Venues should smell the coffee

PAs shouldn?t lose sleep over registration arrangements, worry about the room layout, or panic over Powerpoint presentations. A recent survey shows that an event?s success could actually be measured by the quality of the refreshments.

Conference Cambridge, the official free venue-finding service for Cambridge University and its colleges, as well as hotels and other unique properties in the city, has just released the results of a survey completed by 75 event organisers on the subject of refreshments at UK venues.

More than 80% said the availability and quality of tea and coffee was ?very important and could make or break an event?, but only 50% were happy with current refreshment arrangements.

Two thirds of respondents said they had received complaints from delegates on the timing of refreshments, the length of queues, tepid hot drinks and a limited range on offer.

Almost half felt the drinks served were of poor quality and a similar number referred to the disappointing snacks, which lacked imagination and were not home-made or healthy options.

When asked what coffee arrangements would be preferred, 46% highlighted a coffee machine with options such as Cappuccino, Latte and Americano and a further 17% requested a Barista making fresh drinks to order. A ?make your own? arrangement with hot water and a selection of teas was also the preferred option.

Finally, 68% said if they had had a positive experience of refreshments at an event they were likely to use the venue again or recommend it.