How should I choose a venue for a corporate event?
There are many different types of corporate events that take place across the UK each year, from gala dinners and award ceremonies, through to shareholder meetings and many others. Large organisations will have their own in-house teams who organise these types of events on a regular basis, though others will have to count on hard-working employees going above and beyond their regular duties, or external agencies, to produce these events for them.
And, if you are one of these, then you might find the information below about how to choose a venue for your next corporate event interesting and informative. And, as well as Googling table and chair for corporate event, hopefully, it will save you some time, money and effort when the time comes.
It’s true to say that your whole event planning process will hinge on the venue you choose, and so it’s vital you get this right! Check out these factors to consider below.
Location, location, location!
You’ll have heard this phrase many times before, and it really does reinforce the point! If the majority of your guests are London based, then you’d probably not want to hold your event in Manchester. Likewise, if guests are flying in from abroad, your venue needs to be relatively accessible from the airport. Is it on a tube line? Or a bus route? All these factors need to be part of your decision-making process.
Venue size & layout
Naturally, it’s important that your venue is of a suitable size to hold the number of guests on your list. Too small, and it will feel cramped. Too big, and it will feel empty, and you’re probably making an unnecessary hole in your event budget. Choose a venue which is sized appropriately, and remember – it doesn’t have to be one cavernous event space for your event table and chair hire. There is nothing wrong with having separate rooms to your event space, as sometimes this can make it feel more intimate.
Venue availability
Of course, it’s important that your preferred venue is available on the date you need, and so have a shortlist of venues to pick from, in your preferred order. The best event venues, especially in London, get booked well in advance and so it’s important that you work ahead of time as much as you possibly can.
Flexibility of the venue
Whilst the best venues will be hugely popular with event organisers, you should never lose sight of the fact that as much as you want to hold your event there, they will be equally keen to secure your business. Competition in this sector is fierce, and so you may well be able to put on your negotiating hat with some confidence. At the same time, it’s important that the venue doesn’t dictate what can or can’t happen during your event – yes, there are always limitations and restrictions, but your contact at the venue should be welcoming, engaging and helpful as much as possible. This will enable you to produce the innovative finishing touches that will make your event stand out from the crowd.
Accessibility behind the scenes
A key point to remember is the fact that certain London event venues, due to their prestigious, iconic and historic status, bring with them certain limitations, most notably access. It’s all well and good planning to hire a temporary kitchen as well as chair and table hire for events, though have you thought about loading and access restrictions? A site visit well in advance is always a good idea!
Accommodation
The issue of accommodation should never be overlooked, especially as some of your guests may well be coming from afar. Are there enough rooms to be able to house everyone? And is it affordably priced? You’ll probably also be able to negotiate a discounted room rate as you are holding your event there, and the same can probably also be said for the bar prices!
Technology
What would you do without Wi-Fi? We’re talking not only about your guests, but also you as the organiser. Will your AV equipment work without Wi-Fi? Is there enough tech in the venue for all your AV equipment to work effectively? Nowadays, the chances are that almost all event venues will have this all covered, but it’s always worth checking in advance!
So, hopefully these pointers above will help you when the time comes to choose a venue for your event. And remember, the best events aren’t always the biggest or the most expensive – they are usually the ones where the organisers have spent the time considering what’s going to enhance the experience of their guests. We wish you luck with your event planning!