One of an event planner’s greatest fears in using a venue for the first time is that the venue might not exceed, or even worse, meet your expectations. Now sometimes this is due to the fact that the service delivery was less than perfect or something might have gone wrong during the course of the event, but more often than not it’s due to the fact that there simply wasn’t anything that set the experience apart from any other event.
One would think that with competition being what it is between South African venues, they would do everything in their power to set themselves apart from the rest and to provide an unforgettable experience to anyone who uses their facilities, but this doesn’t happen as often as we’d like it to. Times have changed and standards have been raised and fast turnaround time and free Wi-Fi simply don’t count as value-adds anymore. These are pretty much considered common courtesy.
What are add-ons
Conference add-ons contribute to the wow-factor. It inspires photographs, it’s what’s squished into an over-full handbag, it’s what other event planners point to as they express how something will be perfect for what one of their clients are looking for in their event. It’s the cappuccino on arrival, the candy station on departure, the stress-ball on the table, the lip balm for speakers and the box of breath mints for attendees. Every little thing lights a spark in someone who could be a venue’s next client or could attract their next client.
As an event organiser you want to make your event memorable and that’s why you need to choose a venue that has the same priority. Your event should be the talk of the industry, that’s always the aim, but in the same breath, your venue should want to plant seeds of satisfaction. Look for venues who are as excited by your ideas as you are, venues who go above and beyond and leave your guests walking away satisfied and impressed not only by the event but by the experience.
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