Annual conferences are an important part of professional development, networking, and also staying current within your industry. They offer opportunities for people at all levels to learn, share ideas, and build relationships with other employees. Selecting the right corporate accommodation for your yearly conference is, therefore, critical to ensure that your attendees have a seamless and productive experience. The choices that you make surrounding conference accommodation type can have a direct impact on the comfort, networking opportunities, and the overall satisfaction with the conference that your employees might gain.
With a variety of options available from hotels to serviced apartments, it is important to understand the key factors that can help you to make the best choice.
Why accommodation matters for corporate conferences
Every conference will have its own unique requirements based around factors such as the number of people attending, the duration of the conference, the budget that has been allocated, and, of course, the location. It is also important when organising a conference to give careful consideration to the overall attendee experience. Plus, you need to consider the logistics that come with organising a conference.
One of the most overlooked factors of any conference is the accommodation and this can have a significant impact on employee engagement and satisfaction. Ensuring that those attending the conference are comfortable and in a convenient location can help to enhance their opportunities to network. It can also minimise any commute-related stresses they might have, and this can help to contribute to the overall success of the event from the perspective of employee satisfaction.
Types of corporate accommodation
There are a number of options for corporate stays, and each of them has its own distinct advantages:
Serviced apartments
A flexible, increasingly popular accommodation option for business travellers. Serviced apartments offer home-like spaces with kitchen facilities but also hotel-quality amenities. They offer more privacy and can often be found near local transport links for added convenience. They provide a cost-effective alternative to a hotel.
Hotels
This is the traditional business stay option with a range of rooms and amenities for all guests. They often have business facilities for those who need to keep in touch with the regional office. They also tend to be conveniently located near good transport links.
Conference centres
Some conference centres are linked to a hotel which means that you can seamlessly walk from one to the other. This can be convenient for your employees during the day but can feel claustrophobic if they want to explore the location in the evenings and other free time.
The benefits of serviced apartments for corporate stays
Serviced apartments have increased in number because of their popularity as a corporate travel option. For that reason, they are an excellent choice for people attending corporate events and conferences. Here’s why they stand out:
Space and comfort
Unlike a standard hotel room, a serviced apartment offers a more spacious layout which includes separate living areas, bedrooms, and fully-equipped kitchens/kitchenettes. This setup offers a homely environment that allows guests to relax and unwind after a long conference session.
Ideal for team collaboration
If multiple colleagues are travelling together, quite often the case with a yearly conference, serviced apartments make it possible for them to stay in accommodation with shared living/working spaces while still maintaining privacy with separate bedrooms. This can help promote team building and collaboration. Of course, this also makes them a cost-effective choice.
Flexibility
A serviced apartment offers flexibility when it comes to meal preparation, work hours, and even social interaction. They cater to diverse needs, whilst allowing attendees to structure their stay according to their own personal preferences.
Streamlining corporate travel arrangements
Choosing the right corporate accommodation is a crucial element in the success of your conference. Our specialists at Situ can streamline your corporate travel arrangements and enhance the travel experience for employees. All while optimising your budget.
