Guide to Planning a Sales Training & Educational Seminar on Long Island


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Whether it be for sales training or educational, seminars can help you, your staff, and/or other interested parties to hone practical skills and increase general or specific knowledge in order to generate better results for your organization. It requires enthusiasm, the right leader, and - yes - the perfect location. We can help you find that ideal location that will not only have enough capacity, but may also help to inspire your staff. Just answer the questions below to find the best venue for your next seminar:

  • Is there a specific geographic area you would like to restrict your search to?
  • Knowing what region you do or don't want your seminar to be located in can easily help rule out several hundred catering halls. Of course the more specific your desired geographic area, the fewer options you have to work with. This fact may be very welcome to some overwhelmed party planners, but may seem frustrating to others who look forward to being given a variety of catering hall options. A good compromise is to first limit your geographic area to a very specific area. If you are not pleased with the choices of catering halls in that region, then slowly expand your search to the surrounding areas until you are happy with the number of choices being offered, as well as with the distance. Perhaps your decision has already been made for you if you would like to keep the corporate seminar in the same neighborhood as your company's headquarters. Be sure to survey the seminar attendees to see how they will be traveling to the seminar. If some/most members will be depending on public transportation, then you should focus on catering halls located near public transportation.

  • Is there a specific type of catering hall (i.e. hotel, vineyard, restaurant, etc.) you would like to restrict your search to?
  • Limiting your catering hall search to the type of catering hall is another way to quickly narrow down your top choices. Knowing exactly the type of catering hall you would like to use can help organize your event quickly and efficiently. When arranging a seminar, you should keep in mind the overall atmosphere of the venue. For instance, hosting a seminar at a winery or restaurant may be a bit distracting for your staff! Instead, you should focus on venues that provide for large space, bright lights/sunlight, easy access, and readily available a/v equipment for training purposes.

  • What is the date of your corporate seminar?
  • This may be an obvious "to do", but it is nevertheless an important factor in selecting the perfect catering hall for your seminar function. Just like selecting airline tickets, the more flexible you are the more likely it is to get better rates, options and availability. Since this seminar is business-oriented, your job as the planner is to ensure that the maximum number - if not all - of the involved staff/interested parties are able to attend the seminar. Planning well in advance in order to set your seminar date in stone is of utmost importance. Of course, it also needs to be at a time that does not conflict with other major work events/meetings.

  • How formal an affair do you want your seminar to be?
  • As mentioned before, the level of formality of your seminar can help you to select an appropriate type of hall if given the choice. It doesn't necessarily equate to the level of pricing of the catering hall. If you were hoping for a more relaxed seminar, then perhaps a large open hotel conference room would best suit your needs. Otherwise, you could look into nearby colleges and/or universities that have auditoriums for a more formal seminar.

  • How many people will you be hosting at the seminar?
  • The number of anticipated guests will undoubtedly help limit your catering hall choices, especially if it's a large number. This is true in terms amount of space and the pricing per plate of food (if applicable). Depending on your budget, this could be the determining factor of where your event should be located at.

  • Will you be requiring onsite food catering?
  • Most of the catering halls we showcase on our website include food catering. However, some do not and will require additional cost and planning in order to provide quality food for your guests. Additionally, if the catering hall of your wishes allows onsite food catering, but not the type of food that you wish to feature, then you may be able to work out a deal with the catering hall's management in order to bring in the type of food you would like, such as boxed lunches.

  • How much do you expect to spend per plate?
  • As mentioned earlier, where your seminar is located will largely - if not completely - depend upon how much you are able and/or willing to spend per plate. If you are interested in a specific catering hall, but the cost per plate is higher than you were expecting, you may need to rethink that catering hall, especially since you won't be able to cut down on the number of people you need to invite to the seminar. Another option may be to simply offer drinks and appetizers rather than a sit down meal, or even no food at all depending on the length and timing of the seminar. Offering beverages, however, should be considered a must for the comfort of the seminar attendees.

  • Will you be requiring a Kosher, Vegetarian or Vegan menus?
  • Many catering halls do offer Kosher, Vegetarian or Vegan menus. If required, make sure your catering hall choice has this option.

  • Will you be requiring any special equipment (a/v, dry-erase board, overhead projector, etc.) for your seminar?
  • Most catering halls (especially those with designated "conference" rooms) do supply special equipment upon request. However, in order to ensure that your seminar runs smoothly, be sure to inquire about this. Some of the catering halls featured on this site do offer special equipment, but for an additional cost. Be sure to include this in your budget if this is the case for you.

  • Would you prefer a location with attached or nearby accommodations for out of town guests?
  • If your answer to this question is yes, then you should highly consider hotels as your choice of catering hall. However, pay special attention to non hotel catering halls that are in close proximity to other hotel accommodations. Most halls should have this information ready at hand. Another option to consider is to provide transportation services for seminar attendees who are from out of town.

  • Will you be requiring a party planner?
  • If you book your organizational/association seminar at a catering hall, chances are you will be provided with an in-house party planner that can help ensure that your event goes smoothly. If you are not provided with one, but you are still interested in having a party planner, keep in mind that Long Island party planners have a wide range of rates, involvement and expertise. The catering hall of your choice could also assist you in finding a party planner who has been involved with past events at that location.

  • Would simultaneous events at your location be acceptable?
  • This is an important, yet often overlooked, factor to keep in mind when booking your seminar. This holds especially true for seminars that are held on weekends. Neighboring events could distract from a calm and civil seminar. On the other hand, catering halls that offer simultaneous events could help keep your costs low. In any case, as the party planner, you should be aware as to what types of events may be going on simultaneously to ensure that your seminar guests are comfortable.


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