ExecutiveChronicles | How To Choose The Right Corporate Venue For Your Event | When you are tasked with setting up a conference, whether for your own business or one you work for, there are many things to consider.
Interestingly, as most people with experience planning such events will tell you, one of the most important things to do when it comes to getting it right is to ensure that the venue you have chosen is correct for your needs.
How best do you do this? Read on to find out!
Determine The Purpose Of The Event
Before choosing a venue, you need to understand the event’s purpose. Is it a product launch, a training session, a conference, or a networking event? The purpose of the event will help you decide on the type of venue you need. If it is a product launch, for example, you will likely need a platform that has a large stage that is lowered, so people in the audience can approach the product or idea.
If it is a networking event, you will likely need a large room where people can mingle, like The Venue at Friendship Springs.
Identify Your Target Audience
You will also need to consider the demographics of your target audience, including their age, interests, and preferences. For instance, if you are hosting an event for young professionals, you may want to choose a trendy and modern venue that suits their tastes. Or, if you are aiming the conference at more senior members of a team, you will likely still want a trendy venue, but also one that is equipped with a broader range of facilities, such as additional seating as well as having room for a buffet.
Consider The Location
The location of the venue is crucial, especially if you are expecting attendees from out of town. You should choose a platform that is easily accessible, with good transport links and ample parking. Many of the most popular venues for business conferences are located just outside a city, or in the middle of one, which is easy to get to and well known.
Remember, if you aim to run a weekend conference in a country estate, it is best to check that there is also a hotel nearby or within the estate itself, so your guests will not have to engage in long commutes to attend the event.
Check The Capacity
The venue that you choose should be able to accommodate your expected number of attendees comfortably. This is why one of the first things you need to do is draw up a guest list and send out RSVPs, so you can get an idea of the number of people who will be attending. You should also check whether the venue has any restrictions on capacity due to COVID-19 protocols.
Look At The Facilities And Amenities
The venue should have all the necessary facilities and amenities for your event, such as AV equipment, Wi-Fi, catering facilities, and restrooms. You should also consider any additional services or features that the venue offers, such as breakout rooms or outdoor spaces. So, when choosing a venue, always ask for photos or videos of the selected area or visit it before booking.
Check The Reputation
You should check the reputation of the venue by reading online reviews or getting recommendations from colleagues. You want to choose a venue that has a good track record of hosting successful events. Also, as a representative of your business, it is crucial to have a set of checkboxes to ensure that the venue and the staff are catering to your requests. If they aren’t, you should always have a backup arranged!
