Bucking the trend Cost-effective and creative conferencing

Bucking the trend Cost-effective and creative conferencing

The current economic climate does not encourage spending. Companies are retrenching, cutting costs and tightening their purse strings. It means that alternative and innovative cost-effective solutions are sought after when it comes to conferencing, events, accommodation and business travel as a whole.

By Greg Hoffmann, marketing manager of Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre

The required outcomes for these conference and events remain, but the previous budget available does not. It is about achieving the objectives in the most creative and cost-effective way possible, without compromising quality.

Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre is a property that has listened to the consumer’s need, but without compromising its offering. Birchwood has bucked the trend by continuing to upgrade, renovate and improve.

Birchwood has created a one-stopshop hospitality hub, with the intention of providing an unrivalled variety of facilities with incredible value-for-money. Kevin Clarence, owner and co-founder of the Birchwood said: “We wanted it to be easy, efficient and effective in every area interacted with, both before and during your experience at Birchwood. “Starting with accommodation, we introduced the four-star Silverbirch product, which is a secluded, tranquil hotel room offering far from the conference bustle. Silverbirch has been incredibly well-received, winning recurring annual awards from Trip Advisor as well as Caxton Media’s Best of Ekurhuleni Readers’ Choice. “Silverbirch boasts 235 rooms and forms part of the bigger offering of 665 on-site rooms.”

Birchwood caters to the individual business traveller, the small corporate group, all the way up to those looking for big venues designed for conventions, exhibitions or large-scale events.

Strategically located only minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, and offering a free shuttle service and airport waiting lounge, Birchwood is not a traditional venue.

There is no high-rise hotel building or single, generic dining venue where one has every meal. One is welcomed by friendly staff, and every facility on-site, from accommodation and conferencing, to restaurants and leisure, is surrounded by lush, manicured and picturesque gardens. The guests’ experience is top of mind at Birchwood, with this being considered with every upgrade and addition on the property.