INTRODUCTION TO VENUE FINDING

Planning a successful event hinges on a crucial factor that can determine the outcome and garner the acknowledgment you seek: the venue. Whether your occasion is a corporate gathering, a wedding, or a social gala, the venue and its location wield tremendous influence over its overall impact. No matter how meticulously you prepare every other aspect, a wrong venue choice has the potential to shatter your grand vision.

In Nigeria, a country known for its rich cultural diversity and abundant options, finding the perfect venue for your event can be an arduous task. Hours of searching through diverse choices can devour precious time that could be better spent on organising and refining other crucial elements of your occasion.

Fear not, for we have crafted this definitive guide to alleviate your stress and save you invaluable time in your pursuit of the ideal venue. Within these pages, you will discover a wealth of knowledge, practical tips, and insider insights on navigating Nigeria’s vibrant event landscape. Our aim is to empower you with the tools and information necessary to choose a venue that sets the stage for a truly memorable experience.

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of successful venue finding in Nigeria? Let us be your trusted companion on this journey.

BRIEFLY DEFINE YOUR EVENT 

Most people fail to have a definitive plan for their event, including when to start and what to consider when searching for a venue. Before you begin a search for venues, it is essential that you make a list of all critical facts so that you can create a brief of the event and choose the best-suited place for your event. Below is all of the important information you need to know.

1. Know Your Guest

Knowing and identifying the audience for your event is the first and most crucial step in coming up with the best venue. The type of guest, their religious belief, tradition, culture, language, age and status should be taken into consideration while choosing the venue for your event.

For example, you may have to consider a venue with a spacious playing area, creche, and games with enough toys and a smaller tree for your child’s birthday while considering a more serene hall with traditional architectural features and adorned with intricate Yoruba designs and artwork for a Yoruba wedding. 

2. Consider Your Event Type

The type of event you’re hosting is essential in determining how spacious your venue should be. Does the venue have enough capacity for people travelling from every state to your book launch? You should know that an event for which you’re expecting 1000 people shouldn’t be hosted in a venue with a capacity of 500 people.

Determine the type of event you want to have first, the format it will take, the layout, the style and feel you want to achieve, and the number of guests you want to target.

3. Consider Transportation and Location

Another very important fact to put into consideration when preparing a corporate event is the location of the hall and the means of transportation for your visitors.

For example, if your event is to run in Lagos, ensure that you choose a venue that’ll be convenient for your guests in terms of transportation and location.

The venue’s distance from attendees’ homes or offices must also be considered. If your participants are travelling from outside the city or country, search for event spaces that are easily accessible from international or local airports and major bus stops. Also, ensure that the location is easily accessible with or without the use of navigation apps.

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4. Identify Your Event Budget

Sometimes, your budget determines how far you can go. You need to establish a realistic and flexible budget before choosing or booking for a venue. 

Budgeting enables you to examine your financial resources and calculate how much money you can set aside for venue expenses. It assists you in setting realistic goals and avoiding expenditures, allowing you to stay within your financial means. 

When you have several events to host, budgeting allows you to deploy funds strategically. Understanding the costs associated with venue bookings allows you to plan and allocate resources more effectively across multiple events.

5. Consider Your Event Extras

Below are some extra that you need to consider while choosing a venue for your event.

• Catering: Despite how important it may appear, not all venues provide in-house catering options. You’ll need to discuss the venue’s food selection, menu flexibility, ability to meet dietary restrictions, and other issues with them. Discussing the specifics of your package, such as local food like Fufu, Amala etc and if coffee and pastries are included for breakfast, is also important. Can they offer VIPs a special lunch menu?
• Furniture: You might be surprised to learn that the majority of venues do not have adequate chairs, tables, or linens available for your usage. Unless specifically mentioned, never assume a venue has everything. Submit inquiries. Do you have access to any tables, chairs, or linens there? If a venue has these things, you can save a lot of money and time by utilising what they have, as long as it goes with your theme and atmosphere.
• WiFi: When choosing an event location, especially for corporate events, WiFi accessibility is essential for a number of reasons. First of all, it guarantees connectivity and communication for visitors, enabling in-person exchanges and social media participation. Also, WiFi makes it easy to access internet materials and conduct presentations and demonstrations. In general, WiFi offers convenience and value for your audience.
• Technology: You can impress your audience by investing in an event space that offers the very best and most modern technology. Venues equipped with good projector sets, televisions, microphones, surround sound systems, fast and reliable internet, and more will leave a lasting impact on people’s perceptions of your event.
• Venue Staff: An ideal event venue should include enough staff such as cleaners, security, catering staff,  cloakroom attendants, set-up crews & pack-down crews. Supportive staff is a great asset for any event space, especially when you lack the kind of personnel to manage the event. Additionally, support teams are trained to answer your questions before, during and after the event. 
• Parking: Make sure the venue you’re renting has ample parking for your guests and is quite secure for their belongings.

6. Consider Being Flexible on Event Date

The timing of your event in Nigeria is critical. In this regard, the improper date might easily wreck your event and waste the resources you’ve invested in it.

Marriage ceremonies should not be held on business days or religious holidays. Also, most people prefer not to attend conferences on Mondays or Fridays, so try to keep it midweek if feasible.

When choosing a date, try to be as flexible and considerate as possible. Examine the sort of event and your audience to determine an appropriate time and date that will be convenient for them, regardless of what they do. In Nigeria, you can’t just choose any date and expect your guests to show up.

HOW TO SEARCH FOR A VENUE IN NIGERIA

To search for a venue in Nigeria, you can follow these steps:

1. Use online search engines: Start by using popular search engines like Google. Enter relevant keywords such as “venues in Nigeria,” “event spaces in Nigeria,” or “conference halls in Nigeria.” This will provide you with a list of websites and directories that feature venues in Nigeria.
2. Venue directories and platforms: Explore dedicated venue directories and platforms that specialise in listing venues for various types of events. Some popular platforms in Nigeria include Venues.ng, VenueCompass, Spacebook.ng, and Nairaland Forum’s Events section. These platforms allow you to filter venues based on location, event type, capacity, and amenities.
3. Social media platforms: Utilise social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to search for venues in Nigeria. Many venues and event spaces have their own social media pages or are promoted by event planning companies. Search for hashtags like “#venuesinNigeria, “#eventspacesinNigeria, or “#Nigeriaeventvenues” to find relevant posts and pages.
4. Local business directories: Check local business directories like Venues.ng, VConnect, NgEX, or Connect Nigeria. These directories feature listings of various businesses, including event venues. You can search for venues based on location or category and often find detailed information, contact details, and customer reviews.
5. Recommendations and referrals: Seek recommendations from friends, colleagues, or event planning professionals who have organised events in Nigeria before. They might have personal experiences or know reputable venues that suit your specific requirements.

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CONCLUSION 

In conclusion, looking for a location in Nigeria can be an exciting but difficult endeavor. The country has a diverse assortment of venues appropriate for a variety of events, from conferences and weddings to exhibits and social gatherings. Finding the ideal event venue in Nigeria can become a doable and gratifying endeavor by following a systematic strategy and employing multiple resources.

When choosing a venue in Nigeria, consider variables such as location, capacity, facilities, cost, accessibility, and reviews. By considering these factors, you may limit your options and find a venue that fits your budget, event objectives, and logistical needs.

Ultimately, the process of finding a venue in Nigeria requires patience, thorough research, and effective utilization of available resources. By following the guidelines presented in this venue finding guide, you can navigate the venue search process in Nigeria with confidence, ensuring a successful and memorable event experience.