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How today’s conferences are getting smarter, healthier and more human - By Dominique van Wezop, General Manager at Radisson Hotel OR Tambo

As more companies return to in-person gatherings, the expectations have shifted. It’s no longer just about finding a venue with enough chairs. It’s about creating an environment that fuels connection, creativity, and clarity. That means rethinking everything – from sustainability to snacks.

Green is the new standard

Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s a business imperative. Forward-thinking event organisers are scrutinising everything from how venues manage waste, to whether the coffee is ethically sourced.

“Sustainability is something guests ask about more and more,” says Dominique van Wezop, General Manager at Radisson Hotel OR Tambo. “It’s not just about the venue using less water or electricity. It’s about making meaningful choices – from digital agendas that replace printed programmes, to decor that supports local artisans.”

In many leading venues, conference rooms are powered by energy-efficient systems, and breakaway snacks are served in compostable packaging or reusable containers. It’s a new chapter in conferencing – one that respects both the budget and the planet.

Fuel the brain, feed the body

You can’t expect a team to innovate after a lunch of deep-fried finger foods and fizzy drinks. Today’s conference catering is about balance – offering brain food that sustains attention without causing the dreaded afternoon slump.

“Healthy eating has become a big part of our event planning,” van Wezop explains. “We’re talking colourful, seasonal dishes that are light but satisfying. Think grilled veggies, lean proteins, fresh fruit platters, and a few indulgences that don’t knock you out.”

Menus are no longer an afterthought – they’re curated to suit energy levels, accommodate dietary needs, and inspire guests to keep the conversation going. Whether it’s ginger shots at morning registration or a plant-forward lunch spread, good food keeps good ideas flowing.

Breakaway spaces = breakthrough moments

Innovation doesn’t always happen around a boardroom table. Sometimes the best ideas emerge over a casual chat with a cup of tea or a quick brainstorm at a standing table with a view.

That’s why flexibility is everything in modern conferencing. It’s not just about one big space – it’s about the ability to break into smaller rooms, have quiet corners for private conversations, or step into a garden courtyard for a reset.

“We’ve seen an increase in demand for breakaway rooms,” says van Wezop. “Teams want to break into smaller groups to solve real challenges or use quiet zones to reflect. It’s about supporting different ways of thinking – and making the experience more personal.”

The airport advantage – minus the chaos

Let’s not forget the importance of location. Being able to fly in for a meeting, connect with your team, and fly out without battling city traffic has become a game-changer for many businesses.

Having conferencing facilities just minutes from OR Tambo International Airport means less time in-transit and more time where it matters – whether that’s closing a deal or sharing a meal.

van Wezop adds, “We’re also seeing more demand for quick-turn meetings – teams that fly in for the day, have a high-impact session, and are back home by dinner. It’s proof that meetings don’t have to mean disruption – they can be efficient, energising, and even enjoyable.”

From obligation to opportunity

Ultimately, the modern meeting isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s an opportunity to connect, to inspire, to spark something new. When you pair thoughtful planning with flexible spaces and a touch of humanity, even the most routine check-in can turn into a breakthrough moment.

Because meetings don’t have to be boring. Conferences don’t have to be wasteful. Work doesn’t have to feel like work – especially when the right space does half the heavy lifting.