by Conor Walsh & Jonathan Lechtman
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an event venue in Johannesburg.
The city is massive, with business districts and residential areas spread across a vast urban sprawl. Johannesburg is also known for its high crime rate. So, choosing a centrally located venue in a secure neighborhood that’s easy for your participants to reach is crucial.
Johannesburg has two main districts for hosting large events and conferences: Sandton, South Africa’s economic hub, home to its stock exchange, and many high-end shopping centers and state-of-the-art events venues); and O.R. Tambo International Airport, the busiest airport in Africa, with a variety of conference venues and easy access to major highways and public transportation.
In this quick guide, we’ll look at the best event venues O.R Tambo.
If you have any more questions about finding an event venue in Johannesburg, get in touch. Our expert team of Joburg locals has all the information you need.
O.R. Tambo International Airport
The following hotels are located a short drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport and offer superb conference facilities, making them some of the best event venues in all of South Africa.
InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel
The InterContinental Johannesburg O.R.Tambo Airport offers sophisticated conference facilities just steps from the airport’s main terminal. International participants need only walk 67m from arrivals to the hotel’s reception – where attentive staff await to check them in.
For local participants, the Gautrain station is only a few minutes away, and driving from central Joburg should only take 20-30 minutes. Ample parking is available on-site.
The Intercontinental isn’t just about convenience, however. The hotel and its conference facilities ooze luxury and sophistication. You can choose between 10 event spaces, from boardrooms to exhibition halls, with capacity for up to 100pax.
Any participants staying at the hotel will be treated to an indoor heated pool, world-class spa, and fully equiped gym. There are 138 sleeping rooms in the hotel, so finding a comfortable place to sleep won’t be an issue. inners.
Emperors Palace Hotel & Convention Centre
Emperors Palace comprises four different hotels with a total of 29 meeting rooms between them (and 77-150 sleeping rooms each). The meeting rooms are spacious and functional, with various layouts to suit every kind of event or conference. Plus, there are executive breakout rooms and a theater-style auditorium for 1200pax. The free airport shuttle service is also an excellent perk for out-of-town participants.
Birchwood Hotel & O.R. Airport Conference Venue
The Birchwood Hotel & O.R. Airport Conference Venue has 235 hotel rooms, 10 meeting rooms, and a 1,200pax cinema-style auditorium, so it’s perfect for large events. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, check out the Boma Restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional African cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo
Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo offers an incredibly convenient location just three minutes drive from the airport, making it easy for short events with international attendees who just want to fly in and out. Plus, the hotel offers a free airport shuttle.
The Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo also features 10 event meeting rooms, with a maximum capacity of 300pax in its largest meeting room – ideal for small to medium-sized events. Plus, the hotel’s dedicated on-site event catering and audio/visual services make planning a breeze.
Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre O.R. Tambo
10 minutes’ drive from O.R. Tambo, with a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport, the Radisson boasts 283 sleeping rooms and a wide range of conferencing and events facilities. You can choose between 12 event spaces, made up of two ballrooms with a combined capacity of 500pax, six boardrooms, two meeting rooms, a main hall auditorium for up to 1,000pax and a large outdoor venue suitable for team-building events or cocktail receptions.
The Radisson’s conference and event spaces combine luxury and comfort with modern equipment and exceptional support staff. The expansive gardens offer a lovely retreat for delegates and attendees, and the 4* accommodation will impress anyone who stays overnight.
There’s also ample parking for local attendees joining your event from outside Johannesburg.
Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport
Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport is located just 500 meters from the main airport terminals and offers a complimentary shuttle every 15 minutes. There’s also a pick-up and drop-off for the O.R. Tambo Gautrain station.
So, it’s convenient for both local and international event participants.
The hotel has eight event spaces and meeting rooms that can accommodate 10-380pax in various configurations, including exhibitions and product launches. You’ll have support from a dedicated events team and access to the latest AV, presentation, and networking equipment.
In case any participants decide to stay at the hotel, they can avail of the outdoor pool, fitness center, and Mediterranean dining at the excellent Bernoulli’s Restaurant.
Other Areas in Johannesburg
If you’re looking for event venues in Johannesburg beyond O.R. Tambo International Airport, you can’t go wrong with any of the following:
The Empire Conference & Events, Parktown
Located in the heart of Parktown, a hip neighborhood close to Johannesburg’s financial and business travel hub Sandton, the Empire is one of the city’s chicest and most modern event venues. Its main ballroom can comfortably accommodate up to 500pax, while the cocktail has room for 80-100pax, and the rooftop terrace offers a picturesque setting for smaller, more casual events.
Whichever space you choose, the Empire stands out for its well-equipped facilities, including state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and fast Wi-Fi. The on-site catering offers diverse options to suit even the most discerning delegates and the bar staff whip up fantastic drinks.
The Empire is 30 minutes from O.R. Tambo airport, but there are plenty of excellent hotels and boutique guesthouses close by for international attendees.
African Pride Melrose Arch, Melrose
African Pride is a stylish hotel and conference center in Melrose – a wealthy suburb in Northern Johannesburg that’s also quite close to Sandton.
The venue fuses contemporary design with indigenous African touches and state-of-the-art facilities across 11 event spaces. The hotel’s popular onsite Restaurant, March, can also double as an event venue for up to 300pax.
African Pride is ideal for smaller events looking for intimate settings. Your attendees will appreciate the casual setting, with plenty of natural light and earthy interior design. They can also relax at the hip Library Bar and decide to stay in one of the 118 sleeping rooms.
For local attendees, there is plenty of parking onsite.
54 on Bath, Rosebank
Located in the vibrant Rosebank business district, 54 on Bath is a spectacular luxury hotel and conference center. Set in a charismatic red brick building, it offers six unique, modern, and elegantly designed meeting venues capable of accommodating up to 120pax. Every room has the latest audio-visual technology and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless and productive event.
If you host an event at 54 on Bath, you can choose from diverse catering options provided by the hotel’s internationally acclaimed Level Four Restaurant – guaranteed to leave no one disappointed.
Your delegates and attendees can also choose to sleep in one of 54 on Bath’s 75 luxury sleeping rooms, giving them access to its rooftop pool and garden lounge, fitness center, workspaces, and other top-notch facilities.
For local attendees, valet parking and a free shuttle to anywhere within 5km of the hotel are provided.
Conclusion
Joburg’s best venues will make your event truly unforgettable, from convenient airport locations and world-class convention centers to exhilarating nightlife and a stunning cityscape that lights up against a scenic backdrop of rolling hills.
Are you looking to learn more about hosting an event in Johannesburg? We can help! Our local team of Joburg event experts have years of experience organising international conferences in the city.
