Venue Experiences open for Registration

February is shaping up to be a potentially busy month for EON members with no less than 4 Venue Experiences to choose from.

We kick off with the Flagship launch of FNB Stadium's Conference facilities, fully subscribed with over 250 members attending, followed by events at Castello di Monte, Whispering Pines and Misty Hills.

If you are a corporate EON member, you will have received your personalised invitation to register to attend.

If you are not yet a corporate EON member, what are you waiting for, apply now.

Venue Review - Tintswalo Atlantic

You hear the term ‘one of a kind’ description often, but as you drive into the Table Mountain National Park on Chapmans peak drive, you can feel the tranquillity and awe of the unspoiled beauty that lies around you. Even though you just drove out of the city a few moments back, the remoteness and total privacy, along with the views across the bay, simply take your breath away.

The Tintswalo Atlantic is nestled on the water on the Atlantic Sea in Hout Bay, Cape Town. The attention to detail, understated elegance and almost perfect style leaves you with a feeling similar to the meaning of Tintswalo – ‘the intangible feeling of love and peace that you bestow on someone who has given you a meaningful and worthy gift’.

Almost all of the Event Organiser’s Network Educational party, both local and Gauteng based, are well travelled and used to being spoilt. However most were so taken by exquisite ten luxury suites, named and tailored after islands all around the world. The pebbled beach, wooden walkways in-between the unspoilt foliage and trees, the private decks, fire places in each room, make Tintswalo an astonishing romantic venue, perfect for a small wedding.

The regal presidential suite, as well as the hidden pool lounge area with gazebo, would suit an executive conference, where private lunches and dinners can be served, with the attention of the executive chef, to cater for their every need.

The day at Tintswalo Atlantic left us all feeling like we stepped into our own personal paradise. Certainly the writer has a new favourite destination, and is looking forward to returning to Cape Town’s very own best kept hide-away secret.

See our detailed EON member evaluation below and read their comments here

Venue Review - Whispering Pines

It was a busy October 2013 for EON members as they embarked on another exhilarating Venue Experience, this time to Whispering Pines just outside of Magaliesberg, South Africa.

Situated in a tranquil valley on 45 hectares of pristine riverine bushveld, (an hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria), you will find the tranquil and picturesque environment of Whispering Pines Country Estate.

View our the EON peer review below and read comments here.

4 EON Venue Experiences in the next 7 days - whew!

The EON Venue Experiences program has grown tremendously this year, to the point that things are beginning to get a bit manic as venues snap up the available opportunities to select and host a group of qualified corporate or trade conference and event buyers.

Coming up in the next 7 days we have the following awesome venue experiences.

1. 16 October 2013. Hayward's Grand Events and Expeditions

1. Hayward's is situated deep in the exquisite bushveld, but only a mere 24km north of Pretoria in the Dinokeng region of Gauteng. This is a Grand Safari Camp and there is nothing quite like it anywhere else on Earth.

1. 17 October 2013. 54 on Bath Hotel

1. 54 on Bath offers a spacious and newly refurbished conference centre on the second floor of the hotel and is the perfect place for executive meetings and conferences. Situated only 300m from the Rosebank Gautrain Station, its just an 18 minute train ride to O.R. Tambo International Airport and minutes from the Sandton CBD.

1. 20 October 2013. Whispering Pines.

1. Some 5 kms from Magaliesburg, situated in a tranquil valley on 45 hectares of pristine riverine bushveld, (an hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria), you will find the tranquil and picturesque environment of Whispering Pines Country Estate.

1. 22 October 2013. Tintswalo Atlantic.

1. Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5-star luxury lodge nestled on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean between Hout Bay and Cape Town, mirrors the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean in every uniquely designed suite and finish. Located on Chapman’s Peak Drive, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park – one of South Africa’s eight World Heritage Sites, it is a must for your next conference or event.

Whew, that should do it for now. Next, our members peer reviews of these conference and event venues which will be published here soon.

Venue Evaluation - Marion on Nicol September 2013

The Marion on Nicol Hotel  a five star conference venue in Sandton played host to a selection of our corporate EON members.

View our members peer review below and read their comments here

Fabulous Fancourt – an Exceptional Extraordinary Educational as seen in photos

Manor House Bathroom. Note Fireplace

Anyone for Tee

Luxury

Spa

Conference, Function, Wedding

Cape Town EON members at Fancourt

Table decor for the EON dinner

On our Site Tour

Pool Terrace

TV in the mirror

Yours truly (R) and Fancourts Assist. GM

Venue Educational to Luxurious Fancourt Hotel

Our next complimentary exclusive member weekend away educational will be held on 19 September 2013. Attending members will be hosted in style by Fancourt, positioned on 613 hectares of lush countryside in the magnificent Garden Route.

Fancourt is considered South Africa’s premier lifestyle estate with mountains, indigenous forests and the warm Indian Ocean in close proximity.

The resort has two accommodation offerings:
Fancourt Hotel with 115 guest rooms and Fancourt’s original homestead, built in 1859, a luxury boutique hotel “the Manor House at Fancourt” with eighteen luxurious suites with personalized butler service.

Guests are spoilt for choice with four restaurants, Spa with Roman bath, four tennis courts, three 18-hole Gary Player designed golf courses, golf academy, conference centre and leisure centre consisting of an indoor heated family pool, outdoor pool, gymnasium, kids and teen facilities and cinema. Outdoor lovers can enjoy walking trails, cycling and bird watching.

Fancourt has 5 conference venues. The Ballroom can comfortably accommodate 400 delegates in Theatre style seating. The idyllic setting allows Fancourt to offer some truly awe-inspiring venues for for outdoor events.

Providing a unique wedding venue for the discerning bride, or function venue for the demanding corporation is easy, with so many indoor and outdoor options.

Fancourt’s reputation is internationally esteemed after being singled out among the world’s ten best golf resorts on CCNGO, the online travel hub of Cable Network News (CNN). Fancourt is a sought-after golfing and event playground, after hosting the Presidents Cup in 2003, Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert in 2005, Japan’s football team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 Volvo Golf.

To book Fancourt for your next event, contact Nadine at 011 781 4800

Venue Educationals - EON Members Spoiled for Choice.

Fancourt

The EON Venue Educational and Networking Events program is getting busier by the day, as we line up away venue visits and local networking events.

A highlight of the upcoming Venue Educational program is a two night visit to the  magnificent Fancourt Hotel, a stunning conference venue located in George in the Western Cape. The educational is specifically for our Western Cape members and 15 of them and their partners will be jetting into George for the weekend.

Forever Blyde Canyon

As is customary for our EON members, the entire weekend is complimentary, including the flights. The EON Venue educational program is one of the amazing benefits of being a member.

Also coming up in September is a 2-Venue weekend educational to Forever Blyde Canyon Resort and Mount Sheba in Mpumalanga.

A little closer to home we have local networking events at The Soweto Hotel & Conference Centre, located in (yes you guessed it) Soweto and Marion on Nicol in Sandton.

Marion-on-Nicol

If you organise events for the organistion you work for and you would like to become an EON member, apply here. Membership is free and without obligation.

Soweto Hotel

Venue Educational to The Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre

Soweto Hotel

Kliptown

A selection of our EON members will be spending the night at The Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre as part of EON's venue Educational Program

On the program tonight, EON members will enjoy arrival cocktails, dinner and entertainment. Tomorrow morning, after a sumptuous breakfast, delegates will embark on a tour through Kliptown.

The four star Soweto Hotel is on the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication. The venue has 46 rooms and 2 suites and has all the expected amenities a business delegate would expect.

The conference venues are situated on the top floor. There are two boardrooms that can accommodate 10 and 14 delegates and the Kliptown Conference Room which can manage 50 delegates in theatre style.

Interested in hosting your next conference or event at the Soweto Hotel, contact Nadine @ EON a free quote proposal (For corporate EON members only) or use our online event brief form.

Nadine: 011 7814800 x 201, nadine(at)eventorganiser.co.za

Review - Crystal Towers African Pride host the 1st Cape Town EON Member Networking Luncheon

African Pride Crystal Towers was host to the 1st Cape Town Member Networking Luncheon on Thursday the 15th of August.

The event was a resounding success with the Cape members braving the worst weather in ages in Cape Town to attend.

It was well worth the effort with a superb food selection served all round.

The day was rounded off with a talk by Vangile Makwaka on Financial Emotional Intelligence from her new book.

"The Crystal Towers Property is always a winner – well done choosing this venue. The location is perfect, the hotel itself is fabulous and their food is the best! You guys did a great job and THANK YOU for the gifts." - Sonja Mengel | National Events Coordinator - Mazars

For more information to host an exceptional conference at Crystal Towers contact Marketing at marketing2@crystaltowershotel.com or contact them on Tel: +27 21 5253888.

For venues like the Crystal Towers, visit www.venuesearch.co.za

Review - Member Networking Event @ Faircity Quatermain Hotel

The Faircity Quatermain Hotel in Sandton played host to a selection of 30 of our corporate EON members for a networking lunch.

Joni & Celynn of Feel Fab presented an eye-opening talk on how simple it is to actually Feel Fab every day, by following a few simple diet and lifestyle rules.

Just as well, because a delicious lunch was on offer as part of the program as well as a site inspection of the facilities.

Couldn't attend? Not to worry. You still benefit by what is probably the most important aspect of these networking events, next to the actual networking that is, and that is the venue review, prepared from the evaluation by attending members.

You can view the EON member review below.

Delegate comments on metrics tables below

Venue away Educational to 5 Star Walkersons Hotels & Spa in Dullstroom

Our next complimentary member exclusive weekend away educational will be held on 26 May 2013. Attending members will be graciously hosted by the Walkersons Hotel and Spa, the luxurious 5 star venue located in the cozy Dullstroom Hamlet, Mpumalanga.

Members will sample the full range of facilities and services on offer, from luxurious rooms, a la carte dining, trout fishing, hiking or simply just relaxing on the beautiful patio overlooking the rolling hills and enjoying the stress relieving silence.

If you are an Event Organiser Network member, you should have received an invitation to attend. Here's an idea, make your friends  and colleagues jealous and then do then a favour by recommending they apply join.

Membership is free as are the amazing benefits. Join at www.eventorgabniser.co.za

Walkersons Educational Review

View of Walkersons from across the trout dam

On November 25th 2012, we hosted 8 of our Event Organiser members to another magnificent educational at the stunning 5 star Walkersons Hotel and Spa, situated in the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga highlands, outside the hamlet of Dullstroom, 2.5 hours away from Johannesburg.

View from Walkersons

This review contains our review alongside the member peer review.
View the full member peer review here.

Our Recommendation
Walkersons is ideally suited for middle to senior management conferences. The five star grading is reflected in the pricing, which is aimed for those corporations with a sense of style and a budget to match.

The upmarket decor, finishes, cuisine and beautiful location makes Walkersons an idyllic wedding venue and for those of you needing a serene, calm and peaceful honeymoon destination or just a weekend away, Walkersons is certainly worth considering.

Venue Educational @ The Ranch in Polokwane

We said 2012 would be year with more venue educationals and true to our word, we are delighted to announce a venue educational from Friday 15th of June - 17th June 2012 at the stunning Protea The Ranch in Polokwane.

The 4 star Protea Hotel Ranch Resort is situated within a 1000 hectare “malaria free” nature conservancy, just 25 kilometres south of Polokwane, and 2 hours north of Pretoria.

The hotel, offers 150 deluxe rooms and self catering accommodation featuring all modern conveniences.

If you are interested in attending this amazing venue educational please complete the expression of interest by clicking here

Terms and Conditions

• A non-refundable administrative fee of R400 per person will be levied for each attending person.

The following are complimentary:

• Accommodation
• All Meals
• Drinks where indicated, otherwise for delegates account.
• Coach transport to and from the venue
• Attendance only open to Event Organiser Network members.
• Right of attendance reserved.
• Unless otherwise indicated, all other charges are for the your own account.

We have a program that is designed to give you an up close and personal experience of the meeting and function facilities. Where else will you experience a walk with the lions and fine decadent dinning?

Proposed program

Friday 15 June 2012:
16:00 - 19:00 Guests Arrive
19:30 - 22:00 - Dinner

Saturday 16 June 2012:
08:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 - 13:30 Game Drive & site inspection
13:30 - 14:30 Lunch
15:00 - 19:00 Leisure time (Golf on the 12 hole is recommended)
19:30 - 22:00 Dinner in Basil's fine dining restaurant

Sunday 17 June 2012:
07:00 - 08:30 Walk with the lions
08:30 - 10:00 Breakfast & Check out.

Know a colleague who could benefit by becoming an Event Organiser Network member? Refer them.

Read about the Event Organiser Network here.
Apply to join here. Membership and benefits are free.
Don't forget to tick that you would like to receive invitations to educationals on the membership application form.

For more information please contact Fundi on 011-781-4800 Ext 10 or 0792476409

Venue Review - Amanzingwe Lodge

A selection of our Event Organiser Network members were recently invited to experience an overnight venue educational to the 4 star Amanzingwe Lodge, situated near Hartebeespoort dam in Gauteng.

The review below comprises:

• Our review of the venue and activities and 
• A graphical peer review by the attending Event Organiser Network members.

Our Review.

Recommendation: 
Amanzingwe is ideal for middle to senior management conferences and teambuilding. The location and setting, make it perfect for weddings and functions or even just Sunday lunch.

Conference facilities are modern and well equipped and located away from the main venue. The teambuilding facilities are excellent. Apart from the normal fare, the Amanzingwe Zipline and Unimog experience add a much needed uniqueness to the teambuilding options on offer.

Venue educational to Amanzingwe (Where the Leopard Drinks)

In earlier posts, we promised you an upcoming educational, and here it is. We are excited to announce a weekend venue educational to the luxurious 4 star Amanzingwe Lodge situated in Hartbeespoort Dam environs.

Amanzingwe, the graded 5 Star Conference Centre, Wedding & Events venue with Luxury accommodation, and superb restaurant, situated in the Hartbeespoort area, 40 minute drive from Pretoria, Brits or Sandton welcomes you to experience our motto: “Where service is a right not a privilege”

We have a program that is designed to give you an up close and personal experience of the meeting and function facilities, activities, food and luxurious rooms.

Proposed program

12:00- 13:45	Welcoming Drinks & Finger Lunch on arrival at Bar Square
13:45:00	Site Visit Starts, from Lodge to Conference Centre
14:30:00	Presentation at Conference Centre - Amanzingwe 1
14:30:00	Guest go to rooms refresh / get comphy
15:00:00	All Guests Meet back at Main Reception
15:00 - 18:00	GROUP 1 goes for Zip Line 20 pax GROUP 2 UNIMOG Experiance!
18:00 - 19:00	Guests retire to their rooms / Refresh
19:00:00	Dinner Braai in HAW

To be invited to attend venue educationals you need to be a member of our Event Organiser Network and that's easy to accomplish:

1. Read about the Event Organiser Network here.
2. Apply to join here. Membership and benefits are free.
3. Don't forget to tick that you would like to receive invitations to educationals on the membership application form.

Upcoming Venue Educational.

Just a quick update on our 2012 educational program. We are in the final stages of planning for visits to the following awesome venues:

• Amanzingwe - North West Province
• Protea The Ranch - Limpopo working hard to finalise 

Watch this space and that bit of space in your Inbox

Arena Royale. Our spectacular year end venue educational and show

The year may have been a bit more fizzle and splutter than the BANG we're going to be leaving 2011 with. We've combined PARTY TIME  with our last venue educational for the year.

150 of our Event Organiser Members and their partners have been invited as our guests to attend a spectacular musical production called Velvet Royale at the new Ultra Events venue, Arena Royale.

From arrival cocktails to some serious singing and dancing to the musical production and resident DJ, we expect that guests will be taking this opportunity to let the hair down and set the tone for the upcoming festive season. 

So, you may want to know how you can get invited to these amazing educationals. It's simple. If you organise events for your organisation or on behalf of your own clients, join our Event Organiser Network. Its free and so are the benefits.

More about the Event Organiser Network here.

Our Next Venue Educational. Hackle Brook Conference and Function Centre. Friday 4th November 2011.

Following previous article in this section, dealing with why venue educationals are not as frequent, we are pleased to announce an educational to the purpose built Hackle Brooke Conference and Function facility. 

And when we say purpose built, we mean state of the art adaptable infrastructure, ideal for a range of event sizes, formal or informal. 

Centrally situated in Craighall Johannesburg, Hackle Brooke is close to everything that matters, from the Sandton Business precinct to the city's best hotels.

Taking the form of a complimentary festive season lunch, we invite our Event Organiser Network members to register their interest to attend. 

Join us for a memorable gastronomic experience and a review of Hackle Brooke's top quality meeting facilities.

Event Details

Date:	Fiday, 4 November 2011
Location:	Hackle Brooke, 110 Conrad Drive, Cnr Conrad & Jan Smuts, Craighall Park.  Map. GPS:S26°06.889’, E28°01.244’
Time:	Promptly 12:00 for 12:30
If you are a member of our Event Organiser Network           Register Here

To register your interest to attend,using the link above.
Educational T&C's apply.

To join our Event Organiser Network. Click here. Membership is free and so are the benefits.

We hope to see you there.

Venue Educationals - Do they still happen?

Yes, but here's why the number of venue educationals has decreased. (Psst we have one coming up on the 4th December. Watch out for your invitation)

Over the past year and a half, we have often been asked that question. The simple answer, is that over the past 18 months there has seen a reluctance by venues to host educationals and as a result our venue educational program has slowed. But matters are on the mend. Our venue educational program will soon resume.

Why the slowdown? Another simple answer.

World Cup football 2010 and economic recession.

Lets deal with the world cup. Venues were so focused on the massive amounts of business they were promised would flood out of the world cup, that they essentially curtailed their traditional marketing to the local market.

Now lets deal with the economic recession. While pre-counting the soccer world cup revenue chickens, it seems the industry forgot that the rest of the world was actually in an economic recession. In SA, we experienced an Indian summer of economic activity, only to discover the reality of the global recession when the false boom of the Soccer World Cup predictably rolled out of town.

In the face of the local markets response to the economic reality, venues were forced to scale back on staff, marketing, and in more cases than expected some venues either have or are about to cease operations.

As always there are those venues out there who rely on the local market to sustain their business operations. For our educational program, this means new visits coming up.


Watch out for the announcement of our 4 December 2011 venue ed and festive lunch.