By Federica Stefani

Copyright inverness-courier

Sponsored editorial

Inverness: the heart of the Highlands, a city growing and bustling with visitors all year round. However, the Highland capital is also home to a thriving business scene and can provide a fantastic backdrop for organised events of all kinds.

Whether you are organising a business meeting, a conference or an office party for the festive season, one element is key to your success: location, location, location.

It’s not just about finding any space that will do – there is an art in making all the pieces of the puzzle click into place to ensure a pitch-perfect event.

From the atmosphere of the venue, its capacity and accessibility, as well as the services offered, there are many elements to take into account when choosing the place that will host your event.

So, to help you make that choice, here are some important aspects to consider when searching for the perfect setting for your event

1. Easy on the eye…and on the foot!

First impressions do matter – you will want to find a location that will make your guests nod in surprise and approval as soon as they step in front of and inside the space, but that will also make them feel comfortable.

Consider your surroundings for that wow factor – a place like the riverside can be beautiful and picturesque, and add that special touch – even at business meetings!

And with the setting comes a very important aspect – accessibility. Picking a location that is easy to reach, either by foot, car or public transport, will make life easier for all attendees, as well as be in proximity to other amenities.

Nestled in the city centre, between Inverness Castle and the River Ness, the four-star Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments offers a fantastic option for a wide variety of events.

2. Versatility Is Key

The ability to transition, for instance, from a formal presentation setup to a more relaxed reception space with ease can be a real strength point for the event, and you will want to look for a venue whose spaces can easily adapt to various needs and accommodate different types of groups.

For a large conference, a spacious suite with a private entrance, bar, and breakout areas is essential for the flow of the event, and to encourage networking. For a smaller, more intimate occasions, a space with a more traditional feel and charm, can really be the icing on the cake for your event.

Having two dedicated suites, the Glen Mhor offers that versatility – its Waterside Suite & Foyer boasts its own bar and breakout space, whereas the Glen Mhor Suite & Lounge is a perfect setting for smaller and more intimate events.

3. Tech-ing it right

No matter the type and size of event, technology needs to be fit for purpose and work for you to make everything flow as smoothly as possible.

Look at what type of wi-fi connection and equipment can be provided – will you need display screens or projectors? A functional sound system for a presentation or conference? High-speed Wi-Fi? Check that everything you need is in place – if in doubt, get in touch with the venue’s staff for advice and support.

4. Food for thought and dreams

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well,” wrote a certain writer called Virginia Woolf.

Good food can give an incredible upward twist to your day or evening – even if it’s not the main focus of your event, it can make a massive difference and truly make an event stand out. So, it’s important to look at what a venue can offer in terms of menus and catering.

Look for a kitchen that champions local, seasonal produce. This not only supports local suppliers but also guarantees a menu that is fresh, flavourful and highlighting the strengths of local cuisine.

The ability to craft a bespoke menu tailored to your specific events – with attention to any dietary requirements – from light canapés for a networking session to a formal three-course dinner is what you want to look for to make sure your guests have a memorable experience.

The Glen Mhor’s Waterside restaurant is an excellent example of this – using local, ethically sourced ingredients and focusing on waste management and reduction.

And for a truly unique experience, the venue boasts its own in-house brewery and distillery, Uile-bheist – the perfect setting for a team building tour and a source of the freshest craft beer, as well as a charming bar where guests can sit and relax in their downtime.

5. Don’t rest on your laurels…but make sure your guests do!

If your event will run across multiple days or for an evening event with guests coming from further afield, you’ll want to make sure they can get the best possible rest around the planned activities.

A venue which offers a good number and variety of rooms so that attendees can just focus on the event without the hassle of finding transport to get them to other hotels or accommodation, and can maximise their relax and comfort around the main activities.

With 100 bedrooms and 10 apartments on offer in the heart of Inverness, blending historic charm with contemporary style, the Glen Mhor Hotel and Apartments is an ideal choice when you need to provide a comfortable haven for your guests after a long day of meetings and networking.

6.Take a look at the green side

An aspect which is often overlooked but which should be a priority in this day and age is, of course, sustainability. Choosing a venue that is taking important steps in reducing its impact on the environment is not only a long-sighted choice and a statement, but also a point of pride for any event planner.

A venue’s commitment to the environment, from sourcing local ingredients to implementing eco-friendly energy solutions, speaks volumes, and an increasing number of companies are becoming more conscious of their footprint.

The team behind the Glen Mhor Hotel and Apartments is a leading force in terms of sustainability in the hospitality industry – it boasts a dedicated energy centre, which is the first of its kind, and is one in many ways in which green energy is integrated into this establishment’s daily operations.

7. Teamwork makes the dreamwork

Organising an event can seem daunting – but it doesn’t have to be stressful!

Some venues can help you with tailored support throughout all stages of planning and during the event, and having that support can be a true game-changer, no matter how big or small your plans are!

The Glen Mhor has a dedicated and professional events team who can do just that, taking the stress away and making sure everyone has a fantastic experience.

8. Go with the seasons

Last but not least, it is also important to consider the time of the year in which you want to host your event, so that you can select the perfect ambience and atmosphere for your seasonal parties.

With Christmas fast approaching, this is the perfect time to start planning your festive parties and events with calm and ease so that December doesn’t find you unprepared!

Whether it’s a staff celebration or a Christmas day banquet, the Glen Mhor Hotel and Apartments has a range of fantastic offers and packages to indulge their guests in the atmosphere and flavours of the festive season.

You can find out more about the Glen Mhor’s Hotel and Apartments conference and event packages, request a bespoke proposal or contact the events team to arrange a tour of the venue at www.glen-mhor.com.

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