Step 2 - how to choose a venue for your event
Defining your objectives makes choosing a venue easier.
For example, if the goal of your event is brand awareness, then a venue without blank-canvas spaces (onto which you can impose your logo and other marketing materials) is a no-go from the start.
Top tips for event planners: think about accessibility, and sustainability too
When researching options, consider things like accessibility, transport links, capacity, and layout.
Ask what is and isn’t included in the hire cost (it isn’t always obvious!) – think AV, catering, cloakroom, security, and set-up time, for example.
Asking the right questions is a great starting point for getting the right info and, as a result, making the right choices for your event.
If you’re feeling stuck, check out our five key questions to ask a venue.
How to pick a sustainable venue for an event
Remember sustainability and safety too - from eco-friendly operations to compliance with Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025).
Sustainability remains a strong focus for events - with 62% of attendees taking sustainable event management into account now before even accepting an invitation.
Our guide to sustainable event planning can help you ensure critical eco-thinking is baked in from event conception all the way through to execution, including how you continue engagement post-event too.
On the security front, Martyn’s Law is designed to keep people safe at public events and venues. Specifically, it will “improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK by requiring that those responsible for certain premises and events consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack.”
For planners, this means being aware that, once the law comes into effect in 2027, venues will have a duty to carry out risk assessments, submit these to the new regulator (the Security Industry Authority), and appoint trained personnel to oversee compliance.
Check out our deeper dive into event security for more information.
You've chosen your location and venue. Step 3 takes you on the journey of planning your programme.
