Conference News April 2021 | Page 17

Venue View
these options , and conveying them to delegates in advance , an organiser can help ease their colleagues back to ‘ normality ’.
Stepping back into the world We will also see a convergence of events as companies , keen to bring their teams together after a year of remote working , host events that satisfy a range of business requirements . Events will combine education , motivation , teambuilding and networking elements .
Staff have missed out on so many traditional staff gatherings , company events and physical touchpoints over the past year , so this summer companies will embrace them all .
We have teamed up with teambuilding specialists Off Limits in order to provide our clients with a whole range of activities in the grounds of our venues to complement indoor and outdoor meetings .
We have to consider that many employees are returning from furlough , and that they will need to reconnect with their teams and feel part of the company once more . Those returning may feel hesitant about mixing with large groups and may prefer to only meet up with their teams or departments . Venues with lots of outdoor space will be able to offer different outdoor breakout sessions for different teams within one organisation , which will enable employees to just mingle within their own department and keep separate .
Multiple spaces You may need multiple outdoor spaces to host different parts of an event – different educational streams for example – so consider how your venue will allow you to create different outdoor ‘ rooms ’. Consider , too , if your venue is hosting multiple events on the same day . Ask
“ Venues with lots of outdoor space will be able to offer different outdoor breakout sessions for different teams within one organisation .”
Below : Kettering Conference and Leisure Village
them if you can have a separate outdoors registration desk just for your event . This again will help to keep your event enclosed and reassure your delegates that you have their safety top of mind .
Events feel more relaxed when they are held outside , so they will need a menu designed for al fresco dining . Our executive chef , Sam Morgan , has created specific menus for outdoor events , bringing a more relaxed and sociable vibe to events .
Barbecues or hog roasts will be popular options , but also consider street food . We will be serving both Lebanese and South American dishes to bring fresh and unusual summer flavours to delegates .
The increased interest in walking throughout lockdown will continue . All of our venues have walking routes around the grounds to enable delegates to connect with nature , get some exercise or to take a relaxing stroll during breaks in the event . Build some time into your event for delegates to take a walk around the grounds , or even do something fun , such as incorporating a walking treasure hunt into the event to get delegates moving and enjoying the grounds .
Sustainability is also important to consider – holding an event outside will save on lighting and heating usage .
As we start to bring large-scale events back , the health and wellbeing of your staff is of utmost importance . Be creative and work with a flexible venue team who will help you create a successful event with outdoor elements . Communicate the measures you have taken and ensure that your delegates know the lengths that you and your venue have gone to in order to keep them Covid-secure .
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