Things to do
Conference tourism in Vrnjačka Banja
Vrnjačka Banja is one of Serbia's leading places for conferences, seminars and professional meetings, hosting around two hundred a year. The reason is simple: large hotels with meeting rooms, thousands of beds nearby, and plenty to do in free time that delegates actually enjoy.
Capacity
The larger hotels have several rooms of different sizes: banquet halls, glass halls, day rooms and smaller meeting rooms for twenty, fifty and up to several hundred people. The biggest halls, such as the roughly 500 m² conference hall at Hotel Fontana, can be divided into several independent spaces. For large events, the Cultural Centre's facilities are used as well.
The spa is also home to the Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism, which brings a steady stream of tourism and hospitality conferences and a good local pool of trained staff.
What to ask the hotel for
- A written quote with the room price per day and per half day.
- Equipment included in the price: projector, screen, sound system, microphones, wireless internet.
- The number and length of coffee breaks and what is served.
- Full or half board for delegates, and a price for those not staying overnight.
- Cancellation terms and the deadline for final numbers.
- Transport: some hotels offer transfers around the spa for delegates.
An overview of hotel types and what to look out for is in our guide to hotels in Vrnjačka Banja.
When the hotel isn't big enough
At larger events some delegates won't fit in the host hotel. Nearby hotels and private apartments then take the overflow, with delegates walking to the venue. If you are planning that kind of mix, draw up a list of accommodation within walking distance in advance and agree a fixed rate for your delegates. You'll find typical private accommodation prices on our page about accommodation prices in Vrnjačka Banja.
Things to do after hours
The spa works as a conference destination partly because people like coming: after the working sessions there are walks around the springs, wellness, dinners in traditional restaurants and, in summer, concerts on the promenade. For teams wanting an activity alongside a seminar, tournaments on the pitches and trips up Goč are popular; the options are described on our page about sport and recreation in the spa.
Timing
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the main conference seasons. Summer is harder because of tourists and higher prices, and December because of the holidays. For events of a hundred or more delegates, book the venue and accommodation at least three to six months ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How big are the meeting rooms in Vrnjačka Banja?
From small rooms for about twenty people to large conference halls for several hundred. Some halls can be split into several independent spaces, so one hotel can run a plenary and workshops at the same time.
When is the best time to hold an event in Vrnjačka Banja?
Spring and autumn. Rooms and accommodation are easier to get and cheaper than in July and August, and the weather is still pleasant for outdoor activities.
What is usually included in a conference package?
Room hire with a projector, screen and sound system, wireless internet, coffee breaks, and full or half board for delegates. Ask whether technical support is included and whether flip charts and microphones cost extra.