What Potential Clients Look For in Event Venues

If you are the owner, operator, or marketer of an event venue, then you understand the importance of meeting your client's needs. Whether you host weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, or other types of events at your venue, a satisfied client is one who feels that the space was welcoming and contributed to the positive experience of the guests.

In the event-hosting business, what is even more important is attracting clients to your space in the first place to secure event bookings. Maybe you operate a church, park, refinished barn, or wedding venue and your responsibilities include finding new clients to have events at your location. In a competitive industry, how do you make your event space stand above the rest? 

Knowing current trends and what potential clients are looking for are the keys to running an event venue. Though every person may have unique tastes, there are general trends that are very popular and appealing to people who are searching for a place to invite their guests to enjoy. Here are a few things that they will be looking for.

Up-to-Date Technology

One of the worst things that can happen at a wedding is horrible sound quality during the speeches. In one of the most important moments of a couple’s life together, if no one could hear or understand the best man or maid of honor, it could cast a pall on the whole event. No matter what type of venue you run, having modern technology that is well-maintained can attract clients to your space. There are plenty of examples of equipment that your venue could offer for potential events, including good video equipment, streaming software, and reliable wifi. Other needs would include good lighting, new sound equipment, and high-def screens for presentations. If you invest in updated technology, potential clients will take a second look.

Spaces that Foster Connection

Every type of event that you may host has a social aspect. Even if it is a business conference, there will be times between speakers or scheduled meetings when people will gather and experience community. Your venue needs to foster this type of scenario. For instance, if you are looking for conference venues in Sydney, consider those with outdoor spaces where people can gather in the fresh air. A beautiful patio with a timber pavilion could draw many guests outside to create lasting memories. The more comfortable the setting, the more likely your potential clients can visualize positive experiences for their guests. If you have the capital to do so, invest in creating warm and welcoming social spaces with key design choices, comfortable furnishings, and open concepts that will foster community.

Well-Lit Spaces

Lighting plays a huge role in event venues, especially if they host many gatherings at night. For both the inside and outside spaces, sufficient lighting unifies the space and ensures that everyone can see each other easily during the event. For the indoor area, consider uplighting, which you can offer in various colors. This feature could be a significant selling point for certain types of event guests, especially weddings. As you consider outdoor spaces, unique landscape lighting can bring life to the venue. Solar lights, string lights, and floodlights can create warmth outdoors, encouraging guests to congregate in these areas to enjoy the fresh air. Light up your venue with modern selections and potential clients will be thrilled with the look.

Be a Great Listener

This tip is geared more toward event planners or coordinators. When clients get on the phone or in a meeting with you, listening will be your most useful skill. What are their needs? Why do they have those needs for this event? Where are they willing to compromise and where will they stick to their goals? If you are a good listener, then you will be better equipped to discern what their goals are for the event and how your venue can meet those desires. Even if a client has unrealistic expectations for the space or the event itself, hearing them out and incorporating what they say into your response could be enough to convince them that the right venue may come down to the right event coordinator. 

Stay Current

Event trends are constantly changing. Though some client needs are timeless, others will shift from year to year. Being adaptable is the key to drawing in more clients to host events in your space. The research phase of meeting client needs will never stop, so stay on top of current trends so that your venue can continue to wow guests and create lasting memories for your clients. In their search for the right location, these customers will notice the effort you put into creating a welcoming atmosphere that their guests could love, which may be the final point that causes them to choose your venue. 

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