HOW TO WIN THE THERMOSTAT WARS

The battle of the thermostat continues in almost every ballroom. For events happening during the coldest months of the year, here are some tips to keep groups comfortable and attentive.

Plan Ahead - Request a specific room temperature and review with the engineering team during the pre-con. Place a kind reminder in pre-meeting communications regarding the often-turbulent temperatures in event spaces, and suggest people bring along a light sweater or some other easy-on, easy-off layer.  

Coming in from the Cold - Welcome your attendees with a transition area. Include coat racks, benches or chairs, and boot/umbrella storage. Offering amenities such as hand sanitizer, unscented lotion, and nice facial tissues are inexpensive ways to help attendees to maintain health security and also fight any chill so they can be undistracted as they learn and interact.

Warm from the Inside Out - Warm up through creative F&B. Breakfast: add oatmeal to a breakfast buffet. Beverage Stations: add pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or peppermint creamer to a coffee break. Other festive interactive stations include: apple cider featuring cinnamon stirring stick, eggnog accompanied by a selection of gingerbread and sugar cookies and hot chocolate with topping options. Lunch: Seasonal soups and build-your-own chili stations are a hearty way to keep the cold away. A chili cook-off can be a team-builder while feeding your attendees.

Visual Effects - Use warm lighting and thoughtful room configurations to create a comfortable atmosphere. Create various lounge areas with soft seating, pillows, and small blankets for inviting informal break locations.

Breaking a Sweat - Give attendees frequent opportunities to keep their blood circulating; let them get up and walk around for 10 minutes every hour.

Branding - If your budget is a bit flexible, offer custom-logo items such windbreakers, jackets, pashminas, pullovers, or small blankets to keep attendees comfortable on site, unify the group, and reinforce your brand long after the meeting.

Source: www.meetingsnet.com