Conference of the Month: Røde Kors Konferansesenter: Modern conference centre in the heart of Oslo

Røde Kors Konferansesenter offers a range of well-equipped and attractive meeting rooms for groups of different sizes. Booking an event here supports the humanitarian work of an organisation committed to helping people in crisis both in Norway and internationally.

With its central location in the heart of Oslo, Røde Kors Konferansesenter (the Red Cross Conference Centre) is easily accessible from most areas in Norway’s capital. The modern conference centre is located just a stone’s throw from bus and tram stops and less than 10 minutes from the Oslo Central Station, making it easy to get to for locals, commuters, and those travelling from further afield.

The centre offers several rooms of varying sizes and a high degree of flexibility, making it possible to tailor events to different requirements. Meetings and conferences can be arranged according to the needs and preferences of the customers; participants can gather in one room or split up into smaller meeting rooms, and there are several possibilities for room layout.

“We have broad experience in facilitating events and can adapt to the circumstances of each customer,” says conference manager Eystein Sæther. “We’re also aware that budgets can vary greatly, and many customers appreciate our guidance on running a successful event. In addition, we can advise on areas where it might be possible to make savings as we don’t want to upsell customers unnecessarily.”

Well-developed rooms and facilities

The centre’s seven modern meeting rooms are well-equipped, flexible and attractively designed. With comfortable seating and opportunities to change the room layout according to customer preferences, all types of meetings can be accommodated. Accessibility is key, and a recent refurbishment improved access for those with disabilities. The centre now has a platform lift and accessible toilets, and audio induction loops enable hearing aids to automatically connect to the system in almost all rooms.

The meeting rooms are all equipped with flatscreens, Wi-Fi connection and easy accessibility to Zoom/Teams, as well as high-tech audio and video equipment. The centre’s largest hall, named after Red Cross co-founder Henry Dunant, can seat up to 200 guests and features a state-of-the-art LED screen offering fantastic images and sound. “For an event to run smoothly, it’s crucial that the technology works seamlessly,” Sæther says.

Social spaces and refreshments

Alongside meeting rooms, there are several areas for socialising, relaxing or working. The spacious foyer provides great opportunities to mingle or catch up on emails in between meetings, and the charming courtyard has plenty of seating and is a perfect spot for enjoying some fresh air. The centre’s large dining hall and canteen serve a variety of fresh and delicious food, however groups of 40 people or more are requested to order meals in advance from an extensive menu.

The centre also offers a range of catering options. “In my experience, food and refreshments contribute to an enjoyable and productive conference,” says Sæther. A variety of snacks, drinks and meals can be provided for meetings and conferences of all sizes. Food can be pre-ordered from a comprehensive menu of nourishing, tasty options such as salads, baguettes, wraps, smoothies and baked goods. According to Sæther, a platter of fresh fruit is usually a welcome addition to a meeting room – though cake can also be a lovely treat after a successful day of meetings. Unlimited tea and coffee is included in the rental price, and several coffee machines are placed around the building.

Committed to sustainability

The Norwegian Red Cross supports the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and is Eco-Lighthouse certified. Every effort is made to ensure environmentally friendly practices are implemented across the organisation. The conference centre requests that anyone renting meeting rooms complies with guidelines aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the event, such as avoiding single-use products and sorting waste according to directions.

“As a Red Cross initiative, our daily operations reflect the values of the organisation. Sustainability is one of our key principles,” Sæther explains. “When a customer is planning an event here, we offer guidance on food allocation to avoid unnecessary waste. Sometimes there will be a surplus of food, in which case we try to have it redistributed by one of Oslo’s wonderful charities and non-profit organisations that work with disadvantaged people.”

Web: www.rodekors.no/om/kurs-og-konferansesenter