Usually a fairly large venue, a conference centre often serves many delegates, perhaps up to a thousand businesspeople or sometimes more, depending on the event. It’s often difficult to leave our desks, computers and mobile phones in case that all important call or email arrives. Yet staff can be more productive if they’re not distracted by these things that can usually wait. A conference centre venue allows staff or managers to get away from the office environment and daily life and concentrate on a specific topic. It gives people the chance to integrate and work together to achieve a common goal. This may include workshops, presentations, seminars… whatever the style of event a conference centre is the perfect venue for a business meeting. Of course, it’s not just businesses that used conference centres, but this is the most common reason to rent one. Conferences can also cover all kinds of events from public to academic to conferences with exhibitions attached.
What makes a good conference centre? In addition to the work of the business running the conference, the management behind the scenes is what makes a truly successful conference. A good conference centre should be run by an experienced team of event managers, who work in the background to ensure the client has everything they need at the right time. The staff should be flexible and ready to listen to your requirements. Many conference venues will tailor your needs to the venue, as well as offer standard packages. If a meeting is running over and lunch has to be delayed this should be no problem. If the layout of the room needs to be changed to better suit the delegates or extra stationery or equipment is required at short notice the event manager should be able to take care of this. A successful conference should run seamlessly to project a professional image. Unfortunately, those niggling little hitches can occur – perhaps the room is a little too hot or the drinking water has run out.
Whatever the problem a good conference centre will have the staff on hand to fix things immediately. A good conference centre should also provide excellent facilities. These include state-of-the-art technology, good lighting, comfortable seating, and catering. These are the basics. It’s the extras that make a difference such as residential accommodation, décor, leisure activities, knowledge of local area and gifts for delegates. Conference centres can be located in the heart of the city or in the depth of the countryside. The more common choice for a venue that really ‘gets away from it all’ tend to be countryside venues with good access to transport links. A successful conference can be due to its location. The space to break, wander round beautiful gardens, take in views and relax for a while can rejuvenate the mind.
It’s important the venue doesn´t feel like a formal hotel, but more a home-from-home, where delegates staying overnight can relax and unwind after a day of presentations and networking with colleagues.Professional event managers, excellent technical facilities, a first class catering service and relaxing surroundings – these are the makings of a good conference venue.
