About Lobby Spaces
Lobbies are large open spaces with an impressive entranceway flanked by furniture made from luxurious materials like marble or granite. They’re often in commercial and public places like office buildings, airports, movie theaters, and hotels. These spaces often feature visually appealing elements such as tall ceilings, intricate molding, and unique architectural accents that make them ideal for various events. With a few creative touches, these spaces can be transformed into elegant venues for guests to mingle and comfortably enjoy themselves.
Lobbies also offer plenty of practical amenities for event hosts and their guests. The open layout allows for unobstructed sightlines, so guests won’t miss anything important during the event. Flexible seating arrangements provide plenty of room for mingling while allowing everyone to stay close together when necessary. Additionally, lobbies typically contain electrical outlets that are great for setting up audio-visual equipment or computers, if needed, and coat check areas, which add convenience and security when hosting events with many attendees.
The Best Events for Lobby Spaces
- Seminars
Lobbies make excellent locations for seminars or lectures because of their open and spacious design. They usually feature plenty of seating so attendees can take notes and follow along with the speaker. Depending on the event's topic and duration, setting up a projector or display to present visual content, such as slideshows or videos, might also be necessary.
- Corporate Celebrations
From corporate milestone anniversaries to holiday festivals, lobbies make great locations for celebrations due to the high ceilings and ample space for decorations like streamers and balloons. There could be various activities such as live music performances, game tables, photo opportunities, custom giveaways, and delicious food catering options with various treats that reflect the event’s theme or culture.
- Conferences & Trade Shows
Conferences are well-suited for lobby spaces since they typically involve multiple speakers giving presentations over numerous days on various topics related to a specific industry or field. Trade shows are also ideal as they often feature booths dedicated to showcasing products from different vendors in the same industry. Setting up displays in lobbies creates a unified look while still allowing each vendor enough space to demonstrate their items without feeling cramped.
- Networking Mixer
A great event to hold in a lobby space is a networking mixer. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other groups can use this event to bring people together for friendly conversation and potential collaborations. Activities that can be involved include having attendees exchange business cards or introduce themselves to other guests. Additionally, drinks and appetizers can be served as part of the event.
What to Look for in Lobby Spaces
- Size
The size of the lobby should be taken into consideration when selecting the space. It should be large enough to accommodate the number of guests attending the event, as well as have adequate space for furniture and activities that may be taking place. It should also provide enough room for movement and circulation throughout the area.
- Functionality
The lobby should be designed in a way that enables it to serve its purpose effectively. This means it should have adequate lighting, a sound system, and other necessary technology for presentations or events taking place in the space.
- Aesthetics
The aesthetics of the lobby are essential in creating an attractive atmosphere within the space. This may include decorative elements such as artwork or architectural details which help evoke a certain mood or ambiance within the area. Furthermore, choosing furniture with comfortable upholstery and soft textures can create a sense of coziness within the area.
- Accessibility
Ensuring all guests have easy access to enter and exit from the lobby is essential when selecting a venue. This includes ensuring no obstacles impede movements, such as stairs or thresholds, which may prevent wheelchair users from accessing certain areas within the space comfortably. Additionally, it is important to check whether entrances can open wide enough to allow strollers or wheelchairs through quickly.
How to Make Lobby Events Better
- Create a Positive Atmosphere
Setting the tone for an event in a lobby starts with creating a positive atmosphere. Ensure adequate lighting, comfortable furniture, and decorations that reflect the event's theme. Choose soothing colors and sound levels to keep guests comfortable throughout the event.
- Provide Interesting Entertainment
A successful event in a lobby should provide interesting entertainment for guests. Whether it’s live music, performances, or interactive games, make sure there is something engaging for your guests to do while they are at the event. This will help them feel more connected to your mission while having fun.
- Offer Delicious Food & Drink
Good food and drinks can elevate any event in a lobby. Try providing food and beverages that reflect the theme or purpose behind your event so that it ties in with everything else perfectly. Even small snacks like chips & dip or sandwiches can go a long way in helping make your venue feel even more inviting and comfortable for all who attend.
- Designate Areas for Interaction
The layout of an event in a lobby should be designed to encourage conversation and networking opportunities among attendees. To achieve this, designate specific areas where people can mingle and engage with one another—set up seating areas near refreshment tables or create cozy nooks in corners of the space for individuals or small groups to sit together and chat comfortably during the event.
- Make Logistical Preparations Ahead of Time
Ensure you cover all logistical aspects before inviting people to your event. This includes ensuring all necessary permits are obtained (if needed) and reserving additional resources, such as parking spaces ahead of time if required by local regulations or needed by special events like weddings or corporate receptions held in lobbies.
