Meeting Rooms vs. Conference Rooms: What’s Best for Your Business Needs?

Have you ever booked a space for a business event, only to realise it was too small, too echoey, or simply not fit for purpose? Whether you’re planning a brainstorming session with your team or hosting a client seminar, the space you choose can make or break your meeting. That’s why understanding the difference between meeting and conference rooms is more important than ever, especially in a city like Perth, where professional expectations meet a relaxed, modern lifestyle.

At ibis Styles East Perth Hotel, we understand how essential it is to get your business environment just right. Let’s explore the differences, benefits, and best use cases of both types of spaces, so you can choose the right one for your next big moment.

Understanding the Basics: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into which is best for your business needs, let’s first define what each space is all about.

What is a Meeting Room?

Meeting rooms are designed for small to medium-sized gatherings, think team discussions, strategic planning, interviews, or training sessions. These rooms are typically more intimate, versatile, and focused on encouraging communication and collaboration.

Typical features of a meeting room:

• Comfortable seating for 2–12 people
• Tables arranged in boardroom, round, or U-shape layouts
• Whiteboards or flipcharts
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• AV equipment like TVs or small projectors

Real-life example:

A Perth-based tech startup might book a meeting room at ibis Styles East Perth for a weekly strategy session. With flexible furniture, quiet surroundings, and access to tea and coffee, they can dig into KPIs and brainstorm new app features in a professional yet relaxed space.

What is a Conference Room?

Conference rooms, on the other hand, cater to larger groups and more formal occasions. They are typically used for presentations, industry events, workshops, or training sessions that involve multiple speakers or participants.

Key conference room features:

• Seating for 50 people
• Projectors and large presentation screens
• Microphones and sound systems
• Stage or podium
• Space for catering and networking

Real-life example:

A financial firm in Perth might host their annual review in a conference room. They’ll need AV support, a presentation screen, and enough space for 40 attendees, including a catered lunch in between sessions.

Understanding these distinctions can help you match your event’s purpose with the right space and ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Key Differences That Matter

Now that we’ve defined both spaces, it’s time to highlight what sets them apart in a practical sense. Here’s how meeting rooms and conference rooms compare across key criteria:

Size and Capacity

• Meeting rooms are ideal for smaller groups of up to 12 people.
• Conference rooms accommodate 20 to 100+ attendees.

Layout and Purpose

• Meeting rooms support collaborative work with casual, flexible layouts.
• Conference rooms are structured for formal presentations or large group communication.

Technology and Setup

• Meeting rooms: smaller AV setups, screen sharing, or flipcharts.
• Conference rooms: advanced tech with large displays, speaker systems, and staging.

At ibis Styles East Perth Accommodation, we provide both room types with reliable tech, but conference rooms offer more specialised equipment for big events.

Atmosphere

• Meeting rooms promote open dialogue and team-focused productivity.
• Conference rooms are more formal, making them ideal for public speaking, product launches, or seminars.
  
  

When the stakes are high, choosing the right atmosphere matters just as much as the tech.

Flexibility and Privacy

• Meeting rooms offer more privacy, great for confidential discussions or board meetings.
• Conference rooms often include breakout spaces but may involve more foot traffic and shared amenities.

If discretion is key, such as an HR meeting or private negotiation, a meeting room may serve you better.

Matching Room Types to Your Business Needs

Not every business event is created equal. Here’s how to decide which space best fits your situation:

Startups & Small Businesses

You’re moving fast, often working in small teams, and looking for budget-friendly options. Meeting rooms are your best friend.

Ideal for:

• Project kick-offs
• Interviews
• Monthly planning sessions
  
  

Tip: Choose a space that lets you connect your laptop to a screen and offers reliable Wi-Fi. At ibis Styles East Perth, our meeting rooms are set up for fast, functional sessions that maximise your time.

Medium to Large Businesses

You might be onboarding new employees, hosting quarterly reviews, or leading a client presentation. Conference rooms offer the structure, space, and tech to keep everyone on the same page.

Ideal for:

• Training days
• Client briefings
• Strategy presentations

Hybrid & Remote Workforces

If your team is spread out across Perth, or even across time zones, you’ll need a space that can support hybrid meetings with seamless AV and conferencing tools.

Ideal for:

• Zoom-integrated meetings
• Stakeholder check-ins
• Remote collaboration

Bonus: ibis Styles East Perth offers tech-enabled rooms for hybrid-friendly meetings. Our staff can help you set up so everyone, whether in-room or dialled in, can participate equally.

Why the Right Space Makes All the Difference

You might think any professional-looking space will do. But the room you choose directly affects:

• Focus and productivity
• Impressions on clients or partners
• Team morale and participation

Imagine delivering a high-stakes investor pitch in a cramped room with poor lighting. Or trying to hold a team workshop in an echoey hall with fixed furniture. Not ideal.

Selecting the right space shows forethought and professionalism. It ensures your event runs without a hitch and leaves your attendees impressed.

Your Go-To Venue for Business Events in Perth

At ibis Styles East Perth, we make it easy to choose the right space for your business. Whether you’re after a quick and convenient meeting room hire in Perth or something more robust for a full-day event, we’ve got you covered.

Why Businesses Choose Us:

• Prime location in East Perth
• Stylish, functional rooms with natural light
• Flexible layouts tailored to your agenda
• Tech-ready with AV, Wi-Fi, and teleconferencing
• On-site catering and accommodation options
• Professional staff to assist with planning and execution

Our versatile spaces can transition from boardroom to classroom setup with ease. Whether you’re searching for meeting rooms for hire for a half-day brainstorming session or need a professional setting for your AGM, we help bring your event to life with minimal fuss.

Plus, our central location means your attendees can grab a coffee on Adelaide Terrace, stroll along the Swan River, or stay overnight in our modern, comfortable rooms.

How to Choose the Right Room at ibis Styles East Perth

Here’s a simple checklist to help guide your booking:

• Know your numbers: How many attendees are expected?
• Define your purpose: Internal team meeting or external client event?
• Check tech needs: Do you need screen sharing, microphones, or video conferencing?
• Layout preference: Boardroom, classroom, theatre?
• Timing: Is it a quick 1-hour session or a full-day event?

Our team is here to help you make the right call because sometimes, what you really need isn’t obvious until you talk it through.

Which Room Will Help You Succeed?

Still wondering if a meeting room or a conference room is right for your next business event? The answer depends on your goals, your guest list, and your priorities. One thing’s for sure: the right setting makes all the difference.

Whether you’re booking intimate meeting rooms in Perth or a dynamic venue for your next large-scale event, ibis Styles East Perth delivers premium business spaces designed for success. We invite you to experience a smarter way to meet, backed by stylish interiors, expert support, and everything you need under one roof.

Ready to make your next meeting effortless?

Get in touch with our team today to book your space or learn more about our business packages. With ibis Styles East Perth, your next business event is in good hands.