subject: How To Find A Great Conference Venue For Team Building [print this page] Most businesses each year plan business conference meetings to educate, motivate and engage staff. An important aspect of these types of events is teambuilding. Some businesses can afford to fly staff to resorts and hotels, while others have budget for a motel with a conference center. There are a number of important points to consider when you are investigating options and locations. We have recommended five tips to consider when looking for the right business conference venue.
1. Seating Design
No matter the size of the group attending, you need to ensure that the room layout is sufficient to comfortably seat everyone. Dependent on your business agenda, there are several seating arrangements to consider in relation to the size of the conference facility. Classroom style, for example, includes attendees seated at desks and facing the front of the room, this can be a preferred option if your meeting involves taking notes and watching screen presentations. Alternatively, if your meeting involves discussion and interaction with all members, a boardroom or U-shape style may be more appropriate.
2. Included Features and On-Site Equipment
Look for conference facilities that provide all the essential meeting requirements including: set up fee, tea, coffee, water, juice and mints, high-speed wireless internet, TVs, DVD, portable whiteboard with markers, presentation screens, flipchart, pens and pads. Double check the set up is included - arranging to setup such equipment and room features can be time consuming and frustrating. You can expect to pay an additional cost for particular equipment such as: over-head projectors, widescreen televisions and electronic whiteboards.
3. Lighting
An often overlooked area when booking a conference facility is the use of lighting. Finding a venue that allows for the room to be darkened if needed, but also makes use of natural light is ideal. Artificially lighting and no, or limited, natural light can be quite harsh on participants eyes during the day.
4. Presentation/Speaking Areas
If your meeting agenda involves people getting up and making presentations, ensure the conference facility includes a standing area, where all members can easily view and hear the speaker. If you are booking a large room it is suggested you include a microphone so that all members can easily hear what is being said just make sure that you test the audio equipment prior to the meeting. Make sure there are no obstacles such as plants or cords in the way of the speakers path to the standing area.
5. An Outdoor Refreshment Area
Business meetings demand much attention and energy from both the presenters and attendees. Look for a conference facility with a private outdoor area. The option to get some fresh air and stretch the limbs during meeting intervals can have a positive effect on the remainder of the business meeting.
With these considerations top of mind, you will be on your way to finding the perfect conference venue for your next team building event. New Zealand has many popular locations that are well equipped for conferences and events, including Taupo, Queenstown and Auckland. One of the most popular New Zealand destinations for these events is Taupo. With a fantastic array of recreational attractions and stunning lakeside and mountain views, Taupos central location makes it a great spot for business meetings. You can include challenging activities such as tandem skydoving, bungy jumping and white water rafting which will bring your team together in a way they will never forget.
The success of these meetings can often be a result of having found the perfect conference facility. Taupo boasts many motel establishments with professional conference room facilities, you can easily review your options online.