Do you know the kind of event or gathering where the only thing you remember is how cold or hot it was? Yes, temperature plays a huge role in any event. It doesn’t matter what kind of event it is—whether it’s a party, a team-building activity, or a conference. If people aren’t comfortable, no matter what’s happening around them, they won’t be able to focus on it. And in a conference, especially, if people are uncomfortable, they won’t remember a single thing you said. They’ll be too distracted by the discomfort to focus. So let’s dive into what temperature is ideal for helping people feel comfortable and focused.

I remember once seeing a man give a small lecture or interview outdoors. Just looking at the scene gave me chills. I felt uncomfortable just watching it, let alone being there in person. When your nose is red and the air you’re breathing is coming out in steam, it’s hard to imagine how anyone could focus. I mean, I would listen, but my mind would be racing: “When will this end? I’m freezing. I just want to get somewhere warm.” Would I remember anything from that lecture? Probably not.

Another time, I was involved in a visual design project at an event. The upstairs area, where the main entertainment was, was fine, and people were really enjoying themselves. But downstairs? The toilets felt like stepping into an icebox. I remember guests telling me they were holding off on using the bathroom as long as possible because it was just so cold. You’d sober up immediately after stepping inside. So the real question is, what do you want your guests, clients, employees, or coworkers to remember? Because, trust me, I remember how cold those toilets were.

So what’s the ideal temperature to get everything right? We all know that for a successful event, all the elements need to come together. It’s not just about one thing being perfect—it’s about creating a mix of sensations that make people feel comfortable and engaged. When the temperature drops below 18°C, focus and concentration can suffer, and mood changes or impaired coordination can occur. On the flip side, when it rises above 30°C, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and slower thinking can set in, leading to poor judgment and memory issues. So extremes at both ends are clearly not helpful. Studies show that the optimal temperature for focus and comfort is around 21.6°C. For emotional comfort and sensory stability, the ideal range is between 22–25°C. And let’s not forget about fresh air flow—it’s essential for keeping people feeling refreshed.

When you’re designing an event, it’s crucial to remember that temperature plays a significant role in the overall experience. If you can’t control the entire space’s temperature, try to offer different areas where people can cool down or warm up as needed. The last thing you want is for attendees to leave saying the only thing they remember wasn’t your message, or the purpose of the event, but the uncomfortable temperature that ruined the entire experience.