WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CORPORATE EVENT VENUE
When looking for a corporate event space, there are several factors to consider: location and accessibility; the size, price, and style of venue; audio-visual inclusions; and food and beverage offering. These elements all contribute to the potential success or failure of an event. Plan these aspects well and your attendees will have a memorable experience.
Location and Accessibility
The location of the venue should be convenient for the majority of your attendees. Unless you’re planning a corporate retreat to the mountains or the coast, select a venue that is centrally located and accessible. Holding a corporate event offsite will mean a change in transport or travel logistics for attendees. If the venue itself doesn’t have onsite parking, then you’ll need to clearly communicate where the nearest parking is. It is helpful to outline nearby public transport options, and suggest attendees allow extra time to make it to the venue.
At Factory51, we advise our clients that there is free street parking or secure paid parking within 100m for daytime corporate events. Evening events enjoy the luxury of free parking directly next door. The train station is less than a 15-minute walk away, and multiple buses stop along Old Cleveland Road and Coorparoo Square.
Venue Size
The size of the venue needs to work with both your anticipated number of attendees and ideal room layout. Cocktail-style will enable the highest capacity, as will theatre-style when it comes to seated events. Workshop rounds or longs, U-shape, and boardroom style are alternative set ups, so be sure to check with the venue what the respective room capacities are.
You may need to consider extra set up requirements. Do you need space for a registration table, tea and coffee station, buffet station, stage, trade table, or product display? Will your group require a space to break out or ample room to move about for networking? Be sure to communicate this to your event coordinator so there are no surprises on-the-day.
From an intimate group of 10 through to as many as 200 stand-up, Factory51 accommodates corporate events in varying sizes and styles. The versatility of our function space means we can create an environment that’s welcoming for a small group and just as comfortable for a packed house.
Venue Price
The price of the venue may be a deciding factor if working within a set budget. Find out the food and beverage cost, and whether there is an applicable venue hire fee or minimum spend requirement. Check whether standard audio-visual is included, or if there is an additional charge for items. When it comes to the menu, take note of what is detailed in the day delegate package. Is tea and coffee offered all-day or served during breaks only? Do morning and afternoon tea have one item or a selection to cater to different tastes? If your event goes beyond normal business hours, enquire whether there is an extra fee for early set up or a later finish. Once you have all associated costs, you’ll be able to more easily compare venue quotes.
Venue Style
Whilst style is generally ranked low on the factors to consider when planning a corporate event, we’d argue its’ importance! Meeting within four white walls is hardly inspiring or conducive to creativity. Choosing a venue that is different in aesthetic appeal can be a hero move when it comes to planning a corporate event that won’t be boring. Research shows that an interesting environment helps stimulate the senses and increases the ability to retain information. It also encourages productivity – important when you’re in that strategic planning session!
The Workshop is our industrial chic function space catering for all your business needs. With exposed red brick, a crystal chandelier, and polished concrete floors, it is sure to leave an impression. From meetings and conferences to product launches and gala dinners, we can host small to large unique corporate events.
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Audio-Visual Capabilities
You’ll want to ensure your corporate event is smooth and sophisticated with state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities. Consider your business requirements in terms of standard AV such as projectors, screens, lecterns, and microphones. You may need additional resources like headsets, electronic whiteboards, flipcharts, draping, livestream capabilities, recording equipment, or special lighting effects. Discuss your requirements with potential venues to ensure there will be no issues. Some heritage-listed buildings or venues zoned for specific uses may have restrictions that need to be adhered to.
Our sound engineered space will ensure no outside distractions or echoing, making it suitable for quiet meetings or loud music. Take advantage of our complimentary wi-fi, ceiling mounted projectors, electronic screen, wireless microphone, and surround sound system.
Food and Beverage Offering
How many times have you encountered bland sandwiches and bad coffee at a conference; or felt awkward trying to eat a messy canape? Events often revolve around food and beverage, so it’s crucial to get this right! Choosing mouth-watering meals and delicious drops will contribute to positive associations with an event. Your day delegates look forward to break times, and evening attendees are ready to be wined and dined. So, do your research! Ask questions about the menu, look for different offerings, and see what others are saying. If the venue has an onsite restaurant, make a booking and try the food for yourself.
We are committed to delivering hand-crafted restaurant quality meals made with fresh, local ingredients by our team of talented chefs. We offer a range of cocktail, alternate drop, shared feasting, and day delegate packages, tailored to suit your corporate function’s budget and needs. Our private marble bar serves local craft beers on tap and premium boutique wines.
Ready for a Site Visit?
If you’re looking for an interesting corporate space with no venue hire fees, complimentary AV, and a belly-satisfying menu, then we’d love to hear from you! Our professional and friendly staff can show you through our venue and provide a tailored quote to suit your requirements. Ditch mediocre meetings and pitiful parties – hold your next corporate function at Factory51.