Too many corporate event planners learn about the less than desirable room acoustics during their events. Don’t let this be you!
Becoming aware of the makeup of a venue’s walls, ceilings, floors and acoustics can provide you, the corporate event planner, with much needed intel as to what equipment will fit (height), the room’s echo, if the space is shared, and if the proposed theme will clash with the room’s existing decor.
The following tips will prepare you for all things walls, ceilings, floors and acoustics as they apply to corporate event planning.
Not all walls are created equal. There are air walls, hard walls, glass walls and more, and each of them will have a different impact on your event. Air walls are movable, semi-acoustically insulated walls that travel on a track. They expand or retract, like an accordion. They allow the venue to easily close off or open up a space. Air walls are most common in big function spaces, and they are the most notorious for allowing noise between rooms.
For example, if your event is going to be in a hotel ballroom that divides into thirds using air walls. The hotel person will show you your event space and say “This is where the wall closes.” During your inspection, it may seem like a nice, private space. Little do you know that on the other side of that air wall, there is going to be a wedding reception with a ten-piece band and a sound system flown from the ceiling. Your guests may not be thrilled with having to listen to the latest top 40 and hip-hop favorites while your CEO delivers the company’s latest financial information.
Always ask about the sound integrity of the air walls since there are many different types, all with their own quality of sound insulation.
You have to pay attention to the ceiling type, floor covering and wall covering.
These three elements must be controlled to ensure proper room acoustics at your corporate event. <— Tweet This
Tall, exposed, or metal ceilings, concrete or tile floors, and bare block walls will all present issues to the event planner. They create acoustical challenges for an event that is going to provide any type of amplified entertainment or speaking. When they’re present in a venue, sound bounces off the floors and walls and it can create an echo effect that isn’t pleasant…to say the least. If this could get in the way of your next event, consider a venue with some type of acoustical architectural ceiling, walls with carpet or panels, and a carpeted floor. These features absorb the sound and eliminate any echoes or hollow noises. If your budget allows for it, you can also easily address any acoustical challenges by having carpet and décor treatments brought in. They will not only help with acoustics, but also enhance the look of the venue.
While we’re at it, let’s talk a little more about carpets. If you’re going to use them to enhance the acoustics of your next event, don’t compromise on their appearance! Some venues have such wild carpet designs and bold colors that you can’t help but wonder what exactly they were thinking when they chose it. Perhaps certain designs looked nice in the 1970s, but in 2016 – they can throw off the look of your entire corporate event. If you’re planning an elegant arrangement—perhaps an awards dinner with a red color theme — it’s probably best to avoid a mauve and green jungle-print carpet.
If you don’t have room in the budget to bring in your own floor covering, then it may be time to seek other options.
Need more strategies to elevate all aspects of your corporate event planning? Get your free digital copy of Going Live: Insider Secrets To Corporate Event Production!