6 Responses

1. training venue
   I regularly train externally to my base, and have foud that the most important features are:
   * seperate room for breaks & lunches
   * contact number that you can call for any issues as venue
   * parking and near train station
   * near hotel if atendees need to stay overnight
   * quiet room – where normal noice (traffic etc) cannot disturb you
   * air conditioning
   * ad hoc stuff – water / mints / toilets not a miles walk!

   good luck

2. Initial Style Conferences
   I use Initial Style conferences a lot and would recommend them. They offer all-inclusive packages; refreshments available all the time, separate syndicate rooms, parking, overnight accomodation etc. They have around 30 training centres throughout the UK and one of my favourites is Lattimer House. Look them up on http://www.initialstyle.co.uk Personally I would avoid using hotels as you often find yourself competing with a coach load of tourists, when all you want is some more flipchart paper! Hope this helps.

3. ideal training venue
   Adding to what has already been said: –
   The room is the most important – daylight if possible, enough space for people to go into groups without having to go far away to another room. Possibility of putting up completed flipcharts on walls or where they can be seen.
   Secondly – friendly and helpful conference staff, who are available and flexible and interested in things working for you and the group

   Also: -Lunch available quickly and easily without having to wait either in a queue or to be served at the table. I prefer a buffet in or near the training room, so there is an opportunity for useful chats between delegates.

   As others have said, quiet, accessible, etc

4. Customer Service!
   This may sound slightly simplistic, but for me customer service is the most important. I’ve visited a number of hotels to consider them as a training venue. I was surprised by how many of them were indifferent to my requirements.

   I see the training venue as an extension of the service I am offering and if the service is below par, then the delegates may make negative associations with me as a result.

   I would look for an empathy on the part of the conference co-ordinator with both the trainer and the delegate. To understand that we want a clean room with lots of natural daylight, toilets nearby, good quality food and drink well served. They should also understand the need for flexibility – whether that’s taking a coffee break before you said or running over slightly on the lunch break. These should not be seen as problems for the venue because of their experience and because they anticipate. Therefore in good venues coffee is delivered quietly 10 minutes before you said you needed it, just in case.

   Providing the customer service at the venue is outstanding, the ‘little things’ don’t become issues and the delegates can concentrate on the training.

5. bottoms!!
   All the above but don’t forget the seats!
   Also you get what you pay for

   Alan

6. venues
   there is a brilliant directory i use published by BACD (British Association of Conference Destinations) called (surprisingly) British Conference Destinations. their number is 0121 212 1400 (www.bacd.org.uk).
   The directory is split into areas of the country with info about nearest air / train & road links with capacity and accommodation details.

   Invaluable!