Let’s Stop Pretending Air Walls Are Soundproof

I had a completely different blog post planned for this week. But after attending a conference this past weekend—one where I wasn’t involved in the planning or logistics (a rare occurrence!)—I felt compelled to pivot and share an experience that underscores an all-too-common event planning pitfall.

Now, full disclosure: while I wasn’t on the planning team, my sister-in-law was the association president responsible for the event. She may have called me once or twice for some quick advice, but for the most part, I was just there to support her and enjoy the program.

The event was held in a hotel ballroom, and upon arrival, I quickly noticed something that immediately raised a red flag: the ballroom had been split with an air wall. On the other side? A full wedding setup.

My first thought? “Well, s**t. That’s going to be a problem.”

Sure enough, as our group of 150 attendees made our way down the foyer, we had to walk through the wedding’s buffet line to get to our event space.. That awkward crossover was just the beginning. For the first 30 minutes or so, everything went smoothly as we enjoyed our meal. But the moment the programming started—speeches, presentations, awards—you could hear, and feel, the thump of the DJ and the growing excitement of the wedding next door.

The energy in our room shifted. Presenters had to fight to be heard, and guests became distracted. The mood turned awkward and disappointing. It was a real shame, especially given the importance of the event to the association and its leadership.

This experience brought one crucial truth screaming to the forefront: air walls are not soundproof. And yet, time and time again, venues and planners alike act as if they are.

Even the newest, most state-of-the-art air walls can’t prevent sound bleed. If your event shares a divided ballroom space, you are absolutely at the mercy of whatever is happening on the other side.

So What Can You Do?

As an event planner, there are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:

1. Try to Fill the Space

   If possible, book a venue where your event fills the entire ballroom. It’s not always feasible, but it’s one of the most effective ways to avoid sound conflicts.

2. Communicate Clearly with the Venue

   If you’re sharing a wall with another group, be explicit with your venue contact: sound from next door will negatively impact your event. While venues want to maximize revenue by booking every inch of available space, they may reconsider what type of event they book beside yours if they know sound will be an issue.

3. Ask the Right Questions

   During site visits and planning conversations, ask what events will be held adjacent to yours. Don’t assume your event will have isolated space.

4. Think Long-Term, Like the Venue Should

   In this case, the hotel’s decision to book two very different events side-by-side resulted in frustration for both groups. Sure, they filled the space that night, but they likely lost future business from both clients due to the poor experience.

Events are emotional, high-stakes moments—whether it’s a professional conference or a wedding. The venue’s role is to support those moments, not compromise them for short-term gains.

Next time you’re planning an event, don’t ignore the air walls. Ask the right questions, advocate for your event, and remember: sound carries.