What to Look For in a Conference Venue

Once you've decided that you're going to run a conference off-site, you may be flummoxed by what you should actually be looking for in a potential venue. It's easy to become dazzled by a low price or seemingly snazzy interior, but don't forget to read the small prints to ensure you're getting the best of everything. After all, the location of your conference can make or break it. Before you even start looking for a venue, make a checklist of everything you need and expect from the site. If you're not sure what makes a facility a great location for your event, here are a few things you should always be on the lookout for in a conference venue.
All Inclusive
All inclusive venues like Wyboston Lakes are a must if you want to ensure your event wows attendees. These purpose-built sites make planning a conference simple and stress-free, with a team of experts there to guide you on all matters from decorating to technology. What's more, you won't suddenly be met with hidden costs and you get the opportunity to create a bespoke event. Worried about unforeseen disasters? Don't be, because an all inclusive venue will give you a team to take control and manage any problem that arises.

 Size
When it comes to a conference, size matters. Before you start looking for a site you need to have a clear idea about how many will be attending the event, your budget, what atmosphere you want to create and how much room you'll need to complete any activities, such as team building exercises. A small conference venue is great for an intimate, inclusive event, but a larger space will often give off a professional feel. However, you need to remember that no conference will look good if it appears half empty, so don't get a large room if you won't need it.

Location
It might sound simple, but location should be one of your first considerations. After all, if your attendees are based in Manchester, for example, there would be no point hosting the event in Leeds. Similarly, if guests are located nationwide, you'll need an easily accessible site. Locations can also affect the mood of a conference. A crowded civic site near a busy road is likely to inspire feelings of stress and chaos, whereas slightly rural spots are known for cultivating relaxation and creativity among guests.

On-site technology
When you're holding a conference, the last thing you'll want to do is lug computers and AV equipment across the length and breadth of the country. Consequently, you should be on the lookout for a venue that comes with state of the art equipment, including throw projector, wireless presentation technology direct from your Apple device, a Blu-ray player, and plasma screens.

Extras
To take a conference from good to great, you really need to consider what extras are on offer. This includes catering, Wi-Fi, hotel facilities, gym, spa, restaurant and bar. If your event lasts more than a day, these facilities are integral. Not only will attendees not want to have to find their own off-site accommodation, they'll also need their stay to be as comfortable as possible so they can relax between events. The more people can do onsite, the more engaged they are likely to be, as their minds won't be wandering off elsewhere. After all, no information will go in if attendees are thinking about where they're going to get lunch.

image credit: images are obtained from Wyboston Lake