About Meetings
Successful meetings are an integral part of doing business. Meetings help organizations of all shapes and sizes make important decisions, overcome challenges, and plan for the future. They’re also essential for building relationships and encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
However, planning an effective meeting is more challenging than you might think. Once you’ve put together an agenda and a list of attendees, you’ll also need to find the best meeting space near you with all the right amenities and equipment. Ensuring that the meeting runs smoothly is an essential skill too and is just one of many factors that can determine whether or not you achieve your goals.
The good news is that there are meeting venues out there to suit any occasion. Whether you’re organizing a formal board meeting, a casual brainstorm, or anything in between, you’ll find a meeting location near you that ticks all the boxes.
Discover the Best Meeting Venues to Wow Attendees
The best meeting space mainly depends on your needs and what you want to achieve. In some situations, a traditional boardroom setting works best. In others, a more modern and relaxed space, designed to encourage collaboration and creative thinking, is a better choice. It’s worth comparing a range of options to find the best one to help you reach your business goals.
- Convention Centers
Convention and conference centers could be the ideal choice if you’re searching for a conventional meeting space. While these venues are commonly associated with larger functions and events, they also boast meeting rooms for hire. These rooms typically offer a traditional boardroom setting and feature state-of-the-art equipment and high-speed internet to ensure that they’re as practical as possible.
- Business Centers
For a little more flexibility when it comes to the room layout, a business center might be the answer. These multipurpose venues may include everything from co-working spaces and small meeting rooms to spacious boardrooms. They’re also often centrally located with easy access to transportation, businesses, and other amenities.
- Casual Meeting Venues
Not all meetings are formal and serious affairs. Sometimes you want to create a more relaxed atmosphere to foster teamwork and collaboration and encourage creative thinking. From cafes to bookshops and airy lofts to colorful retro lounges, the choices are practically endless. A sunny outdoor patio with beautiful views and laid-back vibes can be the perfect venue for a casual meeting.
What to Look for in Meeting Spaces
You’re spoiled for choice when searching for the right space for meetings, but you might find those many options overwhelming. For this reason, it’s important to have a clear picture of exactly what you need in a meeting room. Here are some of the key factors to consider.
- Size and Space
Look for a space with enough room to accommodate all attendees. You want the venue to be comfortable and practical and avoid anything that’s far too big for your needs. You might also need additional space for chair and table arrangements and pathways to facilitate guest entry and exit and interaction during meetings.
- Layout
The best meeting space is one with the right layout to suit your requirements straight off the bat, or that’s flexible enough to be adjusted to match your needs. For example, you may want a venue with shared seating and lots of wall space to encourage productive brainstorming sessions or a classroom-style meeting room for teaching or presentations. You may even want a venue that lets you switch up the layout mid-meeting for special events, so shop around to see what’s out there.
- Ease of Access
Accessible meeting or conference rooms are always a good choice. Your venue should be easy to access for the majority of your attendees either by private vehicle or public transportation. Attendees flying in from interstate will also appreciate a place that’s close to the airport. Ease of access also involves whether or not the venue has private parking and if it’s accessible for people with disabilities.
- Amenities and Services
Now it’s time to dig down into the nitty-gritty of what the meeting location has to offer. Ideal venues have quality audiovisual equipment for presentations, comfortable seating, and essential furniture such as a boardroom table and lectern. Clean bathrooms are a must too, while a reliable heating or cooling system will help ensure everyone remains comfortable throughout the session.
- The Right Price
Budget is always a factor when you’re doing business. You’ll want a fully equipped space with everything you need for a productive meeting but at a price that sits comfortably within your budget. It’s worth comparing different options to find the best value for money and checking their meeting room booking policies and fees to know what to expect.
Meeting Inspiration: Venue Ideas to Boost Productivity
Every successful meeting starts with an excellent venue. So take your time exploring your options to find a setting that gives off an air of professionalism to your corporate function. While it’s essential to book a fully-equipped meeting room, there are also ways to create an ideal environment to maximize productivity.
- Traditional Meeting Spaces in Business Centers
Business centers typically feature multiple flexible spaces under one roof. These include co-working spaces, conference rooms, boardrooms, shared offices, and hot desks. You’ll also find modern tech equipment and sound systems, ensuring meetings run smoothly from start to finish.
- Casual Collaborative Spaces in Cafes and Coffee Houses
Conventional meeting rooms aren’t always conducive to creative thinking. Take your team away from the everyday grind for a laid-back meeting in a cozy cafe to encourage collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking. Many cafes in any city have fast and reliable Wi-Fi networks, so everyone can remain connected. Plus, nothing beats the instant kick of a coffee to help you focus and stay alert.
- Create Your Ideal Meeting Environment in a Blank Space
Can’t find a suitable meeting space for your event? Why not opt for a blank canvas venue that offers endless possibilities? Use your imagination and unleash your creativity to transform an ordinary room into a unique setting that will leave a lasting impression on guests. It gives you control over the lighting, catering, sound system, and other facilities you want to add. It may require a little more time and expense to set up, but the result is sure to impress everyone.
When you hire a meeting venue, not only will you get your own space for collaboration and presentation. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of having a well-equipped location to conduct training, client meetings, conference calls, interviews, and other work-related activities. Evaluate your options and check their facilities, audiovisual equipment, and other services you might need.