YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IN 2023 MEETING SPACES

We reached out to several event planners to ask them to nominate a venue that they had worked with in 2022 and would recommend for a MICE event. Here are the results.

A blank canvas

THE TRAMWAYS BUILDING

Corner Lower Valley Road & Union Street, Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay www.mbda.co.za

• 4 venues

• Largest venue capacity: 500 pax

• 1 000 m² exhibition space

The Tramways Building, a relic from the city’s old public transport tram network that closed down in the 1940s, was revamped and reopened in 2019 as an event venue. The R40 million investment by the Mandela Bay Development Agency was made to create a catalyst for economic opportunities in the Baakens Valley, and appears to have succeeded, given the venue’s popularity.

Claire Kivedo, managing creative director at Overall Events & Communication, says, “This beautiful versatile venue situated in Nelson Mandela Bay is a landmark, historic space that can host various types of events and celebrations. The authentic look, feel and backdrop of its location allow you to enjoy the views and precious heritage of the old tramways building.”

Claire has successfully hosted a variety of events there, including book launches, conferences, seminars, workshops, cocktail functions, milestone celebrations, exhibitions, trade shows, local markets and various concerts. “It is an event canvas for you to enjoy without any frills or to decor up as you see fit,” she adds.

Another reason she rates the venue so highly is because of the staff who work there. She says, “Working with the Tramways and their team is a breeze, as there is flexibility and most options can be selected by you or they can recommend their trusted, contracted list of suppliers.”

Endless options

NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM

70 Prince Alfred Road, North End, Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay www.nelsonmandelabaystadium.co.za

• 9 venues

• Largest venue capacity: 5 000 pax

• 245 m² exhibition space (outdoor)

If you’re looking for options, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has more than a few. “We’re more than just a sporting facility; we’re a people’s stadium,” states the website. And it’s true – this enormous, world-class facility is geared up for business events, big and small.

Claire also nominates this as one of her preferred venues, saying, “Besides the big open grass areas that have hosted concert crowds of more than 5 000 people, the venues inside the stadium are what we have made use of the most for our business events. Conferences, meetings, gala dinners, launches, indabas, exhibitions, mountain bike races, media conferences, workshops, seminars, concerts and comedy shows are just some of the types of events that can be hosted here. There are big and small rooms available (ideal for breakaway rooms) that offer either lake-side or stadium arena views and can host from 30-250 guests, depending on the layout required.”

She adds, “The views over the North End lake in the World of Windows venue are what make this venue extra special, as well as the fact that it was host to official FIFA World Cup 2010 matches. A one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests with a team that will accommodate your event requirements.”

1 769 Candlewoods Lane, Louwlardia Ext 34, Centurion candlewoodsvenue.co.za

• 2 venues

• Largest venue capacity: 150 pax

The Candlewoods Boutique Venue is a gorgeous setting for your wedding day – or your next conference or corporate event.

JP van Schalkwyk, director of Up A Tone Events, chooses this venue as one of his firm favourites. He says, “It’s known for its fantastic service delivery and beautiful gardens, and it’s a great option for outdoor and indoor events.” Indeed, glowing Facebook reviews include descriptions such as “personal touch”, “excellent service”, “flawless”, “professional” and more.

Clients can choose between the luxurious banquet hall or the picturesque chapel (steeped in romantic history), while its manicured garden is a beautiful backdrop for photos or small events.

The property has a coordinating team to ensure your event runs smoothly, and talented in-house catering and decor specialists.

THE CAPITAL ON THE PARK IN SANDTON

129 Patricia Road, Sandown, Sandton thecapital.co.za

• 11 rooms/venues

• Largest venue capacity: 500 pax

• 300 rooms

Centrally located in Sandton and overlooking Mushroom Park, The Capital On The Park is an upmarket multipurpose space with a variety of venues, hotel rooms, apartments, restaurants, bars, gym with specialised gym classes, spa rooms with on-site beauticians, as well as a large pool deck and jet pool. Calling itself a ‘business resort’, it has been designed to accommodate all the needs of corporates wanting a place to seamlessly accommodate work and play. Think uncapped high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour in-room dining and a signature champagne bar. The hotel has a great vibe and regularly hosts ‘Turn it UP!’ events for guests to let their hair down after a conference or meeting.

Nina Freysen-Pretorius, CEO of The Conference Company, says, “With the world ‘opening up’ again after our industry’s Covid-19 traumatic hiatus, it feels like the lead times received from our clients have become extremely short and the venue meeting options more challenging to find and secure. Accessibility, affordability and flexibility of venues to host meetings of various sizes are key to a good meeting venue.”

Within this context, she names The Capital On The Park in Sandton as a venue she has successfully worked with, which meets these criteria.

She adds, “While we have all left our maskwearing days behind, the option of fresh air, open spaces and good ventilation does give a venue the edge.” In this vein, the venues at The Capital On The Park in Sandton open on to a deck, giving attendees plenty of fresh air, light and an inviting space for breaks.

Corner of William Nicol Drive & Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways www.indabahotel.co.za

• 24 venues

• Largest venue capacity: 2 000 pax

• 260 hotel rooms

The Indaba Hotel somehow manages to capture the benefits of being both in the city and in the countryside. In its own words: “Just north of the fast-paced business world of Sandton, Johannesburg, lies the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre, nestled beneath the vista of the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains. It is a compelling blend of business-like convenience and efficiency, along with a relaxed and warm country hospitality atmosphere.”

The Indaba Hotel also makes it on to Nina’s favoured venue list, again due to its accessibility, affordability and flexibility. She expands, “This venue ticked the required boxes of being accommodating to clients’ needs, having natural light and fresh air, as well as being in the right cost bracket.”

Aside from its award-winning conferencing, meeting and banqueting facilities, the Indaba

Hotel has three varied restaurants, a cocktail lounge, as well as a Mowana Spa, gin school and wine tasting rooms. It’s also close to many other attractions that could appeal to MICE guests, such as hot-air balloon rides, trout fishing, the Montecasino entertainment mecca with its casino and two theatres, and several large malls nearby.

Eclectic & cool

LOFT AT NINE

9 Umgazi St, Menlo Park, Pretoria www.loftatnine.co.za

• 3 venues

• Largest venue capacity: 220 pax

Another of JP’s favourite venues is Loft at Nine. It’s important to mention that he is the owner of the venue – but the client testimonials support his belief that it is a great space for both in-person and hybrid events.

The main venue is a spacious double-volume room with red brick walls, industrial frames and bare-bulb chandeliers. It’s a versatile space for a range of lifestyle and social events, executive conferences, weddings, fashion shows, networking events, corporate events and launches, photographic and film shoots, and more.

For smaller meetings, the LOFTIC Boardroom is a great choice. It’s a high-tech hub fully equipped with LED screens, wireless presenting and doodle walls, accommodating up to 30 delegates at a time. Wi-Fi, on-site parking and the Rock ‘n Roll