Venue selections is one the most exciting parts of event planning and it is definitely one of the most critical to your event\u2019s overall success.\u00a0 Every other aspect of your event revolves around your venue.\u00a0 You are best served during the site selection process if you know the structure and agenda of your program before you begin your search.\u00a0 You always want to host your event in a space that is clean, updated, and safe.\u00a0 The preferred style of the space may vary.\u00a0 However, whether you are looking to be creative and utilize a unique venue, going into a conventional hotel, or using a traditional event space; there are certain aspects that, will impact your guests\u2019 experience, you should inquire about when performing your site selection.<\/p>\n
Parking<\/b> \u2013 Getting all dressed up and having to walk five blocks is not something that makes your event a pleasurable experience to your guests.\u00a0 When performing site visits, visit the parking areas.\u00a0 Learn where the parking spaces for your event will be.\u00a0 Here are some questions regarding parking that you should look for answers to:<\/p>\n If the venue doesn\u2019t have designated parking, don\u2019t write it off.\u00a0 Inquire with the venue representative if they can accommodate valet parking or shuttle service.\u00a0 The next step is to build valet parking or shuttle service into your budget.<\/p>\n Registration Area<\/b> \u2013 Registration is the first experience with the event your guests and attendees will have.\u00a0 It is important that you make it an enjoyable experience because it will set the tone for your event.\u00a0 Making your guests\u2019 registration experience pleasurable is in part related to the space where registration is held.\u00a0 Make sure the venue has ample space to accommodate your registration process, everything from flow to equipment and materials.\u00a0 If you have a simple registration process, it may be sufficient to hold registration in the hall area adjacent to your event space.\u00a0 If you have a more elaborate registration process and registration takes place more than one day, it is probably important for it to be held in a room that can be secured when registration is close.<\/p>\n Breakout Space<\/b> \u2013 Knowing your program structure and agenda are critical to perform an efficient site selection.\u00a0 You must know how many and what type of event\/breakout space you need to accommodate your program.\u00a0 Understanding your program structure includes knowing the number of attendees, knowing your event dates, understanding the flow, knowing which breakouts are most popular, etc.\u00a0 All of these aspects determine what you need to look for in a venue.<\/p>\n Catering Limitations<\/b> \u2013 If the venue you are considering requires you to use their catering, be sure to inquire about their catering limitation.\u00a0 If you know your guests have sophisticated palates, make sure the chef can prepare specialty dishes.\u00a0 The other important aspect regarding catering limits is the chef being able to prepare meals for people that have special dietary needs.\u00a0 Although, special dietary meals are usually a very small percentage of the total number of meals prepared, they are very necessary.\u00a0 It is not about preparing a different meal for each dietary request but being able to make 1 \u2013 2 different meals that cover the gamete of special needs.\u00a0 Make sure the chef has experience doing this.\u00a0 If the venue allows for you to hire an outside caterer for your event, make sure you inquire about and inspect the kitchen or catering staging area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Venue selections is one the most exciting parts of event planning and it is definitely one of the most critical to your event\u2019s overall success.\u00a0 Every other aspect of your event revolves around your venue.\u00a0 You are best served during the site selection process if you know the structure and agenda of your program before … Continue reading Site Selection is Everything<\/span> \n