How to Create Successful Professional Development Events
Professionals need opportunities to learn and grow their skills, no matter where they are in their careers, to meet the changing demands of the job market. Whether training your team or hosting an event for a community of specialists, creating an environment that supports professional development requires strategic room setup and the right event space partner.
At The KBC Houston, our experts collaborate with professional development event planners and trainers to create vibrant learning experiences. Here are our best practices for hosting an event that facilitates learning, maximizes attendees' experiences and prepares your organization for successful training.
The Design of Your Learning Environment Matters
A poorly laid-out event can make it difficult for attendees to focus and retain the material presented by trainers. If you’re hosting legal and compliance training, attendees must concentrate and take clear notes. However, skill-based games and networking sessions require an open space with specific activity centers and clear signage to engage attendees.
Look for a comfortable event space free from distractions that offers modular furniture that can be quickly rearranged to transform the space to fit your needs.
5 Room Layouts to Support Your Professional Development Objectives
Leadership workshops, networking sessions and technical training courses require different room setups.
● Round tables are the most popular layout for professional development events in The KBC Houston. This arrangement allows everyone to see each other and engage in an open discussion equally, typically with a designated facilitator to guide the conversation.
● Classroom style can be created by putting tables in a square or rectangular shape facing the trainer. This setup works best for notetaking, tests, and learning how to use specialized equipment.
● A U-shape layout is ideal for interactive sessions that involve a training facilitator.
● Pods of tables throughout a room promote small group discussions that a trainer can oversee.
● Theater seating spotlights a guest speaker or expert on stage. This traditional approach is also the best option for accommodating the most attendees.
With more than 40 event spaces, including banquet and theater seating, The KBC Houston can easily accommodate professional development event layouts of all types. Creating zones for different activities allows attendees to keep learning without disrupting them.
Don’t Forget to Give Attendees a Break
While most of the time at professional development events is spent building new skills, no one can learn for hours at a time without a break. Creating spaces that offer drinks, snacks, and a moment away from intensive learning is just as important as the layout of your training room.
Many of our attendees enjoy the two-story slide at The KBC Houston as a fun way to blow off steam during an event, capture pictures and have a laugh.
If you aim to keep the attendees' attention for a full day or multiple days, consider adding catering to serve food at the venue. Not only will this reduce disruption caused by taking a large group out to a restaurant, but it will also fuel their minds to retain information better.
Integrate Technology to Increase Engagement
In the modern professional development era, having a wide array of digital tools is encouraged to enhance the learning experience. From digital diagram displays and social media feeds to engaging lighting and music, the right technology can draw your audience in and improve the learning experience.
With high-speed Wi-Fi, screen projectors, and on-site AV support, The KBC Houston creates engaging educational events with technology you can rely on.
Work with The KBC Houston to Design Your Professional Development Event
The next time you need to set up a professional development event in the Houston area, contact The KBC Houston. Our event center can host everything from small team training events to large professional conferences, and our nonprofit expert community can help you maximize the space to reach your group’s learning goals.