You’ve been placed in charge of planning your company’s next corporate event. No pressure! While that could be taken sarcastically, there really isn’t much pressure when you know what sort of corporate event venues you should be looking for. Once that’s decided, the whole soiree begins to come together! In this blog, we’re going to take you through some of the big things you should be paying attention to when you’re trying to decide on a corporate event space. Ready?
Location and Accessibility
Location, location, location! We’re always being told that location is key, and that’s true. Venues for corporate events should be in a prime location that’s easy to reach and not in the middle of nowhere. Even the most luxurious space could be a dud if nobody can find or access it easily, so consider proximity to major transportation hubs like airports and highways. Even take foot traffic into account. If a lot of your employees will be able to walk to the event, that’s a big plus! We offer our own parking area as well, which you can reference here.
If your company is located in Frederick, chances are several of your team members live in the area. With a prime location on Carroll Creek, Union Mills Public House is in a perfect spot for commuters and walkers alike, thanks to its location in the city and its proximity to routes 70, 15, and 270.
Capacity and Layout
Here’s a big thing to consider when searching corporate event venues: capacity. Just as a sedan won’t be suitable for a family of seven, a small venue simply can’t accommodate events for large companies. It’s crucial to find a place that’s appropriately sized, or offers a versatile layout that can adapt to various party sizes and different layouts. Overcrowding can make everyone feel cramped, while an excess of space can be a detriment to the energy of the event.
While you’re at it, make sure these options are offered:
- Flexible seating arrangements
- Flexible lighting and electrical access points
- Space for a stage or presentation area
- Options for getting away from the noise, such as a patio space or separate indoor space
The more versatility a corporate event space offers, the better. Prioritize options that offer this kind of flexibility for the best attendee experience.
Amenities and Technology
If you want your corporate event to be immersive—and feel like it’s with the times—make sure you select an establishment that has the ability to fulfill those needs. Audiovisual equipment, high-speed wifi, and options for projectors and microphones are a must if you want everyone to be engaged and impressed. When these components are present, your event logistics will be streamlined and the experience will be all the better for it.
But that’s not the only thing you should be looking for. More traditional amenities will always be a crucial aspect of great corporate event venues. Onsite catering and a dedicated support staff for setting up and breaking down your table and chair layout can be the difference between a successful event and a disaster. And don’t forget the big one: clean bathrooms.
Budget and Pricing
While the occasional “blank check” is put behind corporate events, there is generally a limit to how much money can go into such affairs. This can be a blessing, as any corporate event venues that are outside your price range can be eliminated. There’s still an important decision to make, but it’s easier when there are fewer viable options.
Once that’s done, it’s now time to compare pricing packages of the remaining possibilities and decide if they’re worth your company’s money. What’s included in each package? More importantly, what’s not included in each package? This is how a lot of venues sneak additional charges into the final invoice. If a package has a good price, but doesn’t include basic amenities like furniture and AV equipment, is it really a good price? At Union Mills, we’ve made it a point to provide clear and concise pricing that outlines what you get.
Before we move on, we’d be remiss if we didn’t bring to your attention the common hidden fees to be aware of:
- Overtime charges
- Service fees
- Gratuities (only if food and/or beverage service is part of your experience)
While these fees are common, they should be plainly stated in a venue’s pricing package. At Union Mills Public House, gratuity would be the only extra fee charged.
Ambiance and Branding Compatibility
The aesthetics of corporate event venues play a big role in the energy of your corporate event. We’re not saying you need to select a space that has your company’s exact colors and brand assets—that’s almost impossible—but it should offer the flexibility to be a canvas for your branding. Is there space to hang signage or set up lighting that complements your company’s visual identity? A venue that offers these options can allow you to tailor the space to your needs!
Vendor Policies and Flexibility
Some venues require the use of in-house vendors, while others allow external decorators, entertainers, and more. Make sure the venue’s policies align with your requirements. At Union Mills, we allow outside vendors, with the exception of catering—don’t worry, though, as our in-house culinary team is made up of some of the best and creative food professionals in Frederick.
If you do need some suggestions on vendors to hire, feel free to refer to our Preferred Vendors. They’re the best of the best in the Frederick area!
Discover the Perfect Corporate Event Space
When you’re comparing venues for corporate events, there’s a lot to consider. Location, capacity, amenities, pricing, ambience, and policies all play a substantial role in your final decision. To maximize your available options, start planning as early as possible. And if we’ve made your shortlist, we promise to provide the best event possible and exceed expectations. Get in touch with us and let’s get planning!
