The most important element of a successful event is appropriateness of the location. The communication objective provides the standard for evaluating the location venue. For example, if your intention is to have an authoritative, instructional presentation with one speaker, then a room that allows for theatre style seating would be appropriate. If the objective is to have a more experiential, interactive session, then seating "in the round" would be more facilitative. If you intend to document the event with video, you would have a whole other level of parameters to evaluate.
In order to communicate effectively, no matter what the message is, the venue, the "medium", must be as transparent as possible. That is, the participants (and the presenter) must be able to attend, see, and hear the message clearly! Noise, low or misdirected lighting, or distracting, non-essential activity will challenge and stress the full attention that the audience needs to "get" the message you intend.
Web resources:
In order to communicate effectively, no matter what the message is, the venue, the "medium", must be as transparent as possible. That is, the participants (and the presenter) must be able to attend, see, and hear the message clearly! Noise, low or misdirected lighting, or distracting, non-essential activity will challenge and stress the full attention that the audience needs to "get" the message you intend.
Web resources:
Video Checklist:
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Comments for Selecting a Location Venue: