How to Choose the Best Venue for a Corporate Event

Start by locking in your event type, headcount, and budget before browsing venues. Then evaluate each space on location, capacity, amenities, atmosphere, and flexibility. The right corporate event venue checks most of those boxes and feels like a place your team will actually enjoy showing up to.

Are you three tabs deep into planning your corporate event, comparing event spaces and questioning every decision you’ve ever made? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Choosing between venues for corporate events just takes a few simple steps.

Step 1: Determine Your Event Needs

Before you even start browsing venues for corporate events, figure out what you actually need.

• Define the type and purpose of the event (team building, holiday party, quarterly meeting, etc.)
• Estimate your headcount, and round up, because people always bring a plus-one
• Map out the event format: Is it a sit-down dinner? A mingling mixer? A full-day workshop?

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget

Money talks, and venues listen. Knowing your budget upfront saves you from falling in love with any venues for corporate events you can’t afford.

• Decide on a firm venue budget before you start reaching out
• Ask what’s included in the base rental price (tables, chairs, staff, etc.)
• Watch for add-ons like parking fees, setup charges, or required vendor minimums

Step 3: Choose a Convenient Location

The best venue in the world means nothing if half your team can’t get there. Think practically about where people are coming from.

• Consider how accessible the venue is for most attendees
• Check parking availability and nearby public transit options
• If guests are traveling from out of town, look for venues near hotels

Step 4: Evaluate the Venue’s Capacity and Layout

Fitting 150 people into a room meant for 80 is a fire hazard and a mood killer. Make sure the space works physically before you commit.

• Confirm your chosen venue for your corporate event comfortably fits your expected guest count
• Think about flow: Where will people eat, mingle, and sit?
• Check if the layout supports your format: presentations need a stage, networking needs open space

Step 5: Check Amenities and Services

Nothing derails a corporate event faster than a broken projector or a cash bar when everyone expects an open one. Vet the amenities early.

• Confirm Wi-Fi reliability and AV equipment availability
• Ask about catering options, bar packages, and any food restrictions they can accommodate
• Find out if on-site staff will be present to help run the event
• Verify that basics like tables, chairs, and linens are included

Step 6: Consider the Atmosphere and Brand Fit

A stuffy conference room might work for a board meeting, but for a team celebration? Your team deserves better. The feel of the venue reflects on your company.

• Choose a venue that matches the tone and personality of your event
• Look for professionalism in the space without sacrificing energy or fun
• Think about how the space will look in event photos and presentations

Step 7: Ask About Availability and Flexibility

You may love a venue, but if it’s booked on your date, or charges you for a 30-minute overrun, that love fades fast.

• Confirm your preferred date is available before getting too attached
• Ask how much time you’ll have for setup and teardown
• Review the cancellation and rescheduling policy (life happens!)

Step 8: Compare Your Top Venues

Once you’ve narrowed it down, do a proper side-by-side comparison. Your gut matters, but so does the spreadsheet.

• Compare pricing, included amenities, location, and online reviews
• Schedule in-person site visits whenever possible
• Ask each venue the same key questions so you’re comparing apples to apples

Step 9: Make Your Final Decision

You’ve done the research. Now trust it. The right venue checks most of the boxes and feels right when you walk in.

• Weigh the pros and cons of each finalist side by side
• Prioritize the venue that offers the best overall value, not just the lowest price
• Get everything confirmed in writing before you put any money down

Step 10: Skip the Boring Ballroom. Book Stars & Strikes Instead

Here’s the thing about venues for corporate events: most of them are forgettable. Stars & Strikes is not. With 50,000 square feet of bowling, arcade games, laser tag, axe throwing, VR, and more, it’s the kind of event your team will still be talking about at next year’s holiday party.

Stars & Strikes takes care of everything: food, drinks, activities, and a personal party planner who’s with you from start to finish. All you have to do is show up and have fun. Ready to make it happen? Book your corporate event!