Travel Management
Published
8/23/24

How to choose the right conference room?

John Iversen
Growth Marketer

Choosing the ideal conference room is a crucial step in ensuring the success of any business event. Whether it's for a business meeting, seminar or training course, the right choice of venue can enhance the attendee experience, foster collaboration and maximize the impact of your event. In this article, we'll explore the key criteria to consider when selecting the perfect conference room, taking into account the specific needs of your company and your guests.

What is a conference room?

A conference room, or meeting room, is a space dedicated to meetings, seminars, training and other professional events. It is specially designed to accommodate groups of people, providing an environment conducive to communication, collaboration and decision-making. Equipped with modern technologies such as projectors, sound systems and internet connections, a conference room facilitates presentations and the exchange of ideas, just as a cinema can offer an immersive visual and sound experience. Its ergonomic layout and comfort are essential to guaranteeing an optimal experience for participants, thus promoting the productivity and efficiency of meetings.

What criteria should you take into account when choosing a conference room?

Location and accessibility

Location and accessibility are key criteria when choosing a conference room. It is essential to select a location that is easily accessible for all participants, whether they come by car, public transport or on foot. A central location, well served by transport networks, can considerably improve guest participation and punctuality.

In addition, proximity to facilities such as hotels, restaurants and parking lots can add significant value. Attendees coming from afar will appreciate the convenience of nearby accommodation, while the availability of restaurants and cafés can facilitate breaks and meals.

Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is also a crucial aspect. Make sure the conference room has ramps, elevators and adapted toilets to ensure that all participants can access the facilities without difficulty.

Capacity

Capacity is a key criterion when choosing a conference room. It's crucial to select a space that can comfortably accommodate all planned participants, without being oversized, by making a careful selection of suitable dimensions. A room that's too small can feel cramped and uncomfortable, while one that's too large can feel empty and lacking in intimacy.

When assessing capacity, it's important to take into account the type of event and the format of the planned activities. For example, a conference with presentations will require a theater-style layout, while an interactive workshop might call for round tables or modular spaces. Make sure the venue offers the flexibility to adapt the layout to the specific needs of your event.

It is also essential to consider local safety standards and regulations regarding maximum capacity. Respecting these rules not only guarantees the safety of participants, but also the legal conformity of the event.

And don't forget to allow extra space for breaks, informal discussions and networking activities. A well-sized conference room, with adequate seating capacity, helps create an atmosphere conducive to exchange and collaboration, maximizing the impact of your event.

Equipment and technologies

The equipment and technologies available in a conference room play a crucial role in the success of any business event. A well-equipped room facilitates presentations, improves communication and ensures a smooth experience for all participants.

First and foremost, a quality audiovisual system is essential. This includes high-definition projectors, large screens, quality microphones and speakers to ensure that all participants can see and hear presentations clearly. Video conferencing systems are also essential, especially as hybrid meetings become increasingly common.

Internet connectivity is another crucial aspect. A fast, reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential to enable participants to connect online, access digital resources and take part in real-time discussions. Make sure the room has enough access points to avoid network congestion.

Presentation equipment, such as interactive whiteboards and screen-sharing systems, can also enrich the seminar experience for participants, thanks to a careful selection of technological tools. These tools enable dynamic interaction and facilitate collaboration between participants.

Finally, it's important to check the availability of electrical outlets and USB ports so that attendees can recharge their devices. Well thought-out cable management solutions can also help maintain a tidy, functional workspace.

We'll tell you more about the equipment you need in the next section.

Additional services

The additional services offered by a conference room can greatly enrich the experience of participants and contribute to the success of your event. These services go beyond basic amenities and add significant value in terms of comfort, convenience and functionality.

First and foremost, the catering service is a major asset. Offering on-site coffee breaks, lunches or cocktail receptions saves time and keeps participants energized throughout the day. Make sure that the catering service can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and specific diets to satisfy all guests.

Secondly, the presence of dedicated support staff, including an experienced speaker, can make all the difference. An on-site event coordinator or technician can help quickly resolve any technical issues, manage logistical needs and ensure the smooth running of the event. Their expertise and responsiveness are invaluable assets in avoiding interruptions and unforeseen events.

Secretarial services, such as printing documents, managing registrations and providing office equipment, can also be very useful. These services enable organizers to concentrate on the content of the event rather than on administrative details.

What's more, some conference rooms offer simultaneous translation services, which is particularly beneficial for international or multilingual events. This ensures that all participants can follow and actively participate, regardless of the language spoken.

Finally, security and access management services may be required for large-scale or sensitive events. Ensuring the safety of participants and the confidentiality of shared information is paramount.

In short, the additional services offered by a conference room or meeting room can turn a good event into an exceptional experience, providing a level of comfort and support that allows participants to focus fully on the content and objectives of the meeting.

What equipment is essential in a conference room in 2024?

In 2024, the selection of essential equipment in a meeting room and boardroom reflects technological advances and growing needs for connectivity and interactivity. Here are the essential elements to consider:

  1. State-of-the-art audiovisual systems: High-definition projectors, large LED screens and superior sound systems are essential to ensure clear, engaging presentations. Wireless microphones and integrated loudspeakers ensure optimum sound diffusion.
  2. Videoconferencing technology: With the rise of hybrid meetings, advanced videoconferencing systems, including high-resolution cameras and online collaboration software, are essential to enable fluid interaction between present and remote participants.
  3. High-speed Internet connectivity: A fast, reliable Wi-Fi connection is crucial to enable participants to connect online, access digital resources and take part in real-time discussions without interruption.
  4. Interactive boards and touch screens: These tools facilitate collaboration and interactivity, enabling participants to share ideas, take notes and modify documents in real time.
  5. Wireless screen-sharing systems: These devices enable presenters to easily share their screen with the whole room, without having to worry about cables and physical connections.
  6. Power outlets and USB ports: Accessible charging points for laptops, tablets and smartphones are essential to keep participants connected and productive throughout the day.
  7. Cable management solutions: Well thought-out systems for organizing and concealing cables help maintain a tidy, professional workspace.
  8. Adaptable lighting: Modular lighting creates the right ambience for different activities, whether presentations, group discussions or individual work sessions.
  9. Centralized control systems: Intuitive control panels to manage lighting, temperature, audiovisual equipment and Internet connectivity enable simplified, efficient room management.
  10. Simultaneous translation technology: For international or multilingual events, simultaneous translation systems ensure that all participants can follow and actively participate, regardless of the language spoken.

By integrating this essential equipment, a meeting or conference room in 2024 can offer a modern, interactive and highly productive experience, just like a cinema in terms of immersion, whether for a professional meeting, workshop or seminar, meeting the expectations of the most demanding professionals.

How do you compare the costs and benefits of different conference rooms?

Comparing the costs and benefits of different conference rooms requires a thorough analysis to ensure you make the best choice for your specific needs. Here are some key steps to making this comparison effectively:

  1. Evaluate direct costs: Start by examining the rental rates for each conference room. Take into account hourly, daily or flat-rate charges, as well as additional costs for specific services such as catering, support staff or audiovisual equipment.
  2. Analyze indirect costs: Consider ancillary expenses such as transportation costs for participants, parking costs, and possible accommodation costs if participants come from far away. A well-located conference room can reduce these indirect costs.
  3. Examine the equipment included: Compare the equipment and technologies included in the rental price. A well-equipped conference room can justify a higher cost if it offers state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, high-speed internet connectivity, and interactive collaboration tools.
  4. Consider additional services: Evaluate proposed additional services, such as catering, support staff, secretarial services, and security. These services can add significant value and enhance the attendee experience, justifying a higher cost.
  5. Evaluate capacity: Make sure the conference room can comfortably accommodate all planned participants. A room that is too small or too large can affect the efficiency of the event and, consequently, its perceived value.
  6. Analyze location and accessibility: A central, easily accessible location can increase guest participation and satisfaction. Compare venues according to their proximity to public transport, hotels, restaurants and parking lots.
  7. Consider flexibility and modularity: Some venues offer modular configurations that can be adapted to different types of event. This flexibility can be a major advantage, especially if you're organizing a variety of events.
  8. Read reviews and testimonials: Consult online reviews and testimonials from other customers for information on service quality, staff responsiveness and overall experience. Feedback can help you assess the true value of each room.
  9. Calculate the return on investment (ROI): Finally, estimate the return on investment by considering the event's potential benefits, such as networking opportunities, productivity gains and positive impact on your company's image. A conference room offering excellent value for money may justify a higher initial cost.

By following these steps, you'll be able to objectively compare the costs and benefits of different conference rooms, and choose the one that offers the best balance between price and added value for your event.

More reads

See Fairjungle in action.

Take back control of your business travel! Discover the new-generation corporate travel agency.

Merci pour votre inscription !
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.