Boutique conferencing, a growing trend

Pretoria, South Africa, 30 July 2015 - The conferencing industry has become extremely competitive with many hotels offering facilities that can accommodate the growing demands of this specialised field.  Boutique conferencing has become increasingly popular as businesses are realising the value in personalised, intimate and private venues. 

“Conferencing is no longer about offering a large room, as it extends beyond that; it is about creating a sophisticated and contemporary environment, explains Paul Duverge General Manager of the five-star Menlyn Boutique Hotel.  Networking breaks are an important facet of conferencing and it is for this reason that venues are under pressure to provide private and relaxed environments where attendees can mingle.  “In my experience, it proves to be very difficult to confine groups at larger conference venues which has opened the landscape for boutique conferencing,” explains Duverge. 

What makes boutique conferencing unique is that it offers state of the art amenities with fully integrated and exclusive spaces enabling guests to circulate amongst one another.  “Creating a comfortable atmosphere is essential and at the Menlyn Boutique Hotel we aim to achieve this by providing delegates the opportunity to make use of the other areas that are available around the venue,” says Duverge. Another important aspect are organisations having their own privacy and not needing to share space with other companies.

Whilst the focal point of a conference is the business aspect, a large emphasis is placed on the culinary offerings and this is something that sets the Menlyn Boutique Hotel apart from competitors.  “As a boutique conference venue, we are proud to offer the very best in cuisine through The Black Bamboo, our signature five-star restaurant.  With a reputation of excellence, Head Chef of The Black Bamboo, Pellie Grobler is committed to working with companies to design menus that are of restaurant quality,” states Duverge. 

The boutique conference concept offers companies flexibility with a team of professionals that are dedicated to fulfilling the dynamic and specific needs of businesses.  Duverge advises, “Boutique conferencing is about tailor suiting packages, offering personalised care and attention to detail and at The Menlyn Boutique Hotel we have adopted this approach.”

With premium conference services and technology, it is easy to see why The Menlyn Boutique Hotel excels in the boutique conferencing sector.  “We are able to accommodate smaller groups to larger groups of up to 80 people and we pride ourselves in our quality service.  With a variety of interchangeable spaces, we are able to adjust this to suit a vast range of formats and needs, concludes Duverge.