Taking on organising an event can leave you confronted with many decisions. Choosing the right venue can either make or break your event!
When scouting and researching potential venues it is important to consider information such as Location, budget, number of attendees, desired date/s and the type of event you are planning e.g. formal, conference etc. Here are our top factors in keep in mind while on the venue hunt.
Cost:
Cost is a very important factor to bear in mind when searching for venues. You may have a strict budget to work with or you may want to keep the venue costs down to allow more freedom in your budget for other elements of the event. If budget conscious you may have to be flexible with your dates as certain days may cost less depending on if it’s midweek as opposed to weekend, seasonal etc.
Services & Amenities:
While location and first impressions are extremely important other factors do have to be considered before you sign on the dotted line. It is very important to consider the services and amenities the venue offers. Things like:
Does it provide catering or will an outside service need to be hired. If so is there appropriate facilities for the caterers to work with and in. Does it have its own tables, chairs and linens that you can use? This is a huge money saver and these things will usually be included in the venues price as opposed to having to rent from a separate company which can add up to be expensive. Does it have AV capabilities? Some venues have a built in audio-visual equipment for you to use, and others will require you to bring that in yourself. Other things like will you want more than one space for a possible drinks receptions or if it is a conference event do you need a VIP room for speakers?
Location:
Picking the right location is paramount when selecting a venue in order to ensure maximum attendance at your event. If it is a press event the venue must be city centre, unless it is the official opening of a building elsewhere etc. For a conference style event or wedding it is important to pick a location that is within a reasonable distance for the majority of your attendees. Venues with accommodation are ideal but if this is not possible make sure that there is a hotel nearby.
For more tips or if you require assistance choosing your perfect venue contact the PLANIT team on 01 2011850