the method of presentation can seriously distract from the content of the session. Make sure that the presentation slides do not cause your delegates to spend more time focusing on what is happening on the screen than the actual content of the presentation. A visual presentation that is too busy may even distract the delegates from hearing what the speaker is saying.

Not Enough Electrical Outlets
Smartphones, I pads, Laptops and all the other devices that we cannot live without, need to be recharged. At a conference delegates will most likely be searching for electrical outlets where they can recharge their various devices. At a large conference,  it can be challenging to provide delegates with enough electrical outlets. Setting up a recharge station with comfortable chairs and friendly attendants will make sure that delegates always have a place where they can recharge their electrical devices.

Boring Speakers
It is not possible to motivate and inspire every delegate at every session, but it is always disappointing when a conference offers no inspiration whatsoever. Make sure there are enough motivational and inspirational speakers on your list of keynote speakers. If delegates leave the conference feeling motivated they will have fond memories of the event and feel that it was money well spent. To keep things entertaining you can consider having a surprise guest appearance by a celebrity.

No Variety in the Conference Schedule
Not everybody wants to listen to speakers the whole day. Include enough variety in your conference schedule to cater for the needs of all your delegates. Together with the main sessions of your conference you should make provision for networking sessions, workshops, breakout sessions and lessons.

Not Enough Staff to Assist Delegates
Make sure there is enough staff posted throughout the conference venue. They should be equipped to give advice on which sessions to attend and directions to the various venue halls. The staff should be friendly and easily identifiable through caps, t-shirts or other branded items.

Disorganized Registration Desk
First impressions are extremely valuable, and one of the first things delegates will deal with at the conference is the registration desk. Unfriendly staff and a disorganized registration desk can result in negative feelings towards the rest of the conference. Post a sufficient amount of friendly staff at the registration desk to assist with the registration process. They should be able to answer any questions that delegates may have. Organize the registration material alphabetically to ensure that delegates are attended to efficiently.

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The Caledon Hotel Conference Venue Special

 Conference Venues in Cape Town, Venue Specials  No Responses »
Jul 052013
 

The Caledon Hotel Conference Venue is located only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The Caledon has a range of conference and corporate event options available to suit any requirements including dinners, private functions, product launches, press conferences, dinner dances, awards functions, private parties, seminars, business meetings, corporate events and team building.

The Caledon Conference Venue has announced the following conference and accommodation specials from the 15th July until 30th September 2013:

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Make a Booking or Enquiry at this Conference Venue

Review of Genesis Suites and Conferencing in Johannesburg

 Conference Venues in Johannesburg  No Responses »
Jul 042013
 

Now you can mix business and leisure. Genesis Suites and Conferencing offers the best of both worlds. Ideal for work, perfect for relaxation. Set in Africa’s commercial hub and centrally and ideally located within easy access to Johannesburg Central Business District, OR Tambo International Airport and the leisure suburb of Sandton.

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The modern restaurants provide a relaxed eating experience with a tasty choice of meals.  The Fairmount Grill offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for up to 80 guests. Diners are spoilt with a selection of appetizing dishes.  You can also enjoy unique cocktails and the freshest variety of sushi at the popular BarSushi, where patrons are encouraged to take a break from the rat race in our relaxed atmosphere for a quick lunch or have a drink and spend quality time with friends and work associates.

Conferencing

Genesis can cater for exclusive executive meetings up to 120 conference delegates or anything in between. A boardroom and two versatile meeting rooms provide the flexibility to comfortably customize the type and size of the conference.

All standard stationery and equipment is included in conference packages. High speed wireless internet access lets you catch up on business with quality catering ensuring fittingly satisfying meals.

Full Day Conference Package

Arrival tea and coffee, Mid-morning Tea and Coffee served with a variety of snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Coffee with biscuits. Standard Equipment which includes :

  • Whiteboard or flipchart
  • Screen
  • PA system
  • Pens and pads
  • Mineral Water and mints
  • Data projector

Half Day Conference Package with lunch

Arrival tea and coffee, Mid-morning or Afternoon Tea and Coffee served with a selection of the Chef’s choice, Lunch. Standard Equipment which includes :

  • Whiteboard or flipchart
  • Screen
  • PA system (standard with roving microphone)
  • Pens and pads
  • Mineral Water and mints
  • Data projector

Half Day Conference Package without lunch

Arrival tea and coffee, Mid-morning or Afternoon Tea and Coffee served with a variety of pastries. Standard Equipment which includes:

  • Whiteboard or flipchart
  • Screen
  • PA system (standard with roving mic)
  • Pens and pads
  • Mineral Water and mints
  • Data projector

Functions

  • The elegant and stylish function room, The International, offers the perfect venue for any function, presentation or memorable occasion. Catering to a large range of functions, from business meetings, team building exercises and celebratory brunches to all-day conferences and weddings.
  • This exclusive venue comfortably accommodates up to 120 guests in its airy spaces. The contemporary styling creates a warm atmosphere in which to hold a social event.
  • You can rest assured that the excellent facilities and superb catering capabilities will carry off any function with style and panache.

Accommodation

Standard Features

  • Complimentary selection of coffee and tea
  • Satellite TV
  • High speed Wi-Fi Internet access
  • International plug adapters
  • Private laptop safe in all suites
  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Business Centre
  • Charlotte Rhys bath and body products
  • Daily Housekeeping

One Bedroom Suites

Each of the One Bedroom Suites is elegantly finished and furnished, with a queen size bed, cotton percale linen on the beds, balcony, granite bathroom and kitchen counter tops and high-end appliances.

The main bedroom is en-suite bathrooms and equipped with free-standing shower. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the lounge and living areas are reassuringly spacious.

  • Queen Size bed
  • Living room with work station
  • 32” LCD TV and music station/DVD
  • Bathroom with shower only
  • Balcony

Two Bedroom Suites

The Two Bedroom Suites are elegantly furnished with two twin beds, queen size bed, cotton percale linen, balcony, granite bathroom and kitchen counter tops and high-end appliances.

The main bedrooms are en-suite and equipped with separate bath and free-standing shower. The kitchens are fully equipped, and living areas are reassuringly spacious. There are dining facilities for 4 people.

  • Main bedroom – Queen size bed
  • Bathroom en-suite – open bath and shower
  • 2nd bedroom – 2 x twin beds
  • Separate bathroom with shower
  • 32” LCD TV and music station/DVD
  • Balcony
  • Dining facilities for 4 people

Executive Two Bedroom Suites

The Executive Two Bedroom Suites are elegantly furnished with two twin beds, queen size bed, cotton percale linen, balcony, granite bathroom and kitchen counter tops and high-end appliances.

The main bedrooms are en-suite and equipped with separate bath and free-standing shower. The kitchens are fully equipped, and the lounge and living areas are reassuringly spacious. Each suite has a private study and balcony. There are dining facilities for 6 people.

  • Main bedroom – Queen size bed
  • Bathroom en-suite – open bath and shower
  • 2nd bedroom – 2 x twin beds
  • Separate bathroom with shower
  • 32” LCD TV and music station/DVD
  • Balcony
  • Dining facilities for 6 people
  • Private study or extra bedroom for 1 person on request.

Make a Booking or Enquiry at this Conference Venue

 

Review of Chartwell Castle and Guest House in Johannesburg

 Conference Venues in Johannesburg  No Responses »
Jul 022013
 

On the outskirts of Greater Johannesburg only 30 minutes from the old city centre and on the Klein Jukskei River, stands this prominent four-storied Castle, providing accommodation for a maximum of 19 people sharing.  Chartwell Castle is located in tranquil Chartwell West, yet close to the main roads, shopping malls (Fourways Mall, Fourways Crossing, Broadacres Garden Centre, Cedar Square), Monte Casino, The Lion Park, Lanseria Airport, and Fourways Hospital. It is within easy driving distance from O. R. Tambo International Airport. The main building is of late 17th Century architectural style.

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The guest house is very spacious and relaxing, with a beautiful garden and swimming pool. It has the biggest known continuous hedgerow maze in the Southern world (and the third biggest in the world), boasting more than 900 conifers. There are five suites with private bathrooms and under-floor heating, sleeping a total of 13 guests. They are all bright and spacious, with traditional country décor.

Conferences

Light lunch with tea and coffee are included in the price. You may use the garden and the maze for breakaway sessions and team building exercises.

The stunning function hall can accommodate any function from weddings to all sorts of parties like bachelors, birthday parties, corporate events, conferences and team building. The ramp can be used to drive cars in for a new car launch.

It has high volume ceilings with attractive wood beams that are painted and suitable to put draping on; the beams have striking black wrought iron chandlers. This hall is the perfect simple back drop to suit all types of deferent décor needs, with its crisp white walls

The venue is absolutely cool in the summer with many windows and doors that open out onto out beautiful gardens, and it is snug in the winter with its massive fire place. Our new function hall can accommodate 200 sitting guests (with a dance floor) or 600 standing.

Accommodation

Clarence (King’s Chamber) – Private and stylish accommodation for two, with its own outside entrance and large balcony. This spacious room has an extra-length king size bed. Natural light flows into the area from three sides.

Lancaster and York (Queen’s Chamber) – Suite consisting of  two rooms (joined via large balcony) overlooking the swimming pool and beautiful garden. Spacious double bedroom plus sitting room with a sleeper couch and one single bed. Very private and comfortable.

Gloucester (Knight’s Chamber) – Spacious, round double room situated on 1st level of The-Tower, under a large oak tree.. With a king size bed.

Buckingham (Maiden’s Chamber) – Spacious, round double room situated on the ground floor of The-Tower, under a large oak tree.

Somerset (Dungeon) – Semi-circular room below ground level, under a large oak tree. Inside and outside entrance. Overlooking the herb garden.

Daisy Cottage – Sleeps 2 Guests. Bedrooms with two single beds and fireplace, bathroom (Bath and Shower) Very comfortable and private accommodation.

Irish Cottage – Sleeps 2 Guests, Bedroom with double bed, inter leading sitting rooms with 1 single bed, bathroom (shower only). Very comfortable and private accommodation.

Make a Booking or Enquiry at this Conference Venue

New Pretoria Venue – Nt’Shonalanga Valley Conference Venue

 Conference Venues in Pretoria, New Conference Venues Added  No Responses »
Jul 012013
 

Conference Venues SA welcomes Nt’Shonalanga Valley Conference Venue to its collection of conference venues in Pretoria. The venue is situated on the tranquil banks of the Hennops River and caters for weddings, corporate functions, product launches, conferences, cocktail parties and social events.

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The Nt’Shonalanga Valley Conference Venue boasts a large swimming pool and entertainment area. The venue plays host to an abundance of bird life and the peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal venue to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The professional service from their trained staff will ensure that your conference is a success.

Nt’Shonalanga Valley has numerous breakaway rooms and a large, upmarket, multifunctional venue, seating up to 250 delegates. Tailor made conference packages will include all standard equipment and catering needs. The magnificent thatched Valley Court banquet hall opens onto a spacious verandah overlooking the dam. This is a ideal place to sip cocktails in the early evening.

The gardens at Nt’Shonalanga Valley make for a beautiful outdoor ceremony set under willow trees against the waterfall. The venue is beautifully thatched with wood finishes and is an ideal setting for conferences, meetings, functions, country weddings and private banquets. They manage all their own catering and are ready to accommodate any meal requirements you may have from Vegetarians, Halaal & Kosher guests.

For conference and function accommodation, Nt’ Shonalanga Valley’s Rainbow Village offers 15 luxury chalets and three guest houses. The chalets were designed and built to represent traditional mud huts enabling guests to enjoy an African experience. The chalets are eco-friendly and the mix perfectly into the surrounding bush. They were built by local workers and are unique in their construction and design.

Features of the Valley Court Banquet Hall:

  • High thatch roof
  • Large wooden glass doors opening to verandah
  • Large Dance Floor
  • Podium
  • 50 to 250 guests
  • 220 guests chapel

 

Make a Booking or Enquiry at this Conference Venue

19th International Conference on Small and Medium Enterprises (ICSME) Durban

 Conferences in South Africa  No Responses »
Jun 282013
 

The WASME 19th annual International Conference on SMEs will be held under the theme: “Beyond the downturn-Revitalising the global economy through small and medium enterprises” and will examine SME policies and support programmes. The Conference will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, 18th to 21st September, 2013.

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The World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises’ (WASME) annual International Conference on Small and Medium Enterprise development (ICSME) is a prestigious annual event, which brings together under one roof business support organisations, policy makers, banks and financial institutions, international experts, academics, entrepreneurs, UN and other international and multi-national aid agencies involved in small business development.

Ashish J Thakkar, founder of Mara Group, will feature as headline speaker at the 19th WASME International Conference on SMEs. Billed as Africa’s youngest billionaire (a title he eschews) and named by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader, Ashish is a serial entrepreneur who started his first business at the age of 15 years. Today Mara Group operates in 26 countries, employing 7,000 people.

Taking place under the theme Beyond the downturn: Revitalising the global economy through small and medium enterprises, the 19th WASME ICSME will examine past and current impact of the global economic slowdown which started in 2008 on small business start-up, survival and growth. Issues to be examined include: How have different countries responded to mitigate the negative impact on small businesses? What lessons have been learnt? What significance do different nations now place on the role of small business in stabilising the still fragile world economy and re-launching it onto a new growth path? What policies, strategies and programmes are being adopted to put small business at the heart of future growth? Conference topics include:

  • Creating enabling SME startup and growing conditions through improving the regulatory environment and strengthening small business advocacy
  • Cities and towns driving the development of sustainable and competitive SMEs – the case of the City of Durban and its sister cities abroad
  • Fostering technology-based entrepreneurship and small business – policies, methodologies and practices for effective stimulation of innovation, technology transfer and technology commercialisation
  • Fostering SME-based industrialisation – strategies, programmes, experiences and future directions
  • Encouraging and supporting SME internationalisation and export growth through globally-competitive SME clusters and networks
  • Strengthening SME competitiveness, sustainability and profitability through cleaner production techniques
  • Increasing start-up and SME funding through non-traditional financing – with special emphasis on crowd funding and angel investing
  • Increasing small business presence in the global marketplace through digital marketing

Leading policymakers, experts and entrepreneurs from around the world will present their views and ideas on the above topics and more. Breakaway sessions will discuss each topic in-depth and formulate proposals to inform current and future policy and practice in each of these areas around the world.

ICSME 2013 features leading speakers from around the world, including government Ministers and policymakers, SME promotion practitioners, experts and entrepreneurs themselves. Please check here regularly for speaker profiles, which will be updated continually as invited speakers confirm.

We are pleased to announce that the following international speakers are now confirmed for the 19th ICSME:

  • Mr Ashish J Thakkar Founder, Mara Group (United Arab Emirates)
  • Ms Christin Pfeiffer Secretary General, International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (Italy)
  • Mr Gyan P. Agarwal Secretary General, WASME (India)
  • Dr. Khaled Nagaty CEO, Metropolitan Consulting (Egypt)
  • Mr Mark Brennan Commissioner, Australian Small Business Commissioner (Australia)
  • Dr Paolo Anselmo President, Italian Business Angels Network Association (Italy)
  • Mr Paul Niederer CEO, Australian Small Scale Offerings Board (Australia)
  • Dr P C Sabharwal Senior Adviser, WASME (India)
  • Mr Rajat Batra CEO, STENUM Asia Sustainable Development Society (India)
  • Mr Rohit Shukla CEO, Larta Institute (USA)
  • Mr T.R. Bajalia Deputy Managing Director, Small Industries Development Bank of India (India)
  • Mr Vedat Kunt CEO, VEGO Consulting (Turkey)

Click here to register for this conference

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Review of Blackheath Manor Guest House in Blackheath, Johannesburg

 Conference Venues in Johannesburg  No Responses »
Jun 272013
 

Blackheath Manor Guest House in Johannesburg provides secure and luxurious accommodation in an established garden setting, creating a relaxed and comfortable environment to work or to relax in after a challenging business day. A small board room is also available and is ideal for those development or brainstorming sessions away from the distractions of the office. The guest rooms as well as the board room has WiFi internet access. Secure, off-street parking is provided to all visitors and guests.

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Accommodation

The 6 luxury, en-suite rooms, each with its own entrance opening onto the courtyard with a heated swimming pool. All rooms are furnished with dark wood furniture and include ample build-in cupboards, a queen size bed, a chair and desk as well as a comfortable easy chair. Each room has air conditioning, as well as under floor heating in both the bathroom and bedroom. It is, however, the bathrooms that will surely impress the discerning traveller. Apart from the bath and the large, separate shower, twin basins set on either side of the bath along with ample shelving for toiletries, etc.

Board Room

A fully air-conditioned board room, seating 16 people around a large boardroom table, with a folding door which can open one side of the room entirely and leading to the swimming pool and courtyard, ensures a relaxed, yet private atmosphere to work in.   It is ideal for those conferences away from the distractions of the office, yet within easy reach for Johannesburg delegates.

Full internet access wifi and DSTV is available – any other equipment required (TV sets, data projectors, white boards, screens, etc.) can be arranged. Tea, coffee, refreshments, beverages and food (lunch or breakfast) available on request.

Dining and Lounge

Guests are invited to relax in the spacious lounge where they can watch TV, read, meet other guests for a chat or entertain their visitors.

Adjacent to the lounge is the dining room, terrace and bar where delicious fusion or traditional breakfast is served to guests and where board room delegates can enjoy their meals.

After a hard day’s work (or fun!), guests can enjoy drinks in the relaxed atmosphere of the informal bar, or on the patio while watching the sun set over the beautiful, landscaped garden.

Make a Booking or Enquiry at this Conference Venue

International Project Management, Strategic Planning and Budgeting Conference, Sandton

 Conferences in South Africa  No Responses »
Jun 262013
 

ATM Global Business Solutions and Associates is proud to host an International Conference on Project management, Strategic Planning and Budgeting at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg during 16 – 20 September 2013.

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ATM Global Business Solutions is a globally positioned body that addresses global solutions that are tailor made and suits the customer’s specifications and needs. This year’s conference themes are positions to address challenges  and  problems  that are encountered in project managements, budgeting as well as administrations including the strategically approaches in planning.

Project management is the discipline of planning, motivating, organizing and controlling resources to achieve specific goals. A project is a temporary endeavor with a defined beginning and end (usually time-constrained and often constrained by deliverables or  funding).

Whilst project management is essential, Strategic planning is also the most essential element that determines the overall success of a project. It is the overall planning that facilitates the proper management of a process.

Strategic planning takes one outside the day-to-day activities of your organization or project. It is the main objective of this conference to gather experts from around the world to come together to discuss the latest development in strategic planning and project managements. Financial resources also contribute almost 75% of the success of the project. It is therefore that this year’s conference will focus on aspects such as Project implementation, project planning, and budgeting.

The conference is designed to provide educational opportunities for a diverse group of organizations and individuals working on projects and programmes that require strategic planning and project management. The resulting target audience includes professionals, peer support specialists, project management specialists researchers,  project managers, educators and other professionals engaged in project planning and management. The conference will also be beneficial to individuals and groups who have experienced lack of project management skills. To be specific, the following audience are invited:

1. Government secretaries

2. Administrators

3. PA and Personal Assistances to executives

4. Project managers

5. Executive chairpersons

6. Executive management

7. Private entities

8. NPOs and NGOs

9. International Companies

10. Regional Associates

11. Global organizations

12. Project Leaders.

Click here to register for the conference

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