Durban, South Africa, pulsates with energy. Golden beaches, vibrant culture, and a booming economy make it a top destination for both leisure and business travel. But what if you could seamlessly blend your conference with the city’s stunning scenery, creating an unforgettable experience for your delegates?
At BW Productions, we specialize in crafting exceptional events in Durban and beyond. We understand the power of a well-chosen venue, and when it comes to conferences, location isn’t just about convenience; it’s about inspiration. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 8 conference facilities in Durban that boast not only top-notch amenities but also breathtaking views and unique locations.
Whether you envision your delegates brainstorming amidst ocean vistas, networking under the African sky, or collaborating in a lush garden setting, this list has something for everyone. Get ready to discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks that will transform your conference from ordinary to extraordinary.
So buckle up and prepare to be amazed! In this blog post, we’ll delve into each venue, highlighting its unique selling points, capacity, and unforgettable views that will leave your delegates speechless. We’ll also provide valuable insights to help you choose the perfect fit for your specific needs and budget.
Remember, a conference venue isn’t just a space; it’s an opportunity to elevate your event and leave a lasting impression. Let’s explore Durban’s hidden gems and find the perfect setting for your next conference!
Durban Fun Facts
The 8 Best Conference Facilities in Durban
Now that you have learned a bit about us and our services, let us show you the eight best conference facilities in Durban that we recommend for your event. These venues are not only well-equipped and comfortable but also offer a unique and memorable experience for your delegates and guests.
You will discover how these venues can enhance your conference theme, agenda, and objectives, and how they can cater to your specific requirements and preferences. Here are the eight best conference facilities in Durban:
Olive Convention Center
Location & Beauty
The Olive Convention Centre is strategically located in the heart of Durban, a vibrant multicultural city on South Africa’s east coast. Nestled within the Golden Mile, the venue is within walking distance of major hotels, restaurants, beaches, and tourist attractions, making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure trips.
Space for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Functions
The Olive Convention Center boasts over 10,000 square meters of event space, comprising four large multi-purpose halls, ten meeting rooms, and five boardrooms. The venue’s versatility, flexibility, and professionalism make it an event organizer’s dream, capable of hosting a wide range of events, including large conferences, meetings, indoor sports, exhibitions, banquets, and live shows.
Guest Capacity
The venue can accommodate a multitude of events, with a delegate capacity ranging from 30 to 1950, making it the second-largest convention and exhibition center in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Conferencing Facilities
The Olive Convention Center offers practical, user-friendly, and technologically advanced facilities. The venue’s technical offerings include wireless high-speed internet connectivity, adaptable audio-visual and lighting services, and video recording with live streaming capabilities. A permanent standby generator ensures seamless operation in the event of power loss.
Accessibility & Parking
The venue’s strategic location is a 30-minute drive from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, ensuring easy accessibility for delegates. Secure onsite parking is also provided for the convenience of guests.
Other Amenities
The Olive Convention Center is proud of its green building initiatives, which include energy-efficient lighting, the recycling of rainwater for non-potable use, and timers for high-voltage operational equipment.
In-house services include food and beverage, health and safety services, and backup power. The venue also offers competitive rates for all products and services, with the flexibility to tailor-make packages that best suit price guidelines.
Coastlands Musgrave Hotel
Location & Beauty
Coastlands Musgrave Hotel is a four-star hotel located on the ridge of Musgrave’s popular Peter Mokaba Ridge Road in Durban, South Africa. The hotel offers beautiful views of Durban, the Indian Ocean, and Durban Harbor. The modern, boutique-style hotel boasts 101 bedrooms, each elegantly decorated with a balcony overlooking the surrounding area.
Space for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Functions
The hotel offers several conference and banqueting venues that cater to small, medium, and large functions. These conference rooms can be joined or subdivided into breakaway rooms. The hotel’s experienced banqueting team assists in planning and hosting conferences, company banquets, private functions, or weddings. The six-floor conference venues offer breathtaking views of Durban and the Indian Ocean, while conference rooms on the ground floor offer garden views of the property.
Guest Capacity
The hotel has a variety of rooms to accommodate guests. It boasts 58 standard rooms, 41 deluxe rooms, and 2 suites. Each room is air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a seating area, and a coffee maker.
Conferencing Facilities
The hotel’s conference facilities are designed to cater to a variety of events. The Ridge 1-4 conference room can accommodate up to 300 guests in a cinema-style seating arrangement, 250 guests in a schoolroom-style seating arrangement, and 250 guests for banqueting.
The Pearl Room and Ruby Room can each accommodate 25 guests for a conference, while the Sapphire Room can accommodate up to 1000 guests for a conference.
Accessibility & Parking
The hotel is conveniently located within a 35-minute drive of King Shaka International Airport and a 20-minute drive from Umhlanga. The hotel also offers self-parking for a surcharge and has limited parking spaces.
Other Amenities
In addition to its conference facilities, the hotel offers a variety of amenities for guests. It has a stylish ground-floor restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual but elegant environment. A coffee shop serves delectable cakes and desserts.
Guests can also relax on the outdoor terrace with a cocktail. The hotel’s spa provides facial therapies, body treatments, and head massages. There is also a golf course near the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is provided in all rooms and in some public areas.
Greyville Convention Centre
Location & Beauty
The Greyville Convention Center is located within the historically acclaimed Greyville Race Course in Durban, South Africa. This location is not only convenient but also adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the venue. The race course has been visited by many dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, further enhancing its prestige.
Space for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Functions
The convention center offers a multitude of venues, making it an ideal location for various events, such as corporate events, launches, and conferences. It has a variety of rooms, each with its own unique charm and capacity, catering to different event requirements.
Guest Capacity
The center can accommodate a varying number of guests, depending on the chosen venue. For instance, the Classic Room can host up to 250 guests, the Outer Room up to 200 guests, and the Palm Court between 400 and 500 guests.
The Sea Cottage can host up to 300 guests in banqueting style and 350 in cinema style. The Silver Ring, a large venue with no pillars to block views, can accommodate from 800 to 1000 guests.
Conferencing Facilities
The Greyville Convention Center is equipped with state-of-the-art conferencing facilities. Each room is designed to cater to different types of events and comes with its own unique features. For instance, the Saddlers Arms has a screen projector and strikes the perfect balance between work and a social atmosphere.
The Champions Room, with a full view of the race course, can accommodate 120 stands or 60 banquet tables. It is suitable for exhibitions or weddings and can accommodate 600 in the cinema or 500 in the theater.
Accessibility & Parking
The convention center is easily accessible, being located within the city of Durban. It also provides ample parking space for guests, ensuring convenience for all attendees.
Other Amenities
In addition to the above, the Greyville Convention Center offers a range of other amenities. These include a fully fitted dining area in the Saddler’s Arms and two amazing buffet stations in the Palm Court.
The Sea Cottage offers panoramic views of Durban’s skyline and access to the stands to watch the races, providing an amazing vantage point. The Silver Ring offers stunning Durban skyline views from a balcony running the length of the venue.
In conclusion, the Greyville Convention Center, with its historical significance, versatile spaces, and modern facilities, stands as an excellent choice for hosting a variety of events.
Pleasant Waters Lodge & Conference Venue
Location & Beauty
Pleasant Waters Lodge & Conference Venue is located on the Bluff, south of Durban, just 20 km from the city center. The lodge is set in lovely surroundings, making it a beautiful and serene location for conferences and corporate functions.
Space for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Functions
The venue includes conference facilities for up to 30 people. It is equipped with a large commercial-grade kitchen, making it ideal for hosting business events or group gatherings. The lodge caters primarily to groups or business guests with commitments in the area.
Guest Capacity
The lodge can accommodate up to 50 guests. The accommodation comprises one 4x bedroom 8 sleeper flat, one 3x bedroom 6 sleeper flat, four superior chalets, three standard chalets, and two budget dormitory units that can sleep 6–8 persons each. All units are self-contained with their own access, bathroom, and either a private kitchenette or a shared communal kitchen.
Conferencing Facilities
The conference facilities at Pleasant Waters are designed to cater to all types of business events. The venue includes fast Wi-Fi and various event seating configurations, making it a versatile space for meetings, workshops, seminars, and other corporate functions.
Accessibility & Parking
Pleasant Waters Lodge & Conference Venue is easily accessible, being just 20 km from the city center of Durban. There is ample off-street parking available for cars, trucks, work equipment, and trailers, ensuring convenience for all guests.
Other Amenities
All units at the lodge are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV with selected DStv channels, air conditioning (for superior chalets only), or a portable fan. The lodge also features a communal dining and social hall with a dartboard and snooker table, a social lounge, a swimming pool, and braai facilities in an entertainment area. Rooms are serviced daily and include linen.
Durban ICC
Location & Beauty
Located in the heart of Durban city center, the Durban ICC (International Convention Centre) is a versatile venue of incredible dimensions. The center is easily accessible, thanks to Durban’s well-established road infrastructure and the proximity of the ICC to most of the city’s major landmarks and tourist attractions.
Space for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Functions
The Durban ICC is a purpose-built, fully air-conditioned center with three interlinked but separate convention halls. The moveable walls allow for several different venue configurations, making it flexible enough to meet any need, big or small, no matter how extraordinary.
The center is capable of hosting international conventions, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts, or special occasions.
Guest Capacity
The Durban ICC can accommodate a wide range of guest capacities. As a stand-alone venue, it can accommodate 3,000 delegates cinema-style. For concerts, the venue can accommodate between 500 and 10,000 fans. For banquets, the center can handle everything from 50 to 4,000 guests in magnificent style and sophistication.
Conferencing Facilities
The Durban ICC offers a wide array of versatile and sophisticated meeting options to ensure your next conference is not only effective but truly remarkable. The center has 27 simultaneous meeting rooms with the capacity to host between 20 and 500 delegates and two plenary halls that can host between 1,300 and 1,900 delegates.
The center also offers 235 administration and country delegation offices, 800 computer internet stations, and 278 exhibition stands in the ICC exhibition center.
Accessibility & Parking
Thanks to Durban’s well-established road infrastructure and the proximity of the ICC to most of the city’s major landmarks and tourist attractions, getting to and from the center, whether by hire car or public transport, is easy and stress-free.
Other Amenities
The Durban ICC offers several additional amenities, including a large travel and accommodation desk and three banking facilities. The center also has a charter agreement with some hotels in the area to provide special conference rates and value-added services for association meetings.
In conclusion, the Durban ICC is a world-class venue that offers a comprehensive range of services for conferences and other events. Its strategic location, flexible spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal choice for any event.
DCC Conference Centre
Location & Beauty
The DCC Conference Centre is located at 39 Garth Rd., Mayville, Durban, 4093, South Africa. This prime location in the heart of Durban offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and coastal charm. The venue is part of the Durban Christian Center, a place known for its commitment to community service and spiritual enrichment.
Space for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Functions
The DCC Conference Center is a versatile venue that can accommodate a variety of events. It is an ideal choice for meetings, conferences, and corporate functions. The center offers a range of spaces to suit different event sizes and styles.
Guest Capacity
The DCC Conference Center has a substantial guest capacity. The Jesus Dome, the largest space, can accommodate up to 2800 guests. The Conference Center itself has a seating capacity of 1200, making it suitable for large conferences and corporate events. For smaller, more intimate gatherings, the Founders Chapel can seat up to 160 guests.
Conferencing Facilities
The DCC Conference Center is equipped with state-of-the-art conferencing facilities. These facilities are designed to ensure that every event runs smoothly and successfully. The center’s dedicated team is on hand to provide support and assistance, ensuring that all technical and logistical needs are met.
Accessibility & Parking
The DCC Conference Center is easily accessible, with a convenient location that is well served by public transport. The venue also offers ample parking for guests, making it a practical choice for events of all sizes.
Other Amenities
In addition to its conferencing facilities, the DCC Conference Center offers a range of other amenities. These include a variety of dining options and a range of services designed to enhance the experience of guests and event organizers alike.
In conclusion, the DCC Conference Center is a premier venue that combines a convenient location, versatile spaces, and top-notch facilities to provide an exceptional event experience.
The Station Urban Event Space
Location & Beauty
The Station Urban Event Space is a versatile and adaptable facility located in Durban, South Africa. It provides an ideal urban space for various events, with a central location that adds to its appeal.
Space for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Functions
The venue is flexible and can be tailored to suit a wide range of events, from conferences and staff functions to graduations, year-end parties, matric dances, team building, and even as an examination center. The main auditorium offers 1200 m2 of subdivided venue space, and there are also three breakaway rooms available.
Guest Capacity
The Station Urban Event Space can accommodate any event between 10 and 1300 people. The main auditorium has a maximum seating capacity of 1350.
Conferencing Facilities
The venue is fully air-conditioned and offers onsite audio-visual support, making it an excellent choice for conferences. The main auditorium and three breakaway rooms can be configured to best suit your event. Each breakaway room includes setup, clean-up, parking, security, audio-visual equipment, and seating.
Accessibility & Parking
The central location of the venue ensures easy accessibility. Ample parking is available for guests, adding to the convenience of hosting an event here.
Other Amenities
The Station Urban Event Space offers a variety of additional amenities to enhance your event experience. These include a large covered veranda, an onsite café for snacks, fresh meals, and refreshments, and an in-house catering department that can provide a variety of catering choices, from full-day conference packages to light refreshments, tailored to meet your budget and requirements. Café Salt is open daily to serve your guests barista-brewed coffee and freshly prepared meals. Discounts are available for monthly contracts and NGO/NPOs.
The Stamford Conference and Events Venue
Location & Beauty
The Stamford Conference and Events Venue is centrally located in Greyville, Durban, South Africa. This world-class self-catering event space and conference venue is situated in the heart of the beautiful city, offering a stylish setting for any event, ceremony, or conference.
Space for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Functions
The Stamford provides an elegant indoor area suitable for all types of wedding ceremonies, celebrations, conferences, and other similar events. The venue is a blank canvas, allowing clients to freely envision their specific event, from style to color to attendance and beyond. Whether it is a large conference or an intimate wedding, The Stamford is both spacious and accommodating.
Guest Capacity
The Stamford offers various seating arrangements to best suit your event:
Banquet Style: 250
Cinema Style: 300
Cocktail Style: 300
Classroom Style: 180
U-shaped Style: 80
Conferencing Facilities
Stamford’s newly renovated, open-plan space is fully equipped to cater to any needs, allowing the flexibility to create an event for any occasion. The venue is fully air-conditioned, ensuring guests remain as comfortable as possible regardless of the weather outside.
For catering needs, The Stamford offers both catering and self-catering options, including fridges and freezers for on-site catering. The venue also offers the use of 20 well-maintained and sizable banquet round tables.
Accessibility & Parking
The Stamford is easily accessible by public transport and offers secure underground parking with direct access to the venue, ensuring the smooth running of your event.
Other Amenities
The Stamford provides several other amenities to ensure a successful event. These include exclusive access to the venue, total privacy for your event, quiet, state-of-the-art air-conditioning and heating units for comfort, elegant and spotless restroom facilities, and the allowance for the use of outside catering services.
With its culture of simple elegance and professional flair, The Stamford ensures that your event will be an unforgettable experience.
Discover the Best Conference Venue for Yourself
To Conclude
From the panoramic sweep of the Indian Ocean to the verdant embrace of nature, Durban’s conference facilities offer more than just meeting spaces. They provide backdrops that inspire, invigorate, and leave a lasting impression on your delegates.
Whether you’re drawn to the iconic beachfront, the serene charm of botanical gardens, or the modern elegance of cityscapes, this list has unveiled a treasure trove of possibilities. Remember, choosing your venue is about more than just capacity and amenities; it’s about creating an experience that resonates and connects.
So, have you found the perfect setting for your next Durban conference? We understand the importance of making the right choice, and our team at BW Productions is here to help. With our extensive knowledge of Durban’s venues and expertise in event planning, we can guide you through every step, ensuring your conference is a resounding success.
Don’t let your next conference be just another meeting. Let it be an unforgettable experience. Contact BW Productions today to get started, and together, we’ll craft a conference that inspires, connects, and leaves your delegates breathless.
