25
Modern Training Venues
Feature
process, not confuse or complicate
Meeting of minds
it – the driving force must be effective
communication,” says Tim.
Environment and support
Facilities to optimise effective training are now Trainers are also realising how important
better than ever – but what are trainers actually
it is to find a dedicated environment. Not
long ago, if the room was reasonably
demanding? Michael Kennedy talks to one
spacious and comfortable, most were
happy. Now, it takes much more. It’s not
of the UK’s largest groups of specialist venues
just making the trainer and the audience
feel at ease, but creating an ambience
that’s truly conducive to learning.
Trainers now acknowledge that their
specialist skills demand a specialist
environment. Rooms should have plenty of
natural daylight, and provide good acoustic
performance. There’s increasing demand
for air conditioning, ideally adjustable too.
And what about chairs? Is there really
a chair that offers day-long comfort for
every individual? “Research within the
consortium has disproved the idea that
people want very springy, cushioned chairs
– the real priority is lumbar support,”
explains Tim, “and of course, the chairs
must be the right height for the tables!”
Leading-edge facilities and a focused
environment won’t be fully effective unless
Modern Facilities: Burleigh Conerence Centre
there’s truly committed support. “Trainers
deserve properly experienced staff who
understand the learning business,” says
F
or years, most trainers were happy don’t necessarily know what they want
Tim. “For our members, it’s integral to
with a flipchart, pens and a decent until they actually understand what’s
the process – not just providing staff who
room. Now, there’s a spectacular available,” explains Tim Willows, Chair of
know how to help, but having enough of
array of technical support to help them Conference Centres of Excellence (CCE).
them on hand.”
make the most of their material – and “Part of the venue’s job is to explain and to
other ways of making their audience as educate them – and that puts a premium
While venues are working to provide a
receptive as possible. But, in practice, on planning in advance.”
spectrum of benefits to trainers, there’s
what are their priorities?
one thing they can’t accomplish alone –
Keeping technology under control
planning. “With all the options that are
Technology is just one part of the The CCE is one of the UK’s leading
available, and the varying attitudes of
equation. Trainers are realising that the consortiums of venues offering facilities
trainers, more than ever there needs to
highest standard of presentation will be for conference and training events, with
be a meeting of minds in advance of the
compromised if the working environment some 40 members nationwide. Each
event,” says Tim. “We positively encourage
is wrong. As a result, considerations that makes a continuing investment in support
training clients into preliminary planning,
were once relatively peripheral are now technology, with much of it cutting edge.
so that on the day, to put it simply, neither
becoming critical – such as rooms that are Across the group, it’s normal to find
side is surprised.”
specifically designed to enhance teaching interactive whiteboards, touch screen
and learning, and support staff that truly control panels, plasma screens, video
understand the training process. conferencing, built in digital cameras and
Michael Kennedy is a marketing
microphones, and facilities to record to consultant in the conference and
Specialist venues know that they have to DVD! While some trainers use it to the
venues sector, and can be contacted at
give trainers the opportunity to bring all full, others either don’t want it or don’t
Michaelkennedy@talk21.com For further
these factors into play. But demands can understand its potential. “Technology
information on CCE venues visit the CCE
Pavilion at the World of Learning 2008.
vary widely: “Even the trainers themselves must be harnessed to enhance the training
Learning Magazine
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