When you’re planning an event in a new city — especially a big one — it isn’t easy to select from all the event spaces available. Should you choose a hotel, a resort, or a convention center — or an off-the-beaten-path venue like a warehouse? Making the right choice can be critical to the success of your event.
Here are some guidelines on how to choose the right event space for you:
Consider the vibe of the event
It’s important to think about the mood and ambiance you want to create at an event as you investigate the options in a given city. A locally owned, independent hotel offers a very different atmosphere from a convention center or resort. Making site visits can give you a better idea of what each venue has to offer than even the most extensive online research.
Look for the right scale
It’s often most convenient to house all attendees under one roof, so, to some extent, the number of attendees will dictate your choice of venue. If you’re planning a giant medical congress, for instance, a convention center may be the only realistic option. However, for a company offsite meant to stimulate the team’s creativity, you may have several viable options, such as a quirky boutique hotel, resort, or unconventional space that isn’t normally used for meetings, like an art gallery or aquarium.
Match the venue to the purpose of the meeting
When you’re planning an incentive trip to reward your team for a job well done, then a venue that truly makes them feel rewarded, such as a resort, is often the best choice. But for a meeting where you’re sitting down to hammer out your company’s strategic plan, a resort setting could be a bit distracting.
By keeping in mind the end results you hope to get from a meeting, you’ll be able to find the perfect venue for your group.
Elaine Pofeldt, Meeting Professionals International, [email protected]