Eight Questions to Ask a Venue Before You Sign

The venue contract is the largest early financial commitment on most events and the hardest decision to reverse. Before signing, ask: what are the permitted build-up hours and when does the meter start? Are there exclusive suppliers for audio, lighting or catering? What is the floor loading and rigging height? What power capacity is included and what does more cost?

Also: what are the civil-defence requirements and who is responsible for permits? How many goods lifts, and what size? What exactly is the cancellation and postponement policy? And finally: is another event running in the building at the same time, and what does that do to parking and entrances?

The answers to those eight determine half your operating budget before you write a single line of plan.