How to Find a Venue for Your Professional Event

Preparing to plan a professional event?

Whether you are putting together plans for a conference, a seminar, a trade show, an awards show, or a product launch, there a bunch of keys to ensuring that it is a total success.

You will, of course, need to choose the right time to hold the event. You will also need to make sure the right people are invited to it. But maybe above all else, you'll need to find the right pro venue to stage your event.

No matter how meticulous you are with regards to mapping out the rest of your event, it'll all be for naught if you don't track down the right venue for it. It's why you should take your time when choosing a venue and keep at it until you land on the ideal one.

Here is how to go about doing it.


Keep Location in Mind When Looking for a Pro Venue

This should almost go without saying. But you should not, under any circumstances, rent a venue for a professional event if it's situated in a place that's going to be difficult for your guests to get to.

If, for example, you're going to be hosting an event in San Francisco, look for an event space that's somewhere within the city limits. If you roam too far outside of San Francisco, you're going to find that many of your guests might skip your event since it won't be convenient for them to get there.

You want to make it as easy as possible for all your guests to make their way to your event. With that in mind, choosing a pro venue that's located in the right place is an absolute must when you're planning out your event.


Make Sure a Venue Offers More Than Enough Parking

Once people show up for your event, are they going to be able to find a place to park?

This might not be a question that you ever consider when you're planning out an event. You'll be so worried about what's inside of a venue that you won't spend a ton of time thinking about what's outside of it.

Find out how many parking spaces are going to be available to your guests on the night of your event. 

The last thing you want is for people to show up at your event and leave when they realize that the parking situation is a nightmare.


Search for a Venue With Enough Space for Everyone on Your Guest List

One of the first things you should ask the owner of an event space when you're meeting with them about their venue is, "What is your capacity?" The capacity will let you know how many people you can fit into a venue at one time.

You should obviously do this for the comfort of your guests. You don't want to try cramming 400 people into a space that's only designed to hold 200 people. It'll lead to people spending the entire night bumping into one another.

It'll also go against all of the fire and safety codes that are in place and could get your event shut down if you're not careful. You want to make sure that the pro venue you pick has a capacity that sits well above the total number of names on your guest list.


See Which Services and Amenities a Venue Offers

There are some venues that will rent you an event space and leave it at that. They won't offer any extra services or amenities, which will leave you to bring in your own vendors to provide them.

But there are also venues that will extend all the services and amenities that you need for your event, either included in the cost of renting the venue or for an additional fee.

Some of the services and amenities that you'll likely need will include:

• Catering
• Table, chair, and linen rentals
• Audio-visual equipment

You might also need someone to help you set up a venue for your event and clean it up once it's over. You should come to an understanding with the owner of an event space as far as which services and amenities they will provide.


Consider the Layout of a Venue When Thinking About Using It

The type of event that you're planning will dictate the type of layout that you'll need inside of a pro venue.

For instance, if you're planning an awards show, you'll need a large stage for performers and presenters. You'll also need plenty of room to put chairs for your audience. This means that a venue with a bunch of smaller rooms isn't going to work for you.

By the same token, if you're holding a seminar that's going to feature different speakers talking to different groups, you might benefit from a venue with a choppy layout. It'll give you an opportunity to send those who attend your event to different areas based on what and who they want to see.

When you walk into a venue for the first time and it's empty, you're going to need to be able to picture your event taking place in it to see if it'll work. It's why it's essential for you to spend time thinking about how you envision your event going before settling on an event space.


Ask a Venue About Their Acoustics

Is there anything worse than spending tons of time and money staging a big event only to have guests complaining about how noisy it is inside? This is something that event planners don't always take into account when planning professional events.

You should speak with an event space owner about the acoustics in their facility and push them to tell you how speakers and music will sound during your event. Poor acoustics can ruin an event and make it impossible for people to enjoy themselves.

You should be especially wary about holding an event in a big, open space like a warehouse. These types of spaces don't always have the best acoustics, and the acoustics can ruin an otherwise great event in some cases.


Check Out the Accessibility of a Venue

A lot of event planners enjoy holding events in older venues that have a ton of history jam-packed into them. These venues often entice guests and get people talking about how lovely they are.

There is one big problem with many older venues, though. They don't always offer the same kinds of accessibility that you will find in most newer venues. They sometimes haven't gone through the necessary upgrades to make them more accessible.

You want to find a venue that makes it simple for people with mobility issues to get around. A pro venue should have everything from ramps to elevators inside of it to allow for people to maneuver their way around without a problem.


Figure Out If a Venue Fits Into Your Budget

The cost to rent a pro venue is going to depend on dozens of different things. Some of the factors that will impact the price of a venue include:

• The location of the venue
• The size of the venue
• The services and amenities that a venue offers
• The history of a venue
• The general appearance of a venue

Prior to looking around at different venues for a professional event, you should find out exactly when you want to rent a venue. This will help you avoid falling in love with a venue only to discover that it is booked on the night you need it.

You should also crunch the numbers and figure out how much you can afford to spend on a venue based on your event budget. It will allow you to steer clear of finding the perfect venue only to find out that it is out of your price range.

Cost shouldn't be the only thing on your mind when you are shopping around for venues for an event. You don't want to take the cheapest venue you can find and learn first-hand why it was so cheap in the first place.

But you should be open and honest about your event budget from the beginning with venue owners.

They might be able to find ways to work with your budget if it means renting out their venue for your event.


Book the Best Pro Venue for Your Next Professional Event

The pro venue that you choose for your next professional event could ultimately make or break it. 

Choosing the wrong venue could leave people with a bad taste in their mouth once your event ends.

Try to start looking around at various venues at least six months before your event is scheduled to take place. This will give you an opportunity to check out and consider a wide range of options before narrowing your choices down.

Once you find a venue that suits your needs, put down a deposit for it and start planning out the other details of your event. Your venue will establish a strong foundation for your event and get the planning process off to a great start.

Check out the rest of our blog for more tips on planning successful events.

Top 10 Creative Corporate Gift Ideas to Help Build Better Professional Relationships

Tired of giving out the same customized tumbler or calling card? Are you hoping for more creative corporate gift ideas to drop jaws and create some buzz about your business?

We've got your back office mates! Check out these top 10 best ideas for corporate event gifts and determine which one you should use for your next major meeting, trade show, or press conference: 

Top 10 Best Creative Corporate Gift Ideas


1. Yearly Organizer

Organizers are a staple for a reason: people at the workplace always need something to help them keep track of their schedules. Yes, a calendar works too but an organizer offers more pages and space to add notes, contact numbers, and meeting notes. 

Even the most basic organizer works as great business gifts, especially if you're hosting a conference or trade show at the beginning of the year. People at these events will use their organizers throughout the year, guaranteeing they'll always see your brand logo.


2. The Newest Amazon Echo

If you want to make a killer impression, you should consider giving out the newest version of the Amazon Echos or the next item on this list. They're not cheap but they can make such a strong impact, they're worth the investment. You might need to limit giving these away to meetings with important clients.

The Amazon Echo stands out because it perfectly embodies technology moving forward. It lets people at the workplace make quick searches on Google without touching a keyboard. Who wouldn't remember the company that gave something so cool?


3. Coffee Maker

Are AI devices/smart speakers too expensive but you still want to give away elegant, high-end corporate gifts? Take some time then to look at a few coffee makers. If possible, check if you can get custom branding on them, adding your company logo somewhere on the machine.

The good news is there are a ton of different kinds of coffee makers. You can stick with a traditional brewer or you could give a pod coffee maker, such as the Nespresso or Keurig K Cup machine. 

Either way, coffee makers make for ideal gifts. Like all good corporate giveaways, these are items people tend to use regularly. This means those employees will always see your logo.


4. Professional Cardholder

Let's step back down to smaller corporate gifts. If you want something small but highly efficient, you should give away cardholders. Add your company logo to the front to further seal the deal.

The best part about cardholders is their price and utility. You can give out dozens or even hundreds of these, making them the ideal gifts for attendees at a big event. Again, these are items people use regularly which means they'll always have your company in their mind.


5. Smart Notebook

These make for some of the most creative corporate gift ideas on this list. You should consider giving these business gifts whenever you complete a deal with a major client or partner.

How do these work and why are they great gifts?

They utilize tablet technology, meaning people can use a stylus to jot down notes which then get digitized. Users can then instantly transfer the digital note to cloud storage services or email them to other people.

You don't even need to get the most expensive ones. Yes, there are smart notebooks well over $120 but you can find a few under $50.


6. Customized Office Items

Nothing beats traditional promotional giveaways. They're still effective today, even with the rising advance of technology and digital marketing.

Slap your logo on ID straps, caps, mugs, office pens, or umbrellas and hand them out to people at meetings, trade shows, conferences, or scheduled presentations. You can check out the folks from your local printing company to get started customizing items you want to give away.

The real reason these remain effective is the fact people rely on these items daily. This means every time they open their umbrella, share a pen to an officemate, or get a cup of coffee, they show off your company for you. It's a visual type of free marketing, especially if they give the item to someone else and the chain of exposure grows.


7. Travel Pillows

Sticking with the theme of customized items, why not give away customized travel pillows? These don't see as much usage as office items but they're essential nonetheless. You can at least expect trade show attendees to use them during their trip back home!

Travel pillows offer comfort and proper posture, both of which most traveling business professionals need after a few days out for a trade show or conference. Show you care by giving these out as corporate gifts and they'll thank you for it! 

8. Great Gift Sets For Men 

Men at your office or workplace are sick of getting the same boring gifts like mugs, whiskey glasses, pens, golf gear, or stress balls. To be honest, they are over it.

Instead, give your male coworkers or employees a gift with with some meat on it. Gifting with Manly Man Co gift sets are the best way to stand out within meaningful, unique, fun, and masculine presents. Click for more details on their array of awesome products.


9. Wireless Charging Pads

Want to give cool, technology corporate gifts without breaking the bank? You should consider handing out wireless charging pads. They're affordable but almost every meeting or event attendee will find them useful. 

After all, over 5 billion people now use mobile devices, smartphones in particular. Business professionals rely on the latest models to track important metrics, emails, and more. Giving these charging pads enhances their smartphone usage and you can bet they'll remember you for it.


10. Corporate Bags

Promotional corporate gift bags are perfect as a company gift. It’s one of the best ways to strengthen client/company relationships. when it comes to design, it should be functional, yet looks classy to suit the corporate environment. Tote bags, corporate sling bags, and handbags make for excellent gift ideas. Bags don't cost much and printing on them is both quick and cheap too. This means you can have hundreds of them ready for any major event. 

You don't have to limit these gifts to meetings or conferences. You can hand these out to regular customers or people who walk into your physical offices. Give these great gifts to partners, clients, and to your employees who go out handing promotional items to people on the streets. 


Use This List of Creative Corporate Gift Ideas!

There are a ton of amazing and creative corporate gift ideas. These top 10 gifting options are some of the most effective due to their wow factor, usability, and price. Consider giving these away the next time you host an event. 

Of course, promotional giveaways are only a part of your marketing strategies. If you want to continue discovering more ways to attract clients, feel free to go through our other guides today. We may have the tips you're looking for when it comes to marketing, corporate gift ideas, financial management, and much more!

12 Event Badges To Break the Ice Among Attendees

We are in the era of the creatives for all things business and events.

The simplest things can be turned into works of art, including event name badges. Events account for $325 billion of direct spending, so planners no longer settle for a sticker tag now that they have bigger budgets.

Do you have an upcoming event and want to do someone fun? Keep reading for 12 event badges that will have your guests engaging with each other in no time.


How to Create Event Name Badges

Today, event planners are turning name tags into ice breaker moments. Keeping in line with branding and themed events, your name tag ideas can cover a range of things.

The thought process behind this new wave is simple. People are not walking around an event trying to read everyone's name tag. In fact, unless someone is speaking to you directly, chances are they aren't interested in knowing who someone it.

By introducing creative name badges, it creates interest. People want to know what the badges say and if you have a shared interest it sparks dialog. 

In most instances, companies have name badges preprinted. For the ideas below, you'll have to go one step further. As part of the registration process include required fields that ask specific questions. 

Use the information to customize the badge and create fun ice breakers. 

12 Event Badges For Better Ice Breakers


1. Who Said That

In this day and age, everyone has a favorite motto or quote.

Underneath the attendee's name, post their favorite quote.

You can choose to put the author's name or leave it blank so people can test their knowledge or simply ask.


2. Three Things About Me

On these corporate name badges, guests provide three things about themselves someone may find interesting.

Telling people you're the CEO of a company isn't quite as interesting as having climbed Kilimanjaro.


3. I Would Lie to You

With this creative name tag idea, guests share two things.

One is the truth and the other is false. People have to ask questions about both before guessing which one is the lie.

Encourage them not to use things that people already know. 


4. Where I'm From

This name badge idea works best at a global conference where attendees may not have a close relationship with each other.

Learning about unique places around the world is always a conversation starter. 

It doesn't matter where you're from, there is someone who may not have ever heard of it or know that one interesting fact about your hometown.


5. Blinged Out

Head over to Michaels or JoAnns and pick-up some self-sticking bling for attendees to bedazzle their lanyards.

Place a small bowl on each table and as guests arrive and take their seats, they can decorate their name tags.

Take it one step further and replace standard lanyards with a nice necklace. This is a nice idea for an all-women empowerment event. 


6. Tell a Story

Not only is it a cool name tag idea, but it is also a purposeful ice breaker.

Color code the badges by the table people are assigned. On their name tag include a few words. Once everyone is seated at the table, they will be charged with combing the words to form an inspiring message.

The host can tell them the ice breaker from the start. To make it more interesting, wait to see if the participants figure it out on their own.


7. My Favorite Things

Similar to some of the other cool name tag ideas, this one will list favorite things the attendees enjoy.

The items can be anything as long as it is not offensive or inappropriate.

Attendees should keep it classy but also fun. Instead of saying your dog, share the dog's name, especially if it's unique. Give the name of a favorite ice cream flavor instead of saying, ice cream.


8. Three Places I've Been

If you're at a conference, chances are you travel a lot.

Ask attendees to provide three places they have visited. Again, don't make it obvious. The places can be a city or a place. 

To make it interesting, narrow it down to a favorite attraction or restaurant in your favorite city. It does not have to be within the US. 


9. College GameDay

There are many self-made millionaires that never attended college—it doesn't mean they don't have a favorite college team.

At motivational conferences, consider doing cool name tags that incorporate college mascots.

There may only be one Ohio State University Buckeyes, but there are plenty of schools that share the same mascots. The object of the ice breaker is to see which college the tiger, bull, or knight represents.


10. Unusual Talent

We all have that one weird thing we can do that our colleagues know nothing about.

Share on your name badge and see how many people ask you to do it right there in the conference center.

Of course, you won't have to, but it could be equally interesting to tell them about it. Plus, the event organizer may not have enough insurance coverage for a fifty-year-old doing a break dancing demonstration.


11. On This Date

On this date, is a fun way to test your guest's knowledge of history.

In fact, the date doesn't have to be a historical reference at all. There are two ways this can work.

One, share the date and let people guess what happened that day. Or post a small snippet and have them guess the date. Double the fun if the guest was born on a historic date.


12. Hashtag Me

A younger audience will love this.

Have guests create a hashtag using four words or less. These cool name tags are sure to create a buzz. It can be a mood, a statement, or just a wacky saying.

Again, keep it classy and professional.


Ready to Break the Ice?

Event name badges can bring out your creativity. There are many ways to turn them into fun ice breakers and games. 

We hope you enjoyed this article and will give the suggestions a try. Learn more tips on business, networking, and event planning by scrolling through the rest of our site!

5 Reasons To Be Dressed For Success

The average woman spends around $125,000 throughout her lifetime. Some people may look at that figure and think it’s absurd. Why would anyone spend so much on clothing? But stop for a second. It turns out there may be a good reason to keep up (or take up) the habit. Man or woman, there are many benefits to being dressed for success. Keep reading to discover five ways in which the investment might be well worth it. 

5 Reasons To Be Dressed For Success 

Dressing for success may sound like a fanciful idea. But of all strategies that exist to ensure achievement, this one has proven successful. Here’s why it pays to dress better… 

1. First Impressions Are Important 

The way we present ourselves is important. We may be taught that we shouldn’t judge people by their looks. But we inevitably do. It impacts the judgments people make of us. First impressions are made almost instantaneously. You wouldn’t wear jeans and a t-shirt for a corporate job interview. Not unless you want to be laughed out of the room. Dressing appropriately and looking sharp are sure-fire ways to make a positive first- impression, including professional business accessories. 

2. Get Treated More Seriously 

The way you dress gives you a level of control over how others react to you. In essence, what we wear showcases who we are to those around us. Being well-dressed means people judge you accordingly. Dress well and you’re seen as worthy of their time. They want to be in your company. They’ll take your opinions seriously and treat you with respect. 

3. Feel More Confident 

When you look good, you feel good. Dressing sharply and in a way that matches the situation will create greater feelings of self-confidence and respect. When you look good, you get positive feedback. That feedback gives your self-esteem a much-needed boost. This mindset sets you up for continued success in your personal and professional lifestyle. 

4. Improved Professional Performance 

It’s been found that people who dress well perform better in their roles. It’s no small wonder when you consider the aforementioned boost in confidence and self-esteem. Simply put, confidence enables you to overcome challenges, embrace the opportunity, and feel in control. Likewise, knowing that others think highly of you will keep you focused and motivated. All of these elements equate to success. 

5. Earn More Money 

That’s right. It’s been shown that well-dressed people actually earn higher salaries. When you make powerful first impressions and lead with confidence, you tend to perform better. Job performance usually leads to promotions and with that, wage increases and more opportunities for advancement. 

Look Good, Feel Good, And Succeed 

There you have it: why there’s something to be said for being dressed for success. Man or woman, we’re all likely to spend thousands of dollars on clothing throughout our lifetime. Many people may say such expenditure is unnecessary. However, in terms of the benefits of dressing well, the expense is arguably more than worth it. So, when you head on your next shopping spree, view it as an investment rather than frivolous spending. Looking for more clothing related advice? Click here to discover which color clothing to wear in an interview.