Get A Room!

Finding the right room for your training course is an important process. The type, style and atmosphere of a room can make or break a training session but careful planning and a keen eye for the details can ensure that your training room offers the best for you and your delegates.

Key Facilities
All training rooms should provide these as a minimum:
• Nearby bathrooms
• Contact number/message board for delegates
• Access to good equipment (flip charts, Projector etc.)
• Lighting controls
• Electrical outlets placed conveniently for equipment usage
• Refreshments
• Comfortable chairs and tables
• Easy accessibility
• Early-morning/Late Evening access
• Close to restaurants/bars etc.

Costs
Managing room costs is an important part of the selection process, some location offer daily delegate rates that are an all-in price, but beware as this often comes with a minimum delegate number. Make sure that all of the charges are covered in the package and there are no hidden extras (flipchart charges, refreshment charges etc).

The venue contract should include:
• The room
• Equipment rental
• Coffee and lunch service
• Breakout rooms
• Cancellation penalty
• Discounts for trainees who are staying overnight in the facility
• Volume discounts for frequent use
• Facilities

Internal vs. External training facilities
In this cost conscious environment alternative venues should be considered and there are advantages and dis-advantages in using internal resources. Be aware though that the close proximity to the working environment can make the training less effective due to the propensity for delegates to return to work during breaks.

In addition to professional training venues alternative training locations include:
• Organization boardrooms and conference rooms
• Local schools & colleges
• Vendor training facilities
• Training rooms in other organizations