Sometimes it's easy to find a venue that best suits your event, and sometimes it's a freakin' nightmare. You know what I'm talking about.
Here are some tips to make your search easier (fingers crossed!). Know the event you want to deliver.
The best thing you can do is form an idea of what the event will look like, and use that when looking for a venue.
What is the most important outcome for your event? Where can compromise happen? Knowing what you want will help not only shape your event but get what you need out of the venue.
We've all been stung by an on budget venue who then charges more for the projector, screen and microphone. Ouch.
Knowing what your budget is to spend on the venue cost itself is one thing that you need to know, but you also need to consider lighting, AV, theming, internet access, food & beverage costs and other little pesky 'not included' expenses that could be provided by the venue.
I make a vow to always ask "What isn't covered in this fee?", follow it up in writing when making my event venue selection.
You need to have a good, easy to access location or provide an easy method of getting there.
Often, it is the location that is compromised when choosing a venue for your event. Having attendees go slightly out of their way is better on the budget, and usually a liveable consequence.
It is so important to have a good relationship with your venue, they'll be the ones who you ask for help when something goes wrong during your event.
Be honest with them, be specific about what your goals are, what you're looking for, how you see them helping you and ask how you can work together to make the event a success.
In saying that, document everything.
