by Cindy Hartzell

Created on: June 30, 2009

The right venue can make or break your event. There are several points to consider when you have selected to locate a corporate event at a restaurant. Careful planning and attention to details will not only save you money, but will also make your job easier. Here are some of the top considerations when choosing a restaurant for a venue.

Of course you will want a restaurant that has a large enough space and ample parking to accommodate your meeting and activities. Is the restaurant willing to host a meeting if the time is outside of their normal operating hours? For example: Is a restaurant that only serves lunch and dinner willing and able to provide food and service for a meeting that begins at 8am?

Make sure the restaurant serves a variety of food which will appeal to everyone. There should be enough vegetarian and low calorie offerings to round out the menu and please varying appetites. Look at the catering menu and ask if they can work within your budget. Most restaurants should be willing to alter their menus to meet your needs and can base their price on a per person basis or may charge one flat fee. Inquire about the options and renegotiate fees by altering the menu as necessary.

Visit the restaurant and inspect the vicinity of the meeting room and space. Is it spacious enough to provide comfortable seating and literally allow elbow room for your attendees? What type of table setup and chairs will be provided? Is there enough privacy and separation from the rest of dining clientele? If you need outlets for speakers, Internet connections and slide presentations, make sure they are accessible and bring along a laptop or speaker to test the connections and audio. Also investigate the acoustics and the noise level of the meeting space. How close in proximity is the kitchen? Will speakers be drowned out by sounds from the kitchen and/or neighboring meeting rooms?

Another important factor is the level of service and little logistical details that are often overlooked. Well timed service gives a smooth and well polished appearance to your meeting. Share your agenda and work out a schedule with the restaurant manager so that the wait staff is not interfering with demonstrations and presentations. Ask them to time table busing so that it is done while your participants are taking a break or otherwise out of the room. Note pads and pens can replace plates and silverware for a professional appearance. Make sure that the staff is attentive to your needs and available to help your attendees.

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