Your Event, Your Venue: Exploring the Best Options for Every Occasion
Selecting the perfect venue is one of the most critical steps in event planning. The right venue sets the tone, provides necessary amenities, and can make or break the success of your event.
When researching sites for your event, make sure you understand the value of your total program to the venue and how this can increase your ability to negotiate.
To help you narrow down your choices, here’s a guide to help you navigate types of venues and find the perfect one for your needs.
Hotel
Hotels are a popular choice for a wide range of events, from large conferences, small business meetings, weddings and social events of all sizes.
Here’s why:
Convenience and Amenities
Hotels offer comprehensive services, including catering, audio-visual equipment, sleeping rooms, and more. This convenience makes hotels a popular one-stop solution for event planners.
Professional Staff
Experienced event coordinators and support staff can help manage the logistics, ensuring everything runs smoothly and your guests enjoy an exceptional experience.
Variety of Spaces
Hotels often have multiple rooms and ballrooms that can accommodate different sizes and types of events. Whether you need a small meeting room or a grand ballroom, hotels have versatile options.
They also offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, each providing a different type of event experience. Imagine a casual cocktail reception around the pool, followed by a formal dinner inside the restaurant. This simple change of scenery can create the illusion of two events in one.
Example:
Check out this guide from Northstar Meetings Group to see what brand and hotel type works best for you.
Convention Center
For large-scale events, such as trade shows, expos, or major conferences, convention centers are an excellent choice.
Large Capacity
Convention centers are designed to handle large numbers of attendees, providing ample space for exhibitors, breakout sessions, and keynote presentations.
Advanced Facilities
These venues are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed internet, advanced AV systems, and ample electrical power.
Customization
The vast, open spaces in convention centers can be customized to fit the specific needs of your event, whether it’s setting up exhibition booths or creating a main stage for presentations.
Location
Convenience is key when considering convention centers. Many are in major cities, with close proximity to airports, transportation needs, walkability, and nearby accommodations and restaurants.
Example:
The Las Vegas Convention Center offers over 3.2 million square feet of space, making it one of the largest and most versatile venues in the world.
Check out this handy list of top convention centers in the U.S.
Restaurant
Restaurants can be an intimate and unique setting for smaller events such as dinner parties, corporate luncheons, rehearsal dinners, or cocktail receptions.
Ambiance
Restaurants often provide a distinct atmosphere with their decor, lighting, and overall ambiance, which can enhance the event experience.
Culinary Excellence
By choosing a restaurant, you ensure that food and beverage quality will be top-notch, with a menu tailored to your event.
Convenience
Restaurants often come with built-in amenities such as seating, decor, sound systems, and valet parking, reducing the need for additional rentals and services.
Example:
A Michelin-starred restaurant can add an element of prestige and sophistication to your event, offering guests a memorable culinary experience.
For more tips, check out this blog we did about how food and beverage can shape your event.
All-Inclusive Resort
For a hassle-free planning experience, all-inclusive resorts provide everything you need in one location. These types of resorts are great for the hands-off planner looking to book a one-stop-shop venue that takes care of all the needs of their attendees.
Comprehensive Packages
Resorts offer packages that include accommodations, meals, event spaces, and recreational activities, drastically simplifying the planning process.
And as an added bonus, these activities tend to be hosted at the resort – eliminating the need to arrange transportation and the hassle of making sure the group gets to the event on time.
Thanks to these pre-approved packages, the number of decisions the planner has to make is significantly lowered!
Destination Appeal
Holding your event at a resort can double as a getaway for your attendees, adding an element of relaxation and enjoyment. You may even increase your attendance rate by giving people an excuse to visit a location they’ve had on their bucket list!
Professional Planning
Resorts have dedicated event planners who can assist with every detail, from logistics to entertainment, ensuring a seamless experience.
Example:
Resorts offer luxurious all-inclusive packages, making them a popular choice for destination weddings and corporate retreats. These resorts provide everything from stunning venues to gourmet dining, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Outdoor Venue
For those seeking a natural and picturesque setting, outdoor venues like parks, gardens, or beaches provide a stunning backdrop for your event.
Scenic Beauty
The natural beauty of outdoor venues creates a breathtaking setting for events such as outdoor beach weddings, corporate picnics, or festivals.
Flexibility
Outdoor spaces offer flexibility in terms of layout and design, allowing you to create a unique event environment.
Keep in mind rental, logistical, and weather considerations if you choose to plan an outdoor event.
Seasonality can play a big part in selecting your destination. For example, you probably wouldn’t want to book an outdoor event in Minnesota in January due to the snow and cold. Whereas, Florida may have better weather in January, but that could come at a higher price.
Fresh Air and Open Space
Outdoor venues provide a refreshing change from traditional indoor spaces, offering plenty of room for guests to move around and enjoy the scenery.
Example:
Botanic gardens offer a beautiful and versatile setting for various events. With their lush landscapes, serene lakes, and diverse flora, they provide a perfect spot for creating memorable and picturesque gatherings. Botanic gardens often have multiple areas that can accommodate different types of events, from intimate ceremonies to large-scale celebrations.
Selecting the right venue is crucial to the success of your event.
By considering the type of event you’re hosting and the specific needs of your attendees, you can choose a venue that enhances the experience and ensures a memorable occasion.
Once you’ve chosen the type of venue that works best for you, be sure to consider your attendees and their needs. This guide to ADA compliance from Accessibility.com is a great resource to review before you make your final venue selection.
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