Two things to watch for when choosing a conference venue.One is the ‘wow’ factor. What organization is going to thank you for arranging a conference in anything less than an impressive venue? And if impressive is not the tone your group wants, then they will want something — like beautiful,. restful, invigorating, challenging, gracious. Get the idea. Your people will have an expectation for the type of venue they would like to meet in. Find it. Give them what they want — and then some. Make them go, ‘Wow!’Second thing to consider is the facilities.We’re in an age that expects comfort and luxury when we go to a conference. Meals need to be up to standard. Seating and surroundings in the main rooms needs to be good. Comfortable. And there has to be an airport close by, plenty of parking if people are driving there, or hotels near to the venue if there are overnights involved. All this is taken for granted. But there is also the question of the communication facilities. And these have to be good. Mics have to work without hick ups. Screen have to be available. The Internet will have to be piped in — as fast as it can run. Mobile phones have to get their signals. People will want to keep in touch easily, so make sure these facilities are available.So when you are looking for a conference venue in christchurch, or anywhere else, for that matter, make sure you think about these two factors.