Choosing the right conference venue is just as important as the conference itself. Conference venues no longer come as stand-alone buildings as they used to in the past. Today, you can find various types of conference venues in hotels, city halls, universities, stadiums, and even religious buildings. With so many options, here are 8 things you should keep in mind when choosing your next venue.
1) Accessibility
According to a 2017 research conducted by EventManagerBlog.com, 63% of event planners say that accessibility is the major determining factor for choosing a venue. Attendees consider accessibility before committing to an event. Determine the best possible location for your conference while considering attendees from out of town. In a busy city such as London, travellers are likely to face traffic if you select a location far away from the airport.
1) Accommodation
If you are expecting many attendees to travel in, then make necessary accommodation arrangements. Ease the burden of searching for a convenient hotel by selecting a conference venue in or near a hotel. If it is not in the hotel, then make sure there is transportation available to carry attendees back and forth. This might seem like a little detail but it has a huge impact.
2) Capacity
Let your budget guide your decision in choosing a conference venue. The best way to predict the number of attendees you can expect is to encourage early registration months before the date of the event. Early registration lets you know beforehand how many people you can expect and budget accordingly. In London, there are venue options with capacity ranging from 10 to 1000 and more. With VenueFinder, you can find the best conference venues London has to offer from the comfort of your office.
3) Parking
Parking is often neglected. If you are expecting attendees in the hundreds, then it is safe to assume that a large number of them will come with their cars. Ensure that there is enough parking for everyone. Do not make your attendees find parking elsewhere, then walk back to the venue. You are likely to have bad reviews and a lower turnout on your next event.
4) Security
Security should be an essential part of your conference venue. In recent times, major cities such as London have had several terrorist threats and attacks. Take into account the possibility of safety threats when choosing a venue. Some venues come with dedicated security while others don’t. Don’t be shy to ask the venue manager about your concerns. If there are not enough security measures, feel free to request for more. The safety of attendees and the reputation of your business relies on your event going as smoothly as possible without any incidents.
Do not simply choose a venue based on its affordability or popularity. Endeavour to do your due diligence before making any commitments. You can find any type of conference venue on VenueFinder that matches your budget, theme, and any other specifications.
