Assuming that you have already identified the type of event you are planning and its purpose, there are many other factors must be considered as you begin the process of selecting the venue itself.

The following this roadmap will help guide you through steps in choosing the perfect event space.

Identify Your Target Audience and Know Your Guest List

When venue planning for an event, one of the most important pieces of information you must know is who your guests will be and how many you expect to attend. While the type of event will certainly inform the venue choice, one of the largest limiting factors for an event space is its capacity. Make sure that you know at least an accurate estimate (it can be a range) of the number of guests as this will immediate limit your venue options. You should also consider your audience. Be sure that the venue reflects not only the event itself but the guests’ tastes and expectations.

Identify Event Dates

Check your calendar because timing will influence many decisions, including your venue of choice. After your guest list, the date of your event will be the next limiting factor.

Depending on what type of event you are planning, you may find that you either have to be flexible with your event date to get the venue you want or you will have to be flexible with your venue choice in order to get the date you want. You should begin venue planning knowing where you or the client are flexible.

Here are some questions to consider:

• When are your guests most likely available to attend based on their schedules?
• What venues have appropriate and available space for those times?
• When is the best time for your management team to hold the event?

Calculate Your Budget

With an open-ended budget, anyone can plan a great event and have an infinite selection of venue choices. But more than likely, your financial resources are limited and you should be aware from the beginning of what your financial limitations are – even if your event budget is simple a ballpark estimate or range. An event planner can always plan a great event within a reasonable budget.

• Do the venues fall within your budget parameters for space, technical and catering expenses?
• Have you negotiated a favorable rate for services and demonstrated the value of your role?
• Have you allowed flexibility in your budget in case line item expenses exceed the plan?

Scope Out Different Locations

Once the guest list numbers and possible event dates are narrowed, it’s important to identify the locations where the event could be held. Hotels and event or conference centers are some of the most popular event spaces for corporate events and wedding receptions, but they are not the only options.

This is a time to be creative in your thinking. Consider the following:

• Based on the theme of your meeting, what three best locations come to mind?
• Where would your guests prefer to attend this meeting?
• What will be most convenient for your guests?
• Other than a hotel, what unexpected locations could increase the RSVP rate?

Find the Right Type of Event Space

The venue you choose must have an appropriate space for the type of event you are planning. Will your event require a dance floor? Will you need a PA system? What about a speaker’s podium or a projector screen? What sort of table setup do you need? In addition to considering these sorts of questions, here are some of the top venue planning questions to ask yourself:

• Does the event venue meet the special criteria of your program or event?
• Can the venue accommodate your production, entertainment, A/V, sound, and other technical needs?