Conference & Events
Movable Acoustic Walls for Conference
Centres & Event Venues
Divide large conference halls into multiple breakout rooms for seminars, events and exhibitions — then open back up for plenary sessions and gala dinners in minutes.
Acoustic ratings up to Rw 59 dB. Electric operable walls available. FIS accredited installation. UK-wide supply and install.
Introduction
Operable Walls for Flexible, High-Performance Conference Spaces
Conference centres and event venues depend on the ability to reconfigure their spaces quickly and efficiently. Operable partition systems allow large conference halls to be divided into multiple breakout rooms for seminars, workshops and presentations — then opened back up for plenary sessions, exhibitions or gala dinners. ModernGlide movable acoustic walls can be reconfigured in minutes without specialist staff.
High-performance acoustic ratings are essential in conference environments where multiple sessions run simultaneously. Our MG100 system achieves Rw 59 dB — ensuring that sound from one session does not penetrate adjacent rooms. Electric operable walls (MG100E) allow large panels to be moved with minimal effort, ideal for venues with frequent reconfiguration requirements.
The commercial success of a conference centre depends on its ability to accommodate events of all sizes. Movable acoustic walls give venues the flexibility to host a single large conference or multiple simultaneous smaller events, maximising revenue from the same building footprint. Space optimisation is a key commercial benefit of operable partition systems.
Industry Challenges
Real Challenges in Conference & Event Spaces
Acoustic Control
Multiple simultaneous sessions require complete acoustic separation. Sound from one conference must not penetrate adjacent rooms — protecting the integrity of each event.
Flexible Room Layouts
Conference centres must accommodate events of all sizes — from small workshops to large plenary sessions. Walls must be reconfigurable quickly without specialist staff.
Multi-Use Environments
The same space may host a conference in the morning and a gala dinner in the evening. Systems must be reconfigured quickly between events with minimal disruption.
Large Open Spaces
Conference halls often span large areas requiring wide-panel systems. Top-hung operable walls handle large spans without floor channels that would obstruct event layouts.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Corporate events, AGMs and press conferences require genuine acoustic privacy. High-performance Rw 59 dB systems ensure confidential discussions remain private.
Frequent Reconfiguration
Venues with multiple daily events need systems that can be moved quickly by venue staff. Electric operable walls automate the process, reducing time and effort.
How Operable Walls Help
How Movable Acoustic Walls Solve These Challenges
The MG100 movable acoustic wall is the most widely specified system for conference centres, delivering Rw 59 dB acoustic separation — the highest available in our range. Panels are top-hung from a ceiling track with no floor channels, allowing event furniture to be placed right up to the partition without obstruction.
For venues requiring motorised operation, the MG100E fully electric operable wall system allows large, heavy panels to be moved at the touch of a button. This is particularly valuable for venues that reconfigure multiple times per day, reducing staff effort and ensuring consistent operation.
The MG200 hinged folding partition provides a cost-effective solution for venues where top-hung systems are not practical due to structural limitations. Panels fold neatly into a storage stack at one or both ends of the opening, and an integrated pass door allows convenient day-to-day access.
Acoustic Performance
Rw 59 dB — Maximum Acoustic Separation
The MG100 movable acoustic wall achieves an independently tested Rw rating of 59 dB — the highest available in our range. This level of acoustic separation ensures that simultaneous conference sessions in adjacent rooms cannot be heard through the partition, protecting the integrity of each event.
For conference centres requiring flexibility between full acoustic separation and open-plan layouts, our systems allow the same space to function as a single large hall or multiple separate rooms — all controlled by the same track system. All ratings are independently tested and certified to BS EN ISO 140 standards.
Acoustic ratings explainedApplication Examples
Typical Applications in Conference & Event Spaces
Specification & Compliance
Supporting Architects & Venue Managers
ModernGlide provides a comprehensive specification support package for architects and venue managers working on conference and event venue projects. This includes NBS Chorus specification clauses, CAD drawings, acoustic performance data and compliance documentation — everything needed to specify movable acoustic walls with confidence.
PanelHush Acoustic Systems
Acoustic Treatment for Conference Spaces
In addition to movable acoustic walls, conference venues benefit from acoustic absorption treatment to improve speech intelligibility and reduce reverberation. PanelHush acoustic panels and baffles are used in conference rooms, foyers and breakout areas to create a professional acoustic environment.
Architect Resources
Guides & Resources for Conference Centres
Recommended Systems
Systems for Conference Centres
High-performance operable walls for conference and event venues
MG100 – Movable Acoustic Wall
Rw up to 59 dB for full acoustic separation between simultaneous conference sessions.
MG100E – Fully Electric Operable Walls
Motorised operation for large, heavy panels. Ideal for venues with frequent reconfiguration.
MG200 – Hinged Folding Partitions
Floor-supported hinged folding partition for venues where ceiling structure is limited.
MG500 – Flush Glazed Sliding Folding
Glazed acoustic moving walls for conference centres where natural light is important.
MG400 – Sliding Wall Systems
Straight sliding moving walls for breakout rooms and pre-function areas.
Related Searches
Why Choose ModernGlide
A Trusted National Specialist
Conference venue managers, architects and contractors across the UK choose ModernGlide for high-performance movable acoustic walls, reliable installation and expert aftercare.
FIS Accredited Installer
ModernGlide is a FIS accredited installer — the recognised quality standard for interior fit-out work. Conference venue managers and architects can specify with confidence.
Nationwide Installation
We install movable acoustic walls and operable partition systems in conference centres and event venues across the UK. One team, one point of contact, nationwide coverage.
Rw 59 dB Acoustic Rating
The highest acoustic rating in our range. Simultaneous conference sessions cannot be heard through the partition. All ratings are independently tested and certified.
Electric Operation Available
MG100E fully electric operable walls allow large, heavy panels to be moved effortlessly at the touch of a button — ideal for venues with frequent daily reconfigurations.
Servicing & Maintenance
Annual service contracts are available for all installed systems. Regular maintenance keeps conference venue operable walls performing at their specified acoustic rating.
Conference Sector Experience
ModernGlide has completed movable wall installations in conference centres, exhibition halls and event venues across the UK, working with venue managers and architects.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from venue managers, architects and contractors specifying movable acoustic walls for conference centres and event venues.
What is the best operable wall system for a conference centre?
The MG100 movable acoustic wall is the most widely specified system for conference centres, delivering Rw 59 dB acoustic separation. For venues requiring motorised operation, the MG100E fully electric operable wall system allows large panels to be moved at the touch of a button. Both systems are top-hung with no floor channels, allowing event furniture to be positioned right up to the partition.
What acoustic performance do conference room partitions need?
For conference centres hosting simultaneous sessions, an Rw rating of 50 to 59 dB is typically required to prevent sound from one session disturbing an adjacent room. The MG100 at Rw 59 dB provides the highest available acoustic separation. For lighter-use breakout rooms, systems rated Rw 38 to 45 dB may be sufficient.
How quickly can a conference hall be reconfigured with an operable wall?
A manual operable wall in a typical conference centre can be deployed or retracted by one or two people in approximately 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of panels. Electric operable walls (MG100E) can reconfigure large spaces in under 5 minutes.
Can conference hall partitions be operated by venue staff without training?
Yes. Manual operable wall systems are designed to be operated by non-specialist venue staff. Panels are pushed along the track and locked into position. The MG100E electric system simplifies this further with automated operation at the touch of a button, ideal for venues with frequent daily reconfigurations.
Can a pass door be included in a conference room partition?
Yes. An integrated pass door can be incorporated into one of the movable wall panels, allowing convenient access between divided spaces without opening the full partition. This is particularly useful in conference centres where staff need to move between rooms during events.
Do conference room movable walls require floor channels?
No. All ModernGlide movable acoustic wall systems are top-hung from a ceiling track. There are no floor channels or floor-fixed rails, which means event furniture, staging and AV equipment can be positioned anywhere in the space without obstruction.
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