Whether you're running employee training, leadership development, workshops, onboarding sessions or team planning days, choosing the right training room can have a significant impact on participant engagement and outcomes.
Many businesses focus solely on room capacity, but factors such as natural light, technology, breakout spaces, location and catering can be just as important.
This guide explains how to choose a training venue that delivers value for small teams while supporting learning and promoting participation.
What Makes a Good Training Room?
The best training rooms do more than provide tables and chairs.
Look for venues that offer:
When participants are comfortable and distractions are minimised, engagement and retention are often higher.
Best Layouts for Small Team Training
Different training goals require different room setups.
Boardroom Layout
Ideal for:
- Leadership workshops
- Strategy sessions
- Small team coaching
Cabaret Layout
Ideal for:
- Interactive training
- Group discussions
- Professional development programs
Classroom Layout
Ideal for:
- Compliance training
- Software training
- Formal presentations
Open Studio Layout
Ideal for:
- Team building activities
- Role-playing exercises
- Creative workshops
- Manual Handling workshops
At Frankston Arts Centre, flexible meeting rooms, studios and The Labs can be configured to suit a range of training formats, from traditional classroom sessions to highly interactive workshops.
Technology issues can quickly disrupt a training session.
Before booking, confirm that your venue includes:
- Large presentation screens
- HDMI connectivity
- Microphones if required
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Video conferencing options
- Onsite technical support
Corporate training increasingly blends in person and remote participation, making AV capability an essential consideration.
Breakout Spaces and Group Activities
Many modern training programs incorporate:
- Small-group discussions
- Brainstorming activities
- Scenario exercises
- Team collaboration
A venue with breakout areas allows participants to move around and remain engaged.
Frankston Arts Centre's meeting rooms and studios provide spacious layouts designed to support collaboration, movement and group activities.
Catering and Refreshment Options
Training sessions are often more successful when participants have access to refreshments throughout the day.
Common options include:
- Tea and coffee stations
- Morning tea
- Working lunches
- Afternoon refreshments
For full-day programs, catering can help reduce interruptions and keep attendees onsite throughout the session.
Why Location and Parking Affect Attendance
One of the most overlooked factors in training room hire is convenience.
Consider:
Public Transport Access
Attendees travelling from across Melbourne may prefer venues located near train stations and bus connections.
Parking Availability
Convenient parking can improve attendance and reduce stress on arrival.
Regional Accessibility
If attendees are travelling from Melbourne's south east, choosing a venue closer to key employment areas can reduce travel time.
Located in Frankston, Frankston Arts Centre provides easy access for organisations across Melbourne's south east region and the Mornington Peninsula.
Why Arts Centres Make Excellent Training Venues
Businesses often consider hotels and conference centres first, but arts centres offer several unique advantages.
Benefits include:
- Creative environments that inspire participation
- Flexible spaces designed for audiences and groups
- Professional AV infrastructure
- Adaptable room configurations
- Distinctive surroundings that attendees remember
Frankston Arts Centre offers smaller meeting rooms, studios, galleries, dividable spaces and The Labs, making it suitable for training sessions, workshops and collaborative team events.
Training Room Hire Checklist
Before booking, ask:
✅ How many people will attend?
✅ What room layout is required?
✅ Is AV equipment included?
✅ Is technical support available?
✅ Are catering packages available?
✅ Is parking nearby?
✅ Is the venue accessible?
✅ Are breakout spaces available?
✅ Does the venue offer half-day and full-day hire options?
Frequently Asked Questions
What size room do I need for a training session?
A room should comfortably accommodate all participants while allowing space for movement, activities and group discussions. Smaller teams often benefit from rooms designed specifically for 10 to 30 participants rather than oversized conference spaces.
Is half-day or full-day training room hire better value?
Half-day hire can be cost-effective for shorter sessions. Full-day hire is often better value for workshops, leadership programs and training events requiring multiple activities and breaks.
What AV should be included in a training room?
At a minimum, look for presentation screens, Wi-Fi and connectivity options. Larger sessions may also require microphones, video conferencing facilities and technical support.
Do training rooms usually include catering?
Many venues offer catering packages ranging from tea and coffee service to full-day catering options.
What layout works best for workshops?
Interactive workshops often work best in cabaret, collaborative or open-plan layouts that allow participants to work together.
Are arts centres good for corporate training?
Yes. Arts centres often provide flexible spaces, professional technology and creative environments that support engagement and collaboration.