Meeting room or conference venue?
Choose based on the programme, not a fixed attendance threshold. One meeting room suits a focused session. A conference venue suits a programme where several rooms, breaks, technical services, catering or accommodation must work together.
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What is the practical difference?
What is the practical difference?
A meeting room is one primary space for a meeting, course or workshop. A conference venue supports a complete programme with options such as plenary sessions, break-outs, refreshment areas, AV, catering and accommodation. Attendance alone does not determine the choice.
Compare the format and requirements
Use each point to assess whether one primary room is enough or the programme requires several connected facilities.
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Programme
choose a meeting room for one main session. Choose a conference venue for plenary sessions, breaks and several programme elements.
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Break-outs
one additional room can support a meeting room. Several simultaneous rooms can form part of a conference venue.
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AV
a meeting room needs technical services for that room. A conference venue can require coordinated sound, screens and technical services across several rooms.
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Catering
a meeting room can include breaks and lunch. A conference venue can coordinate several services around a longer programme.
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Accommodation
it can be added to either format. It is often particularly relevant for multi-day programmes and travelling delegates.
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Delegate flow
assess the layout and working format within one room. A conference also requires movement between plenary, break-outs and refreshment areas to be planned.
Choose based on four questions
Answer these questions before you request a room proposal.
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Will all delegates follow the same programme in the same room?
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Will several activities take place at the same time?
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Will delegates move between plenary sessions, break-outs, breaks and meals?
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Must technical services, catering or accommodation be coordinated across the programme?
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
The choice depends on the activities and how delegates will use the venue throughout the day. Capacity must always be assessed together with the layout and programme.
No. A conference venue can also suit smaller groups when the programme requires several simultaneous rooms, coordinated technical services, several catering services or accommodation.
An additional room can be requested. If several groups must work at the same time, include the number of groups, delegates and time slots in the programme.
Either format can be relevant. Choose based on the number of programme elements, the need for break-outs and how closely meetings, meals and accommodation must be coordinated.
Send the date, attendance, programme, preferred layouts, simultaneous activities, AV requirements, catering and optional accommodation.
Request a room proposal for the programme
Request a room proposal for the programme
Bella Sky Conference & Event has 48 meeting rooms and 4 auditoriums within AC Hotel Bella Sky. Send the programme, date and attendance so the team can assess whether one meeting room is enough or a conference venue is the better fit.