How to hold successful meetings: start with simplicity
There are tons of tips for hosting successful meetings but the National Conference Center recently released ten useful suggestions that start with some simplicity: focusing on venues being as serious in their purposes as meeting participants themselves are.
Another important factor is “distraction-free meeting space,” says Sarah Vining, marketing manager at the National Conference Center.
Other tips often seem equally obvious but are perhaps forgotten or undervalued at times.
The ability to control the comfort of the meeting room sounds obvious but is sometimes neglected. “Attendees are the most productive and attentive if the room temperature is just right at 70 degrees,” suggested Vining.
Other simple fiormulas for success include the type of chairs.
“If your meetings are long, participants will have a hard time focusing more than a few hours if the chairs are not comfortable. Ergonomic chairs for meetings are best because they are designed for the best possible learning experience,” the report found.
It also suggested that planners don’t overlook visual obstructions such as rooms with large pillars. “Natural light is good but if the room backs up to the golf course or the pool, your attendees mind may be elsewhere,” it said.
Well-functioning A/V equipment that is up-to-date is another important component or just as critical as an A/V staff that is in-house and readily available.
Flexible break services are also among the top ten keys to successful meetings, as well as separating meetings from meals. “While working lunches on the surface seem like a good use of time, research shows your attendees need a break. Try to schedule lunch in a pleasant dining environment with lots of natural light,” the report suggests.
The most productive meetings will be at venues that can provide variety at meal time and an on-call venue support staff. “This person should be empowered to solve your potential concerns, so you can focus more on the objectives of your program. Overall, the accessibility of an on-site liaison via Nextel radio or phone for immediate access improves the meeting experience,” the site says.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements