With over 29,000 conference venues to choose from in the UK, venue managers are under pressure to differentiate their venue by giving delegates a memorable experience that they will not forget. The choice of venue will clearly depend on the kind of event you are hosting, but there are certain variables that are always considered before a decision is made.

Establishing the size of the conference will be the starting point when choosing a venue. Whether an AGM requiring a large lecture theatre or a small workshop needing a few meeting rooms, the space requirements of the event is often the first variable when it comes to a good conference venue. The size and accompanying needs of different conferences need to be dealt with in a bespoke manner.  

Another key variable for a good conference venue is location. As this exciting summer progresses and attracts visitors from across the world, a venue that can cater for an international as well as national and regional audience is becoming a key priority for some organisers. A conference venue that is easily accessible and in a prime location can often be a deciding factor, so good transport links are a necessity. To add to this, a venue needs to set the right tone for a conference to ensure that delegates leave with the right impression about the host.

 

An extra component that it is becoming increasingly essential for a good conference venue is technology. With the rise of the mobile workforce and the need to stay connected while on the move, the technology requirements for events and meetings have evolved. Video conferencing facilities and social media packages will most likely become a pre-requisite for organisers looking to extend the reach of their event to a wider audience. Coupled with this, robust WiFi throughout the venue can bolster this kind of offering.

A combination of these elements adds to a good conference venue because the needs of organisers are evolving. While each of these factors holds significant standalone importance, feedback from our own customers suggests that what really makes a difference is the service they receive from the moment of enquiry to the post–event follow up. In this fast-paced business environment, venues need to be able to provide for the extensive needs of organisers. By working in collaboration with the client at every stage, venues can match and exceed expectations down to every last detail, whether this be by creating a unique menu that matches dietary requirements; correct room specifications or a team of specialists to help with AV equipment.   

To add to this, a good conference venue will be flexible when it comes to service and transparent when it comes to price. A friendly team adds immense value to a venue as does a dedicated event manager who is aware of all that is required. Coupled with this, the reassurance that there will not be any hidden costs when it comes to making that final payment is key.

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Sean Spencer is venues and facilities manager at IET Venues