As a conference center, Belmont has attracted Fortune 500 executives, Nobel laureates and business and civic leaders.  To continue to draw such clientele, Belmont must consider two important factors in the master planning process: industry standards and the number of guest rooms.

Striving for excellence

Belmont must strive to meet the high standards for the conference center industry, such as those put forth by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).

The IACC has established "best practices" for the industry and manages an accreditation program that sets a uniformity of standards.  Best practices are ever-evolving as new technologies and enhanced amenities raise client expectations.

Universal criteria for best practices range from big picture components, such as the percentage of space dedicated to conference use, to fine points, such as the foot-candle measurement of conference table lighting.

Other important criteria ensure a superior meeting experience.  Food service criteria, for example, stipulate separate facilities for dining, with at least one dining area dedicated to conference groups.  Another criterion specifies that dining facilities accommodate groups on a flexible meeting schedule.  Still another specifies that continuous refreshment service be provided outside the meeting rooms.   

As technology advances, IACC criteria call for the best in audio-visual and communications equipment, plus services of skilled staff to operate it.  Standards detail how rooms should be designed, lighted, temperature-controlled and equipped. Chairs should be ergonomic. Hard-surface tables should be the right height and depth.  Walls should include tackable surfaces.  Acoustics must be appropriate. 

Guest rooms should be separate from conference and leisure areas to allow privacy and comfort, but close enough for convenience. They should offer phone and Internet connectivity and easily accessible power outlets.  They should have work areas with a writing surface, comfortable chair, and separately-controlled lighting.

The primary purpose of conference centers is to satisfy and accommodate conference groups by offering self-contained, full-service, learning and living environments.  This includes meeting, lodging, dining and recreational facilities with appropriate atmosphere, accommodations and services.

Number of guest rooms

Another important factor is the number of overnight guest rooms that Belmont should offer to its clients. Enough rooms should be available that provides sufficient revenue for the operation of the center.  However, a distinguishing feature of Belmont is its seclusion and serenity, and, therefore, too many rooms would diminish the ambiance. 

While industry consultants recommend 100 rooms for a viable business, the college has decided that the appropriate total number for the setting should not exceed 50.  This means reducing the number of rooms in the Manor House from 15 to 10 and adding 40 rooms in the new structures. 

Additional revenue will be generated by academic courses taught at Belmont.

For more information about the Conference Center at Belmont, please visit: http://www.belmontconferencecenter.com.