SPONSORED CONTENT FROM CORT
According to the "Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy," both the number of meetings and attendees has increased significantly between 2009 and 2012. Participant volume at meetings and events increased by 10 percent, and of the 1.83 million meetings, 1.3 million were corporate or business meetings. As a result, spending on corporate or business meetings has increased, allowing companies to design meetings and conferences that generate a more productive outcome for attendees.
Next Page: Say Good-bye to Generic Seating
CORT's Roma Seating
The days of generic "theater" seating for meetings are long gone. Attendees want aesthetically pleasing designs that delight the senses and offer a collaborative team environment conducive to learning, networking and brainstorming. Strive for a holistic approach when it comes to design, and make if feel comfortable and inviting. Smart space planning, comfortable seating, functional furniture, accent decor and color themes all contribute to an overall immersive experience.
When choosing a meeting venue, opt for a space that is flexible during on-site events. The ability to customize a space with furniture rentals instead of facility furniture will allow you to create an individualized space for your company or client. Having impromptu brainstorming sessions is much easier when a space can be customized for creativity and communication.
Next Page: Provide the Power
CORT's Endless Powered Furniture
The importance of staying connected cannot be stressed enough in the current business environment. When attendees rush to find seating by wall outlets to charge their phones or other electronics, it’s disruptive to the overall experience. Instead, consider utilizing CORT®’s new Endless powered furniture. The modular seating allows you to create seating arrangements to fit any meeting space, while the built-in charging capabilities keep your attendees engaged and their devices charged. A variety of powered furniture can create communal workspaces that foster a team environment and encourage collaborative strategic planning.
When designing a space, make sure you plan your rental furnishings in a way that allows for easy movement and flexibility. Consider using round seating such as pieces from the CORT Endless Collection® that will allow for constant flow around the furnishings. Bar table groupings are also a great way for small groups to gather and work together on a project. The key is to make sure there is enough seating, but also tables for drinks, food or electronics.
Next Page: Divvy up the Room
CORT's Miramar Dividers
If there’s a need for smaller areas within a large room, consider using CORT®’s new Miramar Dividers to add color and define spaces. Comfortable and energetic spaces are conducive to learning and greater collaboration and ideas will be the result.
Functional furnishings make today’s meetings more productive. With CORT’s powered furnishings, modular seating and colorful room dividers, you can create interactive environments that facilitate learning, engagement and networking. When planning your next meeting or conference, contact the talented event professionals at CORT Event Furnishings to help make your next one a success.
Kevin Dana is executive director of marketing and product development for CORT Trade Show and Event Furnishings. He’s responsible for national marketing strategy across all channels and developed CORT’s proprietary event furniture brands; including the Endless collection, Luna Lighting, Napoleon, and Elements decor collections. Kevin has served as a trustee on the National Association of Catering & Events Foundation, has served on the Advisory Board of Special Events magazine, and is an authority on event furnishing and decor trends for the trade show and special event industry. He lives in San Francisco.
