Choosing the right venue for your next corporate event can be a headache! The venue is vital to your event’s success. It makes all the difference between a successful event that leaves everyone raving about the company’s professionalism and failure.
Here are 5 main things you should definitely consider when scouting for a venue for your next corporate event.
1. What’s included in the price
First off, you really need to check what’s included in the price when approaching a venue. Discuss the details of the event, and get a clear idea of all the possible costs and service fees. Are taxes and services included? Are there any additional fees for set-up and dismantling? What is the minimum price per head for food and beverages? Does the pricing include WiFi and audiovisual equipment, or do you need to pay extra for these technological additions? These are just some of the things you need to consider in order to ensure that you’re getting what you’re paying for.
2. Space and the venue’s layout
When viewing a venue, you really need to think about how you’re going to use the space, and whether that particular venue’s layout is ideal for your event. Estimate how many delegates are attending, and find out the venue’s capacity limit. Furthermore, if you’re hunting for an outdoor venue, it would be useful to check if the WiFi connection is satisfactory. Discuss all options with the venue manager: he or she may have some ideas relating to how you can maximize the space on offer.
3. Location, location, location!
It’s safe to say that location is key to a successful event. If you’re hosting foreign delegates, make sure that the location is easily accessible and has reliable links to the airport and the accommodation where your delegates will be staying. You really don’t want to annoy your delegates by increasing their travelling time (not to mention the phenomenon of traffic!). If on-site parking isn’t available, consider alternative transportation options such as taxis and minivans from specific pickup points to encourage attendance.
4. Services and on-site amenities
Make the most out of your venue by making sure that you are fully aware of what it can realistically offer, and what it cannot offer. Aspects such as catering and possibly special catering (including dietary requests), IT support, audiovisual services, staging and lighting, the appropriate decor, ticketing, and transportation are key elements to take into consideration. Furthermore, venues usually recommend particular vendors that they work with. Opting for these vendors can be beneficial in avoiding missteps, since they would already be familiar with the venue.
5. Atmosphere
Last but not least, the venue’s ambience and decor can make or break an event. Consider the nature of the event and the image of your brand, and make sure that the venue’s general atmosphere reflects this. Add a fun element to your decor when hosting team building activities. Choose an elegant and sophisticated space when planning an award ceremony. Moreover, consider elements such as the venue’s acoustics, noise issues, and lighting in order to make sure that the event’s outcome is as successful as you envisioned!