A proper breakout space for your team during a full day of meetings is more important than you think and actually makes the main meetings more productive.
What a Proper Breakout Space Looks Like
A good breakout space is a room or a clearly defined area within a room. It’s not a corridor with some chairs against the wall. It should have seats and tables to work on, ideally with some natural light.
How Proximity to the Main Room Matters
Ideally a breakout space should be near enough to the main meeting room for delegates to pop back and forth between meetings as required. Breakout spaces on different floors or in the corner of a building are not effective for a single day hire.
Using Breakout Time Actively
Using Breakout Time Actively – planning what to do in Breakout Time helps to make it more useful than just a chance to go and make phone calls and have coffee. Assign small-group tasks, solo reviews, etc.
Check What Is Included Before You Book
Ask the venue whether your required breakout space is included within the price of the main meeting room or whether it is an additional feature that will cost you extra. Some venues advertise breakout spaces but these will only be as large as a lobby to the room.
For Meeting Rooms Bristol, see https://hatherleymanor.com/conference-venues-gloucester/meeting-rooms/meeting-rooms-bristol. Worth checking out against your specific requirements.
Confirm the Layout Suits Your Group
Can the furniture be moved around to suit your requirements? It’s also worth checking the specific seating capacity of the breakout area and whether this can accommodate your team in working groups. As outlined within our Bristol meeting room guidance, many venues clearly show alternative layouts and seating options for breakout spaces.
Good breakout space helps to turn a long meeting day into something that your team can actually cope with.
