You step into a buzzing event and a whirlwind of excitement and energy fills the air. You’re excited to see what comes next, the spaces in front of you look amazing and the atmosphere is nothing short of electrifying. It’s a DRPG event, after all. But once you’ve started to explore, seen a few talks, met some new people and had some next-level experiences, you’re craving a bit of relief. Some peace and quiet. So, where do you find it? That's where quiet areas come into play.
No longer a luxury or the occasional add-on, quiet rooms are fast becoming a necessity for happy attendees and successful events. Here, we'll explore why quiet areas should be an essential element of your next event.
Quite the noisy affair
The hustle and bustle of events combined with blaring music and enthusiastic conversations, affects everyone differently, but for many, it creates a sort of sensory overload. Studies show that prolonged exposure to loud noise levels can lead to stress and anxiety and that, naturally, leads to a drop off in engagement.
For neurodiverse individuals, the impact of being constantly on the go and surrounded by noise at events can be even greater. Environmental stress is often caused by noise, but it is highly subjective, so can be overlooked by organisers who are used to these busy environments. Often, this means those unable to hack a full day in your lively event space miss out on vital content and networking opportunities. It’s clearly an issue that must be addressed and, luckily, the solution is pretty straightforward.
The role of quiet areas
Quiet areas provide an ideal solution to that noise problem. In recent years, we’ve seen plenty of offices and public spaces allocate quiet areas – we’ve just implemented one at our own HQ – and the same benefits can be carried over into live events. By providing designated space for people to relax, unwind or even concentrate on a specific task in peace, you essentially give them time out to take a breather, recharge, and return to your event with renewed energy.
Some events have already embraced this concept, even if they’ve not labelled these spaces ‘Quiet Areas’. We’re sure you’ve seen meditation zones where event attendees can find their zen, or cosy lounge spaces for a moment away from the hubbub. By opting to include these spaces, and getting creative with how they’re designed, event organisers improve delegate experience, make their events more accessible and add value. Even more spaces for delegates to explore means more places to network, reflect, engage and positively feedback.
Organisers can reap these benefits even before their event begins as just by communicating that quiet areas will be available at your event, you make attendance more appealing to neurodiverse individuals. The same goes for publishing your agenda ahead of the live date. By letting people know what to expect at your event, you take some of the stress out of it, and so may raise attendance levels too. These small actions, especially when taken together, foster a sense of control and predictability that can ease anxiety. It shows you care for your delegates mental wellbeing, and so makes your day more accessible and accommodating for everyone.
Multipurpose spaces with multiple benefits
Quiet areas don’t have to be boring, silent spaces. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. These spaces can take practically any form and can be branded to suit your event’s overarching theme too. Meditation zones are perfect for events focused on wellbeing or even sustainability. Lounge areas, on the other hand, are a great fit for networking events and conferences. They provide a comfortable space for attendees to have more intimate conversations or just relax. And outdoor retreats are fantastic for events held in more scenic locations. The natural environment offers attendees a unique escape from your event’s hustle and bustle, and even if you’re not in the most stunning location, a rooftop or balcony space is always going to be popular.
These spaces offer more than a chance for your attendees to take a break and connect. Incorporating a quiet area within your event can also be a powerful strategy in attracting a more diverse audience. By providing a designated space for solitude and reflection, you create an inclusive environment that caters to a broad range of attendee needs. For introverted individuals, those with sensory sensitivities, or anyone who just needs a moment to themselves, quiet spaces offer respite. Just their inclusion communicates a commitment to the wellbeing and diverse needs of your audience, ultimately fostering a more welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone, regardless of their background or preferences.
So, why wouldn’t you include one?
Want to learn more about the value of quiet areas? Or ready to incorporate one into your next big event? Our expert event team in here to help. Just reach out to them at anythingspossible@drpgroup.com to get started.
