Top 20 Conference Venues in Johannesburg (2026)

Johannesburg, South Africa’s bustling economic hub, is a premier destination for conferences, offering a diverse range of venues that cater to events of all sizes and budgets. From state-of-the-art convention centers in Sandton to boutique venues with lush gardens, the city blends modern facilities with accessibility and cultural charm. Johannesburg’s conference scene continues to thrive, supported by its proximity to O.R. Tambo International Airport and excellent transport links like the Gautrain.

This evergreen guide lists the top 20 conference venues in Johannesburg, detailing their facilities, capacities, and unique features. Whether you’re planning a corporate seminar, international summit, or team-building event, this article provides expert insights to help you choose the perfect venue, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience.

Top 20 Conference Venues in Johannesburg

1. Sandton Convention Centre

• Location: 161 Maude St, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196

• Capacity: Up to 10,000 delegates

• Facilities: 22,000m² of space, 12 multi-purpose venues, ballroom for 1,500 guests, advanced AV technology, secure parking.

• Why Choose: Located in Sandton’s financial hub, it’s ideal for large-scale conferences with easy access to hotels and the Gautrain.

• Contact: +27 11 779 0000, scc.co.za

2. Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC)

• Location: Nasrec Rd, Nasrec, Johannesburg, 2000

• Capacity: 20–20,000 delegates

• Facilities: 5 exhibition halls, lush garden spaces, 5-star catering, hybrid event platforms.

• Why Choose: Over 30 years of experience hosting large events, perfect for exhibitions and government functions.

• Contact: +27 11 494 1920, expocentre.co.za

3. Gallagher Convention Centre

• Location: 19 Richards Dr, Midrand, Johannesburg, 1685

• Capacity: Up to 12,000 delegates

• Facilities: 27 venues, 27,000m² exhibition space, 2 restaurants, professional event coordination.

• Why Choose: Situated between Johannesburg and Pretoria, it offers unmatched versatility for large conferences.

• Contact: +27 11 266 3000, gallagher.co.za

4. Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre

• Location: 14 View Point Rd, Boksburg, Johannesburg, 1459

• Capacity: 2–3,000 delegates

• Facilities: 60+ venues, 665 hotel rooms, creative dining options, free WiFi, AV equipment.

• Why Choose: Near O.R. Tambo Airport, it’s ideal for multi-day conferences with accommodation.

• Contact: +27 11 897 0000, birchwoodhotel.co.za

5. Emperors Palace Conference Centre

• Location: 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620

• Capacity: Up to 2,500 delegates

• Facilities: 29 venues, superior WiFi, complimentary airport shuttle, entertainment options.

• Why Choose: Adjacent to O.R. Tambo Airport, it combines business with leisure.

• Contact: +27 11 928 1000, emperorsplace.com

6. The Garden Venue

• Location: 308 Boundary Rd, North Riding, Johannesburg, 2169

• Capacity: 10–450 delegates

• Facilities: 12 premium venues, 3 hectares of gardens, thatched and modern halls, event coordinators.

• Why Choose: Award-winning venue with tranquil gardens, perfect for team-building and corporate events.

• Contact: +27 11 794 8220, thegardenvenue.co.za

7. Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre

• Location: William Nicol Dr, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055

• Capacity: 5–800 delegates

• Facilities: 20+ venues, auditorium, breakaway rooms, on-site AV technician, spa.

• Why Choose: Nestled in Fourways, it offers a serene setting with comprehensive facilities.

• Contact: +27 11 840 6600, indabahotel.co.za

8. The Wanderers Club

• Location: 21 North St, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196

• Capacity: Up to 1,000 delegates

• Facilities: Refurbished venues, banqueting services, free WiFi, adjacent Protea Hotel.

• Why Choose: Centrally located in Sandton, ideal for corporate functions with ample parking.

• Contact: +27 11 788 5010, thewanderersclub.co.za

9. Profound Conference Centre

• Location: 4 Margaret St, Bramley, Johannesburg, 2090

• Capacity: Up to 500 delegates

• Facilities: Auditorium, meeting rooms for 12–200, 24-hour access (Mon–Fri), catering.

• Why Choose: Versatile and accessible, great for workshops and product launches.

• Contact: +27 11 440 8880, profound-conference-centre.business.site

10. Campbell House

• Location: 36 Campbell Rd, Waverley, Johannesburg, 2090

• Capacity: Up to 200 delegates

• Facilities: Multiple rooms, beautiful garden for outdoor events, excellent service.

• Why Choose: Boutique venue near Sandton, perfect for intimate conferences.

• Contact: +27 11 440 1888, campbellhouse.co.za

11. Hilton Sandton

• Location: 138 Rivonia Rd, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196

• Capacity: Up to 1,000 delegates

• Facilities: 9 meeting rooms, grand ballroom, outdoor terrace, catering options.

• Why Choose: Located in Sandton’s business district, it offers luxury and convenience.

• Contact: +27 11 322 1888, hilton.com

12. ANEW Hotel Parktonian

• Location: 120 De Korte St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001

• Capacity: Up to 300 delegates

• Facilities: 8 versatile venues, Skylevel deck for networking, team-building options.

• Why Choose: Central Braamfontein location, ideal for corporate events.

• Contact: +27 11 403 5740, anewhotels.com

13. The Westcliff

• Location: 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg, 2193

• Capacity: Up to 200 delegates

• Facilities: Tailored venues, beautiful gardens, outdoor event spaces, luxury accommodation.

• Why Choose: Offers a prestigious setting with stunning city views.

• Contact: +27 11 481 6000, westcliff.co.za

14. African Pride Melrose Arch

• Location: 1 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2076

• Capacity: Up to 150 delegates

• Facilities: Naturally-lit atrium, executive meeting rooms, chic design.

• Why Choose: Stylish venue in the vibrant Melrose Arch precinct.

• Contact: +27 11 214 6666, marriott.com

15. InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport

• Location: O.R. Tambo Airport, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1627

• Capacity: Up to 80 delegates

• Facilities: Luxurious meeting rooms, tranquil setting, airport proximity.

• Why Choose: Perfect for fly-in, fly-out meetings and small conferences.

• Contact: +27 11 961 5400, ihg.com

16. The Peech

• Location: 61 North St, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2196

• Capacity: Up to 50 delegates

• Facilities: Boutique venues, personalized service, intimate meeting spaces.

• Why Choose: Ideal for exclusive executive meetings and small events.

• Contact: +27 11 537 9797, thepeech.co.za

17. Gold Reef City Conference Centre

• Location: Northern Parkway, Ormonde, Johannesburg, 2091

• Capacity: 10–400 delegates

• Facilities: 3 venues, 4D immersive theatre, theme park entertainment.

• Why Choose: Unique historical setting with post-conference leisure options.

• Contact: +27 11 248 5000, tsogosun.com

18. Little Tuscany Boutique Hotel

• Location: 48 Queens Rd, Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2191

• Capacity: Up to 80 delegates

• Facilities: 3 fully-equipped conference rooms, 24-hour security, restaurant.

• Why Choose: Luxurious and central, great for productive meetings.

• Contact: +27 11 706 8206, littletuscany.co.za

19. Braamfontein Conference & Recreation Centre

• Location: 70 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001

• Capacity: Up to 200 delegates

• Facilities: Affordable spaces for seminars, exhibitions, weddings.

• Why Choose: Budget-friendly venue in a vibrant urban area.

• Contact: +27 11 403 3140, joburg.co.za

20. The Northcliff Boutique Hotel

• Location: 10 Solution Cl, Northcliff, Johannesburg, 2195

• Capacity: Up to 100 delegates

• Facilities: Tranquil setting, panoramic views, modern conference rooms.

• Why Choose: Offers a serene escape with stunning hilltop views.

• Contact: +27 11 476 5400, thenorthcliff.co.za

Why Johannesburg Excels for Conferences

Johannesburg’s status as Africa’s economic powerhouse makes it a top choice for conferences. With over 1,000 events hosted annually at venues like the Johannesburg Expo Centre, the city offers unmatched infrastructure. Its proximity to O.R. Tambo International Airport (20–30 minutes from most venues) and connectivity via the Gautrain ensure easy access for international delegates. Venues range from large-scale centers like Sandton Convention Centre to boutique options like The Peech, catering to diverse needs. In 2025, the city expects to host over 100 international conferences, reinforcing its global appeal.

Key Features to Look for in a Conference Venue

When selecting a venue, consider these factors:

• Capacity and Flexibility: Ensure the venue accommodates your delegate count and offers configurable spaces (e.g., Gallagher’s 27 venues).

• Technology: Look for reliable WiFi, AV equipment, and hybrid event capabilities (e.g., Emperors Palace).

• Accessibility: Proximity to airports, highways, or Gautrain stations is crucial (e.g., Birchwood’s airport shuttle).

• Catering and Amenities: On-site dining, breakout areas, and accommodation enhance delegate experience (e.g., The Garden Venue’s gardens).

• Event Support: Professional coordinators and technical staff ensure smooth execution (e.g., Indaba’s on-site AV team).

Tips for Planning a Successful Conference

1. Book Early: Popular venues like Sandton Convention Centre are reserved months in advance. Contact venues directly or use platforms like MeetingsBooker.com.

2. Visit the Venue: Inspect facilities to confirm they meet your needs, as The Garden Venue encourages.

3. Leverage Event Coordinators: Many venues, like The Wanderers Club, offer dedicated planners to streamline logistics.

4. Consider Hybrid Options: Venues like The Focus Rooms provide video conferencing for remote attendees.

5. Budget Wisely: Registration fees range from $200–$1,000, with hotels costing $80–$200 per night.

Accommodation Near Conference Venues

Most venues offer on-site or nearby accommodation:

• Sandton: Hilton Sandton and Radisson Blu Gautrain (5-minute walk from Sandton Convention Centre).

• Airport Area: InterContinental O.R. Tambo and Emperors Palace (complimentary shuttles).

• Fourways: Indaba Hotel and The Langhams Lifestyle Estate (on-site rooms).

• Midrand: Gallagher Convention Centre partners with nearby hotels like Premier Hotel Midrand.

Accessibility and Transport

Johannesburg’s venues are well-connected:

• Gautrain: Links O.R. Tambo Airport to Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria, with bus routes to venues like The Wanderers Club.

• Shuttles: Birchwood and Emperors Palace offer free airport transfers.

• Parking: Most venues, including JEC and Profound, provide ample secure parking.

• Highways: Major venues are near the M1 and N1, ensuring easy access.

FAQs About Conference Venues in Johannesburg

What is the largest conference venue in Johannesburg?

The Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) can host up to 20,000 delegates, making it the largest.

Are there budget-friendly conference venues in Johannesburg?

Yes, venues like Braamfontein Conference & Recreation Centre offer affordable spaces for small to medium events.

Which venues are best for hybrid events?

The Focus Rooms and Emperors Palace provide advanced video conferencing and hybrid solutions.

How far are venues from O.R. Tambo Airport?

Most are 20–30 minutes away, with Birchwood and InterContinental being the closest (5–10 minutes).

Do venues offer catering and accommodation?

Yes, venues like The Garden Venue and Birchwood provide catering, while many partner with on-site or nearby hotels.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 20 conference venues offer unmatched diversity, from the expansive Sandton Convention Centre to the boutique charm of The Peech. With cutting-edge facilities, strategic locations, and professional support, these venues cater to every event type, ensuring success now and in the future. Plan ahead, leverage on-site coordinators, and choose a venue that aligns with your goals to create a memorable and impactful conference in the heart of South Africa’s vibrant metropolis.