5 criteria for an impactful conference venue
1. Does the venue support the theme of your conference?
q yes q no
Then you make full use of the so-called "power of context". Organizing your conference in the right context can have a profound impact on its outcomes. When people are surrounded by a compelling environment that resonates with their goals and values, they become more engaged, inspired and inclined to make sound decisions.
A conference on energy is well received in a former coal mine in Flanders. A medical conference is at home in one of Europe's oldest hospitals, in Ghent. And a conference on biodiversity is welcome in a botanical garden with 18,000 different plant species.
3. Is the venue well located?
q yes q no
"What are the three most important criteria when choosing your venue? Location, location and location." The joke has been doing the rounds in our little world for a while now, but there is a lot of truth in it. A venue is ideally located if the hotels, dining and entertainment options are easily accessible to your delegates. Attractions are also preferably nearby, which makes the social programme of your conference easy to organise. Is there also nature in the surrounding area, so your delegates can get some fresh air? Then you score extra points.
Speaking of nature: in Flanders, you can even organise a conference in a zoo. During the breaks, your delegates can take a walk among the lions and tigers. Or how about a reception or closing dinner in the zoo's beautifully lit aquarium? Your delegates will never forget this experience.
5. Is the venue accessible to everyone?
q yes q no
Inclusion is no longer an option, but a right. And for good reason. It is very important that everyone can participate independently in your conference. Not only people with disabilities should have easy access to the venue, but also their families, carers and even guide dogs or other accompanying animals.
In this respect, it is useful to check whether your venue has the M-label. This label guarantees that the building and services are accessible to all. Criteria apply not only to wheelchair users, but also to people with a hearing or visual impairment.
Have you chosen an accessible venue? Then you can move on to step 2: making your conference itself inclusive. You can read more about that in this article.
5x yes? Then you choose a great venue!
Flanders has numerous venues that pass the above criteria with flying colours. No fewer than 32 of these venues were given a quality label: they belong to the Flanders Heritage Venues network.
By choosing one of these venues, you welcome your delegates in a building with a unique story. The location always has exceptional architectural value, is situated in the historic city centre, and is within walking distance of all of Flanders’ cultural, artistic, and culinary assets. Each venue is easily reachable, within an hour of the airport or near a train station.
With a conference in a Flanders Heritage Venue, you offer your guests an unforgettable heritage experience. For example, how about a conference in the home of the last empress of Mexico? In the place where the world's first stock exchange was founded? In the birthplace of the world-famous Stella Artois beer? It is all possible in Flanders.
Click here to find out about all Flanders Heritage Venues.