What to Look for When Going for Venue Site Visits?

So you want to do your first event but you want to make sure that venue is perfect for your type of event.

There are few things you need to look out for.

Transport links - the venue you pick has to be easy to get to. If it is far away from public transport points, people may not want to go that far. This can be especially troubling for if an event finishes late and people struggle to find their way home. Ask about the easiest way to get to the venue and closest transport options.

Date and Time - depending on when you chose to have your event and time can be the deciding factor. Sometimes it can be peak event period where people are busy with other things or you may end up choosing a weekday that people are not typically free. If it is a corporate event weekdays work better but if it more a convention/gallery weekends work more well. This is often the case as people prefer to take time enjoying themselves away from work plus people always need something to do on the weekend with friends and families. If your date is flexible or fixed and still deciding, you can try asking what dates are free, this can be often done before your site visit or during your site visit.

Accessibility - if you are a picking a venue, is the venue access friendly. If you have any guests who have wheelchairs or crutches, does the venue have ramps and flat surfaces for people to get around easily.

AV - If your event requires AV, does the venue come with free AV or would you need to hire it in. Check if there are plenty of plug sockets for you to plug your electrics into if you bring anything.

Certificates and insurances - some venues may require you to have insurances or certifications, for example if you pick your event to take place on a museum you may have to have a public liability insurance to protect the artifacts. Venues may require you to have a PAT testing certificate to show any equipment that is going to plugged into the mains, has passed an up to date PAT testing certificate was issued. If you don’t have this venues have the right to deny electrics being brought on board whether it be your own or venues own preferred suppliers. It is always worth asking what kind of certifications you would need.

Hope you found this helpful and good luck with your site visit