These sites are good for both small and mid-sized events. If a breakfast
or lunch event is required, and the restaurant is not typically open during
those hours, it is often possible to negotiate a special opening and menu.
Restaurants come
in a huge variety of sizes, themes, and prices. They can supply the highest
level of elegance and “wow” factor or a casual comfort, depending
on the objective of the event and the desired impression on attendees.
The restaurant budget portion of an event will remain consistent (providing
there is not an open bar). Advantages include that the space, décor,
furniture, tableware, set-up, service and clean-up are all included
in the per plate cost. Further, the event coordinator will need to spend
very little time on these aspects and will be able to devote more time
to successfully fulfilling the event’s objectives.
For an additional charge, valet parking can usually be arranged. If
the event’s budget permits it, inclusive valet parking is a luxurious
touch that guests will appreciate. Check with the reservations manager
as to whether gratuities and taxes are included in the per plate cost
and, if not, how much are they. Cost effective and responsible alcohol
consumption can be maintained by having servers pour wine from a pre-arranged
number of bottles. In the case of a charitable or corporate event with
wine sponsorship, it is often possible to bring in wine and negotiate
a corkage fee for each bottle.
Some nightclubs
will have a contract with specific beverage and catering
suppliers, meaning that only their products are allowed in the venue.
Failure to communicate this knowledge between venue and booker caused
major problems at a charitable fundraiser that was sponsored by the
venue’s beverage supplier’s rival. No promotional materials
or actual product from the sponsoring company was allowed in. The event’s
organizer had to find a new venue in a hurry and had the extra cost
of the penalty fee from the original booking, along with the expense
of printing new posters, tickets, and ads.
| Ottawa Conventions.com
Event Planning 101
Chapter 2: Location
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