- Event Staff
10 steps to consider before choosing a venue for your event
There are a lot of different aspects to take into consideration when mapping out a venue for your event. There are many types to choose from and the budget varies from one venue to the next. Learn more on the most important details when choosing a setting for your conference, board meeting, workshop or reception:
1. Price level
Keep in mind that not everything is included in the price when renting a venue. Always
compare the total cost of the different venues that you have checked.
2. Location
When organizing an event, the location is extremely important and it depends on the
type of event and on your flexibility.
3. Availability
Venues are booked well in advance and if you want a specific location you need to act
fast, especially in Brussels where there are constant conferences and meetings
everyday.
4. Capacity of the venue
Choosing the right size meeting room is essential if you don’t want to risk having an
overcrowded space or too many empty seats.
5. Layout of the venue
If you have planned a lunch break, coffee break or a cocktail in the end of the event,
you need to make sure you have chosen the right layout. You should have all of these
areas in close connection, making it easier for delegates to move around.

6. Type of venue
As mentioned in one of our articles, there are 4 different types of venues you can find
in Brussels: conference centers, hotels, special venues and EU institutions.
7. Style of venue
The two main styles are either classic or modern. It could also be luxurious/prestigious
or more basic/simple. In this case it all depends of the budget you are ready to spend.
8. Characteristics of the venue
Here is the time to tick off all of the specific wishes you have in mind for the looks of
your event. Things like:
Layout of the room
If there is a stage or not
Ceiling height
Air conditioning and ventilation
Lighting
Acoustics
9. Service level
Depending on the type of venue that you have chosen, there could either be good
service provided (hotels) or no service at all (special venues). In case there is no staff to
help you during your event, you should consider finding a subcontractor / hosts &
hostesses. On the other hand there are venues with professional staff that will often
respond swiftly and make sure everything runs smoothly.
10. Restrictions
Some conditions that you might encounter and should be aware of:
Catering firm list provided by the venue
Not allowed to bring your own food and beverages
At some venues you are not allowed to use an external subcontractor for A/V
No roll-ups or other promotional materials
Not-allowed to move furniture around and change set-up
Time of access to the event – before and after