5 Must-Haves for Your Mid-Year Conference Venue

If you started the year with a big corporate event, your energy and resources may feel a little depleted by the time the mid-year conference arrives. To help replenish those creative conference planning juices, Newmark Hotels & Reserves has this top-5 list of things to remember for any winter business event.

1. Indoor seating with a view
May to July in South Africa are definitely indoor seating months when it comes to conferencing. However, you can still make the scenic outdoors part of your event by choosing a venue with beautiful views, like a garden terrace or city skyline. Warmth and comfort are priorities, so make sure the seating area is spacious with ergonomic furniture and indoor heating if required.

2. Productivity essentials
Keep your guests engaged, stimulated and motivated to participate in the knowledge-sharing experience with highly functional tools for productivity. Conference equipment that works is non-negotiable. If your guests have to leave their cosy homes or offices to attend your event, the learning curve has to be absolutely worth their while.

3. Warm meals & beverages
Set the scene from the get-go with steaming hot tea and coffee on arrival. Make sure attendees are well hydrated with water bottles at each place setting. Depending on the length of your conference, ensure that a hot, nourishing lunch and dinner are provided to maintain energy levels and to make guests feel like they are well taken care of.

4. Inviting accommodation
With temperatures in Sandton sinking well below 20°C in winter, the kindest thing to do would be to host your event in or nearby suitable business accommodation. An apartment-style hotel, such as The Catalyst Hotel, allows them to enjoy breakfast at leisure before an early session or a nightcap in a private room after a long day of meetings without having to leave the building.

5. Central location
If guests do have to leave your conference venue to access other parts of the city, try to make it as central as possible so they don’t have to venture too far in a heavy downpour or icy wind. Choose a location that is close to the Gautrain station, shopping and dining spots, banks, and other amenities.

Exclusive offer at The Catalyst Hotel
Mid-year conferencing is made easier this season with this exclusive offer at The Catalyst Hotel, a distinguished business and leisure destination in the Newmark Hotels & Reserves portfolio. Book fully equipped venues at reduced rates in Sandton. Each package includes a professional space, notepads, equipment, beverages, catering, accommodation and seamless service.

• Half-day package: R495 per person (was R525)
• Full-day package: R610 per person (was R650)

Book here with Newmark Hotels & Reserves for the winter months of June and July 2025.