There are plenty of options for businesses seeking an efficient and well-equipped venue for training employees. While the space must meet your team's needs, you also must consider amenities like nearby transportation, catering services and technological capabilities.

To make the right decision for your company, let's take a step back and evaluate which features fit best with the purpose of your training session. In this article, we'll highlight the key features to keep in mind when searching for training facilities to rent, so you can find a space that ticks all the boxes.

What should be included in a training room?

When you're looking for a venue, there are several features and amenities that are essential to a successful training session. You should consider:

• Room size: Choose a space that's the right size for your group and activities. Consider not only the size of the room, but its configuration. Do you need a classroom style, lecture style layout or access to break-out areas?
• Technology: Make sure the facility you choose is equipped with up-to-date technology, such as AV equipment and WiFi.
• Furniture: Ensure the room has comfortable seating and tables for your participants to work at during the session.
• Refreshments: Depending on how long the training will be, it may be worth providing snacks or meals for those attending.

What are the characteristics of a good training room?

Outfitted with comfortable seating, plenty of space, proper lighting, and ventilation - your guests can remain comfortable and productive throughout. In addition to the features outlined above, you should also look for a training venue that offers the following characteristics:

• Flexibility: Make sure the facility can accommodate changes in capacity or layout if needed.
• Accessibility: Ensure that all attendees can easily access the location of the training room easily and safely.
• Privacy: Choose a space that offers privacy and is secure, so you can focus on the training session.

By keeping all these features in mind, you'll be able to find a training room that meets your needs and helps ensure successful workshops for your organisation.

Essential training room space features

1. Training resources and technology

A modern training room is perfect for hosting tutorials and learning sessions.

It’s important to check if the space has the technical equipment required to make the session possible, including high-spec TVs, whiteboards, flip charts, projectors, and AV equipment.

If you’re looking to share the day’s presentation and work with attendees afterwards, choose a space that can support video recording. With this feature, you’ll also have to think about lighting, but we’ll cover this later.

2. Spatial requirements

The design and layout of your venue is key to hosting a successful training session. Not only should it have enough space for attendees to engage with one another, but it also needs the flexibility to easily be rearranged so you can use physical enactments and other interactive activities with your participants.

Look for a space that lets you move furniture around to create an atmosphere conducive to getting the most out of each session.

3. Infrastructure and furniture

The furnishings of a room equipped for training employees and staff can have a noticeable impact in creating the right environment for effective collaboration and teaching. Having furniture that can be easily rearranged gives added flexibility, while modern décor helps create a more warming atmosphere for the session. To make sure attendees stay engaged throughout the session, it’s better to invest in comfortable seating, so they aren’t sitting there wondering when they can leave.

Ultimately, well-chosen seating arrangements ensure free-flowing communication between the presenter and attendees. Having a clock in the room can help both trainers and attendees stay on track during the workshops. This creates a better sense of professionalism as the hosts are not checking phones to keep track of time, which could usually set an impression on those attending.

4. Accessible and convenient location

When choosing a venue for training, it's essential to consider its accessibility. Look for an option in a central location for all attending and can be reached easily by car, train, or other public transportation systems. It's important that attendees from near and far will have no trouble getting there, ensuring they turn up on time.

5. Sound and acoustics

Training sessions can be made successful or face challenges by the quality of sound equipment. If a trainer is speaking to a large group, having reliable microphones and speakers is essential for their message to be heard by all attendees.

Before confirming your training venue, be sure to visit the space first – try standing around different areas in the room so that you know your presentation will come through clearly and keep the attention of those present.

6. Lighting

There's nothing better than natural light in any room, be it an office space or for training purposes. However, the type of session you are hosting can also change the lighting needs. If you’re planning a collaborative workshop where people will be interacting, looking for a space with as much natural light is optimal. However, if your training is focused on a presentation, be careful to not let the light block out the screen.

Too much light can be distracting but rooms that are too dimly lit can make it difficult for attendees to stay focused and read the material. Try and strike a balance between the two when possible.

Something worth considering that could prove distracting is internal windows. People passing by could pose an issue when you’re conducting your training session, so keep an eye out and always sample the space beforehand. If there’s something that is causing an issue, speak to building management and see what they can do for you like installing temporary blinds or removable partitions.

7. Stationery and equipment

What training resources do you need for your next event? Some spaces will equip you with stationery such as pens, markers, flip charts, and even individual notepads for your participants; however, this isn’t always a given.

No matter the size or type of training session, having the right tools to hand will ensure your event runs smoothly and effectively. Before booking your training room, consider all these features so you know what you need to provide and are well-equipped for success!

8. Security

The security of your training room is paramount. Depending on the size and contents of your session, always check to ensure up-to-date safety measures, including fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency exits. Plus, if you need to leave the room, for example, to take a lunch break, ensure the room is lockable and belongings can be safely stored away.

'Nice-to-have' training venue facilities

Cloakroom or storeroom

A space where attendees can store their belongings securely during the event can be helpful. This is particularly important if the room isn’t lockable, so attendees will need a secure space to leave their belongings. It’s also useful to consider if you're keen to prevent any distractions or in a location where attendees are likely to be wearing winter jackets.

Catering services

Refreshments and catering services can significantly complement your event to ensure that your attendees are comfortable, especially if the event is running for an extended period. While this may also be dependent on budget, providing simple snacks and refreshments such as hot drinks and biscuits can make all the difference.

Additional breakout areas

Creating the perfect training environment is about more than just one specific space. Mixing the day with breakout areas to allow your attendees to recharge before returning to the training room can be beneficial. This can also act as an additional space for people to have a private one-on-one conversation or group discussion. Breakout areas are especially useful for those hosting assessment centres where attendees may be split into groups to perform different tasks.

Parking

Parking is always handy for those who prefer or need to drive, are travelling in from further away, or don't live conveniently to public transportation. Consider the needs of your attendees and the location of your training event before deciding on a training space so you can identify whether onsite parking will be necessary.

Projector/Interactive whiteboards

While you may think this is a necessity in training spaces, not all sessions are created the same. Some workshops are tailored to more interactive tasks and discussions. For those who are looking to run through a presentation of some kind, a projector or interactive whiteboard can be beneficial for illustrating your training points. This can be essential to those running through visual or data-heavy presentations.

Tips for choosing a training room

Cost-effective

Hiring a designated training room can not only benefit participant productivity, but it can also be more cost-effective for your business. With all the essentials included, your business can save money, especially when compared to a costly permanent office space. With a permanent office, you could be paying significant overheads and only using its available training room a couple of times per year - making for an incredibly expensive commitment.

Onsite amenities provided

When seeking your perfect training environment, paying attention to onsite amenities is essential. These may include parking, high-speed WiFi, a receptionist to greet guests and even catering options.

A training room that offers additional amenities and features you need to successfully deliver your event can often be more cost-effective than a more basic space. Arranging for amenities such as refreshments, WiFi, and stationary externally can add up.

Flexible layout

Designing a practical room layout is vital when planning the perfect training event. Strategically arranging seating to allow everyone to engage with the subject is crucial for a successful training session.

For smaller training events, consider furnishing options that allow you to add more chairs or tables if needed to your training space.

Natural light is optimal

An excellent training venue should do more than just tick the boxes - it should be designed to help you get the most out of your team. Natural lighting is critical for boosting productivity and focus in workspaces. Look for a training room with plenty of windows and a colour scheme suited to promote maximum concentration if it suits the session you’re conducting.

Sample the venue

The best way to ensure that you have a successful training session is to go and view the space in person. The best providers should allow you to and even test out the facilities such as microphones and sound systems.

Ready to choose the perfect training environment to host your next event? At Regus, we have over 10,000 meeting rooms worldwide, providing everything you need to make your event a success and helping you to work your way.