It can be very rewarding to own and operate an event venue of your own, as the demand for event venues has skyrocketed since the Covid-19 regulations were lifted.
The beauty of owning an event venue is that you get to be your own boss and help people create and experience lasting memories. Before you can reap the rewards of owning an event space, you must first do the hard work to get it up and running the right way.
There are many steps you need to take in order to ensure success when it comes to businesses. You will need to craft a solid business plan, think about what makes your event venue different, and how you can use that as the key selling point.
If you are unsure how to reach your business goals organically and effectively, follow these important steps.
1. Write a business plan
The most important step when starting an event venue business is to create a detailed business plan. It should contain information about the type of venue you are looking to open, your target market, operating costs, and how you intend on generating steady revenue.
The event industry is ever-changing and it’s currently growing at a rapid pace. Keeping up with current trends should be your top priority, so it’s never wrong to revisit your business plan and make the much-needed changes.
To create the perfect event venue business plan you can use online templates to help you with each section of your business plan. You can also consider consulting professionals to do the work for you, but that can be a much pricier option.
2. The location
The location of your venue can be what makes or breaks your whole business concept. Many people want to rent venues out of town in order to have an intimate evening with their closest friends and family, while others want to keep up with the latest trends and stay within the city’s spirit.
Your best bet is to research the area and see what kind of demographic is dominant. If young people are on the lookout for event venues constantly, you might want to stick with the city option.
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3. The services you will offer
Event venues differ in the services they offer. Some venue owners only provide the space, while others prefer to have a more hands-on approach and try to create a whole experience for their clients.
If you want to offer something different, you will have to contact and build a relationship with professional caterers and entertainers. You can also provide additional services such as professional photography and filming for your guests. Bear in mind that you will also have to hire additional staff for your venue which can set you back financially. If you need to hire more people, look for ones with experience in the hospitality industry, and make sure that you train them so they fit into your business operation.
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You will also need to determine how you are going to reach your financial projections. Are you going to charge your clients by the hour or will there be a fixed rate? Also, think about whether you will have a target audience or will you rent a venue to anyone that requires it.
4. Promote your venue
After you’ve secured the right location and registered your business, it’s time to start marketing. This can be done in a variety of ways, including advertising on social media, reaching out directly to event planners, offering discounts and special deals, and much more.
Promoting and growing your brand is one of the most important tasks. A fully functional website can help you achieve your goals and cut down on costs as your clients can easily book your venue online.
You can also consider blogging to spread the good word about your venue. If you do decide to blog about it, think about investing in a digital marketing agency that specializes in SEO, which will help you rank higher on search engine results.
Final thoughts
The event venue industry is growing at a rapid pace and it’s expected to reach a value of at least $2 billion by 2026. This number indicates that starting an event venue business of your own is more than a good idea. Make sure that you build a strong online presence, and don’t forget to write a business plan that will serve as the guide on how you will conduct business short and long-term.
