Corporate events are under more pressure than ever to deliver value, engagement, and a memorable experience. According to a 2024 survey by EventMB, 78% of event planners say that venue selection is the single most influential factor in attendee satisfaction. Yet, with thousands of options for conference venues in London, hotel event spaces, and unique locations across the UK, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming.
Hire Space has helped thousands of companies—from global brands to fast-growing startups—source and book venues that elevate their events. Drawing on our expertise and the latest industry trends, here are seven proven hacks to help you secure the perfect venue for your next corporate gathering.
1. Define Your Event Goals and Audience
Why clarity drives better venue choices
Before you start searching for London event venues or corporate venues in Manchester, get specific about your event’s objectives. Are you hosting a leadership summit, a product launch, or a team-building retreat? Each goal demands a different environment, layout, and set of amenities [1][2].
Key questions to ask:
- What experience do you want attendees to have?
- Will you need breakout rooms, networking spaces, or exhibition areas?
- Is privacy or exclusivity a priority?
For example, a confidential board meeting may require a private boardroom hire in London, while a creative workshop could thrive in an unusual venue with flexible layouts.
Expert insight:
“Aligning your venue with your event’s purpose ensures every detail—from the flow of the agenda to the attendee journey—supports your goals,” says Sarah Williams, Senior Event Strategist at Hire Space.
2. Prioritize Location, Accessibility, and Transport
How to maximize attendance and convenience
A central, accessible location is non-negotiable for most corporate events. When evaluating conference rooms for hire in London or event spaces in Manchester, consider proximity to major transport hubs, parking availability, and local amenities [3][4][5].
Checklist for location selection:
- Is the venue near train stations, airports, or major roads?
- Are there hotels or coworking spaces nearby for out-of-town guests?
- What are the parking and public transport options?
Pattern interrupt: 3 quick location tips
- Choose venues within walking distance of public transport.
- Reserve nearby parking or offer ride-share discounts.
- Provide attendees with digital maps and clear directions.
An event at a hotel event space in London with direct tube access will see higher on-time attendance than one in a remote area.
3. Use Advanced Venue Sourcing Tools
Why technology accelerates and improves your search
Manual venue research is time-consuming and often incomplete. Modern venue sourcing tools, like Hire Space’s platform and the premium Hire Space 360 solution, let you filter by capacity, location, amenities, and availability—saving hours and reducing risk [6][7].
How Hire Space stands out:
- Access to thousands of vetted venues, from large event venues in London to private party venues in Manchester.
- Real-time availability and transparent pricing.
- Dedicated support from venue experts for complex requirements.
| Criteria | Hire Space | Traditional Search | Event Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue Database Size | 6,000+ UK venues | Limited | Varies |
| Real-Time Availability | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Expert Support | Yes (360 team) | No | No |
| Custom Proposals | Yes | No | No |
| Contract Management | Yes | No | No |
Hire Space’s 360 solution is designed for corporate event planners who need a reliable, end-to-end venue sourcing partner.
4. Evaluate Venue Flexibility and Functionality
How to match space to your agenda
Not all venues are created equal. The best venue finder for corporate events will help you assess not just capacity, but also the flexibility of layouts, breakout options, and technical infrastructure [8][9][10].
What to look for:
- Multiple room configurations (theatre, cabaret, classroom)
- On-site AV and hybrid event capabilities
- Spaces for networking, catering, and private meetings
Industry framework: The 5C’s of Corporate Event Management
- Concept: Does the venue support your event’s vision?
- Coordination: Can the space accommodate your logistics?
- Control: Are there clear points of contact and approval processes?
- Culmination: Is the venue prepared for seamless execution?
- Closing: Does the venue support post-event wrap-up and feedback? [11]
5. Leverage Data and Industry Connections
How to uncover hidden gems and negotiate better deals
Industry data and peer recommendations can reveal venues you might miss through standard searches. Use event platforms, social media, and your professional network to identify trending or under-the-radar spaces [12].
Step-by-step process:
- Research recent events similar to yours and note their venues.
- Check social platforms for unique or unusual venues in London and Manchester.
- Ask colleagues or suppliers for honest feedback on venues you’re considering.
Callout:
“Industry connections can open doors to exclusive rates or last-minute availability, especially for high-demand dates,” notes James Carter, Venue Partnerships Lead at Hire Space.
6. Scrutinize Contracts and Hidden Costs
How to avoid budget surprises
Venue contracts can be complex, with hidden fees for overtime, AV, or catering. Always request a detailed breakdown and clarify terms before signing [13][14].
Checklist for contract review:
- What’s included in the hire fee (AV, Wi-Fi, furniture)?
- Are there minimum spends or service charges?
- What are the cancellation and liability policies?
Pattern interrupt: 4 common hidden costs
- Overtime charges for late finishes
- Corkage fees for external catering
- Mandatory security or cleaning fees
- Extra charges for branding or signage
Hire Space’s team reviews contracts and negotiates on your behalf, reducing financial risk and ensuring transparency.
7. Visit Shortlisted Venues and Test the Experience
Why site visits are critical for event success
A venue may look perfect online, but only an in-person visit reveals the true flow, ambiance, and suitability for your event [15][16]. Walk through the space as an attendee would, checking for accessibility, signage, and comfort.
What to assess during a site visit:
- Ease of entry and registration flow
- Quality of lighting, acoustics, and ventilation
- Cleanliness and maintenance standards
- Staff professionalism and responsiveness
Pattern interrupt: Real-world example
During a recent site visit, a client discovered that a “large event venue” in London had poor Wi-Fi in breakout rooms—an issue that would have disrupted their hybrid conference. The Hire Space team flagged this early, allowing the client to choose a better-equipped venue.
Conclusion
Venue selection is the foundation of a successful corporate event. By clarifying your goals, prioritizing accessibility, using advanced sourcing tools, and scrutinizing every detail, you set your event up for impact and attendee satisfaction. Hire Space combines deep industry expertise, a vast venue network, and dedicated support to help you find and secure the best spaces—whether you need conference venues in London, private party venues in Manchester, or something truly unique.
Ready to find your next event venue? Explore Hire Space’s platform or connect with our 360 team for tailored, expert support. Your next stellar corporate event starts with the right space.
Citations
[1] https://www.typecastinc.com/blog/pro-tip-how-we-choose-the-perfect-event-venue
[2] https://www.travelperk.com/guides/corporate-event-management/
[3] https://convene.com/catalyst/meeting-event-planning/how-to-find-the-right-venue-for-your-corporate-event/
[4] https://www.typecastinc.com/blog/pro-tip-how-we-choose-the-perfect-event-venue
[5] https://www.vfairs.com/blog/how-to-find-a-venue-for-an-event/
[6] https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/how-to-find-event-venue/
[7] https://whova.com/blog/things-consider-when-choosing-event-venue/
[8] https://convene.com/catalyst/meeting-event-planning/how-to-find-the-right-venue-for-your-corporate-event/
[9] https://www.typecastinc.com/blog/pro-tip-how-we-choose-the-perfect-event-venue
[10] https://www.vfairs.com/blog/how-to-find-a-venue-for-an-event/
[11] https://www.travelperk.com/guides/corporate-event-management/
[12] https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/how-to-find-event-venue/
[13] https://convene.com/catalyst/meeting-event-planning/how-to-find-the-right-venue-for-your-corporate-event/
[14] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/events-planning-tips
[15] https://convene.com/catalyst/meeting-event-planning/how-to-find-the-right-venue-for-your-corporate-event/
[16] https://whova.com/blog/things-consider-when-choosing-event-venue/
Author
Gemma Baker
Gemma loves all things social media and keeps busy by creating lots of Hire Space content. When she’s not creating content, you'll find her shopping, exploring or at the gym!