A 21st century guide to choosing a great event venue

Events are back. Covid may have kept them on the low down for a few years by forcing things to go digital, but three years later, the world has regained its balance and event planners can resume doing what they know best.

By Adrian Landry, general manager of The Leonardo in Sandton

When deciding on a venue for a meeting, conference or event, there are a variety of tick boxes that an event planner needs to consider. Some of these are more obvious than others, but if you are looking to host the event of the century, you need to be thinking of both the old and obvious, as well as the new and current. Some emerging trends, when picking your venue, include being unexpected yet thrifty, going local and sustainable, being delicious but inclusive and, of course, always tech mindful.

Size counts

This is not just ensuring the venue is large enough for your event or that there is ample parking available for your guests. You will also need to make sure that your choice of venue fits your budget size. In today’s world, with tighter budgets, be thrifty. Spend where it counts.

Going for the most exclusive venue in town is not always the wisest route. Venue hire is one thing, but don’t forget all the bells and whistle items that are charged for separately and may very well be critical to making your event a success. People can tell when you are pulling back on the finer details that would make your event special and memorable.

Adrian Landry, general manager of The Leonardo in Sandton, said that event planners should opt for the venue that doesn’t just offer a large, ostentatious space, but also ensures your budget has enough breathing room to make sure your guests are taken care of.

“We pride ourselves for not only being one of the most prestigious venues in Sandton but also for our reasonable package options and multitude of facilities to suit most events,” Mr Landry said.

Location, location, location

How central is it? How accessible is it? Are there a variety of hotel and restaurant options nearby? These are all critical questions to ask when booking your venue.

The Leonardo in Sandton makes for an ideal conference venue because it is in the heart of Sandton, Joburg’s business district. It is within walking distance of the Gautrain Station, which offers a regular and reliable train service to and from OR Tambo Airport. There is also a plethora of accommodation options, both inside the building and nearby, and it is close to a host of eateries for guests to dine from, both night and day.

The choice of venue should always make it easier for guests to attend your event — for its location, but also (as we discuss below) because it makes for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly event with less need to travel far and wide.

Sustainability

So, while budgets and locations are very important factors in determining which venue to pick, the new-world trend of sustainability and your event’s carbon footprint should also be a massive consideration in all that you do. Thankfully, newer buildings, like the Leonardo, have been built with sustainability in mind.

“Rising 234m from the street below, our iconic 57-storey building has not only redefined the city’s skyline, but also how we view the concept of sustainable urbanism. With options to work, live and play in one place, its entire design is driven by the principles of sustainable development and going-green, embracing the latest in technology and energy-efficient luxury living in the sky,” Mr Landry said.

Tasting the experience

Our modern world is all about sustainable living, working and yes, even eating. Today’s world has a constant topic of conversation going around food — whether it be who the next MasterChef will be, how we are sourcing ethical meat and veggies, or the recent rise of the vegan and low-carb follower.

And thus, one of the most critical things when hosting an event, is providing great food. Guests who are well-fed, are after all, happier, more alert and participative.

Despite this, food often gets lost in the planning process and plays second fiddle to other seemingly more important items like tech setups or décor.

One thing is for sure, your event venue should serve delicious, origin-conscious cuisine that caters for all walks of life.

“The Leonardo has always understood and respected the importance of food to guests. This is why, all catering is done inhouse by the award-winning chef team at AURUM Restaurant, whose core food philosophy is around sustainability and seasonality. Whether you come for dinner at AURUM with your partner, or attend a massive corporate gala evening, you should always expect the same top-quality, golden AURUM experience. Our professional team of cooks are well-trained to cater for both large and small events as well as for every type of diet,” Mr Landry said.

Tech talks

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is one of the fastest growing trends this century is yet to see, and many venues are using it to streamline their service offering. AI can be exceptionally helpful when it comes to planning your event, from ensuring guests have all their information at the tip of their fingers to communicating any last-minute changes.

“Kitted out in terms of connectivity and tech equipment, the Leonardo has itself adopted some AI into its way of functioning, but are also very aware of the importance of human interaction,” Mr Landry said.

“There is a fine balance between letting computers do the work and having a much-needed level of personal service. Small things like finding a set of human hands to help you with a technical glitch or just a smile at the end of a long conferencing day, are still more important than impressing guests with a robotic check-in service.”

Cherries on the top

Lastly, when selecting where to host your event, especially for longer and larger events, go for a venue that has some diversity for that ‘cherry on the top’ experience. Look for a variety of areas for breakaway points, meals or after-parties which can offer some creative add-ons to your event.

“One of the bonus features of the Leonardo is the range of spaces where guests can come and experience whilst staying for an event,” Mr Landry said.

Starting on Level 3 at Leo’s Lounge for a cup of barrister-brewed coffee and a freshly baked croissant. Moving up to Level 7, where AURUM Restaurant, the golden eatery of Sandton, awaits to wow all six senses. Level 7 is also where the pool, gym and Legacy Balance Spa reside, for those looking to unwind a little after a long day of conferencing. Heading further up the building, Level 42 offers an undeveloped, blank canvas in which to engage your creativity and paint your own event to life. Finally, at the top of the building is Africa’s highest urban bar, Alto234. Sporting 360-degree views over Johannesburg, this is the ideal space for sundowners to celebrate either the start or the end of a great event.

So, when it comes to ensuring your event is by far the most unforgettable of the century thus far — be it a conference, meeting or event — be sure to keep the above in mind and make it special.

As the old saying goes, ‘Life is an event. Best you make it memorable’

Who is Adrian Landry?

Adrian Landry, general manager of The Leonardo in Sandton, has been in the hospitality industry for almost four decades. His wealth of experience, specifically with new-builds and refurbishments of properties across Africa, makes him one of only a handful of seasoned stalwarts in his field. Adrian’s motto, when it comes to life, is to ‘know thyself’. Introspection and reflection, as well as the ability to accept criticism, are critical. He believes that one should endeavour to build and shape teams that can capitalise on each other’s strengths, skills, knowledge and experience. He is most proud of the team that has been assembled at The Leonardo. In his spare time, Adrian likes to read and recommends Yuval Harari’s latest titles for a perspective on the world and possible future outcomes.