According to Statista venues in the UK hosted roughly 195 thousand conferences and meetings in 2020 and around 1.4 million business events took place in the UK in 2019. Due to the pandemic, the number of meetings fell but now that restrictions and lockdowns are a thing of the past it is predicted that more events and meetings will be held in venues all over the UK.
If you’re looking for a venue to host a meeting, there are a few things you should consider before making your final decision they include:
How many people will be at your event
How many people will you need space for? If you are hosting a meeting for a small number of people, you might want to try and find a venue that is small but not so small that everyone is squashed into one place. You want people to feel comfortable and relaxed enough so that they get the most out of your event. Will you be steaming your event to those who can’t be there? Being flexible in this way may mean you can open your event up to more people.
What is the event
Meeting venues vary in size and nature. Depending on what you are planning to do within your event might depend on where you book. Will you have speakers or demonstrations, will you need your guests to take part in anything such as role-play or perhaps a workshop. If you plan on your guests mingling with other guests, taking part in workshops etc you will need space for these to be carried out successfully.
Travel and accommodation
If your event is going to be over several days, consider a venue that has accommodation available, if this isn’t possible try to ensure that there is accommodation nearby so that guests who are travelling from afar are able to attend. Choosing a venue that is near good travel networks is a must. If attendees don’t drive or want to leave their car at home this is something that they will take into consideration when choosing whether to attend your event.
Formal or informal
How formal will your event be? Will there be a meet and greet before the event is officially underway, will you have meals included for your guests or will they be expected to provide their own. If meals are provided will they be buffet style or sit down at a set time? If your event is over a number of days will you have downtime where everyone can gather and enjoy the free time? do you expect attendees to dress a certain way during the event?
How long will you need the venue?
How long will your event last? Is your meeting or event going to be an hour, a day or over a few days? Either way, ensuring that your preferred venue can cater to your needs is a must. Booking in advance will ensure that you get the venue that meets your needs.
Other things to consider
Although Covid19 restrictions and lockdowns have eased, it’s important to ensure that everyone is kept as safe as possible. Does your venue have good ventilation and although social distancing isn’t required anymore this might be something to consider if you have lots of people attending.