Running a seminar at a large exhibition centre

Large exhibition centres are built for scale. They can host a seminar in a meeting room next to a busy trade show, or give a whole hall to one audience. The flexibility is useful, but it means the organiser has to make more choices about space, signage and flow.

Choose the room for the format

Theatre seating suits keynotes and panels. Classroom seating suits sessions where people take notes or work on laptops. Cabaret rounds suit discussion. Decide the format first, then ask the venue which rooms can be set that way.

Plan the speaker programme around attention

Seminar audiences tire after long blocks of slides. Mix formats: a short keynote, a panel, a case discussion and a break before the next block. Brief every speaker on timing and give them one point of contact for the day.

Help people find you

In a large complex, guests can easily walk to the wrong hall. Send clear directions with the confirmation email and place staff at key turns on the day.

Get Out! Events has a guide to building a seminar speaker programme at Singapore EXPO that covers running order, rehearsals and moderation.