subject: Vibrant Venues In The United Kingdom by:Mandy Chagger [print this page] Organisations throughout the UK are looking for vibrant venues for their conferences, meetings and fairs. The problem with the term vibrant venue is that every event organiser in the United Kingdom defines it differently. A theatre with an elaborate sound system, lighting system and stage props may be ideal for a book fair but may not be appropriate for a pharmaceutical conference. Before an organiser seeks out vibrant venues in the United Kingdom, he should first define the characteristics of a vibrant venue.
Every venue has to make its guests comfortable so that they can conduct business and hold court with their colleagues. While a typical venue may offer plush couches and spacious meeting areas, a vibrant venue offers the comforts of home with some style. A modern hotel in Birmingham may use brightly coloured chairs, video screens with nature images and natural light to create a unique space for impromptu meetings. An ample lobby with classical paintings and sculptures may create thought-provoking discussions that extend beyond art history.
Another important aspect of a vibrant venue is a full layout of multimedia centres, presentation rooms and open spaces to encourage discussions at conferences. Multimedia centres with projectors, individual workstations and telecommunications equipment let conferees connect with colleagues around the world without boarding a plane. A simple presentation room with a dry-erase board, markers and overhead projector can be just as effective in creating discussion about important topics. While the design of a venue may make it vibrant to some, the vibrancy of discussion among colleagues is just as critical to making a venue successful.
The location of a venue in the United Kingdom can also contribute to its vibrancy. Smaller venues in the outskirts of London and Glasgow may not be as glamorous as city centre venues but they can help conferees step away from the bustle of the city. The vibrancy involved in quaint venues is defined by the ability of conferees to speak with each other without distraction. Pubs, restaurants and other establishments that represent the pulse of the city surround modern hotels, conference centres and theatres in downtown districts. Conference organisers should look carefully for vibrant neighborhoods as well as vibrant venues when getting ready for their events.
No matter which definition of a vibrant venue an organiser uses, the benefits of a vibrant conference centre or hotel are numerous. Every event organiser wants to hold a conference or meeting that will not soon be forgotten by attendees. Since trade groups, businesses and schools hold multiple events each year, this task gets more difficult for harried organisers. Conferees who are surrounded by colorful art, comfortable chairs and relaxed colleagues will not only remember the event but the sponsoring organisation. A conference that features a vibrant venue, a dynamic agenda and great speakers becomes legendary among attendees who are accustomed to affairs that are more subdued.
The primary goal of a conference is aided by booking a vibrant venue no matter what the goal may be. A publishing company that holds a book fair in a vibrant venue will facilitate great discussions between authors and readers and willingness by buyers and vendors to complete contracts. Nonprofit organisations dealing with broad issues like world hunger, climate change and education may be able to excite attendees enough to donate their money or participate in local activities. Academic conferences, policy meetings and political rallies benefit from increased participation and interest when working in vibrant venues. Since the participation of attendees is a critical measure of success for a conference, organisers should evaluate closely the perspectives of past attendees when planning future events.
Professors, retail buyers and job applicants alike are excellent advertising tools for organisations holding conferences in the United Kingdom. The buzz created through blogs, websites and trade publications about a successful conference can drive up attendance at next year's event. Event organisers should not ignore the potential for vibrancy outside of a venue's walls, created by interesting events at conferences as well as dynamic meeting environments. By choosing a vibrant venue for a conference in the United Kingdom, organisers are going a long way to improving participation in subsequent events.
The first step in finding a vibrant venue is hunting down information online about venues with adequate space, modern amenities and the right price. Event organisers should not take vibrant venues at face value, simply accepting their advertisements and online photo. Every organiser should contact colleagues and competitors that have used these venues in the past to determine its quality level. If an organiser cannot meet directly with the venue operator ahead of an event, a surrogate sould be sent to take photos and ask questions. Another great way to find a vibrant venue is soliciting advice from donors, members and employees familiar with area venues. In addition to the organiser gaining access to overlooked venues, participants feel like they are part of the planning process.
