Egypt Business Network
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Dr. Nilgün Birgören Premium Member Group moderatorThe company name is only visible to registered members.For your next conference ..
Pulling off a successful business conference or annual general meeting can be a daunting task. Like real-estate, the three most important words are often location, location, location; the right environment can produce relationships that last a career. Sure, there are the standard luxury hotels that can host you and your troops, but if it’s that creative spark you’re seeking, go outside the box. That’s where Business Today comes in; we’ve pounded the pavement to bring you five top spots sure to infuse some life into your next company gathering.
*Cairo Tower
What Sets it Apart: One hundred eighty seven meters high if you measure from the top, Nasser’s 1961 landmark is the tallest structure in the city, and underwent a major renovation in 2009. It’s now open for business events, which can be booked in its conference hall or any of the three restaurants floating above the chaos below. The prizewinner here is the revolving 360-degree restaurant, which boasts the best views of the city and can be booked in its entirety.
Capacity: The Tower is best for mid-sized events and can accommodate up to 100 guests in the conference hall. The space can be arranged to suit your needs from a theater-style to a U-shaped setup. There’s not enough room to serve more than refreshments in the conference hall, but the adjoining restaurants should be able to satisfy even the pickiest palates.
IT and Special Facilities: While Cairo Tower doesn’t have audio-visual equipment on hand, it can get them for you (at additional cost). Contact management and relay your needs; they’ll take care of the rest.
Cost: The conference hall can be yours for the day for LE 1,500, while the price for the restaurants vary depending on the menu.
Zamalek, right before Gezirah ClubTel: +2 (02) 273-65112
info@cairotower.net
*Seasons Resort and Country Club
What Sets it Apart: The eight acres of lush gardens with stellar views of the Pyramids make this a serene destination for a business event. Getting the group outside of the city can do wonders. The staff at Seasons is also versed in team-building events, having organized for local giants like HP and Vodafone. So if it’s fresh air and fresh perspectives you’re after, you’ll find it here. In-house catering has rightfully earned a savory reputation.
Capacity: Seasons can accommodate groups of up to 2,000, but don’t shy away if you’re planning for just a fraction of that.
IT and Special Facilities: Seasons doesn’t stray too far from the basics, with a hall that seats 90 people equipped with a projector and flip charts.
Cost: Rates vary depending on needs, but LE 5,000 gets you unfettered access to one of the gardens. If you’re looking to use the hall, it’ll cost LE 750 to book for the day.
Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road. Take a right off the main road five minutes before Oasis Hotel and Garrana CompoundTel: +2 (010) 342-4226
administration@seasonscountryclub.com
*Abercrombie and Kent Nile Boats
What Sets it Apart: It’s not often that one has the chance to hold a legitimate business gathering while floating down the world’s most famous river. But the Abercrombie and Kent fleet gives you just that option, with three five-star boats outfitted with everything from plush sleeping cabins and meeting rooms to swimming pools to accommodate your needs. Perfect for international clientele who want to mix business and pleasure, the boats run to private docks in Luxor and Aswan.
Capacity: The boats are best for more intimate business events. With 40 cabins on the Sunboat IV, you won’t want to bring more than 80 people, so gather your board of trustees and leave the associates at home.
IT and Special Facilities: A&K’s boats are equipped with wireless internet access, A/V equipment and projectors, but remember, this isn’t the Consumer Electronics Show, it’s the Nile.
Cost: The starting charter rate runs $16,720 (LE 91,960) per night.
5A Al Bustan St., 3rd Floor, Tahrir SquareTel: +2 (02) 2574-8335
Algamal@abercrombiekent.com.eg
*Smart Village
What Sets it Apart: The brains behind Smart Village had designs on becoming the city’s creative business nexus from the word “go.” To accomplish that, they’ve built what amounts to a business amusement park that covers three million square meters. The facility combines indoor and outdoor space, a man-made lake and a glass pyramid they like to call the Think Tank, which has not only meeting space, but also a café run by the crew from Crave restaurant.
Capacity: In many places it might not be true, but in the magical world of Smart Village, size doesn’t matter. Whether you’re hosting 10 or 1,000, you’re covered here. The auditorium can take up to 450 guests in theater-style seats and the surrounding area outside can be outfitted for excesses of 1,000. For smaller events, the Think Tank, restaurant and all, can also be yours.
IT and Special Facilities: Simultaneous translation cabins, wireless mics, state-of-the-art video, sound, projection, wireless internet: You name it — it’s here.
Cost: The indoor conference center goes for LE 20,000 per day, while the outdoor space is LE 40,000. The real steal here is the Think Tank, which will cost you only what you consume from the café.
Building B19, third floor, Smart Village CairoKm 28 Cairo-Alexandria Desert RoadTel: +2 (02) 3535-2000 conference.hall@smart-villages.com
*City Stars
What Sets it Apart: Egypt’s most famous mall was the largest in the Middle East until ski slopes and aquariums started sprouting up in Dubai. The eighth floor of the mall is a conference center run by the Intercontinental hotel. Above the glitz and bustle below, the conference center is as sleek and luxurious as the Gucci and Louis Vuitton handbags swinging on the arms in front of it. Lucky for you, it holds a bit more. Located between Heliopolis and Nasr City, its proximity to the airport makes it doubly appealing if you’re courting international clientele. Just make sure nobody is sneaking off to the multiplex during breaks.
Capacity: The conference center takes over an entire floor of one of the world’s largest malls, so this one is best for larger events. It can take 2,000 people with room to spare.
IT and Special Facilities: The Intercontinental has always had its act together and the conference center is decked out with all the cutting edge equipment you’ll need. From wifi to A/V gear, you’ll be plugged in at the top of the line.
Cost: The impression you’ll make with an event at City Stars doesn’t come without an equally breathtaking pricetag. LE 150,000 gets you a full day.
Ali Rashid Street, HeliopolisTel: +2(02) 24-800 100
mail@interconticitystars.com bt
- 02 May 2010, 4:50 pm
