Conference & Events
Movable 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.
Introduction
How ModernGlide Systems Are Used in Conference Centres
Conference centres and event venues depend on the ability to reconfigure their spaces quickly and efficiently. Operable wall 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 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 wall systems (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 wall systems give venues the flexibility to host a single large conference or multiple simultaneous smaller events, maximising revenue from the same building footprint.
Design Challenges
Typical 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.
System Solutions
How ModernGlide Systems 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 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.
Acoustic ratings explainedApplication Examples
Typical Applications in Conference & Event Spaces
PanelHush Acoustic Systems
Acoustic Treatment for Conference Spaces
In addition to movable wall systems, 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 Movable 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 partitions for conference centres where natural light and visual connection are important.
MG400 – Sliding Wall Systems
Straight sliding walls for breakout rooms and pre-function areas.
Related Searches
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from venue managers, architects and contractors specifying movable 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 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.
How do operable walls divide a conference hall into breakout rooms?
Operable wall panels are stored in a compact bay at one or both ends of the opening when not in use. To divide the space, panels are individually pulled out and pushed along a ceiling track until the opening is fully closed. Each panel seals at the top and bottom to achieve the acoustic rating. The process is reversed to open the space back up.
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 where acoustic privacy is less critical, systems rated Rw 38 to 45 dB may be sufficient.
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, which is ideal for venues with frequent daily reconfigurations.
Do conference room movable walls require floor channels?
No. All ModernGlide movable 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.
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 systems (MG100E) can reconfigure large spaces in under 5 minutes.
What finish options are available for conference centre movable walls?
ModernGlide movable wall panels for conference centres are available in fabric upholstery, painted MDF, high-pressure laminate and timber veneer finishes. Custom colours and patterns can be specified to complement the venue interior design. Pass doors can be integrated into panels for day-to-day access.
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.
Are conference room operable walls fire rated?
Fire-rated options are available for certain ModernGlide systems. The MG400 and MG500 are available with FD30 and FD60 fire resistance ratings. Fire rating requirements must be confirmed at the specification stage and will depend on the building's fire strategy and the location of the partition.
Rw 59 dB Acoustic Rating
The highest acoustic rating in our range. Simultaneous conference sessions cannot be heard through the partition.
Electric Operation Available
MG100E fully electric movable walls allow large, heavy panels to be moved effortlessly at the touch of a button.
FIS Accredited Installer
ModernGlide is a FIS accredited installer, providing quality assurance for conference venue projects.
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