by Kacey Bradley
It's often a challenge to navigate the design aspect of a room, especially for an event. You want to create a space that works for its specific purpose but also sparks interest and engagement. Several variables go into every meeting and gathering, so before all else, it's necessary to consider how those factors into your potential layout. Here are a few ways to produce the best possible atmosphere for whatever occasion you're planning.
What's the Theme?
What matters most is the overall goal of the event, so first, consider what you want guests to get out of the experience. Are you throwing a birthday party? What about a concert at a smaller venue? Everything depends on why you're using the space.
For instance, designing a conference room for a company is going to be a lot different than a wedding reception. In the first room, you'll require a communal desk space with comfortable chairs and technology hook-ups. In the second, a seating chart with multiple tables is almost always the case. Take a look at what elements you'll need in the room to make it work.
Consider All Attendees
The number of people that are expected to attend matters significantly. Most venues adhere to local fire codes that limit the number of guests that can be in a room at any given time. Check to make sure you're aware of this so you can plan accordingly.
If your event is open to the public, have a surplus of tables and chairs, just in case more guests show up than you originally estimated. You'll also want to allow space for people to move around. No one wants to feel cramped, especially in the case of an emergency. Remember, there's a good chance that guests with disabilities will attend, so be sure to accommodate them, as well.
Think of Every Scenario
To make the most of your event, you'll want to ensure everything is taken care of. Will you need to serve food and drink? If so, figure out the best way to do this — buffets are great for social interaction, but a conference with speakers or talent could work better with a wait staff.
Are there emergency exits? What's the bathroom situation? Are there pieces of furniture that can't be removed? Are the tables organized in a way that promotes conversation? There's a list of possibilities you should tick off as a part of the planning process. The more you cover your bases, the better engaged your guests will be.
Determine the Vibe
How your event space feels matters just as much as how it looks. A hip, romantic restaurant is a wonderful place for speed-dating, but not so much for a national business conference. Again, consider the space in relation to the purpose of the gathering. Open and bright areas help create an environment of positivity and cheerfulness, which is essential for networking. A dim and intimate lounge is ideal for jazz and acoustic musicians to perform.
The furniture matters just as much, so don't hesitate to rent pieces if the place lacks the appropriate decor.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
When the day of the event comes around, you'll want to have done your homework. Choose a space that works specifically for your event and guests. Construct everything in a way that allows for interaction and engagement. In some cases, the more amenities you provide, the better the experience your guests will have — it all depends on the purpose of your gathering.
About the Author
Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!
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