Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Seminar Planning - Finding Venues

Speakers often ask me for ideas for places to hold their seminars. They want to use something besides hotels and restaurants. There are actually many different types of venues you can rent at a variety of prices. Here are some ideas for you:

  • Ballparks and Stadiums - Parks and stadiums, such as AT&T Park, http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/giantsenterprises/plan_your_event.html Dodger Stadium, http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/ballpark/stadium_rentals.jsp and Fenway Park http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/events/index.jsp. allow rental of their spaces for events.

  • Community Centers - Check with Parks and Recreation departments to find event space. Many have lower rates during the week since weekends are reserved for weddings and other large social events.

  • Conference Centers - Some cities have these facilities which were constructed just for meetings and seminars.

  • Country Clubs - These are not just for social events, I've seen financial planning seminars, real estate investment seminars and business networking groups have successful events at country clubs.

  • Cruise Ships - There are cruise companies that do lunch or dinner events on their ships as they cruise the area.

  • Libraries - Larger community libraries often have meeting rooms that can be rented for seminars.

  • Mansions and Estates - Older homes often are now open for seminars and events.

  • Movie Theaters - The Cineplex in my area advertises their theaters for events. Great if you need auditorium-sized space.

  • Museums - Many museums rely on events as a source of revenue and have event coordinators onsite who can help you.

  • Universities and colleges - While you investigate renting their space, find out if they need speakers for their programs. Many speakers make a very good living doing presentations to students which are paid for by the schools.

  • Wineries - Beautiful settings, not just for for social events.

There are websites with lists of event sites, here are two to visit http://www.uniquevenues.com/, http://www.agendaonline.com/venues/,

Check with Convention and Visitors Bureaus in the cities you want to hold your events for additional ideas. Also, if your subject matter is appropriate, contact churches and medical centers for event space.