Seminar Secrets Survey

Another question that came up in the survey was 'How do I find a suitable venue?'

Specifically, the questioner wanted to know about finding a venue for workshops, and I take it that means a smaller event, and probably held locally.

In the UK, and probably elsewhere, probably the best place to start researching venues is your local Tourist Information Office or its equivalent. Most hotels of any size will have meeting rooms for hire, and you can visit village halls, churches, and other likely venues but your Tourist Information Office will have information about most of them, including their charges.

Our local office, in Suffolk, has a very handy leaflet, free to anyone who wants it, with a list of venues for hire. There are some ommissions, though, including local schools who we know are always eager for new fund-raising opportunities.

Also, we know of at least one local company that offers preferential rates to people they know through our networking group, so it's worth spending time building a list of local contacts and just asking around.

Finally, some charities, including hospices and the like, have buildings they need to make maximum use of. One in our town has an impressive new building they sometimes struggle to fill. Again, ask around.

But if time is short, I'd still say start with your Tourist Information Office.

Some of these venues will have all the facilities you need, including Internet connections and catering facilities, while others may not. Hotels, of course, will probably offer catering, but ask about prices and try to compare like with like when you're gathering quotes.

I hope that's helped.

Roy