There is no greater decision than the choice of  setting for your conference or major corporate event. There are so many factors to consider but we have broken these into three: location, venue and people.

Why a central location wins out

The location should be easily reachable for all attendees, whether they are local or travelling from afar. Convenient transport links, including proximity to airports, train stations and major roads, can make it simpler for delegates to reach the venue without hassle. 

Then you need to consider the transport infrastructure of the city and how easy it is to get around. The choice of an appealing, go-to destination would be undermined if travel within the city is difficult.

For many people, attendance at a conference is not all work and no play. An appealing destination, which delegates will have the opportunity to explore with ease can make or break the trip for some. There is a big difference between visiting a city for work and going home versus the opportunity to explore a city easily in between conference sessions and at the end of the day.

Dublin is a compact city accessible by sea or air from more than 180 destinations.


“Everything is on our doorstep,” says Declan Connolly, The CCD’s head of events. “It’s easy to get around and nothing is ever too far away. There’s an excellent road, rail and tram network and more than 10,000 taxis (with very friendly drivers!) and a fantastic ‘dublinbikes’ scheme.” The CCD is located in the heart of Dublin’s docklands area with 20,000 hotel rooms within reach and surrounded by European headquarters of many of the world’s leading tech and financial services companies. 

Connolly’s Dublin highlights include the city’s museums and galleries, specifically the National Gallery of Ireland, and EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. 

“I love incorporating some physical activity into my day, whether I’m at the office or at home,” he adds. “We have some fantastic routes around The CCD that let you take in all the city has to offer while raising those endorphins.”

And at the other end of the day, he says: “Almost any bar in Dublin will have live music on any given night, playing an array of different genres.” It’s also worth trying to get last-minute tickets for Whelan’s or the 3 Olympia Theatre. 

All bases covered

Size isn’t everything but it’s a significant factor. “All things considered you might need more space than you think,” warns Connolly.  

Size and space are primary considerations but also the flexibility of the venue and whether it can accommodate flux in numbers and plans. Accessibility for those with mobility needs is also important.  

Layout is also crucial. Ideally you don’t want to have great distances between the different spaces and rooms. “The CCD is a stacked building, which makes moving around the venue very easy and quick,” says Connolly.


It’s vital to know what is included in the venue package, whether it is a ‘black box’ that will require furnishing (and incur extra cost, of course) or whether it is already built out and included in the hire cost.

Technical requirements will most likely be high on any client’s priority list and it’s vital to know what the venue can provide and what you need, or indeed, want to source from a third party. The CCD assigns a technical production manager, who works alongside each client and The CCD’s in-house team to manage and deliver all technical requirements.

Last, but definitely not least, are the food and beverage offerings. “You want to make sure your delegates are well fed and watered. Budget, sustainability, range of menus to suit tastes and dietary requirements are all major considerations. The CCD’s hospitality is second to none with a variety of offerings to suit every budget,” says Connolly. 

It takes a village

A large conference requires a team of experts behind it to make it work successfully, seamlessly and memorably.

At The CCD, clients are assigned a core team of an event manager, a technical production manager and a hospitality manager, who are supported by a full range of in-house services. 

The CCD delights in the mantra of ‘No Ordinary Team’. “When you choose The CCD for your event, you’re not just getting a venue,” says Connolly. “Our team of experts will partner with you to deliver your event beyond your expectations. We believe in delivering exceptional customer service – our satisfaction rates are above 94% – so you can relax and enjoy your event, knowing you are in safe hands.

Reach out to our sales team today and see how The CCD can help you elevate your event.

Declan Connolly, head of events, The Convention Centre Dublin