Venue Types

Question 1

5 types of meeting venues

Answer 1

Hotels

Purpose-built conference and convention centers (non-residential)

Conference and training centers (residential and non-residential)

Academic venues

Unusual and multi-purpose venues

Question 2

Hotels advantages

Answer 2

Great selection

Varying sizes depending on meeting needs

Plenary & breakout rooms

Catering onsite - good quality

Pre-function space

Accommodation onsite

Leisure facilities

Question 3

Hotels challenges

Answer 3

Not dedicated conference space

Dual use for banqueting etc

Near kitchens

Lacking necessary meeting equipment

Conflicting meetings

Cookie cutter experience - same old same old

Question 4

Convention centers: Advantages

Answer 4

Purpose built

Greater choice in continental Europe, Asia & America for larger conferences

Have large, flexible space; host trade shows; meetings and banquets

Fully equipped in terms of AV & technology

Space - easy flow/movement of delegates

Expertise

Built in interpretation booths

Question 5

Conference centers: disadvantages

Answer 5

Expensive

Lack of availability due to longer booking window

Lack of flexibility

No accommodation onsite

Utilitarian “cold” atmosphere

Question 6

Academic venues: Advantages

Answer 6

Lecture theatres

Modern

Equipped with technology

Accommodation onsite

Academic environment

Campus amenities such as coffee shops, leisure facilities

Reasonably priced

Question 7

Academic venues: disadvantages

Answer 7

Quality of housing, food and meeting space not as high as hotel or conference center

Seasonality

Lack of availability

Uncomfortable furniture

Question 8

Conference and training centers: advantages

Answer 8

Private

Industry specific

Luxury

Recreational activities

Question 9

Conference and training centers: disadvantages

Answer 9

Can be expensive

Lack of availability due to longer booking window

Limited in terms of capacity

May be restrictions on use of space

Question 10

Unusual venue examples

Answer 10

Sports stadia
Airport hangers
Cruise ships
Ships- Sturgeon in London
Castles
Parks and nature preserves
Tented parking lots

Question 11

Unusual venues: disadvantages

Answer 11

Weather
Permits/licencing
Security/privacy
Restrooms/trash removal
Accessibility
Catering issues

Question 12

Type of meeting rooms are selected is based on:

Answer 12

Meeting objectives
Types of event
Capacity required
Physical factor
Psychological Factors

Question 13

Set up considerations

Answer 13

Furniture requirements
Movement of attendees
Degree of participation involvement
Group dynamics
Technological requirements
Visibility issues
Level of speakers/environment
Lighting
Formal or informal meeting style

Question 14

Most popular meeting room set ups/layouts

Answer 14

Theatre style
Classroom style
U-shaped
Round table
Cabaret
Learning circle

Question 15

Theatre style strengths and weaknesses

Answer 15

Good for large groups where reading and writing are not required

Focal point is speaker, stage is necessary particularly for large groups

No writing surface or area for handout materials

Question 16

Classroom style strengths and weaknesses

Answer 16

Attentedees in rows facing speakers with a surface for taking notes

Most comfortable for long sessions

Most used for lecture-formatted meetings

Minimal interaction between participants and participants only see each others backs

Question 17

Roundtable style strengths and weaknesses

Answer 17

Ideal for participation and group discussion

Allows attendees at the table to see one another improving interpersonal communication

Food can also be served more easily and with less disruption

Question 18

Cabaret style strengths and weaknesses

Answer 18

No chairs on side closest to speaker

Improves on classroom style

Quick turnaround for F&B as the table are already in the room