Things change and styles come and go with the seasons--so, how is an event venue to keep up with the times? Here are four smart tips:
1. Incorporate the trends
First and foremost, before you make any major changes to an event space, be sure that it’s to accommodate a trend that is here to stay rather than a fad that will be gone by the end of the year. Keep in mind that every venue is different, so don’t feel like you need to stick to the newest trend if it doesn’t lend itself to the space. Instead, look for ways to take individual aspects of the new trend and incorporate it into the space. Consider working with local rental companies to see what items they can provide to spruce up the place, making them available to upsell guests who fall in love with those pieces.
2. Keep up with maintenance
Part of keeping a space fresh is ensuring that it’s in prime condition, which includes staying on top of regular maintenance of the property and its fixtures. Create a "maintenance request" form that all team members have access to, and designate one person to be in charge of repairs. If you make the process easy, your team will be more inclined to report something that needs to be fixed. It can help to set up a reward system for team members that report or handle a safety issue--safety should always be the top priority when dealing with maintenance.
3. Walk the property—frequently
A daily walkthrough ensures that everything is operating smoothly and everything is in its right place. Each day, check the light bulbs to make sure none is burned out, and inspect the windows and glass panes for fingerprints. Before each event starts, walk around to ensure that no boxes were left out and there aren’t any visible eyesores. Remember that the area will be photographed from multiple angles, so it’s necessary to be sure that everything is in order.
4. Maintain major updates
Some things don’t need to happen often, but need to be maintained--for example, evaluate your facility every five years to determine whether paint choices or lighting needs to be updated. In some cases, these simple changes can make all the difference to a place! We’re also sure to update our decor annually, including our buffets, side tables, and bars. These are simple and inexpensive to bring in and fit in well with the current trends that work with our facility styles.
When it comes down to it, keeping your event space fresh and lively isn’t a difficult task--it just requires regular check-ins and quality teamwork. In some cases, it could be as simple as switching out furniture or putting up new drapery and chandeliers. However, keep in mind that you should continue to stay on top of maintenance and venue updates for maximum impact!
Heather Jones is the catering sales director for Wente Vineyards, a family-owned property in Livermore, Calif., that is home to a winery and vineyards, a golf course, restaurant, and a range of unique facilities for hosting weddings and special events.
