So a new events season has begun and as the allocated meetings and events organiser you begin pulling your hair out, groping for something fresh to present the board for your 2018 conferencing. “It’s all been done” you think… and it’s true –there is very little that’s totally new under the Sun, but there are a few trends taking South Africa and the world by storm … and with a little help from some ‘Meetings and Events’ experts we take a look at four fantastic fresh conferencing ideas for 2018….
1) Getting back to nature – In 2018 venues will have to have a sense of social responsibility in their ecological approach and there is a growing trend to do conferencing in a more natural atmosphere. The Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence Cape Town, for example, boasts not only magnificent natural views of the ocean and marina below, to create a sense of tranquillity between events, but meetings rooms and boardrooms feature beautiful ‘natural light’ and stunning views from every window, which research has now shown, improves focus and concentration.
2) Brain food – It appears the way to a man (or woman’s) brain is also through his stomach! “Experience Meetings” are created by the professional meeting experts at Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence, Cape Town who incorporate ‘brain food’ menus designed by Chefs and nutritionists to aid in concentration, mental speed and stress levels. Fresh, mood-enhancing ingredients not only suit taste-buds, but maximise energy levels!
3) New visual realities – From an interactive presentation point of view, Virtual and Augmented Reality are taking the conferencing world by storm! There is no limit to the visual presentation possibilities when VR and AR are used in these futuristic events. It is also very successfully used to create a fresh approach to ultra realistic ‘conference to conference’ link ups – delegates in Cape Town can be really face to face with those in Johannesburg – or New York for that matter!
4) Couple your conference with a great getaway – Gill Dewar of ‘Micecubed’, a specialist in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Events) says that finding fresh things to do is so important. One trend she mentions, for example, is looking for new modes of transport between events, like ox carts, trains, boats, water taxis, tuk- tuks and cyclos that can all be experienced in one visit to Cambodia. From a local perspective, we have an amazing array of experiences all in one place when conferencing in Cape Town. A central professional property like the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Cape Town can add excursions to experience the spectacular views and drives, beautiful beaches, tranquil winelands and world wonder ‘Table Mountain’ itself, to any conference or event. Cape Town has proved to be the best place in the world to extend what is often a boring ‘squeezed into a couple of days’ conference to a ‘great getaway experience.’
We hope these four fantastic fresh conferencing ideas for 2018 have whet your appetite to try something new and get your new events season off to a great start. Remember that The Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Cape Town has an experienced, innovative ‘Meetings and Events’ teams that can assist not only with ensuring seamless, expertly run conferences, but give you great ideas to help you create something different and unforgettable.
