The right conference venue can make or break a successful meeting. The venue's atmosphere, facilities and service play a key role in creating the optimal setting for productive discussions, creative brainstorming and not least a valuable output. We know all about this at Bernstorff Castle, where we have hosted conferences of both small and large formats since 2009.
Here we give you a guide to choosing the perfect conference venue - and because there is something fairytale-like and magical about Bernstorff Castle, we give you 7 tips in the best Brothers Grimm style.
1. Location and accessibility
A convenient location is essential for attendee comfort. A location close to the city, yet in a quiet setting, provides both easy access and the opportunity for immersion.
Bernstorff Castle is a great choice - with its location just 9 km from central Copenhagen and free and accessible parking, transportation hassles and parking chaos are the last thing on participants' minds.
It is not without reason that we have previously been rated as the Danish conference hotel with the best location.
Bernstorff Castle is located in the middle of nature - yet close to the city
2. Inspiring surroundings
Convenient location close to the city is one thing - Copenhagen and other major cities in Denmark are full of centrally located meeting rooms. But if the view is of a dark backyard, the location can be just as good. The atmosphere of the conference venue has a huge impact on attendee motivation and engagement.
Bright and airy meeting rooms with views of nature are ideal for fostering creativity. Here too, Bernstorff Castle stands out with its large windows that invite the daylight in - and not least the beautiful view of Bernstorff Park. And speaking of Bernstorffsparken, you can take a walk and talk in the park as a much-needed break in the day's agenda.
The park and the castle create a relaxing and inspiring backdrop for any meeting - whether it's a small day meeting for the management team or a large-scale conference with over 100 participants.
Views of nature and great light in the meeting rooms at Slottet
3. Presence and personal service
Large venues can often feel impersonal - perhaps like "meeting factories" - where one meeting agenda after another is pushed through on an assembly line without much thought.
Smaller and more intimate venues can therefore be an advantage, especially if you prioritize personal service and catering tailored to the individual. If you fall into the latter category, Bernstorff Slot is a safe choice.
And it's certainly not for lack of space here at Slottet in North Zealand. Both the castle and the castle gardens offer plenty of elbow room and high ceilings.
But there's never so much space that there's no time for intimacy. For example, upon arrival at Bernstorff Castle, you'll meet the same staff that helped you with the planning. It's a one point of contact approach that ensures a seamless experience where you feel that both your needs and the needs of other participants are met.
Personal service is part of the experience
4. Flexibility and facilities and packages
Meetings vary in size and purpose, so conference venues with flexible options are a big plus. Choose a venue that offers both small and large meeting rooms and the ability to customize a meeting package.
If you have a diverse list of attendees with different requirements, Bernstorff Slot might be the obvious choice. Because here there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all.
Of course we have a selection of meeting packages, but we are also flexible when it comes to customizing the needs of each guest.
No hero without food and drink - luckily we have food and meeting packages for all needs
5. Catering with care - and the opportunity to rest
Food and drink play an essential role in keeping energy up throughout the day. So look for places that offer flexible catering to suit your guests' needs. At Bernstorff Castle, the food is homemade from scratch by passionate chefs with a focus on seasonal ingredients. This ensures both quality and variety.
And we haven't even mentioned our 23 hotel rooms in the charming half-timbered building Kavalérgården. So if some of your participants are coming from far and wide, the day's hardships are just a stone's throw away from a soft bed and a good night's sleep - even in royal surroundings.
You can read more about the benefits of choosing Bernstorff Slot as your conference hotel on this page.
The beautiful half-timbered building Kavalergården houses 23 hotel rooms
6. Technology and equipment
You know the scenario: You've prepared your presentation down to the last detail, and nothing can go wrong - but then the technology fails. You're left with sweat on your brow and an impatient audience. It's not pleasant for either party.
The technique just needs to work - every time!
We know this at Bernstorff Castle, which is why we offer ClickShare technology to ensure a seamless presentation without technical obstacles.
If you need to bring participants from a distance - from Holbæk to Hong Kong, we can handle that too. With Poly Studio video conferencing equipment, everyone participates clearly as if you were all in the same room.
In a nutshell: Modern conferences require reliable technical equipment. So make sure your venue offers everything from projectors and high-speed internet to user-friendly AV equipment.
The setting is historic at the castle - but the technology is always up-to-date
7. A historical touch
Imagine thinking big thoughts in the setting where kings, counts and other nobles and royalty have done their bidding. This is where Bernstorff Castle really stands out from other conference venues.
If you want your meeting to have a unique atmosphere, a venue with historical significance can really add an extra dimension. Bernstorff Castle, built in 1765 and former home to King Christian IX and other royalty and nobility, combines elegant history with modern comfort.
Bernstorff Castle in Gentofte offers a historic setting for the conference
Welcome to Bernstorff Castle
We hope you are well prepared for your choice of conference venue - just as we hope you choose Bernstorff Slot when you choose your next conference center.
If you want to know more, contact us and tell us about your needs - and we'll put together a conference stay according to your wishes.
You may also want to read our practical information, where you can read more about all the facilities we haven't already mentioned in this post. Do you also want tips on how to structure your meetings to make the most of the setting? Read our post with tips for structuring successful meetings.
