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ABCey Presents: Tips for a Smooth Site Selection Process

Site selection for events can be a challenging and tedious process. However, by accomplishing the right steps, you can find the best venue for your client. ABCey has curated a list of tips for a smooth site selection process that we use to pick the perfect venue!

Make an Initial List of Sites

brainstorming - site selection

The first step in our site selection process is doing a general brainstorm of sites that seem to fit the needs of the client. Consider the location, number of guests, and venue-type when compiling the list. Leave no stone unturned and make sure you’re getting a variety of different venues. This makes your client feel like they have options and will show them that you’ve considered everything.

Create a Master Spreadsheet for Your Client

master spreadsheet - site selection

After making an initial list of sites, create a master spreadsheet with a Site Selection tab. This should incorporate all the venues you found and important information about each venue, including pros and cons. For each site, include information on availability, contacts, venue size, location, pricing, and information about the space. Make sure the client can quickly and easily see what the venue has to offer!

Put Together a Style Guide

style guide - site selection

After the master spreadsheet has been shared with your client, it’s helpful to make a style guide with the key information and images for each of your top picks.

Send an RFP to all of Your Top Venues

RFP - site selection

An RFP (request for proposal) allows you to easily communicate your event needs to outside vendors. By sending your RFP to the various venues you’re considering, you can get a clearer idea about the availability and pricing for each site. This will help you narrow down your choices. Here are some tips on creating the perfect RFP!

Set Up a Review With Your Client

Call with a client - site selection

The next step is setting up a time to chat with your client over the phone or in person to go through each venue. From there, you’ll be able to get a better sense of which sites you can eliminate and which ones are worth visiting in-person.

Go on Site Visits to Check Out Top Venues

site visits - site selection

Once you and your client have picked your favorite venues, make sure to visit them in-person. This can help you decide if they’re the right fit for your event. There’s no better way to get a sense of the venue and their ability to meet your needs then to set foot on the actual grounds!

Make Your Final Decision

make final decision - site selection

Hopefully the in-person site visits will help you identify your absolute top venues, so you can decide on the one you want to go with. Once you accomplish this, you can start working on the fun stuff, like figuring out event decor and can move forward with your chosen venue!

Which site selection tips did you find to be most helpful?

Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!