The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 46: Dec/Jan 2019 | Page 30
The Right Meeting Venue
Finding the right meeting venue for your meeting or event can be time consuming and
potentially daunting with so many venues to choose from. To help focus your decision
making, here are our top six tips for areas to consider when choosing a venue.
1. LOCATION
Location is one of the most important factors when
choosing a meeting venue. Choose somewhere that’s
convenient for all your attendees, with easy transport
links or free parking. Dedicated meeting venues
specialise in running meetings day in and day out and are
more likely to be focussed on delivering to your needs.
Don’t underestimate the importance of outdoor space
as well.
2. BUDGET
Before you start your search, agree a budget and stick to
it to avoid being tempted by more expensive venues that
are out of your remit. On the same note, take care about
opting for cheaper venues as you may compromise on
service or be stung with hidden costs after the meeting
has taken place. Choose a venue that is good value, with
great facilities, food and service and take time to read
customer testimonials and check their credentials.
A good indication of quality is if the venue has recently
won industry awards.
3. FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Good venues offer great facilities and services as
standard. Benefits you can expect as part of your
package include: your main meeting room, syndicate
rooms, meeting equipment, technological support,
stationery, refreshments and creative meeting toolkits.
If your delegates are travelling some distance, you may
need accommodation too. Can the venue provide it?
4. SPACE
Ensure the venue you choose is appropriate for your
needs. For smaller meetings, a more intimate venue
may be best. For larger events, a venue that can offer
ample meeting space with breakout rooms, restaurants,
accommodation, outside space and leisure facilities, will
be better suited.
5. RESPONSE TIMES
When you’ve found a conference centre you like, pay
attention to how quickly the venue’s sales team responds
to your enquiry. This may well be indicative of what the
venue’s service will be like throughout your booking. You
may also want to consider carrying out a site visit before
you book the venue to see it in person and judge whether
it will fit your requirements.
6. SITE VISITS
If you decide to do a site visit, here are a few things to
look out for:
• The welcome you receive from reception and your sales
representative (it’s likely all your delegates will be greeted
in the same way)
• Is the venue clean, tidy and well-kept?
• Is there a car park? If so, how full is it? Is it free?
• Can you eat there? If possible, meet the chef, sample the
food and discuss possible menu choices before you book
• How do the staff behave? Are they warm, friendly and
welcoming?
• Do the training and conference facilities meet your needs?
• Is there outside space that can be utilised for break-out
sessions?
Is your office easy to
get to and great to
work from?
If not, come and see
what Bowman House
has to offer
• Offices in a modern business environment
• Staffed reception
• Ample free parking
• High speed fibre broadband
• Flexible terms
For details of our low start rent option quote BHNQ
t
e
w
01793 843100
[email protected]
bowmanhouse.co.uk
Bowman House Business Centre, Whitehill Lane, Royal Wootton Bassett Swindon, Wilts SN4 7DB