Venues are the beating heart of any event. Not only do they play a central role in enhancing the overall experience for delegates and guests, serving as one of the first impressions for attendees but they are also the backdrop to telling the events story.  

Knowing that the choice of venues can significantly influence the atmosphere, success, and lasting impact of an event, I see the venue hiring and sourcing process, as the most critical step in our event planning process.

With so many venue options available worldwide, from conference centres and hotels to exhibition halls, historic buildings or outdoor spaces, the immense number of choices can feel overwhelming at times, but that’s where my experience and knowledge comes in, having spent time building a bank of knowledge of what is available, once I have a clear understanding of our client’s vision, I can propose venues that narrow down the search. This can be a tough job, but when I know I’ve got it right, that’s when the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place, and the event truly comes to life!

Whilst I specialise in UK-based events, I also manage a variety of global events, and there are times when venues may not be familiar. However, I am not put off by this and love the opportunity to forge links with new venues, always being ready to reach out and create new contacts.  

I think the key to running a great event is in understanding the event’s audience and its core message. This involves not only knowing the demographics and expectations of the attendees but also grasping the purpose and intentions behind the event itself through direct contact with the client, I like to get to know my client’s needs so I can become the expert in telling the client’s story.

For instance, is it a corporate conference where I want to inspire innovation? A product launch designed to impress potential clients? Or perhaps a networking event focused on building lasting connections? Understanding these aspects is crucial, as they inform every decision I make- including the choice of venue.

The right venue should support the tone, objectives and message of the event from the moment it begins.  Over time and with experience, venue sourcing has become almost instinctual for me- second nature, even. I’ve developed a gut feeling that often guides me to the perfect venue before I’ve even delved into the details.

This intuition, honed by truly understanding my client's needs and the nuances of different spaces, allows me to pinpoint the ideal location with remarkable accuracy and success.  

So, in short, I immerse myself in my client’s vision, crafting their story with intention and bringing it to life in a venue that becomes the perfect stage for their narrative to unfold.

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