State-of-the-art facilities

Formally opened on 15 November 2007, Wallenberg Conference Centre at STIAS provides modern facilities for researchers, as well as multipurpose conference venues that bring scholars, researchers, decision-makers and members of civil society together in a great variety of ways. The Centre provides venues and state-of-the art equipment for up to 300 conference guests at a time as well as breakaway rooms. The building’s sound proof Auditorium 1 offers an optimal situation for concentrated and undisturbed work, while its communal areas encourage optimal interaction for exchanging viewpoints and perspectives and to stimulate new thought. Air conditioning helps to make the building comfortable during all seasons, especially in the hot summer months.

The water wise garden is filled with hardy plants, indigenous to the Western Cape. Wherever you are in the Centre, those who work and visit there are constantly aware of the Jonkershoek Valley and the natural beauty surrounding them. The spacious south terrace overlooks the vineyard and the mountains beyond, and if you take a walk to the old Cape Victorian farmhouse, now STIAS Manor House, you’ll find the magnificent gardens with The Pieke in the distance.

The registration desk in the foyer of Wallenberg Conference Centre provides a full range of business services, including high-speed internet access, printing facilities, and a photocopy machine. Wireless internet is freely available. The registration desk is available to all function and conference organisers for the display of conference packages, registration data and general assistance to delegates.

The foyer with its majestic view of Stellenbosch Mountain and overlooking the vineyard is a perfect venue for cocktail functions. When Auditorium 1 and 2 is booked for conferences a buffet lunch or conference dinner is served here. Host your event in our auditoriums before treating guests to a good old South African braai (rain or sunshine) where guests can enjoy the patio weather permitting or experience the precious rain in the comfort of our spacious foyer.

Auditorium 1, with superb acoustics, modern technology, and state-of-the-art designed conference chairs fitted with writing tablets, provides an ideal venue for conferences, seminars and workshops. Auditorium 1 is fully air conditioned and designed to accommodate conferences in cinema style to a maximum of 110 guests, u-shape to a maximum of 34 guests and classroom style to a maximum of 70 guests, sized at 10m x 10m provides the following conference equipment:

Auditorium 2 offers spectacular views over Stellenbosch Mountain, the vineyard and terrace. This unique venue bathed with natural light is multi-functional, for events such as gala banquets, cocktails, conference dinners to conferences, seminars, launches, workshops, graduations, prize giving, celebration of life, or business meetings. The CATERING UNLIMITED, conference and event coordination team offer clients the opportunity to experience upmarket, high standard catering and organised events within spectacular architecture.

Auditorium 2, sized at 13m x 10m accommodates a maximum:

The fully air-conditioned Auditorium 2 offers the following standard equipment:

Two auditoria operating as one, with top-of-the-range technology and state-of-the-art designed chairs provide an ideal venue for large formal gatherings, conferences, award evenings or corporate gala dinners. Modern in style, fully carpeted and air-conditioned, Auditorium 1 & 2 provides endless opportunities.

Auditorium 1 & 2 sized at 20m x 13m, seat op to a maximum:

Standard equipment provided includes:

The breakaway room overlook the beautiful gardens of Wallenberg Conference Centre. The design of this room allows for natural light enhancement, with vertical blinds that facilitate total block-out if required. This spacious room accommodates 60 delegates, cinema style and 45 delegates classroom style. The room is sub-divisible, each room accommodating 18 delegates.  The air-conditioned, breakaway room offer the following standard equipment:

• Fitted white screen
• Portable data projector
• Connection to Data projector for laptop use, inter switchable
• Laser mouse / wireless presenter / clicker
• Flipchart stand with paper and pens
• White board on wheels with board brush and pens
• SA / European connections
• Wireless Internet connection
• Notepads and pens

The Boardroom with its fixed, rectangular boardroom table and glorious views, is ideal for up to 24 guests. The Boardroom offers a unique experience with unparalleled cuisine and exceptional service. A fine dining experience tailored to the specific needs of all individuals. This room is perfect for executive meetings as well as private breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The lounge is a distinguished area with modern interior, which also boasts a gas fireplace and leads out onto a terrace overlooking the beautiful Victorian STIAS Manor House and gardens. The Boardroom Foyer is a unique area and ideal for welcome drinks while waiting for important guests to arrive.

The fully air-conditioned Boardroom includes the following standard equipment:

• Sound system
• Portable white screen
• Portable data projector
• Flipchart stand with paper and pens
• White board on wheels with brush and pens
• Laser mouse / wireless presenter / clicker
• SA / European connections
• Wireless Internet connection
• Note pads and pens
• Lounge fabric conference chairs

The Patio has been strategically positioned in the middle of Wallenberg Conference Centre, where visiting conference delegates can relax outside overlooking the vineyard and Stellenbosch Mountain. Patio furniture and umbrellas are an invitation for guests to enjoy coffee breaks or lunch outside in the breath taking surroundings. Some conference groups prefer having their breakaway sessions outside in fresh air. Plan your next outside event with us and enjoy a spit braai or a good old traditional favourite South African braai. What’s better than a hot summer’s day and a relaxing braai. If you love nature, you will find it right here.

In the past, Mostertsdrift formed part of the Lanzerac wine farm in the Jonkershoek Valley. In line with the property’s close relationship with wine and the role of STIAS as promoter of innovative research, the idea was mooted to plant an experimental vineyard on the half-hectare plot on the southwest corner of the property. While the focus of much of the research at STIAS is on theoretical work, the vineyard’s efforts are directed towards hands-on experimentation. It also supplies STIAS with a ground breaking wine under the Institute’s own label, Aliquid Novi. Standing on the Patio, overlooking the vineyards in the centre of Stellenbosch is a privilege.

The garden is a celebration of colour, showcasing indigenous South African plants. Proteas, fynbos and a magnificent rose garden intermingled with streams and ponds and well laid pathways make for easy walking. A must-see for all delegates visiting STIAS. Guests enjoy casual strolls. Little things seem like nothing, but they give peace, like meadow flowers which individually seem odourless but all together perfume the air. The beautifully maintained garden gives joy to all.