Looking for a place to host a small conference and or exhibition…CTICC too big or too expensive. Not to worry there are plenty of smaller, more intimate venues at your disposal. Here are our picks for alternative conference venues in Cape Town.
1. Spier
Spier has possibly the nicest staff I have encountered at a venue (Aside from Champagne Resort, but that’s not in Cape Town). They have a brilliant and well laid out venue that can host a conference and concurrent exhibition. A number of venues are available from the Historical, Restored manor House to the 400 seater conference centre
What else can you do here? Oh not much, just walk with Cheetahs, amazing raptor shows and experience possibly the largest buffet you will ever see and eat in a tree at Moyo…
https://www.spier.co.za/conferencing
2. BMW pavilion – Renamed the Pavilion
What makes this venue stand out is its location. Directly next door to the V&A waterfront, it is within walking distance of a range of amenities and also a short hop to the city centre.
The main conference venue, the old IMAX cinema, seats 300. It has a banked seating setup that must be the envy of all venues in Cape Town. There are also a range of smaller breakaway rooms for smaller groups.
https://www.thepavilion.co.za/
3. Vineyard Hotel
Another gem of a venue located in the southern suburbs. Whilst not quite as “cosmopolitan” as say the top 2 venues in terms of location, It is located in the green lush suburb of Newlands, bordering the Cavendish Square shopping precinct. The Vineyard has well geared facilities and staff that actually seem to care. While you are there try the Spa downstairs…world class.
Each floor of the conference and banqueting venue can accommodate up to 280 guests and can be converted into 3 smaller rooms as required.
4. The River Club
An institution in Cape Town with ravers and students in the 90’s, The River Club has seen massive transformation in the last few years and its facilities now rank amongst the best in cape town. The conference centre has eight rooms of various sizes, ideal for any event from corporate conferences to exhibitions.
On top of that there is a mashie golf course as well as a superbly kitted driving range.
It is close to the eclectic suburb of Observatory where you will find a range of interesting restaurants and nightlife.
https://riverclub.co.za/conferencing/
5. The Bay Hotel
The Bay Hotel is on Camps Bay drive, on the beach in arguably the coolest hippest suburb in Cape Town. It is surrounded by superb restaurants and relaxed bars. It is also close the the CBD, V&A Waterfront and the South peninsula is easily accessible from Camps bay along the coastal road.
The Rotunda at the Bay can accommodate up to 500 people and there are a range of various sized smaller breakaway venues.
This list is not an exhaustive list of whats on offer in Cape Town. In my experience as a contractor, that often installs exhibits at these venues, they are all well geared and well organised to host conferences and exhibitions. I will be doing further posts on other great venues in and around Cape Town.
