Event venues – a word!
I don’t understand why we have to do this ridiculous dance whereby I sign a contract and then discover that there are all sorts of things not included! It’s almost like a game to see how much you can get away with adding on after the contract is signed. It’s not a game to me! We’re trying to run a business and stay within budget.
Why not just give me a checklist so that I can see upfront what everything costs, and so I don’t miss anything?
I’ve been doing this over 20 years. I can’t believe the stunts that still get pulled.
– one venue this trip had one room, that could be divided into four. So they quoted me for four screens and four projectors.
– An event needs internet! It’s standard. It shouldn’t be extra and it needs to work well enough that my presenters can use it. One venue this trip had an internet speed of 0.2 😳
– If I’m buying wine for a dinner, put it on the table. Don’t send waiters that pour it and take it away again, and then come and tell me an hour into the dinner that we have used it all, when we have allowed for half a bottle per head. Most of my audience didn’t drink. And half a bottle a head is industry standard to last for a three hour event.
– If you are given dietary requirements in plenty of time in advance, please provide an interesting meal. A few leaves for a vegan doesn’t cut it. Especially at the equivalent of £65 a head.
– Charging a room rate which is meant to be a specially negotiated rate for your event, and then the delegates find the rooms online at a much cheaper rate is a no-no but happens all the time!
– If the room already has a screen, a stage, a lecture and a projector in it, why are you charging me exhorbitant rates for this equipment on top of room hire. I am happy to pay for things you need to bring in but this tour, on one occasion, the venue charged me $1000 for what amounted to turning a TV on.
– If you’re charging me a day rate for a tech guy, can they at least know how to operate the equipment. He’s there so if the tech fails, he can fix it. Sitting at the back, with earbuds in, looking bored and surly when asked to do anything isn’t ok.
What else??!! I am sure my EAs have all sorts of things they can add to this list…
We have worked with some exceptional venues, and events people who want to make the event the best it can be, and when it is right, it is magic.
But when it isn’t, it really isn’t!!
It’s clear some venues just see it as an opportunity to print money. They do the absolute bare minimum and exploit the customers. I know what I am doing so usually catch them at it. But I pity those who are not so experienced.
