Invitations to corporate events are an occupational hazard for anyone who`s managed to claw their way up the food chain to an office with matching sofas and a round table. It`s not uncommon for executives and politicians, not to mention journalists and media buyers, to attend an average of three work-related functions a week. So, as a host, how do you rise above the noise?

Finding the perfect venue to support your brand image is an art form. It requires imagination and courage to swap the comfort of a bland, if professional, banqueting department for an untried space where the potential for disaster can reduce experienced event coordinators to nail-biting neurotics.

The regeneration of the Johannesburg CBD has unearthed some glorious venues that, with a bit of vision, a lot of planning and a generous swig of Rescue Remedy, will set your next corporate function apart. We love: