Marketing Director and Sustainability Lead at Wyboston Lakes Resort, Louisa Watson, discusses the rise of contracted training spaces.
Professional training organisations are moving away from the traditional venue booking model. Rather than generic meeting rooms in whatever space is available, they are increasingly seeking customised environments designed for their learners and the bespoke nature of the training being delivered.
Branded space
The emerging model is based on long-term contracted space – permanent, branded, purpose-built training environments ready for use whenever required, with technology for classroom and hybrid delivery fully integrated. A key driver is the changing needs of learners in the era of hybrid working. When teams are more dispersed and face-to-face interaction is less frequent, in-person learning events serve a purpose beyond knowledge-sharing: rebuilding connections and strengthening a sense of community and belonging.
Commercial benefits
Contracted training spaces also offer clear commercial advantages. Long-term partnerships make budgeting and operations simpler and branding more consistent. These benefits are explored in The Role of Face-to-Face Training in a GenAI World, a recently published report featuring a case study of digital forensics training company Control-F.
Kevin Mansell, Managing Director of Control-F, is positive about the arrangement: “Wyboston Lakes Resort proposed a contracted training space – renting rooms on a longer-term basis. This bespoke arrangement has allowed us to design and equip the rooms to suit our learners and keep IT equipment permanently set up and ready. The environment makes a huge difference. Our learners are in a comfortable, pleasant setting with green space and leisure facilities – making it easier to attract first-time delegates and bring them back for more.”