Helping clients choose the right space for their meeting or event – whether they are planning a conference, delivering a training course, scheduling an Annual General Meeting or holding a gala dinner – is of utmost importance to our team.
At QEII we suggest certain rooms or spaces to clients based on several factors, such as size and required facilities, but we also like to ensure the environment is conducive to the purpose of the event.
With training and development high up on the agenda for many firms looking to return to normal, we decided to investigate how QEII can best provide for clients in this area to find out what makes the best environment for learning.
Our survey of 500 professionals responsible for delivering training revealed that holding a course away from the usual workplace and its inevitable distractions was a good start, with 91% claiming that holding their training event off-site is ‘essential or helpful’ if they want the course to be a success.
Those delivering the training say they are pleased when the room size corresponds to their needs – so not too big and not too small – and is set up correctly with the right number of chairs and tables.
It is worth noting that leaders of learning prefer a traditional room layout – only 3% said they would ask delegates to stand – where tables are in groups with chairs facing forward or a horseshoe of tables with chairs.
Drilling down into the less obvious – but important – environmental factors, the survey revealed that giving delegates access to fresh air and providing them with an inspiring view were the top two elements training providers felt would help boost learning.
Offering a modern well-decorated room with the ability to adjust the temperature were also favourable features.
Environmental factors that hinder, rather than help, learning are bad acoustics – listed as a top frustration by almost a quarter of respondents, limited food choice (22%) and IT and AV not working.
Our team can suggest which of our 32 flexible spaces is best suited to each client’s needs and will ensure a room is set up to their specifications. Following an extensive refurbishment in 2016 and continual upgrades we can guarantee modern-well decorated surroundings.
The majority of our rooms also provide natural light and many offering inspiring views. We certainly think that Westminster Abbey, which you can see from a number of our rooms, provides an inspiring view.
To find out how we can provide the best environment for your next learning event, contact our Account Management team on +44 20 7798 4000 or info@qeiicentre.london.