For event planners in London, there is no shortage of space when it comes to locations for conferences, formal dinners, networking or off-site meetings. The challenge is often finding somewhere that offers something different.
Corporate spaces can often be bland and lack personality. While for some occasions that might be fine, when you want to create a memorable experience for your guests, finding a venue with added character becomes more of a priority.
Multiple spaces
Some events require multiple spaces for speakers to prepare, lunches and dinners to be hosted separately to the main event and for interviews to take place.
Having this flexibility can be the difference between an event feeling chaotic and well organised. Giving people the space that they need to collect their thoughts and to add the final touches to their presentations removes unnecessary pressure.
With multiple spaces you can shift the tone of the event as you go, starting with the more formal sessions and ending with something more celebratory.
Catering for the occasion
Choosing a venue that has a resident catering partner removes some of the stress of event planning. After all, you are dealing with a single contact for all of your needs, rather than multiple suppliers, which can become challenging.
Working with chefs on-site also means that the food is cooked fresh and that bespoke menus can be developed where needed. Again, this may be to accommodate a theme or a particular preference such as street foods.
With a catering team that work almost exclusively on corporate events, those preparing the menu can come with suggestions and ideas that add value. It may be that there is a theme such as seasonal ingredients that can run through everything from breakfast to lunch and then dinner.
Alternatively, it may be that finger foods make more sense, especially when there is a large delegation to cater for. Something simple may remove pressure when it comes to clearing plates and also food waste.
Location
As the capital of the UK, London is a large City and that can bring its own obstacles when you are inviting guests from other locations throughout the country. Finding a venue that is easily accessible by train will deliver a better experience for those attending.
As an example, if you are heading from Leeds to London, it’s around two hours on the train and in most instances people can work while they travel, so they don’t have to take a full day out of the office.
Identifying a venue that has good train and tube links will allow people to plan their journeys and book any tickets well in advance which can save time and money.
Developing long-term partnerships
When you find a venue that meets with your needs, it may be more economical to book several events throughout the year. Not only can you develop the relationships that you have with those on site, but you can also try new formats and spaces.
What’s more, when you book well in advance you are more likely to secure the exact dates that you want, rather than having to compromise because someone else has got there first.
Once you have an event format that suits your requirements, the planning will become simpler and more efficient too. Knowing what you can and can’t do means that you will have some of the questions answered before you even step on site.
Trying somewhere new
Although you may have used the same London-based venue for years, it never hurts to try somewhere new. Arranging a visit to a location you haven’t tried before may give you some new and exciting ideas.
What’s more, having more contacts means that you can identify spaces that can be used for standard meetings and those that bring a sense of celebration.
A blank canvas
For those that want to set the tone for an event, it’s often beneficial to have a venue that will offer a blank canvas. This allows for themes and branding to be showcased from the outset.
When you consider product launches as an example, this can be incredibly important and can turn a relatively standard event into something that people will remember and talk about for months to come.
Making the right initial impression will show your audience that you’ve thought carefully about the function from the very start. The setting can then be further complemented with the food you choose and the running order of the day.
Share your recommendations
When you find a venue that meets with your needs and expectations, make sure to tell others within your network. Not only is this helpful to other event planners that are going through the same process, but it will also showcase the locations that you feel add real value when it matters most.
For more information about Glaziers Hall and the seven unique spaces that it has at the venue please visit: www.glaziershall.co.uk.