Putting together a corporate event can be tasking. From marketers to organizers, there are a plethora of people who can benefit from events.
And while the COVID-19 Pandemic certainly impacted event organization and attendance, in-person events are making a comeback.
According to Global Statistics, the global event industry was worth $890 billion as of 2020 and is expected to experience a CAGR of 13.48% through 2028.
One major problem many organizers face is finding the right corporate event venue, after all, your event venue plays an important part in your attendees’ experience.
Whether a corporate party, meeting, or networking event, there are a number of things to look out for when choosing a corporate event space.
From cost to aesthetics, location, and size, we will share with you a few things to consider beforehand.
There are a number of different types of corporate events. From planning a corporate party to product launches and training workshops, there are many different types of corporate events.
No matter what you’re planning, finding the right event space makes a huge difference to its success. The different types of events include conferences which are a popular format for corporate events as they can be adapted to suit a variety of audiences and are often used as a tool to educate and motivate attendees.
Other examples of corporate events can include, Product launches, Corporate parties (eg Christmas), Trade shows, Expos, Team building events, Award ceremonies, Board or stakeholder meetings and Seminars
From locations to amenities and costs, choosing your event venue is quite important. For example, if your event will take place for over a day, then a preferred location could be out of town and you need to also factor in accommodation and everything else.
While holding a board or stakeholders meeting you may just need to pick a suitable location that is easily accessible to everyone and also a central place, keeping in mind that these people could be having other engagements spread across the day.
In such cases, spaces, like Nairobi Garage offers the perfect solution; meeting rooms are bookable on an hourly rate and can host from four to 30 people.
Here is a list of considerations while setting up your next corporate meeting:
Depending on the type of event, the location of your corporate event space should be a key factor in your decision-making.
For instance, if you have guests traveling from various locations, you’ll need to find a venue that is easy to get to, making it easily accessible for everyone. If people can’t get there easily – they’re unlikely to attend.
If you know that guests are traveling by train, road, or even by plane, finding a convenient meeting venue will make it easier for guests to attend.
As well as transportation, you may also need to consider parking options available, as there could be associated costs for you and your attendees.
The last thing you want is inadequate parking and guests either being frustrated or late upon arrival – nobody likes circling round and round trying to find somewhere to park.
If your venue doesn’t have parking available, it may be worth reserving parking nearby to guarantee ample space and a smooth event.
The purpose of the event you’re hosting is likely to impact the type of event venue you require. If you’re planning a conference, your focus may be on a large room with ample seating, great sound (and lighting), and presentation facilities.
There are different ways to set up the most-effective style for your event. Whereas if you’re in charge of party planning, you’ll likely want plenty of space for people to freely move around and engage with one another.
Plus, you may want to consider your seating needs and table space if hosting a canape-style event.
If you’re looking to plan a training event, consider the facilities you may need, including table space, whiteboards, flip charts, projectors, and other equipment. All of these elements will help you plan (and host) a successful event.
It’s important to consider how lighting can impact the type of event you’re running and how it can help really set the scene.
Much like unlocking the key to a productive team meeting, lighting also plays an important role. Too dark and your attendees could find themselves nodding off in the background – too bright, and your guests will wish they brought sunglasses.
Alongside the size, you need to also consider the layout. There are tons of logistics that go into hosting an event, and while it may not seem important, the layout does matter.
Will you need a separate space for attendees to have small group conversations or even get work done? Or maybe room for break times, outside of energy-heavy corporate activities?
The best venues allow for flexibility in their layout, so you can make the most of the space, no matter what you’re hosting.
Spaces like Nairobi Garage offers event spaces that have an ideal outdoor space that can work as an extension for your team, especially when dealing with a large team.
Knowing what your corporate event space can offer in terms of facilities can make a big difference to the success of your event.
From furniture, such as tables and chairs, to whiteboards and TVs these elements can make a huge difference in organizing your day. Technology and ensuring you have fast, reliable wifi is also important to factor when choosing your space.
Once you know exactly what you need, finding the right event venue is made a lot easier. Other services you can consider are food and beverage services.
You can as well consider useful break-out areas which Nairobi Garage event spaces offer.
Fortunately, you’ll find that many corporate conference venues will also offer extra catering services, to keep you and your guests suitably fed and feeling your best.
Aside from the site’s aesthetics, the services and amenities that the venue provides are also essential to consider. You may consider English Point Marina for the meeting and conference facilities in Mombasa that it has to offer.
Kitchen Facilities: Venues with kitchens will forgo the facility fee in exchange for a down payment and the cost of food for each guest. Kitchens may not be available in other locations. Those venues without kitchens may have a contract with a food service provider that you must utilize, or you may be able to bring in your suppliers. If you cannot find a venue that serves food that your guests would love, choose a venue that permits you to bring in outside food providers.
Essential Utilities: If a venue has tables, chairs, and linens, you can save a lot of money and time using them, as long as they fit your theme and mood.
Setup/Clean-up Crew: Rejoice if you’ve discovered a venue that includes a setup and clean-up staff. That isn’t always the case, though. If these services aren’t available, you’ll have to put together your event crew.
Audio/Video Requirements: Some venues have audio-visual equipment built-in for you to use, while others require you to provide your own. Knowing more about your attendees will enable you to ask the right questions about the amenities and services provided by the event venue provider. If guests with disabilities are present, the venue must provide separate amenities for them