VENUE NEWS

Demand growing for ‘unusual’ conferencing experiences

Conferencing is undergoing rapid change as customer expectations for ‘unusual’ experiences transform the sector.

At a meeting of professional conference organisers held recently at The Vineyard Hotel, key roleplayers discussed trends shaping the industry and showcased innovative new conferencing options to delegates.

Belinda Morrison, head of sales for The Vineyard, said conferences are increasingly being shaped by heightened expectations of sustainability, wellness, and innovation.

“Leading conference venues are integrating eco-friendly practices such as energy efficiency systems and waste reduction to meet the growing demand for sustainable meeting options. Wellness is now a core tenet of modern conferencing experiences, with many featuring activities such as meditation, fitness sessions, and health-conscious catering to boost attendee wellbeing.”

The meeting of industry professionals, held at The Vineyard Hotel at the end of May, included discussions around themes that include: wellness, artistic expression, presentation skills training, and team building. Professional conference organisers in attendance started the day with a grounding and meditation session before moving to the scenic lawns for mentally stimulating team-building exercises.

This was followed by a session about dynamic presentation-building techniques in the TED Talks-style Lounge. The day concluded with afternoon tea and bubbles, and a creative painting activity against the backdrop of stunning views of Table Mountain.

Cape Town continues to be a top meetings destination, with a recent ranking by CVENT placing the city at number five in a list of the top ten meetings destinations in the Middle East and Africa. The Vineyard Hotel was also listed as one of only three South African hotels in the Top 50 meetings destinations in the region.

Ms Morrison said that one of the key takeouts from the day was the shift away from traditional seating plans, to less formal or mixed seating options. “One of the great ideas shared on the day was that of a conference organiser that had delegates build their own setup from a range of mismatched chairs, stools and sofas. This immediately sparked conversation and engagement at the outset of their event.

“We are excited to invite guests and delegates to enjoy unique and enriching conference experiences. By combining wellness, creativity, and skill development, we aim to provide a memorable and distinctive event for everyone,” she concluded.