What makes a good conference venue?
The venue of your conference is the foundation of your event. It’s the building blocks that will structure your whole conference and shapes most of the other aspects, so it’s important to choose wisely. Our venue hire in Oxford is flexible and can cater to your specific needs. We’ve put together a handy guide on what to look out for in a good conference venue so you can ensure your event is a success.
Budget
The first and one of the most important things to look out for is the venues value for money. It’s not always about the cheapest option, you want to look for somewhere that’s going to give a lot back. A lot of places offer packages which include things like catering, so give yourself enough time to shop around and get quotes from different venues. This way you can ensure you’re getting the most for your money.
Staff friendliness
If you call different venues to discuss quotes and prices, you should be able to gauge their friendliness from the offset. Your conference will run a lot smoother with staff that are dedicated and helpful, so this is an important aspect.
Location
A conference in a manor house in the middle of nowhere would be lovely, but the likelihood of all the guests attending is slim. You want somewhere that’s central and easy to get to in order to increase your turn out. A venue close to the motorway with decent transport links is ideal and will make things a lot easier for guests.
Accommodation
If your conference is running for a few days, make sure there’s an accommodation option at your venue for maximum convenience. At Milton Hill, we have a range of comfortable, stylish rooms for you and your guests to relax after a big day. Our conference rooms are both modern and flexible and can be tailored to exactly what you need. If you’re looking for a great venue for your conference, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us today.
Evening Entertainment
If your guests will be staying for a couple of days, be aware that they are going to want some downtime in the evenings, after the conferences. Choose a venue that has easy access to shops, bars and restaurants to give people a chance to wind down. Not only does it benefit the attendees, but it also shows them that you have their best interests at heart, important if this is a networking event.
Technology
For a conference you’re going to want some of the obvious amenities like fast WIFI and updated AV technology. Also look out for other important things such as plugs for people to charge their laptops and phones during the talks, anything that’s going to create a convenient experience is key. If your conference involves lots of presentation, screens which are easily accessible will be crucial for you. Comfortable seats and good acoustics never go a miss so if you have the chance to check out the venues in person, do so.
Food and drink
The best way to keep people alert and entertained through a long conference is with refreshments. Choose a venue space that will be able to provide tea and coffee throughout and a little sandwich buffet for lunchtime is a nice touch. If not, ensure there’s somewhere nearby that’s easily accessible for your attendees to fill up.
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