The MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry is one of the major drivers within the tourism industry and has experienced tremendous growth in the past years, and Africa has gradually begun to join the ranks of the world’s MICE superpowers.
From ultra-modern halls to scenic convention centers, and historical meeting spaces, you’ll find a venue as unique and amazing as your event in this continent. Babylonstoren is one such venue that boasts of world-class MICE facilities.
A bird’s-eye view of the farm
A historic Cape Dutch farm that boasts of one of the best preserved farmyards in the Cape (South Africa), Babylonstoren is barely a 40-minute drive from Cape Town. The best part about the venue is that it caters to all aspects of your events and not just the meeting itself, much like its neighbouring wineland of Paarl.
What makes Babylonstoren unique as a conference venue is the fact that you have everything you need in the same spot. From unique accommodation, to fine food and wine, a sense of well being and a place of inspiration, as the farm sits at the heart of the wine country with breathtaking backdrop of Simonsberg.
Babylonstoren provides two exclusive conference venues – the Wheat Barn and White Studio. The décor in both venues includes delft tables and chairs in the pre-drinks area, and carefully selected seasonal flowers, fruits, vegetables and blossoms from the garden. Both the venues have a PA sound system and microphones are made available for speeches, along with projector and screen, flip chart, small booklet with pencils.
A view of the kitchen, overlooking the gardens
The conference venues are reserved for one function at a time, thus giving guests an exclusive use of the areas around the venues. At R12,500 per day during high seasons, and R10,000 per day during low season, the venue is definitely a steal. Additionally, lunch at Babylonstoren’s ‘Harvest Table’ is a feast that celebrates the fruit and vegetable garden, which includes fresh-farm produce like fresh garden lettuce and garden crudité, freshly baked wood-fired oven bread, marinated olives, a selection of cheeses with seasonal preserves and a variety of charcuterie and garden chutneys, costing R 650 per person.
Lunch at the venue
Watch the video to get a glimpse into the beauty of this historic town.
Earlier in February this year, the African continent was abuzz with 13th edition of Meetings Africa hosted in Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The premier business event in the region gave a fascinating overview of MICE business opportunities in South Africa and the continent, and included exhibitor from over 21 African countries drawing more than 3000+ business delegates. The event was not only professionally organized, but the facilities were also world class and gave the business-world a real insight on how the continent is gearing up to increase MICE trade.
