4. Ambience
The ambience of a venue can set the mood for your event. If you're looking to inspire creativity or facilitate connections among your teams, look for spaces with a warm and welcoming feel. If you're hosting a gala or celebration, you may want something grand and elegant. The decor, the lighting, the architecture of the space and the style of furniture all contribute to the atmosphere. Even the venue's history can help set the tone, adding a touch of warmth, glamour, or excitement.
5. Food and drink
Great food - and plenty of it - is essential at any event. It keeps people comfortable and can serve as great conversation starters. The food you serve can also add to the atmosphere, whether you want to go bold with an elaborate dinner party or keep things casual with a BBQ.For multi-day events, a great breakfast will be crucial. During the day, you’ll also need food and refreshments to keep you going. But you want this to be flexible, rather than having to stick to a fixed schedule. There’s nothing worse than interruptions for tea and coffee right to kill the moment.
6. Activities
If you're hosting an offsite meeting for your team, incorporating a sense of fun will be vital for boosting camaraderie. So it's important to choose a venue that can accommodate group activities. Tug of war, a game of cricket, an outdoor cinema experience, whisky tasting; the opportunities are endless as long as your chosen venue has the space and facilities to accommodate it.
7. Technology
Chances are, unlimited wifi and sound AV technology will be crucial to your event. Any good venue should provide these for free. But the standard will vary, so it's always good to check that the capabilities will meet your requirements. For example, at Rose Castle, 1gb of bandwidth on fixed lines flows through every corner of the castle and outside spaces, providing a seamless experience for your team. You may also need microphones, screens, or special lighting that don't always come as standard. It's also important to consider staff support at the event. Will it be a venue staff member or an outside AV provider? What about charging stations and tech support if people have trouble connecting? These small things can make a big difference to your teams' experience.
8. Accommodation
If your event is taking place over a couple of days and attracting people from all over, then you'll want to provide them with a place to stay. Ideally, the venue will have accommodation on-site for your key delegates. If not, you will need to consider hotels and B&Bs close by. You may also want to arrange transportation to and from the venue.
9. ESG credentials
Businesses increasingly choose suppliers with good environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) credentials. If sustainability matters to you, ask the venue about their green initiatives, recycling practices, water and energy conservation. You may also want to ask them about their social impact investments. Chances are, if you care about these matters, your delegates will too, and they will appreciate a venue that shares their values.
10. Go see it in person
You can have all of these elements ticked off - easy to get to, great ambience, plenty of space, great food and accommodation. But visiting the venue in person is the only way to know if you've found the right place. Take a copy of your agenda with you. Give yourself time to explore the space and imagine where each of your activities will occur. Does it have everything you need? Does it feel right?
Got an upcoming event in mind? Come visit us at Rose Castle.
Set in the secluded Cumbrian countryside but with major transport links nearby, you'll be wowed from the moment you approach the tree-lined drive and capture the first glimpse of the castle.
Set on 60 acres of grounds, with versatile spaces, all the technology you need, excellent food and your own personal planner, it could be just what you're looking for. Something different and unique that will make a real impact with your guests. Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more.
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