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.

Conference Venue in Muldersdrift – Valverde Country Hotel

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Apr 152013

Situated in the Muldersdrift area of Gauteng, Valverde is a country style hotel where visitors can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This conference venue has a distinct Spanish ambience and is distinguished by the personal treatment that guests experience. The word “Valverde” means “green village” in Spanish and Italian.

Conference Facilities
The conference facilities at the venue consist of five fully equipped conference and function rooms that can accommodate anywhere from five up to 150 delegates. The layout and decor of the conference rooms create an exceptional ambiance which is backed up by the professional and reliable conference events services offered by the venue. Additional services offered by Valverde include team building, corporate functions, free Wi-Fi, airport transfers and event co-ordinating. An English breakfast is served from 7h00 to 10h00 and dinner may be booked at the Palm Restaurant.

Valverde offers a variety of affordable conferencing options at its four conference rooms. For smaller business meetings, the Lavender Board Room is ideal. Overlooking the swimming pool and situated next to the lovely lavender garden, this conference room has a relaxed atmosphere which promotes creative thinking.

Large and informal groups are usually hosted in the covered outdoor lapa called the Olive Lapa. The adjustable blinds of the lapa offer superb control over the lighting conditions within the venue. If you desire privacy, The Rose Room is recommended as it is separated from the other rooms in the venue. It is perfect for presentations and has a 2 meter x 2 meter built in screen as well as plenty of wall space. For formal functions and conferences, Valverde uses the Kings Hall situated within the main building.

Accommodation
The country theme of Valverde is extended through to the four accommodation suites with their country styled furniture and decor. The Bird Suites consists of fourteen rooms, each 20sqm in size. The rooms are southwest and south facing and have en-suite bathrooms with showers. The rooms can be equipped with either one double bed or two separate single beds. A maximum amount of one extra single bed can be added to the rooms.

The Flower Suites face north and northwest and consists of nine rooms each 40sqm in size. Each of the rooms has a king size bed, which can be replaced by two single beds, and an en-suite bathroom with shower. A maximum of two additional single beds can be added to the rooms. The Lily Suite is also 40sqm in size, but it has a four poster king size bed and a lounge area. The en-suite bathroom is equipped with a bath and a shower. The Lily Suite is southwest facing. Also facing southwest, the Mahogany suite has beautiful mahogany furniture and a four poster king size extra length bed. The suite has a lounge area and the bathroom is also equipped with a bath and a shower.

Valverde goes green
“Valverde” is Spanish and Italian for “green village”, so it is no surprise that Valverde is embracing the trend to go green. The venue has already put in place and is working on a range of measures to make its operations more environmentally friendly.

Waste water at Valverde is treated through a natural filtering process at its grey water recycling plant and collected in two dams. The recycled water is then used for irrigation. The dams create an ecosystem of its own with a variety of fish, aquatic plants, frogs and birds inhabiting the dams. The guestrooms and the kitchen are supplied of hot water through solar geysers and kitchen waste is recycled as fertilizer for the gardens. Worm farms and Bokashi composters are used to recycle organic kitchen waste into compost and worm tea. Waste is further reduced by sending paper, glass and cans to recycling plants.

Valverde has also implemented a variety of water saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and toilet flush diverters. They also use only echo-friendly chemicals in the washing powders and cleaning products used at the venue. Valverde supports local farming and in particular organic farming when it comes to purchasing their fresh produce. Energy efficient light bulbs have already been installed on all outside floodlights and security lights. Valverde Country Hotel has further plans to install energy efficient lamps in all their rooms and conference venues. There are also plans in place for an organic vegetable farm.

Johannesburg Conference Venue – The Forum | Turbine Hall

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Apr 082013

The Forum | Turbine Hall conference venue is situated in Newton’s arts and culture precinct in Johannesburg. The building started out as a power station and took two years to remake into a choice location for corporate functions and conferences in Johannesburg. The building has managed to retain its industrial heritage as well as a degree of personality, warmth and unique style which is clear, fresh and modern, complementing the industrial nature of the building without being cold.

Delegates are able to take the Gautrain to and from conferences and events at the The Forum | Turbine Hall with the newly opened Gautrain Park Station and the nearest bus stop only a block away. The Forum | Turbine Hall conference venue offers the usual five-star service, state-of-the-art technology, exceptional food, décor and style expected from the forum company. The Forum is the company of choice in Johannesburg for upmarket, stylish and sophisticated conferences and events. All the venue and function rooms feature a uniquely South African blend of fine art, style, heritage and architectural features. The Forum Company takes pride in delivering every project with professionalism and attention to detail no matter the size of the function or event.

The four conference rooms and eight function venues have the capacity to hosts from 10 to 500 people. The venue has facilities to host dinners for up to 320 people and cocktail parties for up to 800 people. It also features a trendy up market bar, private dining area, Chefs Table and Champagne Cellar. Connected underground parking at The Forum | Turbine Hall conference venue offers parking for up to 125 vehicles during the day and 650 vehicles for evening functions. New WI-Fi internet hotspots offers high quality secure internet throughout the venue.

The Forum | Turbine Hall conference venue offers visitors a glimpse into Johannesburg’s architectural style of the 1920’s. The atmosphere created by the décor is eclectic, with the focus on creating a personalised, versatile and functional space. The Turbine Hall development team received The Colosseum Award, at the Johannesburg Development Agency’s Halala Awards for the restoration and preservation of the building. These awards give recognition to regeneration efforts and celebrate inner-city change.

The Balmoral Hotel Conference Venue in Durban

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Mar 252013

The Balmoral Hotel Conference Venue is ideally situated on Durban’s Golden Mile. The beach is right on the venue’s doorstep, and it is only a short walk away from Durban’s shopping and business district including Africa’s largest Dolphinarium, uShaka Marine World.

The Balmoral Hotel has been fully renovated but still retains its historic and stately character. It is considered to one of the most elegant venues along the Golden Mile Beachfront. The venue’s fully licensed Waterfront Restaurant leads out onto The Waterfront Terrace where delegates and visitors can relax and enjoy sun downers whilst overlooking the beachfront.

The conference venue offers Secretarial Service, Concierge, Jockey undercover parking, Room Service, Laundry & Dry Cleaning, Babysitter on request, Multilingual Staff, Currency Exchange, and Airport Shuttle.

Conference Facilities and Services

Total Meeting Space 126 sq. m
Maximum Meeting Space 72 sq. m
Pre-function Space 50 sq. m
Facilities located on the ground floor
Fully Serviced Video Conferencing
Full Meeting Concierge Services
Corporate meeting and event planning via RAYA MEETING CONNECTION
Theatre / Tours / Transportation Service.

Conference Accommodation

The Balmoral Hotel Conference Venue offers 95 large bedrooms. Each room is fully equipped and elegantly furnished. The rooms are divided into the following categories: Executive Sea facing; Superior Sea facing; Standard Double Sea facing, Disabled; Standard Twin Non Sea facing and Studio Non Sea facing.

The venue has 36 sea facing rooms, 47 kings or double rooms, 46 twins, 2 accessible rooms, 15 non-smoking rooms. The rooms are equipped with: Remote Control TV with selected Channels, Air conditioning, Electronic Door lock, Full Bathroom amenities, Hairdryer, Tea & Coffee Facilities, Iron & Ironing board on request, Electronic Safe, Internet access points in Sea Facing rooms.

The Westcliff Conference Venue in Sandton

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Mar 182013

Today we are reviewing The Westcliff Conference Venue in Sandton. Situated on a cliffside in the tranquil area of historic Westcliff, this conference venue offers visitors a rural atmosphere right in the middle of Sandton, Johannesburg’s new business hub. The venue’s swimming pool and private terraces looks out over the adjacent zoological gardens where animals can often be spotted.

The venue is situated on a Cliffside, allowing for resort-style design with stunning panoramic views of Johannesburg’s tree-filled northern suburbs. The Westcliff Conference Venue is conveniently located only 22km from the O.R.Tambo International Airport and within easy reach of several shopping malls. A team of resident gardeners maintain the magnificently manicured gardens of The Westcliff Conference Venue. The gardens abound with beautiful roses, flowerbeds and lush greenery interspersed with cobbled pathways, courtyards and water features.

The events team at The Westcliff will ensure that your function, conference or business meeting at the venue runs smoothly. There is a variety of venues which can be tailored according to your need. Each of the venues is equipped to handle a wide variety of events. The Jacaranda Hill Conference Centre is a self-contained, multi-tiered building with state-of-the-art catering facilities that can seat up 120 people in a banquet set up and up to 200 people for a cocktail reception. The venue also has several smaller rooms for business meetings.

The Jacaranda Hill Conference Centre at The Westcliff features a ramp that gives vehicles access to the conference hall, making it ideal for product launches and spectacular events. The conference centre features modern audio visual and IT equipment alongside elegant interior finishes and furnishings. It is positioned next the Business Wing of The Westcliff, which offers delegates full access to the executive services offered by the fully equipped Business Centre. The Business wing has 30 guest rooms catering specifically for conference delegates and business travellers. The Business Centre Lounge is located within the Business Wing. This facility offers office convenience away from the office, with highly trained staff at hand to assist.

The Westcliff Hotel is currently actively involved in three local charities, The Hope School for Physically Disabled Children, The Princess Alice Adoption Home and the Zoo Lake Users Committee. They also support the Hotels Housing Trust which loans money donated by hotel guests to housing projects for the homeless. This trust currently supports the Habitat for Humanity project which enables local and international volunteers to help build houses for South Africans who have previously lacked adequate shelter for their families.

In 2008, The Westcliff started its own Worm Farm, with all leftover food scraps and organic matter fed to special earthworms. The food scraps and organic matter are processed by the earthworms turning it into fertiliser. The conference venue replaced all candescent globes with energy-saving bulbs and has also upgraded the heater pumps for all four swimming pools on the estate with the latest technology.

Tips for Hosting Your Most Successful Conference Ever

Organizing Conferences 1 Response »

Mar 112013

Whether you have been organizing conferences for many years or whether it is your first time organizing a conference, you want your conference to be an enormous success. There are some key parts in a conference that can make or break the success of a conference. In this article, we will have a look at some tips for hosting your most successful conference ever.

First Impressions
As in most things in live, first impressions are extremely valuable. Post friendly and well informed staff members at all the entrances of the conference venue to greet the delegates. These greeters will also be able to give delegates directions to the registration desk and answer any other questions that the delegates may have.

Conference Registration Desk
Make sure that the registration desk is organized and efficient as this will ensure that delegates have a positive feeling towards the rest of the conference. To ensure that delegates can be efficiently attended to, it is a good idea to organize the registration material alphabetically before the delegates start arriving for the conference. There should be at all times a sufficient number of staff at the registration table.

Variety in the Schedule
The conference schedule should include enough variety to cater to the needs of all delegates. Not everybody wants to sit and listen to speakers the whole day. Make provision for networking sessions, workshops, lessons and breakout sessions in your conference schedule.

Assign Ushers
The main conference room or larger breakaway rooms should have ushers assigned to them. These ushers should show delegates to their seats and make sure that all the seats are filled. Ushers help avoid situations where registered members do not have seats in the conference room.

Networking
For many conference goers, the networking opportunities at a conference is immensely valuable. Include enough dedicated networking events in the conference schedule to ensure that there is ample opportunity for delegates to make new connections. Meals and breaks between sessions are good opportunities to provide time for networking.

Element of Surprise
Delegates will have a rough idea about what to expect during the conference. Make your conference memorable by adding some unexpected elements to the conference experience. This can be in the form of unexpected gifts and snacks or even a guest appearance by a celebrity.

Conference Speakers
The speakers at your conference should not all be celebrities but should include speakers who are experts in a field relating to the theme of the conference. People attending conferences are looking for lessons which can be practically applied and not just theoretical in nature. Whether the speakers are industry heavyweights or not it is crucial that they are able to inspire, educate and motivate people.

Post Staff All Around the Conference Venue
It is essential to have friendly staff members posted all around the conference venue to answer questions and give advice on which sessions to attend. These staff members should be easily identifiable through t-shirts, caps or other branded items.

Sit Down Areas
Place lounge furniture throughout the conference venue for people to sit down between sessions. Delegates can use these areas to check their emails, have conversations, make new connections and do new business.

Promotional Objects
If you plan to give out promotional objects make sure these are objects that can be used at the conference. Things such as notepads, USB drives and mobile charges are good ideas for promotional objects at conferences.

Visuals and Music
Visuals, graphics and music can enhance the conference experience in a major way. These elements not only spark interest and create excitement but can also provide useful information to conference delegates. If possible use digital signs as they can be changed throughout the day.

Scheduling Conference Sessions
Schedule sessions in such a manner that lessons learned in earlier conference sessions can be applied to sessions and workshops later in the day. Sessions should start strategically, becoming more tactical towards the end of the conference when the implantation of the theory should be explained.

These are some tips we could think of for hosting a successful conference, can you think of some more to add?

Review of the Westin Conference Venue in Cape Town

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Mar 042013

The Westin Cape town is one of Cape Town’s premier conference venues, boasting panoramic views of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Table Bay and the V&A Waterfront. Unmatched accommodation, dynamic dining venues and stylish conference facilities will ensure that your meeting, function or conference will be a memorable success.

The Westin Cape Town’s conference venues are ideally suited for meetings, conferences and functions in Cape Town. The venue offers some of the most modern conference and banqueting facilities in the city and has a direct connection to the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Twelfth individual venues accommodating from 12 to 600 delegates, ensure that this venue can accommodate events of just about any size. In addition to the superb conference facilities, The Westin Cape Town provide secure underground parking and easy access for tour buses.

Self selector menu options and a choice of state-of-the-art conference and audio-visual equipment and lighting and staging options make The Westin extremely versatile as a conference venue. The conference facilities are supported by modern communications technology, including IT hotspots on each level offering wireless connection for laptops. Business booths are available with High Speed Internet Access and international plugs.

Some of the standard conferencing equipment offered at the venue includes all the essentials such as data projectors, overhead projectors, white screens, plasma screens, and sound equipment. All conference rooms are remote-controlled allowing control over light level, closing and opening of shades, room temperature, and the audio-visual equipment. The main ballroom features sockets in the ceiling adjacent to the prop rails linking to an audio-visual room for stage lighting operations. This space can accommodate 600 delegates making it perfect as a main plenary room for congresses or conferences. The flexibility of the space also makes it suitable for gala dinners and other formal functions. A spacious lobby leading into the main ballroom serves well as a pre-function venue, ideal for pre-dinner drinks, conference registration and lunches, art exhibitions, and congress exhibitions.

There are two boardrooms on the Mezzanine floor. The boardrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, offering natural lighting and breath-taking views. All the conference rooms feature luxurious furnishings and videoconferencing facilities.

The Westin provides more than enough accommodation for conferences with 483 rooms and suites. The style and decor of the rooms are uniquely South African, with Afro-chic interiors, panoramic views, and a large collection of local artworks.

At The Westin Cape Town’s Arabella Spa, visitors can enjoy personalised treatments. Refresh with a swim in the indoor infinity pool or recharge at the venue’s state-of-the-art gym. A fully-equipped business hub allows guests to finish any last-minute tasks, and internet connection throughout the venue ensures guests are always connected. The complimentary shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront, keep guests in close contact with shopping, entertainment venues, and restaurants.

Conferencing@Softline Conference Venue in Gallo Manor, Johannesburg

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Feb 252013

The Conferencing@Softline conference venue is situated in Gallo Manor, an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg with a park like atmosphere, and many tree lined streets. This conference centre is modern and stylish, delivering on quality and exceptional cuisine.

Conferencing@Softline’s training rooms provide an ideal space for informal, hands on practical sessions from 10 – 20 seated delegates. The auditorium with presentation facilities for up to 150 delegates is the perfect venue for hosting small to large conferences in Johannesburg. Furthermore, the street scape provides a modern and elegant space that provides the perfect outdoor setting with indoor convenience. This area is perfect for corporate breakfast and lunch functions to elegant dinners, product launches or wine tasting events.

With state-of-the-art technology, Conferencing@Softline is a conference and event centre designed for the gathering of minds. Flowing around an open street scape, the venue is modern, elegant and exquisitely finished delivering on quality, exceptional food and decor that is uncomplicated and fresh. Conferencing facilities include 6 training rooms, 1 auditorium and 2 function venues with a capacity to host a confidential discussion, the training of small groups, a 150-delegate conference and cocktail parties for up to 300.

Gham Gourmet, a 5 star catering company provides in-house catering at Conferencing@Softline’s. The catering service provides anything from snacks to a full menu. Clients can meet with the catering company beforehand to discuss their needs, and look forward to a world-class meal prepared from the venue’s kitchen.

Conferencing@Softline is equipped with modern technology, and a team of technical experts, monitor and provide technical assistance to each venue.

New Listing – Aha! Idea Catalysts Conference Centre in Pretoria

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Feb 192013

The Aha! Idea Catalyst Conference Centre in Pretoria is designed to help delegates think better, faster and smarter. They have designed their space in such a way that it enhances creative and innovative thinking.

The conference centre can accommodate from 10-250 delegates. There is accommodation available on site as well as a swimming pool, walking trail and BMX track. Delegates are greeted with gumboot dancing on arrival as well as a free photo booth for the company or event.

Aha! Idea Catalyst Conference Centre provides the optimal conditions for brainstorming and productive thinking in a well-designed creative space that is flexible enough to modify when needed. The venue is designed to help increase motivation, facilitate communication, expand interest in creativity and foster innovation.

The Aha! Idea Catalyst Conference Centre is not your typical conference venue. This venue is unique, different, vibrant, and anything but boring. The venue strives to be extraordinary so that your thinking also can be extraordinary.

This unique conference venue is a key driver in fostering innovation in South Africa and is not just a venue but is a network for collaboration of innovation and creative thinking for a forward moving country that is rich not only in cultural diversity, but rich in thinking styles too.

Conference accommodation is available in the form of 12 quaint en-suite rooms each with their own private stoep, overlooking the bushveld. There is also a communal swimming pool, braai facilities, children’s jungle gym and boma area for guests only. For recreation purposes, there is a BMX track, mountain bike trail as well as walking trails.

The chalets are set in the indigenous bush. Each of the 12 separate, double rooms comprises an en-suite bathroom, dressing room and separate toilet. The surroundings and sounds of nature provide a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. A tasty English breakfast is served in the dining area, at Café Mozart. Undercover shade cloth parking is provided with 24 hour security to ensure a safe stay for guests.

New Venue – Motozi Lodge Conference Venue in Hartbeespoort

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Feb 152013

Motozi Lodge is a conference venue where delegates can get away from the hustle and bustle of the workplace and everyday life in general. At Motozi Lodge, delegates will experience the tranquility that comes with being in nature, with all the required amenities. The venue is located in the idyllic Hartbeespoort, only 30 minutes away from main centres such as Pretoria, Johannesburg and Centurion.

Motozi Lodge has a 120sqm conference venue, as well as a larger 220sqm venue and various breakaway areas available. A large Boma area is ideal for that very important de-briefing afterwards.

Whether it is for a significant birthday celebration, or an anniversary, Motozi Lodge in Hartbeespoort Dam has the perfect surroundings for that special occasion. Make use of the large deck overlooking the Magalies Mountains, or have your function in the hall, with a large veranda overlooking the lush gardens. If you are looking for an exclusive venue to host your unique function, Motozi Lodge will be your ideal choice.

Motozi Lodge prides itself in being a premier destination, nestled in the Hartbeespoort Dam area, better known as “Harties” by those that hold the area dear. They have four extremely well appointed self-catering lodges available, of various sizes. These lodges are perfect for a well-deserved weekend or mid-week away for the family, or an intimate group of friends.

All the lodges are fully fitted, including cutlery and crockery. Lounges are large and comfortable, and most lodges can be reconfigured to comfortably hold additional guests if so required. All linen and towels are also supplied. Full DSTV Premium with large LCD flat screens are included, should you want to make use of it. The number of lodges on the property is limited in order to maintain a sense of exclusivity, privacy and peace & tranquility.

Power & Electricity World Africa Conference

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Feb 112013

The Power & Electricity World Africa conference is taking place in Johannesburg the 8^th to 11^th April 2013 at the Sandton Convention Centre. This is Africa’s largest and most holistic power and energy business event including an exhibition, series of seminars, and strategic conference.

The Power & Electricity World Africa conference is also a place where innovation and expertise are showcased, solutions are found, and learning is done. It is the place where solution providers find new business. The conference brings together more than 4,000 key stakeholders and decision makers from across the continent to explore partnership ideas, business trends and investment opportunities in Africa’s power and energy sector.

Key highlights of the conference include:

Over 150 free on-floor technical seminars
4 day senior level conference
2 full workshop days
Africa Energy Awards

Power & Electricity World Africa will be a world-class two day senior level conference with a Day One plenary. Day two will include five industry tracks, tackling all projects and energy challenges the region is facing. The opening plenary day will focus on everything power related, giving conference delegates insight on where the industry stands at the moment, where existing and new projects are going as well as significant opportunities on the horizon.

The conference will attract a global audience of power producers and solution providers who have the expertise or are interested in getting in to Africa. To provide maximum networking opportunities, formal and informal networking time has been built into the programme. Planned networking includes:

Networking drinks receptions
Speed networking
1-2-1 partnering

Reasons to Attend the Conference

Debate how regional integration can meet growing power demands
Discover how to attract investment and increase your infrastructure
Learn about upcoming power projects in Africa
Learn how to capitalise on gas opportunities in Africa
Learn how to use energy trading to develop a continental electricity market

Exhibitions and Seminars

Over 100 free technical seminar sessions will take place covering the following:

Power generation
Large energy users
Smart T&D
Solar power
Billing and revenue management

Click here to register for the conference

Image Source: swanksalot

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