Where it happens.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT ANY VENUE
Capacity, for your format Availability and how long you have it What is included Power capacity Access for equipment Parking Sanitary facilities Restrictions
WHY POWER CAPACITY MATTERS ENORMOUSLY
Sound, lighting and catering equipment exceed what many venues supply.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Total load, and compare it against what the venue provides.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether a generator is required, and who provides it.
WHY ACCESS MATTERS
Equipment that cannot be brought in cannot be used.
WHAT TO CHECK
Door widths, stairs, lifts, loading areas, distance from vehicles.
WHAT RESTRICTIONS COMMONLY APPLY
Noise limits and cut-off times Prohibited decorations and fixings Catering restrictions Alcohol rules Setup and breakdown windows
WHY CUT-OFF TIMES MATTER
Events continuing past them produce penalties and complaints.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT THE SETUP WINDOW
How long before the event you have access.
WHY
Insufficient setup time is a common cause of events starting badly.
WHAT TO PUT IN WRITING
The date and times What is included The total cost and payment schedule Cancellation and postponement terms What happens if the venue becomes unavailable
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Venues double-book and close, and the client's event still has to happen.
WHAT TO INSPECT
The venue itself, before committing.
WHAT TO PHOTOGRAPH
Condition on arrival and departure.
