sample event venue business plan

Event Venue Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

• Event Venue Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

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Event Venue Business Plan

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Event Venue Business Plan Sample & Template

Below are links to each section of a sample plan that can be used as a template for your own plan:

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Event Space Business Plan FAQs

What is an event venue business plan.

A business plan is used to start and/or grow your venue. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan, and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your event venue business plan using our Event Venue Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Event Venues?

There are many types of event venues. Some own one venue and rent it out for wedding receptions, corporate events, and other parties. Others have relationships with and rent out hotels, sports arenas, restaurants, and other venues which are desirable to their clientele.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for an Event Space?

The primary source of revenue for event venues is booking fees paid by clients. Sometimes event spaces also generate revenue from catering events and providing entertainment at them.

The key expenses for event venues are the cost of leasing the venue(s) and staffing costs, particularly if they provide services during the events.

Read more about how to get funding: Seeking Funding from Angel Investors vs Venture Capitalists .

How Do You Get Funding for Your Event Venue Business Plan?

Event venues are most likely to receive funding from banks. Typically you will find a local bank and present your plan to them. Angel investors and credit card financing are other common funding sources.

What are the Steps To Start an Event Venue Business?

Starting an event venue business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Event Venue Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed event venue business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your event venue business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your event venue business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Event Venue Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your event venue business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your event venue business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Event Venue Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your event venue business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your event venue business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful event venue business:

• How to Start an Event Venue Business

Where Can I Get an Event Venue Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free  event venue business plan template PDF here . This is a sample event venue business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Event Venue Business Plan: How to Start and Grow Your Event Space Business

Are you looking for a way to turn your passion for hosting events into a profitable business? Do you want to know how to create a successful event venue business plan that will attract investors and customers? If so, you are in the right place.

In this article, we will show you how to start and grow your event space business with a comprehensive and professional business plan. We will also provide you with a free business plan template and examples that you can download and customize for your own needs.

What is an Event Venue Business?

An event venue business is a company that provides a space for hosting various types of events, such as weddings, corporate meetings, social gatherings, sports events, and more. An event venue business can offer different services and amenities, such as catering, entertainment, equipment rental, security, parking, and more.

An event venue business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture, as it can generate multiple streams of income from different clients and events. However, it also requires a lot of planning, investment, marketing, and management to succeed in a competitive market.

Why Do You Need an Event Venue Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that describes your business goals, strategies, market analysis, financial projections, and operational details. It is essential for any type of business, especially for an event venue business, because:

• It helps you clarify your vision and mission for your business
• It helps you identify your target market and competitive advantage
• It helps you plan your marketing and sales strategies
• It helps you estimate your startup and operational costs
• It helps you forecast your revenue and profit potential
• It helps you attract funding from investors or lenders
• It helps you monitor and evaluate your progress and performance

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How to Create an Event Venue Business Plan?

Creating an event venue business plan can be a daunting task, but it can be simplified by following these steps:

Executive Summary: This is a brief overview of your business plan that summarizes your business idea, goals, market opportunity, competitive edge, funding request, and financial highlights. It should be written last after you have completed the rest of the sections. Learn more on business plan executive summary .

Company Overview: This is where you introduce your company name legal structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.), ownership (who owns the company), history (when and how it was founded), vision (what you want to achieve) and mission (how you want to achieve it). Check our detailed guide on business plan company overview .

Industry Analysis: This is where you analyze the current trends and outlook of the event venue industry in your area or country. You should include information such as the size, growth, demand, supply, segmentation and profitability of the industry. You should also identify the opportunities and threats that affect your business. Read more on business plan industry analysis .

Competitive Analysis: This is where you identify and evaluate your direct and indirect competitors in the event venue market. You should include information such as their names, locations, services, prices, strengths, and weaknesses. You should also explain how you plan to differentiate yourself from them and gain a competitive advantage. Learn more on business plan competitive analysis .

Customer Analysis: This is where you define and describe your target market segments and customers. You should include information such as their demographics (age, gender, income, etc.), psychographics (interests, preferences, etc.), behavior (how they search for and book event venues), needs (what they want from an event venue) and pain points (what problems they face with event venues). You should also explain how you plan to reach them and satisfy them with your services. 

Operations Plan: This is where you describe how you will run your event venue business on a daily basis. You should include information such as your location (where your event space is located), facilities (what features and amenities your event space offers), equipment (what tools and machines you need to operate), suppliers (who provides you with goods or services), staff (how many people you need to hire and what roles they perform), processes (how you deliver your services) and quality control (how you ensure customer satisfaction). Do you want to explore more, find how operations plan works in business plan .

Marketing Plan: This is where you outline how you will promote your event venue business to attract customers. You should include information such as your marketing objectives (what you want to achieve with your marketing efforts), marketing strategies (how you will use the 4Ps of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion), marketing channels (where you will advertise or communicate with your customers), marketing budget (how much money you will spend on marketing) and marketing metrics (how you will measure the effectiveness of your marketing).Find our guide on what to include in  marketing plan in business plan .

Funding Request: This is where you state how much money you need to start and run your event venue business, and how you plan to use it. You should include information such as your funding sources (where you will get the money from), your funding needs (how much money you need for each purpose), your funding terms (what interest rate, repayment period, and collateral you offer), and your funding projections (how the funding will affect your financial performance).

Financial Plan: This is where you provide the financial statements and forecasts for your event venue business. You should include information such as your income statement (showing your revenue, expenses, and profit), your balance sheet (showing your assets, liabilities, and equity), your cash flow statement (showing your cash inflows and outflows), and your break-even analysis (showing when you will start making a profit). You should also include some financial ratios (such as profitability, liquidity, and solvency) and assumptions (such as growth rate, inflation rate, and tax rate) that support your financial plan. Read more on what to include in  business plan financial plan .

Appendix: This is where you attach any additional documents or information that support your business plan, such as market research data, customer testimonials, legal documents, resumes of key personnel, contracts, licenses, permits, etc. Check more details on what to include in business plan appendix .

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Where can you get an event venue business plan template and example.

If you want to save time and effort in creating your event venue business plan, you can use a template or an example that has already been prepared for you. The following is a free event venue business plan template and an example that you can download.

• Event Venue Business Plan Template
• Event Venue Business Plan Example

These templates and examples are easy to use and customize for your own needs. They also include tips and guidance on how to write each section of your business plan.

Hire a professional who makes business plan!

Examples of event venue business plans that will assist you in writing yours.

I will give you an example with each section of Oren Co, which is an event venue business that specializes in hosting outdoor events. Here is an example:

Event Venue Business Plan: Oren Co

Executive summary.

Oren Co is a new event venue business that offers a unique and natural setting for hosting various types of outdoor events, such as weddings, corporate retreats, festivals, concerts, and more. Oren Co is located in Washington USA and operates on a 10-acre land that features a lush garden, a pond, a gazebo, a stage, a tent and other amenities. Oren Co aims to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for its clients and guests, while also being environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

Oren Co has identified a growing demand for outdoor event venues in its area, as more people are looking for alternative and creative ways to celebrate their special occasions. Oren Co has also conducted thorough market research and competitive analysis and has found that it has a strong competitive edge over its rivals, as it offers a unique and natural setting, a variety of services and packages, affordable prices, and excellent customer service.

Oren Co is seeking $100,000 in funding to start and grow its business. The funding will be used for purchasing equipment, hiring staff, marketing and advertising, and working capital. Oren Co expects to generate $300,000 in revenue and $50,000 in profit in its first year of operation, and to break even in its second year. Oren Co also projects to increase its revenue and profit by 20% annually in the following years.

Company Overview

Oren Co is a sole proprietorship owned and operated by Mr. Oren Khan, who has over 10 years of experience in the event management industry. Mr. Khan has worked as an event planner, coordinator and manager for various companies and organizations, such as WiseBusinessPlans, Eventful Solutions and Washington USA Tourism Board. Mr. Khan has also organized and hosted several successful outdoor events for his own clients, such as weddings, corporate retreats, festivals and concerts.

Oren Co was founded in August 2023, after Mr. Khan acquired a 10-acre land in Washington USA that was previously used as a farm. Mr. Khan saw the potential of transforming the land into an event venue that could cater to the growing demand for outdoor events in his area. Mr. Khan invested $50,000 of his own savings to renovate the land and equip it with the necessary facilities and amenities for hosting events.

Oren Co’s vision is to become the leading provider of outdoor event venues in Washington USA and beyond. Oren Co’s mission is to offer a unique and natural setting for hosting various types of outdoor events, while providing high-quality services, affordable prices, and excellent customer service.

Industry Analysis

The event venue industry is a subset of the broader event management industry, which includes planning, organizing and hosting various types of events for different purposes and audiences. The event venue industry consists of companies that provide spaces for hosting events, such as hotels, resorts, convention centers, banquet halls, stadiums, theaters, etc.

According to IBISWorld, the global event management industry was worth $1.1 trillion in 2020 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.6% from 2021 to 2026. The growth of the industry is driven by factors such as increasing disposable income, urbanization, globalization, technological innovation and social media. The industry is also influenced by trends such as personalization, sustainability, diversity and creativity.

The event venue industry in USA is a growing and profitable segment of the event management industry. According to Market Research Future, the event management market in USA was worth $1.2 billion in 2019, and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.2% from 2020 to 2025. The growth of the market is driven by factors such as increasing population, economic development, cultural diversity, tourism and entertainment.

The event venue industry in USA is also experiencing a shift in consumer preferences and behavior, as more people are looking for alternative and creative ways to celebrate their special occasions. According to a survey by Eventbrite, 78% of USA consumers prefer to spend money on experiences rather than things, and 72% of them are interested in attending outdoor events. Moreover, according to a report by Event Industry News, outdoor events are becoming more popular and profitable in USA, as they offer more flexibility, variety and affordability than indoor events.

Competitive Analysis

Oren Co faces competition from other event venue providers in its area, both direct and indirect. The direct competitors are those that offer similar services and cater to the same target market as Oren Co, such as outdoor event venues, parks, gardens etc. The indirect competitors are those that offer different services but cater to the same target market as Oren Co, such as indoor event venues, hotels, resorts etc.

Some of the main direct competitors of Oren Co are:

Green Valley: This is an outdoor event venue that offers a green and spacious setting for hosting weddings, parties, corporate events and more. It is located in Lahore, about 50 km from Oren Co’s location. It has a capacity of up to 500 guests, and offers services such as catering, decoration, entertainment, photography etc. It charges an average of $2,000 per event. Royal Garden: This is an outdoor event venue that offers a royal and elegant setting for hosting weddings, parties, corporate events and more. It is located in Islamabad, about 100 km from Oren Co’s location. It has a capacity of up to 1,000 guests, and offers services such as catering, decoration, entertainment, photography etc. It charges an average of $3,000 per event. Dreamland: This is an outdoor event venue that offers a dreamy and romantic setting for hosting weddings, parties, corporate events and more. It is located in Faisalabad, about 150 km from Oren Co’s location. It has a capacity of up to 800 guests, and offers services such as catering, decoration, entertainment, photography etc. It charges an average of $2,500 per event.

Some of the main indirect competitors of Oren Co are:

Pearl Hotel: This is an indoor event venue that offers a luxurious and modern setting for hosting weddings, parties, corporate events and more. It is located in Lahore, about 50 km from Oren Co’s location. It has a capacity of up to 500 guests, and offers services such as catering, accommodation, entertainment, photography etc. It charges an average of $4,000 per event. Grand Resort: This is an indoor event venue that offers a grand and elegant setting for hosting weddings, parties, corporate events and more. It is located in Islamabad, about 100 km from Oren Co’s location. It has a capacity of up to 1,000 guests, and offers services such as catering, accommodation, entertainment, photography etc. It charges an average of $5,000 per event. Paradise Hall: This is an indoor event venue that offers a simple and affordable setting for hosting weddings, parties, corporate events and more. It is located in Faisalabad, about 150 km from Oren Co’s location. It has a capacity of up to 800 guests, and offers services such as catering, decoration, entertainment, photography etc. It charges an average of $1,500 per event.

Oren Co has a strong competitive edge over its rivals, as it offers a unique and natural setting that appeals to the growing demand for outdoor events in its area. Oren Co also offers a variety of services and packages that suit different needs and budgets of its clients. Oren Co also offers affordable prices and excellent customer service that ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Customer Analysis

Oren Co’s target market consists of individuals and organizations that are looking for an outdoor event venue for hosting various types of events, such as weddings, parties, corporate retreats, festivals, concerts etc. Oren Co’s target market can be segmented into two main groups: personal customers and business customers.

Personal customers are those who are looking for an outdoor event venue for hosting their personal or social events, such as weddings, parties, anniversaries etc. These customers are mainly motivated by factors such as personal preference, emotional value, social status and word-of-mouth. These customers are mainly located in Washington USA and nearby regions, and have an average income of $10,000 per year.

Business customers are those who are looking for an outdoor event venue for hosting their business or professional events, such as corporate retreats, team building activities such as corporate retreats, team-building activities, seminars, workshops etc. These customers are mainly motivated by factors such as business objectives, cost-effectiveness, convenience and reputation. These customers are mainly located in Washington USA and nearby regions and have an average income of $50,000 per year.

Oren Co’s target market is large and growing, as more people and organizations are looking for alternative and creative ways to celebrate their special occasions. According to a report by Event Industry News, the outdoor event market in USA is expected to grow at an annual rate of 10% from 2020 to 2025. Oren Co’s target market is also profitable, as the average spending per event is $2,500 for personal customers and $5,000 for business customers.

Oren Co’s target market is also accessible and reachable, as Oren Co can use various channels and methods to promote its services and attract its customers, such as online platforms, social media, referrals, partnerships etc. Oren Co can also leverage its location advantage, as it is situated in a strategic and convenient location that is easily accessible by road and public transportation.

Marketing Plan

Oren Co’s marketing plan consists of four main elements: product, price, place and promotion.

Product: Oren Co’s product is its outdoor event venue that offers a unique and natural setting for hosting various types of events. Oren Co’s product also includes its services and packages that provide catering, decoration, entertainment, photography and other amenities for its clients and guests. Oren Co’s product is designed to meet the needs and expectations of its target market, as it offers flexibility, variety and affordability.

Price: Oren Co’s price strategy is to offer competitive and reasonable prices that reflect the value and quality of its product. Oren Co’s price strategy also aims to attract and retain its customers, as well as to generate revenue and profit for its business. Oren Co’s price strategy is based on factors such as market demand, competitor prices, cost of production and profit margin. Oren Co’s average price per event is $2,500 for personal customers and $5,000 for business customers.

Place: Oren Co’s place strategy is to distribute its product through its own physical location that serves as its outdoor event venue. Oren Co’s place strategy also involves using online platforms such as its website and social media accounts to showcase its product and communicate with its customers. Oren Co’s place strategy is intended to make its product available and accessible to its target market, as well as to create a positive image and reputation for its business.

Promotion: Oren Co’s promotion strategy is to use various channels and methods to advertise and promote its product and business to its target market. Oren Co’s promotion strategy also aims to create awareness, interest and desire for its product, as well as to encourage action and loyalty from its customers. Oren Co’s promotion strategy includes the following activities:

Online marketing: Oren Co will use online platforms such as its website, social media accounts, email newsletters, blogs etc. to showcase its product, share its stories, testimonials and reviews, offer discounts and incentives, and interact with its customers and potential customers.

Offline marketing: Oren Co will use offline channels such as flyers, brochures, banners, posters etc. to display its product, highlight its features and benefits, and provide its contact details and location. Referral marketing: Oren Co will use word-of-mouth and referrals to spread the word about its product and business, and to generate positive feedback and recommendations from its customers and partners. Oren Co will also offer rewards and incentives for referrals, such as discounts, vouchers, freebies etc.

Partnership marketing: Oren Co will partner with other businesses and organizations that are related or complementary to its product and target market, such as event planners, caterers, decorators, entertainers, photographers etc. Oren Co will also partner with local media outlets, influencers, celebrities etc. to gain exposure and publicity for its product and business.

Financial Plan

Oren Co’s financial plan consists of three main components: startup costs, income statement and cash flow statement.

Startup costs: Oren Co’s startup costs are the expenses that are required to start and launch its business. Oren Co’s startup costs include the following items:

Equipment: This includes the purchase of equipment such as tables, chairs, tents, stage, sound system, etc. The total cost of equipment is $30,000.

Staff: This includes the hiring of staff such as event manager, event coordinator, event staff etc. The total cost of staff is $10,000.

Marketing: This includes the expenses for marketing activities such as online marketing, offline marketing, referral marketing and partnership marketing. The total cost of marketing is $5,000.

Legal: This includes the fees for legal services such as registration, licensing, permits etc. The total cost of legal is $2,000. Miscellaneous: This includes the costs for other items such as insurance, utilities, maintenance etc. The total cost of miscellaneous is $3,000. The total startup costs for Oren Co are $50,000.

Income statement: Oren Co’s income statement is a summary of its revenue and expenses for a given period of time. Oren Co’s income statement for the first year of operation is as follows:

Revenue: This is the amount of money that Oren Co earns from its product sales. Oren Co’s revenue is calculated by multiplying the number of events by the average price per event. Oren Co expects to host 100 events in the first year, with an average price of $3,500 per event. Therefore, Oren Co’s revenue for the first year is $350,000.

Expenses: This is the amount of money that Oren Co spends on its business operations. Oren Co’s expenses include the following items:

Cost of goods sold: This is the cost of producing and delivering its product. Oren Co’s cost of goods sold is calculated by multiplying the number of events by the average cost per event. Oren Co estimates that the average cost per event is $1,500, which includes the costs of catering, decoration, entertainment, photography and other amenities. Therefore, Oren Co’s cost of goods sold for the first year is $150,000.

Operating expenses: This is the cost of running and managing its business. Oren Co’s operating expenses include the following items:

Staff: This is the cost of paying salaries and wages to its staff. Oren Co estimates that it will have 10 staff members in the first year, with an average salary of $1,000 per month. Therefore, Oren Co’s staff expense for the first year is $120,000.

Marketing: This is the cost of conducting marketing activities to promote its product and business. Oren Co estimates that it will spend 10% of its revenue on marketing in the first year. Therefore, Oren Co’s marketing expense for the first year is $35,000.

Legal: This is the cost of paying fees for legal services such as registration, licensing, permits etc. Oren Co estimates that it will spend 5% of its startup costs on legal in the first year. Therefore, Oren Co’s legal expense for the first year is $2,500.

Miscellaneous: This is the cost of paying for other items such as insurance, utilities, maintenance etc. Oren Co estimates that it will spend 5% of its revenue on miscellaneous in the first year. Therefore, Oren Co’s miscellaneous expense for the first year is $17,500.

The total expenses for Oren Co are $325,000.

Profit: This is the amount of money that Oren Co earns after deducting its expenses from its revenue. Oren Co’s profit is calculated by subtracting its expenses from its revenue. Therefore, Oren Co’s profit for the first year is $25,000. Cash flow statement: Oren Co’s cash flow statement is a report of its cash inflows and outflows for a given period of time. Oren Co’s cash flow statement for the first year of operation is as follows:

Cash inflows: This is the amount of money that Oren Co receives from its product sales and other sources. Oren Co’s cash inflows include the following items:

Revenue: This is the same as the revenue in the income statement. Oren Co’s revenue for the first year is $350,000. Loans: This is the amount of money that Oren Co borrows from banks or other lenders to finance its startup costs and working capital. Oren Co plans to obtain a loan of $40,000 with an interest rate of 10% per annum and a repayment period of 5 years. Therefore, Oren Co’s loan inflow for the first year is $40,000. The total cash inflows for Oren Co are $390,000.

Cash outflows: This is the amount of money that Oren Co spends on its business operations and other purposes. Oren Co’s cash outflows include the following items:

Startup costs: This is the same as the startup costs in the financial plan. Oren Co’s startup costs are $50,000. Expenses: This is the same as the expenses in the income statement. Oren Co’s expenses for the first year are $325,000. Loan repayments: This is the amount of money that Oren Co pays back to its lenders for its loan principal and interest. Oren Co’s loan repayments are calculated by using an amortization table. According to the table, Oren Co’s loan repayments for the first year are $10,200.

The total cash outflows for Oren Co are $385,200.

Net cash flow: This is the amount of money that Oren Co has left over after subtracting its cash outflows from its cash inflows. Oren Co’s net cash flow is calculated by subtracting its cash outflows from its cash inflows. Therefore, Oren Co’s net cash flow for the first year is $4,800.

Oren Co is a new business that offers an outdoor event venue for hosting various types of events in Washington USA. Oren Co has a strong competitive edge over its rivals, as it offers a unique and natural setting that appeals to the growing demand for outdoor events in its area. Oren Co also has a large and profitable target market that consists of individuals and organizations that are looking for an alternative and creative way to celebrate their special occasions. Oren Co also has a comprehensive marketing plan that uses various channels and methods to advertise and promote its product and business to its target market. Oren Co also has a realistic financial plan that shows its revenue and expenses projections, as well as its cash flow analysis. Oren Co expects to generate a profit of $25,000 and a net cash flow of $4,800 in the first year of operation.

Oren Co is confident that it can achieve its goals and objectives, as it has a clear vision, mission and values that guide its business decisions and actions. Oren Co also has a dedicated and experienced team that works hard to deliver high-quality products and services to its customers and guests. Oren Co also has a positive and optimistic attitude that helps it overcome any challenges or difficulties that it may face along the way.

Oren Co hopes that this business plan will convince potential investors and partners to support its business venture and help it grow and succeed in the outdoor event industry.

Learn how to write business plan!

Event venue business plan faqs.

Permits and licenses vary by location, but generally, you’ll need a business license, zoning permits, health and safety permits, and possibly a liquor license.

Use online platforms like your website and social media, offer competitive pricing, exceptional customer service, and network with event planners and industry professionals.

Effective strategies include having a visually appealing website, utilizing social media, collaborating with local event vendors, hosting open houses, and offering discounts for initial bookings.

Clear communication with clients, comprehensive event contracts, detailed checklists, and assigning a dedicated event coordinator or team are essential for managing event logistics.

Typical costs include rent/mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, maintenance, marketing, staff salaries, and event-specific expenses like catering and audiovisual equipment.

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How To Write a Winning Event Venue Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for event venue businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every event venue business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Event Venue Business Plan Template

What is an event venue business plan.

An event venue business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write an Event Venue Business Plan?

An event venue business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Event Venue Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful event venue business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of an event venue business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your event venue company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your event venue business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your event venue firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen event venue business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of an event venue business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the event venue industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, an event venue business’ customers may include:

• Wedding planners looking for a unique venue to host their client’s wedding receptions
• Local businesses holding holiday parties or corporate events
• Private individuals hosting birthday parties, anniversaries, or other special occasions

You should also include information about your target market’s buying habits. For example, do they usually book event venues months in advance or do they wait until the last minute?

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or event venue services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your event venue business may have:

• Unique event venue spaces
• Strong industry reputation
• Experienced management team
• Focus on customer service
• Specializes in a particular type of event or customer

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your event venue business via word-of-mouth marketing.

Operations Plan

This part of your event venue business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for an event venue business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include booking X number of events or weddings or hiring a certain number of staff members.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific event venue industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Event Venue Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Event Venue Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup event venue business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Event Venue Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your event venue company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

By following these tips, you can write a winning event venue business plan that will help you launch and grow your company successfully.  

Finish Your Event Venue Business Plan in 1 Day!

Event Venue Business Plan Template

Whether you are a seasoned event planner or just starting out, having a comprehensive business plan is essential to your success. Our free event venue business plan template is designed to guide you through the process of creating a detailed and effective plan for your event venue business. It includes all the necessary sections such as executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategy, financial projections, and more. With our free template, you will have a solid foundation to build your business on and increase your chances of success.

Get the free business plan template here!

Are you thinking about starting an event venue business? One of the most crucial steps to success is creating a comprehensive business plan. A well-written business plan not only helps you to stay focused on your goals but also attracts potential investors and partners.

Our free event venue business plan template that provides a detailed and structured approach to creating your business plan. Our template is designed to help you create a plan that is tailored to your business, outlining everything from market analysis and marketing strategy to financial projections.

With our free event venue business plan template, you will have a solid foundation to build your business on. Our template covers all the essential sections that are necessary for a successful business plan, including:

Event Venue Business Plan Executive Summary:

The executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan that provides a snapshot of your event venue business. This section should highlight the key points of your business plan, including your business objectives, target market, and financial projections.

Market Analysis: The market analysis section provides an overview of the event venue industry, including the trends, competition, and potential customers. You should identify your target market, analyze your competition, and explain how your business will differentiate itself from others.

Marketing Strategy: In the marketing strategy section, you should describe how you plan to promote your event venue business to potential customers. This section should also include a budget for marketing expenses and a timeline for implementing your marketing plan.

Operations Plan: The operations plan provides an overview of how your event venue business will function on a day-to-day basis. This section should include information about the location, facilities, equipment, and staffing required for your business to operate.

Financial Projections: The financial projections section provides an overview of your business's expected financial performance. You should include your projected revenue and expenses, as well as your expected profits and cash flow.

By using our free event venue business plan template, you will have a clear and structured approach to creating your business plan. Our template is designed to help you develop a plan that is tailored to your specific business needs, allowing you to make informed decisions and stay focused on your goals.

Don't wait any longer, download our free event venue business plan template today and take the first step towards building a successful event venue business!

Event Venue Business Plan Frequently Asked Questions

Why do i need a business plan for my event venue business.

A business plan is essential for any business, including an event venue. It provides a roadmap for your business and helps you stay focused on your goals. It also serves as a tool to attract potential investors and partners.

What should I include in my event venue business plan?

Your event venue business plan should include an executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategy, operations plan, and financial projections. These sections provide a comprehensive overview of your business, including your target market, competition, marketing strategy, operations, and expected financial performance.

How do I determine my target market?

To determine your target market, you should conduct market research to identify your potential customers. Consider factors such as age, income, location, and interests. You should also analyze your competition and identify any gaps in the market that your business can fill.

How do I create a marketing strategy for my event venue business?

To create a marketing strategy for your event venue business, you should identify your target market and develop a plan to reach them. This may include advertising, social media, and networking events. You should also set a budget for marketing expenses and create a timeline for implementing your marketing plan.

How do I create financial projections for my event venue business plan?

To create financial projections for your event venue business plan, you should research your market and competition to determine your expected revenue and expenses. You should also consider factors such as location, staffing, and equipment costs. Your financial projections should include projected revenue, expenses, profits, and cash flow for at least the first three years of your business. You can use a financial projection template to make the process easy!

We Know a Good Business Plan When we See One

Collectively, our team has reviewed thousands of business plans and has nearly 20 years of experience making SBA loans. We've also helped more than 50,000 businesses create financial projections across many industries and geographies.

Adam served as Executive Director for a SBA microlender in Indiana for over 10 years helping businesses and reviewing thousands of business plans.

Grace has built hundreds of custom financial models for businesses as well as our projection templates which are used by thousands of businesses every year.

Kyle served as an SBA loan officer for 7 years working directly with startups and business owners to review their business plans, projections, and prepare their loan package.

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Create The Best Business Plan For Event Venue Spaces

Creating your event venue business is an exciting adventure. But to ensure a successful event venue business, you’ll need an event venue business plan that collects market and competitor research and conceptualizes your goals.

Without a business plan, you risk blind event planning and underselling or overestimating the value of your business and the event space.

To create a business plan for an event venue that points your ship in the right direction, use this simple but comprehensive guide.

What Is an Event Venue Business Plan?

An event venue business plan is a document that records your business vision and goals for the future.

Why Create an Event Venue Business Plan?

Beyond clearly stating your long and short-term business goals, a business plan is also a great way to conceptualize your business idea. This is especially important in the event venue business.

The event venue industry has many types of event spaces, from wedding venues to corporate events venues. Without clear direction, you risk spreading yourself and your resources too thin.

Clear goals, on the other hand, encourage focused energy and resources.

An event venue business plan also comes in handy if you’re looking for financing. Whether you’re applying for a business loan or enticing investors, a well-researched and comprehensive event venue business plan will work in your favor.

So, whether it be gaining funds at the start of your journey or overhauling your event venue business to breathe new life into an old model, your event venue would benefit from an event venue business plan.

How To Create An Event Venue Business Plan

Make the most of your time, resources, and event venue businesses by crafting a comprehensive business plan.

Use this event venue business plan template as a guide.

Executive Summary

The executive summary works as a quick overview and index of your entire event venue business plan. It should be short and to the point.

To start it off, list your event venue mission statement and the current status of your business. Are you starting a new event venue business? Are you aiming to revive an old business model? Are you hoping to franchise your event venue business?

Once that's done, create headings for the below sections and summarise the key point of every section.

Event Venue Company Overview

The company overview section is a clear and objective analysis of your event venue business.

Cover the following sections:

• Event Venue Business Background: List your experience working in the event venue industry if your business is a startup. If you’re already running your own event venue business, list the business background.
• Business Strengths & Weaknesses: The business plan is about fortifying your weaknesses and solidifying your strengths. Create an objective overview of both in your event venue business plan.
• Event Venue Milestones: For event spaces already booking clients, list branding, financial, and other business milestones.
• Business Legal Status: Is the event venue business a joint venture with shareholders or only yours? What permits and legal allowances does the event venue business have? For example, do you have liquor licenses for your event venues? List all legal statuses in this section.

Event Venue Market Analysis

Market research is essential for any business and it’s no different for event venues. To ensure a successful event venue business, use online resources and in-person observations to answer key market research questions.

• Is there a local market for event venues?
• Which event venue types are making the most money?
• What are local event venue trends?
• What are the annual revenue and profit margins for event venues?
• Is the market oversaturated?
• Is there a good industry forecast for the next couple of decades?

Be honest and thorough with these questions. It’ll provide objective analysis that you can use to make smart business decisions. It’ll also bolster shareholder confidence.

This section should also contain a robust competitor analysis, including what they’re doing to succeed and what you can do to gain a competitive advantage in the event industry. What makes your event venue different?

Customer Profiles

To effectively market your event space and attract the right customers, you’ll need to know who your target audience is. Use the data gathered in the previous section and CRM software to create customer profiles and segments .

Key demographics include:

• General location
• Gender distribution
• Average income

Use this data to create profiles and service segments.

Service segmentation is creating different profiles for different event venue services. If your event space hosts wedding and corporate events, the ideal customer for each segment and the associated marketing will look different.

By segmenting groups, you can create effective pinpoint marketing strategies for each segment.

Event Venue Marketing Strategy

The above sections provide invaluable insights into the local market and its needs, as well as the clients you’re looking to attract.

Use the data to create strategic event venue marketing strategies to further your chance of event venue business success.

In your event venue business plan, list the marketing channels you plan on using, how you hope to strategically capture the target audience, what makes your event space different, and the services you’ll offer to entice customers.

Event Venue Goals

Goals are essential for an effective business plan. Take time to think of goals for your business. You can also add timeframes to achieve them. The goals should be achievable but challenging.

Business Operations Structure

Next, outline the business operations structure. List the internal management team, their responsibilities, stakeholders, and other hierarchies.

Event Venue Financials

To create clear goals, implement competitive pricing strategies, and manage day-to-day operations, gather the following:

• Operating Expenses: These are all the daily expenses like utilities, staff salaries, maintenance fees, vendors fees, etc. List all expenses, even the small ones you don’t think make a difference in the final count.
• Start-Up Costs: Even if you’re not technically a start-up, you’ll need funds to overhaul your event venue business. List all start-up and overhaul costs to determine how much you’ll need.

Lastly, if your event venue is already booking clients, gather previous income statements to determine the average income for the event space and determine what you’d like the average income to grow to.

The event venue industry is a great way to make money, but it requires more thought and planning than just owning and renting an event space.

To win investors, focus on your goals, or overhaul your current event venue business, use his event venue business plan template to create your new business plan. Tailor the guide to your needs and remember to be objective and realistic but also ambitious.

Streamline your event venue business with Perfect Venue . Perfect Venue event management software helps event venues get organized, increase sales, and manage event calendars. To get started, sign up for a free trial today!

Have thoughts on the article? Feel free to email us at [email protected] - we'd love to hear it!

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How to write a business plan for your event venue establishment.

Starting an event venue establishment is a great idea because it provides a space for people to come together and celebrate special occasions, and it can be a lucrative business venture that generates a steady stream of revenue.

But, before launching anything, make sure you have a business plan in place.

A business plan provides a roadmap for success and is essential for any new project, especially an event venue establishment, as it allows for a comprehensive assessment of the project's viability. It also helps to identify potential risks and opportunities as well as providing an outline for the strategy, resources and budget needed to bring the project to fruition.

In short, a good business plan will help ensure the profitability of your event venue establishment .

What should be outlined in the business plan for an event venue establishment? What components should be part of the structure? What are the essential financial measures to include? What are some ways to build a solid business plan without investing excessive time?

In the lines below, we will address all these questions!

One last thing: you can avoid starting your business plan from scratch.

Instead, you can download our business plan for an event venue establishment and adapt it to your project.

Formulating a business plan for an event venue establishment

Should you consider writing a business plan for your event venue establishment.

Yes, you should consider writing a business plan for your event venue establishment.

Establishing a strong business plan will afford you the chance to:

• learn about the event venue market
• be aware of the industry's current trends
• recognize what makes an event venue establishment successful
• understand the event types, capacity needs, and venue amenities desired by event organizers
• come up with a winning value proposition for your function hall
• compare and contrast competitor offerings
• find competitive advantages for your event venue establishment
• find a business model that fosters long-term financial sustainability
• establish a foolproof strategy to foster business growth
• identify and manage risks involved in running an event venue establishment, including safety regulations, event coordination, and contract disputes

Our team has created a business plan for an event venue establishment that is designed to make it easier for you to achieve all the elements listed.

How to structure a business plan for an event venue establishment?

There's a wealth of valuable information, content, metrics, and financial data in a business plan. There should be a clear structure, to make easy to read and digest.

When we built our business plan for an event venue establishment , we made sure to outline it properly.

The document consists of 5 sections (Opportunity, Project, Market Research, Strategy and Finances).

1. Market Opportunity

The section number one is called "Market Opportunity".

In this section, you will find valuable data and insights about the event venue establishment industry, helping you understand the market landscape and cater to event planners' needs.

We update this section often to keep the data fresh.

2. Project Presentation

In the "Project" section, describe your event venue establishment, including the capacity, flexible event spaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and highlight the unique value proposition for event organizers and hosts.

At the end of this section, introduce yourself and your qualifications for running an event venue.

Discuss your experience in managing successful events, your attention to detail, and your commitment to providing a remarkable venue for special occasions.

We have written descriptions for you in this section, you may keep it as it is or customize it so it perfectly fits your business idea.

3. Market Research

After that, comes the "Market Research" section.

This section describes the target audience for your event venue establishment.

It includes a comprehensive analysis of competitors in the event industry and emphasizes your venue's competitive advantages.

A tailored SWOT analysis is provided as well.

4. Strategy

Within the "Strategy" section, a detailed plan spanning three years is outlined, specifying the necessary initiatives to make your event venue establishment highly profitable.

Moreover, this section includes a comprehensive marketing plan for an event venue establishment, a strategy to handle risks, and a filled-in Business Model Canvas.

5. Finances

Lastly, the section labeled "Finances" is where you can outline the financial plan and data for your project.

How to write an Executive Summary for an event venue establishment?

The Executive Summary offers a summarized introduction to the business plan of your event venue establishment.

Make sure it doesn't exceed 2 pages, including only the most significant points.

When you show your business plan to a bank, this is the first part they will see. It needs to grab their attention and make them want to read the rest of the plan.

In the Executive Summary of your event venue establishment, address the following queries: what's the innovation behind your project? what's your audience? do you have competitors? are you better than them? what's your background? what's the budget you need?

How to do the market analysis for an event venue establishment?

Conducting a market study for your event venue establishment enables you to grasp external factors like customer demands for event spaces, competition within the event industry, and emerging trends in event venue design and amenities.

By conducting a comprehensive market analysis, an event venue establishment can understand client preferences, offer versatile and well-equipped event spaces, optimize pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to a larger client base, increased event bookings, and a prominent position in the event hosting industry.

Here's what we've incorporated into the "Market Research" section of our business plan for an event venue establishment :

• figures, data, and statistics related to event venue establishments, including event booking trends, venue utilization rates, and event types
• a list of potential market segments for an event venue establishment
• the competitive analysis
• the competitive advantages to build for an event venue establishment

The key points of the business plan for an event venue establishment

What's the business model of an event venue establishment, business model of an event venue establishment.

An event venue establishment's business model revolves around providing space and facilities for hosting various events such as weddings, conferences, or social gatherings. Revenue is generated through rental fees, potentially offering additional services such as event planning or catering.

The business model focuses on providing versatile event spaces, delivering excellent event coordination and support, effective marketing to target event organizers or individuals in need of event venues, and building strong client relationships based on memorable event experiences.

Success depends on maintaining flexible and well-equipped event spaces, delivering exceptional customer service, fostering positive client reviews and recommendations, and continuously adapting to changing event trends and client preferences in the event industry.

Business model ≠ Business plan

Don't misunderstand the terms "business plan" and "business model."

A business model is a framework that demonstrates how a company operates profitably and adds value to customers.

In a business plan, you employ the Business Model Canvas as a practical tool to outline the key aspects of your business model.

Rest assured, there is a Business Model Canvas (already completed) in our business plan for an event venue establishment .

How do you identify the market segments of an event venue establishment?

Market segmentation for your event venue establishment involves dividing your potential customers into different groups based on their event types, venue requirements, and demographics.

These categories may include factors such as weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, or customers seeking specific event venue features or capacities.

By segmenting your market, you can offer a specialized event venue and services that cater to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might focus on weddings and provide a picturesque and romantic venue with customizable wedding packages and services, offer corporate event venues equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems and professional event coordination, specialize in social gathering venues and provide versatile spaces for parties or celebrations, or focus on specific event venue features or capacities such as outdoor gardens, ballrooms, or intimate settings to accommodate customers with specific venue preferences or event requirements.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, showcase the unique features and ambiance of your event venue, and provide a memorable and tailored event experience that meets the unique needs and preferences of each customer segment.

In the business plan for an event venue establishment , you will find a comprehensive market segmentation that will help you better understand your potential customers.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for an event venue establishment?

Without surprise, you won't be the only event venue establishment in your market. There will be other venues providing spaces for weddings, conferences, and other special events.

Conducting a comprehensive competitor analysis is essential for your business plan. This involves identifying their strengths and weaknesses while studying their offerings.

Take note of their weaknesses (such as limited event space, inadequate amenities, or poor event coordination).

Why should you pay attention to these points? Because these weaknesses can impact the success of event venue establishments. By addressing these aspects, you can offer versatile and well-equipped event spaces, provide professional event planning and coordination services, and deliver exceptional customer service, positioning your event venue establishment as a preferred destination for memorable and successful events.

It's what we call competitive advantages—focus on creating them to differentiate your business.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for an event space: versatile and well-equipped event venue, customizable event packages, professional event coordination.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for an event space?

A SWOT analysis can help identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, which can be key to developing a successful event venue establishment.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for an event venue establishment

The strengths for an event venue establishment

The letter "S" denotes Strengths in SWOT, indicating the project's positive attributes.

For an event venue establishment, potential strengths could include a convenient location, ample parking, flexibility to accommodate different types of events, and exceptional customer service.

The weaknesses for an event venue establishment

W represents Weaknesses, which are the project's weak points that need to be addressed.

For an event venue establishment, potential weaknesses include inadequate capacity, limited parking, insufficient staff, and lack of marketing.

The opportunities for an event venue establishment

The letter "O" denotes Opportunities in SWOT, signifying the potential advantages or positive external conditions for the project.

In the case of an event venue establishment, potential opportunities may include hosting weddings, conferences, corporate events, and private parties.

The threats for an event venue establishment

T represents Threats in SWOT, referring to the external factors or circumstances that can pose risks or challenges to the project's goals.

How to create a comprehensive marketing strategy for an event space?

A marketing strategy is an essential building block of a business plan as it outlines how a business will capture customers and achieve revenue targets.

An event venue establishment can appeal to event organizers in search of a versatile and well-equipped space by developing an effective marketing approach that showcases the venue's amenities, customizable options, and successful past events.

Event organizers won't choose your event space without proper promotion; highlighting the versatility, amenities, and convenient location of your space is necessary.

Have you considered implementing creative marketing initiatives for your event venue establishment? Organize open house events or showcase parties, collaborate with local event planners or wedding vendors for cross-promotion, and utilize social media platforms to showcase the versatility and charm of your event spaces.

No need to worry if you don't have any knowledge about marketing and communication.

How to build a solid financial plan for an event space?

A solid business plan must include detailed financial information such as projected income, expenses, cash flow, and balance sheets.

As part of your business plan, it will be necessary to forecast the revenue for your event venue establishment.

The credibility of your business plan relies on revenue projections that are based on sensible and well-supported assumptions, which helps potential investors feel more confident.

Our financial plan for an event venue establishment is easy to use and includes built-in checks to help you identify and correct any assumptions, ensuring you create reliable projections with confidence.

Without a doubt, you will be required to draft a provisional budget for your event venue establishment. Don't forget any expense (we have listed them all in our financial plan !).

A key aspect of your financial plan is the break-even analysis, which helps determine whether your event venue establishment will be profitable or not.

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How to Create a Wedding Venue Business Plan

Wedding Venue Essentials

Weddings are the cure for weekends full of empty hotel rooms , and they can turn a farm or turn-of-the-century farmhouse into a money-making event destination. In order to grab a piece of the wedding business for your hotel or event space , you’re going to need a business plan.

Read on to learn how to craft a wedding venue business plan that gets couples to choose your venue over the competition. 

How much can a wedding venue make?

According to ValuePenguin research,  the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is approximately $25,000, give or take. The potential is there for a significant revenue stream. Be proactive in researching your local demand and competition to avoid surprises when starting a wedding venue business. Set realistic financial goals based on how your particular venue can generate money:

• Rent your facilities for weddings and receptions. Think about couples spending over $2,000 on ceremony venues, and more than $15,000 on reception spaces. Multiply this out based on how many weddings you can host each week/month/year for a baseline revenue.
• Give guests a place to stay. Weddings can vary in size, and many couples opt for destination weddings . Whether they’re inviting dozens of people or hundreds, those guests need a place to stay. Hoteliers are uniquely positioned to host these special events and provide rooms for an entire wedding party , all under one roof.
• Build all-inclusive packages. Couples may think they can handle an à la carte reception until they see the list of things they're expected to bring (and pick up). A well-priced deal where you provide everything — from tables and chairs to linens, décor and even centerpieces — will save your customers time and hassle.
• Add more revenue with food and beverage. Food at a wedding is extremely important. Whether in-house or through a vendor, consider rolling in catering to your all-inclusive packages . 
• Go the extra (revenue) mile with valet parking. Whether in crowded cities or bucolic remote locales, some couples will look to cover the cost of valet parking for their guests. At approximately $15 a person, this generates a decent amount of extra revenue while showcasing your desire to enhance the guest experience .
• Get listed on Wedding Spot .  Wedding Spot is the only directory exclusively showcasing venues, meaning no distractions or barriers to couples finding your venue. Wedding Spot processes 200,000 requests each year, offering a new way for special event venues and hotels to attract wedding business. 

Understand the elements of a successful wedding venue

What do couples want from a wedding venue? As you start to conceptualize your business plan, take a hard look at what you already have in place and what you may need to invest in to give your customers what they want.

• You’ll need a charming location with the right capacity.  If you're a hotelier with multiple ballrooms, you’re able to cast a wider net for different size weddings. If you run a unique wedding venue with less space, like a farm or barn, you need to target your marketing more narrowly. Investments in décor and furnishings may come into play as well.
• Experienced, friendly staff is key. One of the top priorities for couples is making sure their guests are well taken care of. Remember, you're offering more than just a physical venue — you’re offering a memorable experience. Emphasize customer service with your staff training, or choose outsourced event staffing agencies with a critical eye.
• Hook up couples with in-house services or a trusted vendor network.  Become a lifesaver for busy brides and grooms by coordinating the logistics (and costs) of a photographer, band or DJ, florist, bakery, and catering team. Strengthen your vendor partnerships by sending couples their way, or package everything together.
• Provide accommodations for friends and family.  Aside from offering convenience for on-site wedding guests, position your hotel as an option for couples using other venues for their special event. They will still need wedding guest accommodations, usually under 30 minutes away. If you're running an independent wedding venue , make an effort to build strategic partnerships with area hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rental companies to minimize a pain point for your customers.

Build a wedding venue business plan that makes sense for you

When writing your plan, think of your wedding venue business as a separate, independent entity , even if it’s part of an existing business.

This is an organic document, meaning it's meant to be updated on a regular basis as you experience ups and downs. In crafting your business plan, be sure to focus on these key sections:

Whatever your value proposition is, this is where to spotlight it. Go ahead and list your mission statement as well as a condensed version of every other business plan section listed below.

2. Company overview

Think of this as a high-level view of your business, explaining what you’re all about and what customers can expect out of you. Focus on your background, facilities, key resources and offerings, and your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Market analysis

Summarize all your research here so you can update it as you experience ebbs and flows in your local wedding marketplace. Be sure to include information and data on: 

• Customers.  Segment your target customers, such as couples and event planners . Use this to personalize marketing messages to maximize your R.O.I.
• Competitors.  Evaluate the businesses that are going to give you a run for your money. What do you do better than the competition ? In what areas do you need to play catch-up?
• Potential growth.  Project what the wedding marketplace will be like for the next year, three years, and five years.

4. Sales and marketing

In order to enter your local wedding market successfully, you’re going to need to position your business the right way to attract customers. To do this, detail a sales and marketing strategy that includes: 

• Goals.  Determine how many weddings per week/month/year you're looking to host. Also include how you plan to turn wedding guests into future customers.
• Lead generation tools.  List all your online and offline marketing resources. This includes your wedding venue sourcing software , email marketing packages, websites and social media, direct marketing, advertising, sponsorships, partnerships, wedding industry memberships, and public relations efforts.

5. Organizational structure

Pay attention to your behind-the-scenes and public-facing management and staffing teams, which are essential to your operational success. List names, titles, and responsibilities to keep tabs on who's doing what. This is also the place to include the legal status of your business (sole proprietorship, limited liability company, corporation, S corporation, partnership, nonprofit, etc.).

6. Finances

As the old saying goes, you need to spend money to make money. Focus on what you need to spend on launching your endeavor, along with what you'll generate in cash flow and income.

• Funding.  Clarify whether you own your building or will need to pay rental or lease space. Include details on any lines of credit or loans needed to purchase property, kitchen equipment, and other fixed assets. Do the same thing if you need cash to cover startup operational costs. 
• Revenue projections.  Include your forecasted income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets if and when you have them.
• Expense projections.  Cover any capital expenditures you'll need to purchase items such as your building, land, and equipment. Incorporate any operational expenses you’ll be incurring on a regular basis like staff salaries and climate control.

Clearly define your critical milestones and timeline to launch your wedding event venue business. Challenge yourself with these, but be sensible and balance your enthusiasm with realistic expectations based on research.

Make your wedding venue stand out from the competition!

Example: Barn wedding venue business plan summary

Check out this fictitious example of a wedding venue business plan for the Azalea Gardens Farm. Even though this is focused on barn weddings , you can adapt it easily to your own outstanding event space . Remember to flesh out each section in your complete business plan, adding numerous details as appropriate.

1. Mission statement

The vibrant colors of azalea blooms bring joy and hope. Our mission at the Azalea Gardens Farm is to bring that same feeling to your special day.  

Owners Stacy and David Dean bring their three decades-plus of service industry experience to bear on creating memorable wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Azalea Gardens Farm centerpiece, our 75-year-old refurbished barn, accommodates up to 150 wedding guests. Couples have use of our historic main house for rehearsal dinners as well as wedding-day prep for the bride and groom and their wedding parties. Photographers love our country setting, in addition to our convenient location just 15 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Topsail Island, North Carolina.

We provide several options for couples:

• Rehearsal dinner: $500 - $1,200 (depending on size)
• Wednesday-Thursday à la carte wedding rental: $1,000
• Weekend à la carte wedding rental: $1,500
• Weekday wedding package: $2,500
• Weekend wedding package: $3,000

The wedding services industry is experiencing increasing per capita disposable income from couples, enabling them to spend more on weddings. Industry revenue is expected to expand to $78 billion in the U.S. Locally, the growing population and vacation popularity of the southeastern North Carolina coast is leading to an increase in 25- to 55-year-olds visiting and moving here. This provides us a market for traditional and non-traditional weddings.

Our main competitors are vacation rental agencies in North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach who leverage their properties as destination wedding locations. Secondary competitors are event venues in Wilmington, North Carolina, including historic mansions, craft breweries, and a handful of boutique hotels. Third, we compete locally with Belvedere Plantation for indoor/outdoor combo weddings. There are no other farm-oriented wedding venues in a 50-mile radius.

We are looking to host five to seven weddings a week during the peak wedding season of May through November, and one to three per week throughout the rest of the year. 

Leveraging our unique, picture-perfect venue and customer service-focused guest services, we will appeal to unmarried wedding guests who want a similar experience. We also plan to use visual-oriented social media channels like Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to grow our presence organically. In combination with a vigorous content marketing effort via our popular blog , we plan to drive website traffic with online PPC advertising on Google and YouTube; banner advertising on regional travel websites; and geofencing for area beachgoers and other tourists.

Owners Stacy and David Dean are co-founders, with David serving as CEO and Stacy as COO. General manager Heidi Kipp will coordinate all events as well as wedding planner and vendor partnerships, working with event coordinator Steve Antonsen, who will run wedding day operations.

The Deans own their facilities outright and have appropriated a $50,000 SBA loan to begin operations in the spring of 2021. Azalea Gardens Farm is uniquely positioned, with its fixed costs and low overhead, to reach $300,000 in revenue by Year 3 with a 75% gross margin.

The leadership team is currently cementing partnerships with vendors and wedding planners. Facility upgrades are complete, with plans for purchasing tables, chairs, linens, and other equipment in summer 2021. A photographer has been hired to shoot the facilities in June 2021 with actors for use in marketing efforts which will begin July 2021. We will book our first weddings in the fall of 2021, with positive cash flow realized the following summer. 

Use this wedding venue business plan information to get started!

Managing your event venue and tracking sales are as important as building your business and generating the sales themselves. Software solutions from Cvent save you time and money while freeing you up to follow through on pre-qualified leads to grow your wedding venue business.

Up next, check out how to come up with wedding venue name ideas in five simple steps

Don't let your wedding venue get left behind!

Cvent Guest

Cvent is a market-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with more than 4,000 employees, ~21,000 customers, and 200,000 users worldwide.

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Event Venue Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Event Venue Business Plan

If you want to start a successful event venue business or expand your existing business, you need a business plan.

The following event venue business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning an event space business plan.

You can download our Event Venue Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Below are links to each of the key sections of a sample event space business plan.

• Executive Summary – One of the most important sections, the Executive Summary should provide a high-level overview of the event venue business. If you are seeking funding such as a business loan, this section will also include a brief description of the financial status of your business and any use of funds.
• Company Overview – The Company Overview will provide more details about the mission, vision, physical location, and overall legal structure of your event venue business. This section should include your company’s history, ownership structure, and key personnel.
• Industry Analysis – In this section, you will provide an overview of the event industry and how your business fits into the local market. This includes a review of the event venues you consider competitors, their pricing strategies, and customer demographics.
• Customer Analysis – In this section, you will analyze your current and prospective customer base. You’ll also include a description of the type of events that you host at your venue such as corporate events, birthday parties, wedding receptions, etc.
• Competitive Analysis – The Competitive Analysis will identify your competitors and discuss how you plan to position your event venue business within the marketplace. You’ll also analyze your competitor’s strengths and weaknesses to identify your competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – In your marketing plan, you will outline your marketing strategies and initiatives. This includes how you plan to promote your event venue business (print advertising, social media, etc.), target customers, attend networking events, and build relationships with prospective clients.
• Operations Plan – The Operations Plan will provide a detailed overview of the day-to-day operations of your event venue business. This includes staffing, scheduling, event planning, and managing local vendors.
• Management Team – In this section, you will discuss the background and qualifications of your management team. This includes an overview of each member’s relevant experience as it relates to managing event spaces.
• Financial Plan – Finally, the Financial Plan will provide a review of the key reports, operating expenses, and financial projections for your venue business. This includes a profit and loss statement, a cash flow analysis, and a balance sheet.

Click below to see each section of our free event venue business plan template. You can also click here to get our sample event venue business plan pdf .

Comments are closed.

Event Venue Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

Free Wedding Venue Business Plan PDF [2024 Template + Sample Plan]

Anthony St. Clair

10 min. read

Updated February 7, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Wedding Venue Business Plan Template

With couples nationwide ready to tie to knot after pandemic delays, the next few years could be a boom time for weddings . 2021 saw 1,934,982 weddings in the US alone , at an average cost of $27,063 per wedding. Whether you’ve been wanting to start a wedding venue as your primary business or a side hustle, writing a wedding venue business plan can help you say “I do” to your startup.

• How to write a wedding venue business plan

Like the perfect wedding speech, your business plan is just long enough to do what it needs to do, but short enough so you can get on with the good stuff. That’s why we recommend using the one-page plan format to cover all of the necessary information to build a wedding venue business.

As you plan your wedding venue business, here are a few things to keep in mind that can help you become a business newlywed on a path to success.

1. Outline the basics about your wedding venue’s location, proximity, and offerings

As a wedding venue, location is everything. Your goal is simple: Understand what will compel people to hold their special day at your special place, and what makes your location a good site logistically. 

Here are a few questions to help you nail down the value your site presents to customers:

• What sort of property is the venue? Is it urban, small town, or rural?
• Is space available for the ceremony only, or for the reception too?
• Is lodging available on-site or nearby?
• What sort of dining and refreshment options are offered in-house? Or, how easy is it for a third-party caterer to set up and run prep, service, and cleanup operations?
• Outdoor, indoor, or options for both?
• Are there other activities that can be part of the venue or your wedding package options, such as flower picking, wine tasting, or golf?
• How will people get there? What highways, airports, and/or train stations is your venue close to? How many vehicles can park on-site, and how many people can the venue legally hold?

Knowing what you don’t offer can be a strength

If you don’t offer something as part of your business, that also gives you opportunities to partner with other businesses, For example, if your services won’t include food service, form relationships with local caterers. Customers seeking wedding or other event planning may already have a caterer in mind, but many will also appreciate knowing that you have a list of partners you recommend and regularly work with.

Location informs everything about your plan and your marketing. A venue in a city might appeal to one type of wedding customer. Or, if your venue is outside a major urban area, it can be an opportunity for guests to come together while getting away from it all.

What you don’t offer can also help you hone in on your target customer (more on that in a bit). No venue can be everything to everyone. By knowing what your venue offers and what its features are, you can better craft messaging that appeals to the people most likely to want to hold their wedding at a place just like yours.

Above all, your wedding venue lean plan helps you understand what problems you solve for your customers, and how your venue will be an integral part of the memories they make on their special day. When you have a solid grasp of this in your lean plan, you can also find the right way to appeal to your customers.

• 2. Research your local wedding market and target wedding customer

An estimated 336,725 businesses operate in the $57 billion US wedding industry . Competition can be fierce. But since marriage is one of life’s major milestones for many adults, opportunity still abounds for new wedding venues and startups. You just need to identify and target the right customers.

In order to understand your target customer, you’ll need to get a sense of the broader population around you and wherever you are trying to market your venue. Here are a few questions to work through that can help you identify your ideal audience:

• Are you trying to find customers within a certain geographical radius of your venue, or are there cities or towns farther afield you want to market to as well?
• What are the demographics, business factors, and other aspects of your local area? Your target area?
• How many other wedding and event venues are in the area? Where do your services overlap, and where do they differ? How do they market and advertise their services? How can you innovate and stand out?
• Is your target customer brides and grooms themselves, or are you aiming to work more with wedding planners and consultants?
• What trends have been prevalent at weddings over the past few years? What trends are on the horizon that you need to account for in your planning?
• How do you need to reflect cultures, religions, and other preferences in your offerings?
• Who is the target customer you’d most like to work with? What problems are they trying to solve? What fears or concerns will they come to you with? What will they be looking for to have the most amazing wedding day possible?

Knowing your market and your target customer helps you understand your plan, your business, and your path to a profitable, sustainable wedding venue business. But if no one knows about your venue or why they’d want to have their wedding there, then no one will come.

• 3. Plan out promotional strategies for your wedding venue

Growing market awareness is the biggest leap in building a wedding venue business. Getting the word out through promotional, marketing, and advertising strategies educates people about your venue, discover why it’s a good fit, and how they can get started on planning their perfect day.

Word of mouth is often the best way to naturally build awareness and referrals for your venue. This doesn’t just include customers, but business partners as well. As you work toward starting operations, build relationships with other industry players, from florists to caterers, local DJs to formal wear shops. Treat your partners well when you collaborate on a wedding, and they can become your most avid promoters.

Depending on your market—online, TV, radio, and print advertising can also be important paid options to explore. Participating in wedding planning events or bridal shows is also a great option. Test different channels to see what sticks. More than likely, you’ll land on some sort of mix between traditional and digital advertising depending on your audience.

Aside from paid channels, your own in-house organic marketing efforts are also essential. Engaging on social media and/or posting to your own blog can show people what you do, why you’re an expert, how amazing your venue is, and build excitement. It also makes for great content to support your paid efforts.

• 4. Financials and pricing

Every business has startup costs, including your wedding venue. There will also be ongoing expenses to plan for, along with the ups and downs of cash flow in what can be a seasonal industry. When it comes to cash flow, how you price your wedding services, packages, and other events will be key to drawing in business and doing what you can to have a profitable venue. 

Here are financial and pricing considerations to keep in mind:

• What services and packages will you offer wedding and event customers?
• How do competitors price their weddings?
• In addition to weddings, are there other events you’ll want to develop, package, and market?
• How many full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff will you need to hire? What typical wages and benefits will you need to offer?
• Costs to renovate or build out your venue, such as design, construction, furnishings, HVAC, lighting, etc.
• Insurance for your business
• Legal expenses

Aim to forecast revenues and expenses for the first year. That way, even as you adjust along the way, you have some numbers to give you initial expectations. As you complete your first year of operations, try to plan out and broadly estimate your business finances over the next one to three years.

What this covers is the money you’ll be spending and what sort of revenue your venue will bring in. For example, how many weddings per year, at what price point, does your venue need to host in order to break even? How many to be profitable? Understanding how you’ll manage cash flow will also help you weather ups, downs, and seasonal boom times and slowdowns.

• 5. Vendors and partners

Connections with vendors, other industry players, customers, and more form the vital relationships that can help you launch a successful wedding venue.

A wedding venue is not a lone wolf operation. Understanding how many people your team will need will help build out cash needs for payroll and benefits. It can also give you insight into how you may want to structure the business legally. Whether you are opening this startup with you as the sole owner or with one or more business partners, examining entities such as limited liability companies (LLCs) or corporations can help you determine the entity that’s most beneficial to your business.

You should also build out relationships with other businesses, such as suppliers, caterers, photographers, and other complimentary businesses. A solid lineup of contacts not only can help spread the word about your venue but trusted contacts can be key to working through a last-minute problem. 

It may even be wise to partner with other wedding venues outside of your immediate area. If their bookings become maxed out, they may recommend you as a viable alternative. 

• Tips to run a successful wedding venue business

Running a successful wedding venue can take more than just setting up shop and spreading the word. Here are a few quick tips that can help you build out your plan more:

Consider offering other events and services, not just weddings

Venues suitable for weddings are usually suitable for other events or services. Diversifying your offerings can also help you weather seasonal ups and downs, and possibly provide more stable cash flow to your business. 

Are there other group events you can offer, such as holiday parties or company retreats? What other services can you add to weddings or other events? From accommodation to all-inclusive packages, the more you can diversify and expand the value and convenience of your venue, the better you can position your business for success.

Focus on personalization and care

Weddings can be stressful. While many adults get married at least once, they also want to feel like their wedding is personal and unique. When a couple feels like they are taken care of, they not only have a better wedding day but a more positive view of your venue. Look at how your business can talk up the personal touch. After the wedding, ask your customers for testimonials that can talk up how you and your staff went above and beyond to care for each and every guest.

Rent your venue for events other than weddings

Another option to diversity yet cut down your time and resource investment? Rent out the spacer weddings and other events. Your primary responsibility is to provide the venue. The people renting the space then make other arrangements for services, supplies, and more.

• Download your free sample business plan for a wedding venue

Downloading our free wedding venue business plan PDF can give you the template you need to start setting up the wedding venue business of your dreams. It’s just one of the hundreds of free sample plans that have been time-tested by our team and by thousands of entrepreneurs all over the world.

Weddings are a competitive industry, but a solid lean plan can help you start a successful venue. You’ll also be able to examine your shop idea from different angles, identify potential challenges, and build a stronger business than you could otherwise.

Your wedding venue could be your perfect partner. Use your free wedding venue plan to help you tie the business knot today.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Anthony St. Clair is a business copywriter, author of the Rucksack Universe travel fantasy series, and a craft beer writer specializing in Oregon. Learn more at anthonystclair.com.

Table of Contents

• 1. Outline the basics about your wedding venue’s location, proximity, and offerings

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How to Start an Event Venue Business

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15 Steps To Start an Event Venue Business

How to start an event venue business faqs.

• Helpful Slideshows, Videos & Images

Additional Resources in the Event Venue Industry

  Starting a event venue business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn how to open an event space successfully.

Importantly, a critical step in starting an event venue is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Event Venue Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Event Venue Business Plan Template here

• Choose the Name for Your Event Venue Business
• Develop Your Event Venue Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Event Venue Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Event Venue Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Event Venue Business With the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Event Venue Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Event Venue Business Equipment
• Develop Your Event Venue Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Event Venue Business
• Hire a Team
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Event Venue Business

The first step to starting a event venue business is to choose your business’ name.

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your event space business:

• Make sure the name is available. Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple. The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing. Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your event space.

2. Develop Your Event Venue Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting an event venue business is to develop your event venue business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

To enhance your planning process, incorporating insights from a  sample event venue business plan  can be beneficial. This can provide you with a clearer perspective on industry standards and effective strategies, helping to solidify your own business approach.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your event venue business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your event venue business and what type of event venue business you operate. For example, are you exclusively a wedding venue or do you host all sorts of private events? Is your space a large banquet hall or another type of event space?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the event venue industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, are they in a particular income bracket? Where do they live? What do they look for in an event venue?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your event venue business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing. You might also attend networking events to promote your business.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your business operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your event venue business make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your event venue business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your event venue business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the event venue business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a event venue business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business.

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for an event venue business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a event venue business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your event venue business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Event Venue Business (If Needed)

In developing your event venue business plan, you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business.

If so, the main sources of funding for an event venue business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in an event venue business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

A major step to starting your event venue business is to find and secure a location. Many event venues rely on beauty, historical significance, or unique features to bring in customers, which can all be challenging characteristics to find or create on a budget. Just remember that even a simple space can be made into something elegant and photo-worthy with a bit of work.

You’ll also need to find a space that is large enough to accommodate your guests and has all the necessary amenities, such as restrooms, a catering kitchen, and parking. If you’re on a tight budget, you may need to get creative with your space. For example, you could rent a large warehouse and turn it into an event venue with the help of some DIY decor.

Once you’ve found the perfect location for your business, be sure to sign a lease or purchase agreement. This will protect you from any legal issues that could arise down the road.

To find the right space, consider:

• Driving around to find the right areas while looking for “for lease” signs
• Contacting a commercial real estate agent
• Doing commercial real estate searches online
• Telling others about your needs and seeing if someone in your network has a connection that can help you find the right space

6. Register Your Event Venue Business With the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your event venue business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your event venue business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

Every state, county and city has different business license and permit requirements.

Nearly all states, counties and/or cities have license requirements including:

• General Business License – You will need to apply for a general business license in the city or county where your event venue will be located. Business license applications are usually very simple, but fees vary by location.
• Occupancy Permit – An occupancy permit is also required in order to operate an event venue. This permit is issued by the local fire department and ensures that your venue meets all the fire safety guidelines.
• Beer or Liquor License – If you plan to serve alcohol at your events, you will need to apply for a liquor or beer license. The application process and fees vary by state, so you’ll need to check with your local government office to find out what’s required.

Depending on your location and the type of event venue you launch, you will have to obtain the necessary state, county and/or city licenses.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Event Venue Business

Business insurance policies that you should consider for your event venue business include:

• General Liability Insurance – General liability insurance will protect your event venue from any third-party bodily injury or property damage claims that might arise.
• Property Insurance – This will protect your event venue from any physical damage or theft.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance – If you have employees, you will need this insurance to protect them in case they are injured while working at your event venue.
• Business Interruption Insurance – This insurance will protect your venue from lost income if your business is forced to close due to a covered event, like a fire or severe weather.
• Liquor Liability Insurance – If you serve or sell alcohol at your event venue, you will need this insurance to protect yourself from any liability claims that might arise from someone becoming intoxicated and injuring themselves or others.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs.

11. Buy or Lease the Right Event Venue Business Equipment

To get your event venue business off on the right foot, you’ll need to invest in some essential equipment. This includes items like chairs, tables, linens, dishware, decorative items, and audio-visual equipment.

You may be able to find some of these items used, but it’s important to also have some replacement items on hand in case of breakage or damage. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of renting items like tents, stages, and dance floors if you don’t plan on purchasing them outright. Some events may also require specialty items that you can consider leasing.

From the business side, you will need a phone, computer, printer, reliable internet connection, and basic office supplies. You might also consider looking into security systems.

12. Develop Your Event Venue Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your event venue business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo – Spend some time developing a good logo for your event venue business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website – Likewise, a professional event venue business website provides potential customers with information about the products and/or services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts – Establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your new event venue business. Events like weddings get lots of local social media attention and can help generate new customers for an event space.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Event Venue Business

There are a few different types of software that can make running an event venue business easier.

A good booking system can help you keep track of reservations and ensure that your events are properly staffed. Some popular booking systems for event venues are HoneyBook, Tripleseat, and iVvy Venue Management.

If your booking software does not include a way to accept payments, you should also look into a point of sale (POS) system like Square, or something to help you manage all your finances like Quickbooks.

Finally, a good customer relationship management (CRM) tool such as ActiveCampaign can help you stay in touch with your existing mailing list and generate new bookings. Some booking systems may also include CRM tools, so make sure to explore all their features before buying new software.

Research the software that best suits your needs, purchase it, and set it up.

14. Hire a Team

You might find yourself filling many roles as you launch a small event venue, but will likely need to build a team of event professionals to be successful in the long term. Your employees might include an event planner, catering manager, and marketing specialist. Together, these individuals will be able to help you create a successful event venue business.

When hiring employees for an event venue business, it is important to find individuals who have the necessary skills and experience. One way to do this is to post job openings online and review resumes. It is also important to interview potential employees and ask them questions about their experience and what they can bring to the business.

15. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your new event venue business. Start promoting your venue in as many places as you can and reaching out to potential clients to make bookings. You might also host a grand opening event to let prospective clients check out the new event space.

If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business and you will know everything you need about how to start a venue business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

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Is It Hard To Start an Event Venue?

It is not easy to start an event venue, but it is definitely doable with the right planning and execution. Starting an event venue requires a lot of coordination, from finding the perfect location to getting all the necessary permits and licenses. However, with careful planning and execution, opening an event venue can be a very rewarding experience. Following the steps outlined above will help you get started.

How Can I Start an Event Venue Business With No Experience?

You can absolutely start an event venue business with no experience. In fact, many event venue businesses are started by first-time entrepreneurs. The key is to have a clear vision for your business and to be willing to put in the hard work to make it a reality. The most important thing you can do to get started is research the industry and your local market. You might also consider looking into online courses or training events for event venue managers.

How Much Does It Cost To Start an Event Venue Business?

Event venues and related businesses, such as catering and photography, require a significant investment.

The average startup costs for an event space range from $200,000 to $500,000.

Here are a few key costs that are associated with launching a venue:

Rent/Mortgage

This is the number one cost associated with launching a venue business.

Depending on where you get your real estate, your rent will vary quite a bit. Depending on how large of a space you need to buy or build and its location, this cost could be thousands upon thousands of dollars.

Luckily, there are many different types of commercial loans and other ways to finance this expense so it’s not impossible to get started without all the cash upfront.

Operating Expenses

These expenses are ongoing throughout the life of your business, so you need to make sure you plan accordingly to not go broke over time. You’ll have things like insurance, equipment replacement or rental (if you choose), employee wages/benefits, taxes, etc.

All these ongoing expenses add up very quickly if you’re not managing them well.

Employee Costs

You need to have the right staff members on your team to be successful. You can pick and choose who you hire for each position, but don’t forget that there’s a cost associated with every employee on your team.

Build-Out/Renovations

You’ll probably need to renovate or build out your facility to turn it into the type of space you want it to be. This is an ongoing expense, but you’ll see a large spike here during the initial buildout of the business.

Can You Start Your Own Venue Business On A Budget?

Like with most businesses, if you are investing in starting a venue business on a shoestring, it may be difficult to get things off the ground. It's not impossible if you're creative (a garage sale can be used to help raise funds), but the risk is that you won't have enough money to cover monthly expenses throughout the first year of operation.

There are several ways to obtain the funding you need to start a successful venue business. You can apply for a loan, utilize your local SBA office for guidance on writing a business plan and obtaining funding from the government.

In this tough economic climate, it's important to be creative if you want to launch a new idea or venture with very little money involved. If you have a great concept paired with a well-written business plan, your chances of obtaining a loan to help you get started are greatly increased.

How Does an Event Venue Make Money?

Venue operations vary greatly depending on the size of the event facility and its target audience.

For example, some event venues may charge a flat fee for hosting an event which allows them to focus on catering to individuals or companies that host events regularly (such as universities). Other venues may choose to work with outside caterers and allow them to take care of the day-to-day operations.

There's no foolproof way to ensure that you'll earn a profit as a venue, but it's important that you understand the needs and wants of your target market so that your business can be profitable.

Is Owning an Event Venue Profitable?

Businesses in this space can be highly profitable, but profits vary depending on several factors. Location, size of the venue, and type of events hosted are just a few of the many things that influence how much revenue the owner will bring in.

What Type of Event Venue Business Is Most Profitable?

There are many different types of event venues, and each has its own unique set of profitability factors. To maximize profits, it is important to choose a venue type that is well suited to the target market and location. Wedding venues are usually profitable when managed correctly, but the type of venue that will bring in the most profit really depends on demand in your area.

What Are the Ongoing Expenses for an Event Venue Business?

There are some costs that you will need to pay on a regular basis in order to keep your business up and running. Some of the most common ongoing expenses for an event venue business include rent, utilities, insurance, wages, and marketing.

Rent is likely going to be your biggest expense, as you will need to find a suitable location for your venue. The amount of rent you pay will depend on the size and location of your venue.

Utilities, such as electricity and water, will also need to be paid on a regular basis. The amount you pay will again depend on the size of your venue and the number of events you host.

Insurance is another important expense, as it will protect your business in case of any accidents or damages that occur on your property. You will need to get both general liability insurance and property insurance.

Paying your employees is also an ongoing expense. If you have any staff working for you, you will need to pay them a salary or hourly wage.

Finally, you will need to spend money on marketing in order to attract clients to your venue. There are many different marketing strategies you can use, such as print ads, online advertising, and word-of-mouth marketing.

How Much Do Event Venue Owners Make?

It is hard to estimate how much venue owners make because the amount of money that a venue owner can make varies depending on a few different factors.

One of the biggest factors that affect how much a venue owner can make is their location. Venues located in larger metropolitan areas will typically bring in more revenue than those located in smaller towns.

Size of Venue

The size or square footage of the venue is also a major factor. Venues that can accommodate a lot of people will generally bring in more revenue than those that are on the smaller side.

Type of Events

The type of events that a venue hosts also has a big impact on how much money the owner can make. Venues that host a wide variety of events will typically have higher revenue than those that specialize in hosting one type.

Generally, owners of professional, full-service banquet halls and meeting facilities can expect to make $45,000 to $100,000. Those that do not have banquet facilities can expect to make significantly less revenue.

What Are Some Important Questions To Ask Yourself When Starting an Event Venue Business?

Where will the venue be located.

The location of your venue is the most important factor when it comes to determining if you will make any money or not.

You can choose to open in a high-traffic, well-known area along with the great potential for growth in your local market. The other option is to find an underused space that may not have much foot traffic but offers great rates on rent might just be right for you.

The downside to this strategy is that you will need to put together marketing campaigns and advertising methods to reel people in which always costs more than renting low and selling high.

Your rent will also determine how much profit you take home so be sure to do your research before signing anything.

What Types of Events Will You Host?

Depending on the type of events you host will determine how many employees you need, what equipment is needed, and how much money you will make.

For example, if you are hosting concerts at your venue then you will want to hire security for the safety of the attendees. If it is a smaller event with fewer guests expected, then maybe just one or two security guards should be good enough.

The amount of money you will make also depends on the cost of hosting the event. If it is a business meeting, you might not charge as much in fees as if it was hosted at your venue.

How Big is Your Venue?

The size of your venue will affect your bottom line in more ways than one when it comes to hosting events.

For example, if your venue is too small you will not be able to fit many guests so, therefore, charge less for the space and attendance fees. If it is too big, then you will need more staff to accommodate every guest promptly.

How Will You Be Different?

Before opening, you need to know the things that make you different from other venues.

This can be anything from competitive pricing, customer service, or the location itself. Think about how you will attract potential clients and what happens once they walk through the front door.

Will you have a restaurant with great food? Will you have an outdoor area for patrons to mingle and enjoy themselves? Many questions need to be asked before opening your doors.

The more, the better since it will set you apart from other venues which can only help your business succeed.

What Is The Price for Your Services?

When it comes to the price you charge for your services, this all depends on what type of venue you are running.

For example, if you are hosting a wedding at your place, make sure to check out different venues in your area that will host that specific event since their prices might be better than yours.

Start by looking at different venues in your area that offer similar services. Once you have a list of potential competitors, study their pricing model and come up with something comparable.

What Is Your Budget?

The budget you have set aside is the fourth factor for opening your business.

This includes everything from advertising costs, equipment and staff salaries to rent and taxes. Without a proper budget in place, you will not succeed.

To calculate how much money you need to get started, add up all of your expenses then subtract that number from your income. This will help you fine-tune your venue and make it more profitable for the success of your business.

Before starting a venue, you need to know what type of events you want to host, how big your place is, the different types of people who will be attending your events, and so on and so forth. Knowing all the information before you even start thinking about your business is important to its success.

When it comes to figuring out what types of events, just make a list of all the possible things that can be done at your venue and narrow down the type of clients you want attending each event. Your budget also plays a huge role in starting a venue, so make sure to get the right number of customers.

Overall, just be marketable and study your competitors to find out their prices and what is successful for them to get your business

How Can I Make an Event Venue Business Successful?

There are a few keys to making a new event venue business successful.

This is a big one and takes time. You need to have some sort of business plan as far as how long things will take for each step of your own business. You need to know how much things will cost you in terms of rent, utilities, equipment, insurance – everything that your operation will require.

You also have to think about what you’re going to do differently from everyone else in this space so figure out where your target audience is and how you can fit into it with a great product or service offering. Be sure to make comparisons based on similar businesses in different markets when doing this market research.

There’s a lot of competition out there, but if you do something better than the others, people will come to your venue. Have a great idea for a venue that is different from what is currently available in the market. This can be something like a unique theme, location, or type of event that you plan to host.

You don’t necessarily need to invest a huge amount upfront. Think about how much revenue you can bring in and then think about whether that justifies the investment down the road. Be open to this growth and start small, but to grow and scale your business over time (and hire help as needed).

Determine Your Marget Market

You can create marketing materials that cater to different types of customers (like brides, corporations, festivals) but it’s not enough just to know your target audience – you need to understand their wants and needs so you can communicate these effectively in everything from sales calls to venue website copy. Find out what’s most persuasive when marketing to customers with this type of business.

How Can Venue Owners Stay Ahead Of Their Key Competitors?

One way that venue owners can maintain a competitive edge is by offering discounts for customers who are willing to book events well in advance of the date they want the event held. This idea might help venue managers compete with hotels, convention centers, and exhibition halls that offer business travelers rooms at discounted rates if they book well in advance.

Using social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, also helps customers find out about upcoming bookings. Keeping customers informed is good customer service, but it also builds loyalty for those customers who have never used a venue before. Reach out to satisfied clients to obtain positive reviews for your website and social media profiles.

How Do I Advertise My Venue?

Many businesses making the transition to hosting their events don't advertise because they are unsure of the best way to go about it. There are many different options available when advertising, so use your creativity and brainstorming abilities to figure out which ones will work for you.

A few options that can be considered to find customers are hosting open houses, sending out flyers to local businesses, listing your event space on business directories and social media websites, and visiting popular spots in your area to leave fliers.

How Big Is the Event Industry?

The event industry is a massive market that does not stop growing. The market is currently about $3 billion with continued growth each year. This number includes all aspects of party and event planning including event venues, arenas, amphitheaters, clubs, bars/pubs/restaurants, etc.

What Are the Key Segments of the Event Venue Industry?

The events industry can be segmented into these categories: music concerts, festivals, sports, exhibitions & conferences, corporate events & seminars, and others.

Music Concerts

Music concert venues are the biggest segment in the industry due to their massive popularity throughout the world, especially in live music venues.

Music festivals are where people go to see a variety of different genres all at once and then party hard with other people who enjoy similar musical tastes.

Sport Venues

These events allow people to see their favorite players and teams compete against each other in a stadium or arena.

Exhibitions & Conferences

They provide a chance for companies to showcase their products and services to potential clients and customers.

Corporate Events & Seminars

These events allow companies to hold large meetings or conferences in an attempt to spread the word about their brand, products, and services.

Other Venues

Other venues include everything from restaurants and bars to nightclubs and hotels. These types of venues can be found in any major city and allow customers to do a variety of different things such as view sports games, listen to live music, or dance the night away with friends.

What External Factors Affect the Event Venue Industry?

As new event venues are created, there are new external factors that affect the industry. Taking a closer look at the external factors allows for accurate data from the industry to be produced. External factors include the following:

As with all industries, economic factors heavily affect event venues. The success or failure of an industry depends upon the state of the economy. If the economy is in a recession, then businesses are less likely to spend money on extravagant events, which means there will probably be fewer events at venues.

The population of a certain area also affects the industry. If there are very few people in a certain area, then that can limit the number of events held at a venue.

Another external factor is the number of competitors within a specific area. This directly affects prices and what kind of special events will be hosted as well as how often they are hosted. If there are fewer competitors, then this means higher demand and prices for customers.

Social media is another external factor that affects the industry. Event venues need to be aware of what their clients are saying about them on social media. There should not be any negative comments because it could cause potential customers to think negatively about the venue as well.

The last of the major external factors is the weather. Bad weather can cause people to have less of an urge to attend events at outdoor venues, which means there will probably be fewer people attending these types of events during unfavorable conditions.

Who Are the Key Competitors in the Event Venue Industry?

The key competitors in the event industry are primarily hotels, convention centers, and exhibition halls.

In the event industry, hotels serve as a primary competitor for event venues. Hotels typically offer similar services to that of an event space, such as catering and transportation.

In addition, convention centers work closely with hotels in promoting their facility through advertising and marketing opportunities. The hotel-convention center industry is a close-knit one, with many large hotel corporations also owning a convention center.

However, when it comes to developing relationships with potential clients, it is important to note that clients perceive hotels and exhibition halls to be more convenient than convention centers when planning meetings.

Convention Centers

The main competitor in this space is convention centers, which are generally larger venues that have more capacity for hosting gatherings. Convention centers are seen as a valuable marketing tool by many businesses for holding trade shows and attracting new customers.

However, there is often little incentive to hold smaller-scale events at convention centers due to their relatively high cost. Most convention centers are tied to cities or states that help pay for their upkeep. They are used not only by exhibitors but also by individuals looking for venues for wedding receptions, parties, family gatherings, etc. Convention centers also can host concerts and provide audio-visual equipment.

Exhibition Halls & Event Centers

Most of these large halls are considered “public assembly facilities” where people can gather together to listen to political or commercial speakers or watch performances. The type of event held depends on the size of the hall and its amenities. The more amenities provided in connection with an exhibition hall, the more expensive it will be to hold an event there.

What Are the Key Customer Segments in the Event Venue Market?

The key customer segments in the venue market are businesses and individual consumers.

Businesses use event venues for a variety of purposes, including meetings, conferences, trade shows, and product launches. Businesses account for the majority of event venues’ revenues. Many corporations, especially larger ones, have a dedicated meeting department that typically oversees their needs in this area.

Individuals

Individual consumers also rely on event venues. They use venues to host weddings, engagements, birthday parties, fundraisers, showers, and family events such as reunions or holiday gatherings. Individual consumers account for the second-largest source of revenue for event venues. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on attracting individual potential clients because they spend more money than businesses do per event.

Where Can I Download a Event Venue Business Plan PDF?

You can download our event venue business plan PDF template here. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Helpful Videos & Images

How to start and operate an event venue qith bonnie hawthorne (atlanta, georgia).

How To Turn Your Home Into an Event Venue

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7 Major Venue Types and the Benefits of Each

• Event Manager Blog: www.eventmanagerblog.com
• Cvent: www.meetingminds.cvent.com
• Professional Assoications for Event Venue Owners: www.corporateeventnew.com/top-22-professional-associations-event-planners

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