conference center 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

Start Your Event Venue Plan Here

Event Venue Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their event venues.

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.

Other Business Plan Templates

Catering Business Plan Template

Bakery Business Plan Template

Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

Food Truck Business Plan Template

• Customer Reviews
• Net 30 Account
• Wise Services
• Steps & Timeline
• Work at a Glance
• Market Research at a Glance
• Business Plan Writing Services
• Bank Business Plan
• Investor Business Plan
• Franchise Business Plan
• Cannabis Business Plan
• Strategic Business Plan
• Corporate Business Plan
• Merge and Acquisition Business Plan (M&A)
• Private Placement Memorandums (PPM)
• Sample Business Plans
• Professional Feasibility Study
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Pitch Deck Presentation Services
• Business Plan Printing
• Market Research
• L-1 Business Plan
• E-2 Business Plan
• EB-5 Business Plan
• EB-5 Regional Centers
• Immigration Attorneys
• Nonprofit Business Plan
• Exit Business Planning
• Business Planning
• Business Formation
• Business License
• Business Website
• Business Branding
• Business Bank Account
• Digital Marketing
• Business Funding Resources
• Small Business Loans
• Venture Capital
• Net 30 Apply

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

Looking for business plan writers?

Hire a professional writer to write an event venue business plan?

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 .

Hire virtual assistant now!

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.

Quick Links

• Investor Business Plans
• M&A Business Plan
• Private Placement
• Feasibility Study
• Hire a Business Plan Writer
• Business Valuation Calculator
• Business Plan Examples
• Real Estate Business Plan
• Business Plan Template
• Business Plan Pricing Guide
• Business Plan Makeover
• SBA Loans, Bank Funding & Business Credit
• Finding & Qualifying for Business Grants
• Leadership for the New Manager
• Content Marketing for Beginners
• All About Crowdfunding
• EB-5 Regional Centers, A Step-By-Step Guide
• Logo Designer
• Landing Page
• PPC Advertising

• Business Entity
• Business Licensing
• Virtual Assistant
• Business Phone
• Business Address
• E-1 Visa Business Plan
• EB1-A Visa Business Plan
• EB1-C Visa Business Plan
• EB2-NIW Business Plan
• H1B Visa Business Plan
• O1 Visa Business Plan
• Business Brokers
• Merger & Acquisition Advisors
• Franchisors

Proud Sponsor of

• 1-800-496-1056

• (613) 800-0227

• +44 (1549) 409190

• +61 (2) 72510077

• Venue Management Software
• Event Management Software
• Event Floorplan Software
• GET STARTED
• Sales - 877-266-3885
• Email Sales Rep
• Testimonials

Planning Pod Blog

Fresh insights and best practices for event professionals.

How to Start an Event Venue Business: Two Experts Share 20 Secrets for Opening an Event Space

by Amanda Knaebel | Jan 13, 2021 | Best Practices , Business , Business Management , Catering , Event Vendors and Suppliers , Event Venues , Marketing , Sales , Tech , Tools and Software , Venues

Opening an event venue comes with a long checklist of items that must be in place for a successful launch … and chances are, as a new event space entrepreneur, you’ve probably already read a dozen or so articles that have run you through the basics.

But while these checklist articles can be helpful, they don’t answer the one vital question you should be asking: “What things do seasoned experts know that I don’t about how to successfully launch a venue and be profitable in Year 1?”

Of course hindsight is always 20/20, but when you’re in the midst of starting an event venue and you are new to this, you simply don’t know what you don’t know. 

To help you fill in those gaps and provide you with new insights that aren’t already on your to-do list, we interviewed two of our clients and long-time industry pros to tell us the secrets that helped them along the way and maybe a few things they wish they would’ve known when starting an event space business. 

Join us as Dianne Kohler, CEO of Camrose Regional Exhibition Center, and Michael Hallford, CEO of Hallford & Hallford event and venue management firm, open the vault on their most-valued industry secrets for launching a new venue.

Building out your processes and internal operations ahead of time is critical to generating revenue as you prepare to open your new venue. Planning Pod’s all-in-one platform gives new event facilities 20+ easy-to-use tools to set up systems for managing booking calendars, sales, client communications, contracts, billing, payments and more. Sign up for a free trial today!

#1 – Researching your target audience, competition and location area is easily the most important step in opening a new venue

Chances are you’ve come across plenty of articles that mention you should evaluate the competitive landscape and identify your ideal client base. But according to Dianne and Michael, this isn’t just another item on a list … in fact, it should take priority over just about everything else, because if you don’t get this right, your new venue won’t be in business long.

“Before you write out your business plan, you need to already know who your target audience is, and that’s who you build your venue for, so this starts with research long before you build or buy a venue,” said Michael. 

Michael also warns about automatically trying to go for the clients with the deepest pockets. 

“Keep in mind that your target audience doesn’t necessarily have to be your wealthy ‘Beverly Hills’ type client because that audience isn’t necessarily your highest profit margin,” he added. “Those luxury clients tend to be really demanding and expect a lot. And if they don’t get it the way they think they should get it, then you’re going to have issues afterward with PR. That’s just not something you want to have to deal with.”

“Your best market is probably going to be whoever is the largest demographic in your area who is willing to pay for your services. But you need to plan for that. You’ve got to know what they want, how they want it, when they want it, and why they want it. Then, be prepared to meet those needs as you put together your business plan and buildout plan.”

Dianne agrees that assessing your target audience’s needs and what venue options are already in the area should be done long before you lay a single brick for your new conference center or event space.

“Knowing your market is the number one thing that’s most critical to succeeding with a new facility,” said Dianne. “Because if you don’t understand what the market expects or wants from you, how are you going to provide it? You do this by doing a market needs assessment on other existing venues and the population and demographics in your surrounding community of who you want to sell to.

She also credits thorough upfront planning as an indicator for an event center that will both launch successfully and survive the long term, a challenge for all new small business owners. 

“If you’re building a new venue, you’re building something based on your demographic’s needs for the next 10 years,” she said. “To do this, you need to reach out to your target market and ask them questions and collect data, because the more data you can get before you build or buy a venue, the better.”

“The type of venue you buy or build depends on their needs and the needs of the community you serve. Yes, maybe nobody in the area has a ballroom that’s 30,000 square feet. But are there events that require a ballroom with 30,000 square feet? These are the things you need to consider.”

“All this market research and data is then going to drive your marketing engine for when you’re getting ready to launch.”

#2 – Devising a business plan makes the process of launching an event space business vastly smoother

Once you’ve narrowed in on your audience, you should focus next on developing your business plan. This document can be quite lengthy and in-depth because it fleshes out every detail regarding your venue business – from facility and organizational structure to finances, budgets and marketing. And just like with your target audience, it should be well-researched and realistic if you want it to be useful.

“A business plan is a must, and your plan must budget for covering your first six months of business expenses with zero or little income, just in case,” said Michael. “You should also plan for overages in construction, like around 30%, as that’s just normal.”

In addition to understanding how you’re going to build a special events venue for your ideal client (and what that’s going to cost), you should narrow in on how you will market them.  

“Along with your business plan you have to have a marketing plan that outlines your marketing, branding, PR goals and expenditures, including the few months prior to opening day,” added Michael. 

#3 – Getting your pricing right will prevent lost business and vanishing margins

Before scheduling your first customer walkthrough or booking your first party, make sure your pricing is dialed in properly. Are you charging too much? Are you charging enough? Dianne says that understanding your target audience’s needs, your competitors’ price points and your cost of operations (overhead, mortgage/rent payments, staffing, food and beverage costs, utilities, cleaning, out-of-pocket rentals, etc.) will help you develop the perfect price point that will make your customers happy and keep your venue in business.

“An important part of your business plan is setting your pricing and this goes back to knowing your market,” Dianne reminds us. “What are your clients willing to pay for your services and how are you going to provide real value to them?

“Your market survey and research should include your competitors’ pricing to make sure your pricing is in line with what others charge for similar services. If you want to charge a premium, justify why you can charge it. If you charge less or at a discount, why would you do that and why will it serve the business better?”

One tactic that some new business owners of venues take is to start out by setting their prices lower in order to land more event clients out of the gate (but not so low that you are losing money) and then adjusting their rates upward once cash is flowing regularly.

However, these are all questions you need to ask yourself before pricing and pitching your space.

#4 – Planning out your space thoroughly before you build will add value for your customers

Designing a banquet hall may seem straightforward (just provide ample room for social events and corporate events, right?) but Michael warns that not thoroughly thinking through your design pre-construction can leave you wishing you would have made different decisions.

“If you are in pre-build, the most important step is that you really need to plan your space,” said Michael. “You have to have a plan for adequate storage, proper ingress and egress, about what your fire marshal and local building codes are going to require, how much office area you will need, and if you are going to need a full kitchen or prep kitchen.”

You should also consider what are going to be the biggest elements of your design with regard to ergonomics and those areas where clients and guests expect high quality. 

“An example of this is that people really care a lot about venue washrooms and want them to be bigger, clean and nice. So you should invest more there,” suggests Michael. “If you are going to have food and beverage on site, those are probably two of the biggest things that customers will remember after they leave the event, so those should also take priority in your building and preparation.”

Michael stresses that thinking through these things before you engage a construction contractor will save you many headaches during operations and prevent a remodel down the line. From capacity minimums and maximums down to the number of doorways you will need, “It’s really getting to those fine details, before you actually even design a space. You have to plan for how the space is going to be used.”

And while you’re planning, be sure to add in a little extra room for storage. 

“Surprisingly, you actually need a lot of storage,” exclaimed Michael. “Tables, chairs, linens, staging, dance floors, even just your daily products like cleaners and mop buckets, all of that has to go somewhere. And the worst thing to do is to build a venue and not have enough space for your items.”

#5 – Surprise your clients with unique and flexible design elements

When building and designing your space, Dianne recommends giving it a unique element while leaving room for flexibility for all types of events and setups. She mentioned that over the last five years, more and more event planners and their clients have been searching for places that are unique and new.

“One thing with venues that has been trending for the last five years and will continue is the demand for unique spaces,” said Dianne. “Clients don’t want to book events in empty, spare looking ballrooms or meeting rooms. They want a unique space that is maybe shaped differently or has interesting grounds or flexible decor. So you should consider far in advance what could you add into your space to make it unique for your audience. It doesn’t have to be crazy and cost crazy money. Maybe it’s interesting paint choices or programmable uplighting or downlighting.”

With people really looking to bring the wow factor to their event and to post it on social media, they need an event space that is unique enough to stand out amongst the sea of conference centers, but is also flexible enough to be completely reimagined to meet an event planner’s vision.

“You also want to make your space sizable and flexible for different sizes of groups so you can host groups of 25 as easy as you can 500,” said Dianne. Which means you may need to consider dividable spaces that you can partition off for smaller groups or for hosting multiple parties that can overlap.

#6 – Decide early on if you are a venue rental business or event producer (or both)?

If you’re running a wedding venue or party venue, you’re going to have slower off seasons – times when your event space may sit empty. So, you’ll need to account for how you will handle those empty calendar days.

“As a venue manager, you understand that it’s normal that you’re going to have dark periods where nobody’s renting,” said Dianne. “So, you have to make the determination early. Are you going to rent? Are you going to just ride through the dark areas? Or are you going to get into self production as a way to fill the space on typically dark nights and boost overall revenue? It’s part of the planning process to consider this.”

Some venue owners do decide to cushion their wedding receptions and private events bookings with their own productions (like music performances, seasonal parties and staged shows) on days that their venue tends to sit unoccupied. It can be a great way to cushion income and even perhaps draw in new business, but will take additional resources, marketing and event planning.

Also, if you offer full catering services, you may want to consider offering off-premise catering to maximize revenue from your full-service kitchen (but remember that this comes with its own costs and challenges like maintaining a full-time kitchen staff, marketing, delivery, etc.).

#7 – If something isn’t right with your buildout, speak up with your contractor now (or risk living with elements that turn off your clients)

“Once you’re in the building phase, be very, very picky with your contractors,” said Michael. “If it’s not done exactly the way you want it done, have them redo it. This has got to be part of your contract with each vendor, whether you’re using a general contractor, or you’re contracting things out yourself.

“So if you’ve got a trim carpenter who’s doing crown molding, and there’s a little gap, well that needs to be filled and resanded and repainted. You don’t pay them their last dollar until every single thing is done to your liking.

Reserving the right to thoroughly inspect the work of your contractors, and even stop them in their process to change or correct something, will ensure that your build is completed exactly how you (and your potential clients) envision it. Remember, even if you aren’t being nitpicky, your guests and customers will be, and shoddy workmanship can lead to clients taking a pass on leasing your space.

#8 – Design your venue to impress your most difficult client

When designing, building and finalizing your event venue, you have to oversee the buildout or remodel with the eye of your most difficult customer in mind, says Michael. 

“You’ve got to think about what your most discriminating client is going to look for when they walk through your doors, and you must have that covered,” says Michael. “Because you’re going to have event planners and very discriminating clients who are very picky — whether it’s about the decor, floral arrangements, or food options — and they’re going to nitpick it all.”

Without research, it can be difficult to know exactly what elements are turning potential clients away, and that’s because, as Micheal says, “if they walk through and see something that’s not right for them, they’re not going to say anything to you. They’re just going to take you off their list and move on.”

To avoid this, you may want to have your architect or venue designer create a few different mockups and show them to your target audience members as well as local event planners to get their opinions and feedback.

#9 – Full kitchen or prep kitchen? Decide which is going to work best for your space, your audience and your bottom line

Most venues either opt for a full-service kitchen that they either staff themselves or reserve for their preferred caterer, or they go with the less expensive option of a prep kitchen that outside caterers can use to stage pre-cooked cuisine. Our experts have some slightly different preferences and insights on both of these options, both equally illuminating.

“In our venue, we currently have a prep kitchen,” said Michael “We’ve got the refrigerator, ice maker, two hot boxes, plenty of counter space, sink space, the whole nine yards. All a caterer has to do is come in, bring in a few specialty pieces that they need and they are set.”

“A full service kitchen ideally would be my preference because you get the freshest food,” Michael adds. “If you’re building a facility from scratch, I would recommend planning an actual full kitchen, but it takes a little more prep work in advance because you have to know what kind of grease hold you need to have, what kind and size of venting you need to have in place and things like that. But that sets you up so you can either offer the kitchen space to an outside vendor as a prep kitchen or to an in-house vendor as a full kitchen.”

Dianne counters, “If all you’re doing is banquets and you have a large banquet hall, invest in the full kitchen. But I’m not a fan of full kitchens unless you know you’re going to book out 300 catered events a year in your event center. Remember that kitchens are costly, and your gross margin on a kitchen and food is almost always going to be razor thin. Ask yourself ‘If you build it, do you have all the business to support it?’”

“For example, we closed our staffed commercial kitchen in 2019 because we had been losing money,” said Dianne. “It has now been turned into a prep kitchen. And honestly, unless you have a hotel or conference center with restaurants and room service and you can make money outside of the event space with those other options, a full kitchen requires lots of staffing and the food costs are only going up, which cuts your margins even more.”

Dianne also offers that there are many great caterers in practically every market that your clients can choose from, so if you take the prep kitchen route it can lower your costs on your kitchen build (one time) and staffing (ongoing) and also provides more flexibility for your clients and event planners.

“By having a prep kitchen that we let any client bring their caterer into, it opened up a whole new revenue stream for our private events [as opposed to requiring clients to use our food and beverage services],” added Dianne. “And anyways caterers are going to have better pricing than you, the venue, because it’s all they do and they usually have less overhead and lower staffing costs.”

#10 – You can still make money outsourcing to caterers, too. 

“Our relationship with our in-house caterer and our preferred beverage vendor is that they give us a specific percentage back on the back end of their food and beverage sales,” said Michael. “In exchange for that, they are our in-house provider.”

This partnership means that Michael consistently recommends and sells his catering partner to her clients, only relenting when clients are persistent on bringing in their own food vendors to fit their vision.

Micheal has also established a similar partnership with his beverage vendor, which he doesn’t budge on because this in-house vendor also carries the proper alcohol licensing that covers Michael and his facility from a liability and regulatory standpoint, giving him peace of mind. 

Dianne does have a different viewpoint and finds value in her choice to leave catering options completely open to her potential clients. 

“I’m not a big person for official suppliers, especially caterers,” said Dianne. “I kind of buck the trend on that one, because I want the client to come in and bring in who they trust and who they work with as opposed to me telling them that they have to work with an in-house caterer. You lose the bigger piece of the business – the space rental – over providing food, which is usually making little to no margin.”

Reviewing your target audience can help you decide whether partnerships will be right for your client base. If your ideal customer isn’t an expert at planning their own corporate or social events, they may appreciate the simplicity of choosing from a preferred vendor list. However, if you frequently cater to professional event planners and event production firms, it may be a smarter choice to allow your customers to bring in their own vendors.

#11 – Establish vendor relationships early on

If you’re building an in-house team of preferred vendors, then building relationships with quality vendors can be extremely helpful to a venue startup when launching a wedding venue or conference space. 

“Before you’re even in the facility, it’s all about your networking, starting with who your preferred vendors are and what kind of relationships are you going to set up with them,” said Michael. “Do you want to do a cross referral back and forth with commissions you send each other’s way? That’s not a bad thing at all, but you do need to establish good business boundaries and respect for each other. And you really need to have vendors who are going to go above and beyond for you whenever you need it.”

When searching for and selecting the vendors you want to work with, Michael suggests trying to find a vendor for each category that you don’t already serve in house (catering, beverage, floral, DJs, AV, etc.) then narrowing it down to who has the best reputation. Try to create and build on those relationships well before opening so you already have a team of vendors who understand your business and your facility, and who you can refer clients to.

Even if you decide not to have preferred or in-house vendors, simply compiling a list of reliable local vendors for your clients (so they can choose their own) is a great value-add … and it also helps ensure that the vendors coming through your doors are responsible and committed to delivering on behalf of your clients.

Making vendor connections can happen anywhere, but our experts recommend that venue owners start with attending local networking events for event planning professionals as well as asking around about vendors that stand out in your local hospitality industry.

“Visit the bridal shows, look for vendors who have the best setup and talk with event planners there because they’re going to give you the 411 about who you need to know vendor-wise,” said Michael. “Then, take them to lunch, take them to dinner, send them a gift, show them the progress on your space. They will love it because they’re excited about creating that relationship and that new potential business.”

#12 – Hire flexible, multi-skilled staff who can do everything

In addition to acquiring a list of quality vendors you can lean on, you should also build a team of multi-talented employees who can serve in multiple functions in your event business. 

“Our full time staff members don’t have job titles,” said Dianne. “Because today you may be doing marketing, tomorrow you’re creating an event, the next day you might be answering the phone, the day after that you’re working as a bartender … because all our staff are certified to serve alcohol.”

Dianne suggests that, instead of filling each slot with a specialized person, you should create a “lean-and-mean” team of generalists who are interested in learning the industry and enjoy the flexibility and freshness of an ever-evolving position.

“Even though my staff could probably go out and get any variety of jobs, they love working here because they’re not doing the same thing over and over again and we pay them good money,” said Dianne. “This way it keeps them learning and engaged and there’s always a challenge for them.”

She also warns against overextending yourself and your staff by trying to run full-time, night-and-day event operations with a part-time staff. Instead, try to build a solid crew of reliable full-time employees and supplement where needed. See where and how you can stretch your resources without creating staff burnout.

#13 – Start your marketing efforts long before opening your event space (at least six months out)

When you open the doors to your new event space, you already want to have your event and meeting rooms pre-booked with as many weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, conferences and festivals as possible. The way to do this is by marketing and building an audience before cutting the ribbon on opening day.

Michael says that venue owners who haven’t created a venue website and built a following online via social media platforms (especially Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest) prior to opening have a harder time filling their calendar and tend to have a slower start. 

“You’re going to be paying rent or a mortgage, all these utilities, employee expenses, and if you don’t have a following yet, you won’t be able to start covering all these expenses out of the gate,” said Michael.

“Six months out from opening day, you need to begin your social marketing,” added Michael. “You want to show your progress, announce new relationships with vendors and get them to reciprocate via social media.

“You will need a website built with search engine optimization and with pictures, and if you don’t have pictures yet you can at least have architect renderings and staff pictures.”

Of course, all of these tactics should line up with your overall marketing strategy outlined in your business plan.

#14 – Hire a sales manager six months prior to opening

When you launch your marketing campaigns, you’ll need to have a sales manager in place who can speak with potential clients as well as start an outbound sales effort.

“If you’re not planning six months in advance with hiring a sales manager, then expect your first 90 days in business to be really hard because you’re not going to have those immediate bookings that can begin to pay your bills after your opening,” said Michael.

Some venue owners may assume responsibility for generating sales themselves to stay lean, but Michael suggests that hiring someone to cover this task while you focus your energy on getting your startup venue in shape is a wise investment.

“Unless you can generate sales yourself while you oversee all the details of your construction and all of the other obstacles you will face … and there will be a many … your best bet is to hire a sales manager to focus on getting clients in the door when you open,” said Michael. 

Michael suggests leaning on existing networks and checking out local Facebook groups to find talented salespeople who aren’t already attached to a property and may be interested in your vision. Just don’t poach staff from other venues, which will create a bad first impression and negative word of mouth in the industry, something you don’t need before you launch.

FYI … Here’s a great resource with expert insights for growing event sales for venues .

#15 – Don’t skimp on venue management software and tools … and have them in place when you hire your sales manager

Once you have your marketing and sales team in place, ideally, you’ll start to receive bookings. This means that you should also have your software and systems in place. Trying to piece it together as you go can create a chaotic flow and disjointed processes for you, your staff and your clients and can cause some costly mistakes early on. 

Michael suggests getting a Planning Pod account set up as soon as possible so that you can begin to manage your bookings, business, sales and marketing efforts. Planning Pod also allows you to build reusable templates for contracts, proposals, invoices, BEOs and floor plans so that you can create these ahead of time before you launch.

Micheal also recommends setting up a voice-over-IP phone answering service so your personal cell phone doesn’t become the business phone … which you will regret as your business grows. He also stresses that you should get your important legal documents in order before you start booking events and have an attorney draft your contract so that it’s ironclad with regard to cancellation, refund and damages policies (a painful lesson learned by many special events venues during the coronavirus pandemic).

#16 – Don’t forget to institute safety measures and policies … and don’t try to save by not insuring yourself

“Safety is a huge priority when considering operations,” said Dianne. “Whether it’s food safety, setting up furniture or stages, guest safety, fire safety or capacity requirements. If you’re not an expert on facility safety, hire a consultant, because if you don’t get this right it will bite you in the bum faster than anything else.”

Dianne also mentioned that human resources and insurance policies should be things that you put in place very early on (general business, property and liability policies are a must).

#17 – Have all your furnishings, equipment and supplies on-hand and available three months before opening day

As part of your timeline for opening an event venue, you’ll need to determine when you should order all your supplies and furnishings so that it’s on premise in plenty of time for your opening.

“Three months before you open is when you want to make sure that you have all of your furnishings on hand and in the facility,” said Michael. “This includes all of your tables and chairs, tableware, plateware, silverware, chargers and linens.”

Some pieces can be outsourced, and Michael actually recommends looking into using a linen service at first, which can save you money as you start a venue business. However, he emphasizes that, “tables and chairs should be bought upfront because within just four to six months you will have paid in rental costs what it would have cost you to purchase initially. Just think of this as an investment of getting started.”

And if you aren’t sure which style chair to go with, Michael has an affinity for Chivari chairs, simply because they are very classic. He warns against wooden chairs, which typically need to be replaced in less than a year’s time due to wear-and-tear.

“You can opt for the resin-over-steel-frame version, but I would recommend the clear polycarbonate resin because they have a much longer life and they’re not going to change color,” said Michael. “It’s a much better investment long term. Also make sure the tables and chairs you buy can stand up to tough cleaning products, because you are going to be cleaning these quite often.”

If you plan on having a busy rental business side of your venue, you may also want to purchase items like dance floors, stages, podiums and decor, as you will end up saving money much like you would by purchasing chairs and tables upfront.

Whatever style you choose, just make sure to order them in time. Some items may take longer to fulfill than expected, and things can get backstocked, lost in transit or arrive damaged. When your items do come in, you should inspect each piece and log them into your inventory system, especially if you’re planning on leasing items.

#18 – Practice makes perfect and mock-ups can help sell new clients

Dianne believes that new and seasoned venue owners alike should take advantage of dry runs. Running through a dummy event can help you and your team iron out kinks in your processes and also makes clients feel more confident knowing that you have rehearsed things.

Setting up your room in various styles also helps potential clients visualize your space and gives them an idea of how flexible you can be in realizing their vision.

“I would go in and set up rooms and spaces with tables, chairs, decor and drapes, all in various styles – classrooms, banquets, whatever,” said Dianne. “Then, I’d create floor plans based on these setups and take pictures so you can show your customers and put them on your web site. That way, they can realistically see what things will look like.”

That last idea is a great tip, because these dry-runs and mock-ups give you photos and images that can be shared on your social media profiles and posted on your website until you have photos of actual events.

#19 – Make the most of your grand opening 

Your grand opening needs to be so much more than sending out some email invites and putting out a few appetizers and beverages for whoever stops by. It’s really about making valuable and necessary connections in your industry and community while showing off everything you have to offer. You are an event venue, after all, so your grand opening should be extremely well planned, immaculately executed and heavily attended.

“Always, always do an open house,” said Dianne. “Invite industry people in to snoop around, because they love it. If you’ve got food and beverage in house, this is when you’re highlighting the new menu and getting people to savor it.”

She also said to make sure to chat up all the local event planners, meeting planners and people who produce big events. She encourages venue owners and sales managers to join local associations way ahead of time, even if you have to sign up as a supplier (which is usually more expensive), just to get your name out there and to get these key contacts to attend your event.

“Long before your grand opening gala, you need to get involved with your local Chamber of Commerce, a local Rotary Club, local chapters of industry associations like ILEA [ International Live Events Association ], NACE [ National Association for Catering and Events ] and MPI [ Meeting Professionals International ] and local wedding association chapters like ABC [ Association of Bridal Consultants ],” agreed Michael. “And don’t just sign up, but be actively involved with them and make those relationships. That way, when it comes time to announce your open house, they are all on your invite list and eager to attend.”

Michael also recommends sending out a press release about 30 days prior to your grand opening gala, and he swears by using an experienced PR firm that will have the experience and media connections to help capture the attention of local reporters. 

Dianne’s insider secret is to “invite politicians, like your mayor or city council members to your grand opening, because they will let every media outlet in the area know that they will be attending. It’s a good news story for them, and you’d be amazed at how many other people will attend if they know a politician is showing up.”

#20 – Become a integral part of your community and it will pay huge dividends

“Your mindset prior to and long after your launch should be how you can serve and immerse yourself in your community,” said Dianne. “The more you put into the community, the more you will get back in goodwill, word of mouth and bookings.”

Dianne recommends building business by becoming a community staple, and to do that, you may want to consider offering some spiffs and freebies early on.

“Think about how you can participate in your community, in organizations and on boards, and how you can promote other businesses in your community, because they will reciprocate if you become their trusted partner and promoter,” said Dianne. “If you get involved in the community and be a good community member, I practically guarantee you’ll have success.”

Some tactics she has used before include using dark nights or unbooked days to let speakers host engagements for free or offering her facilities or meeting rooms as a monthly meeting space for local nonprofit groups.

“When you first start out, you simply want boots through the door to check out your new space and kick the tires,” said Dianne. “The more people see it, the more they get familiar with it.

Donating unused, un-rented space to help the pillars of your community doesn’t cost much and can lead to much bigger returns.

“These groups may only have 20 or so people at their meetings, but they all have social networks, and because you are doing them a favor, they will spread the word into the community about you. You’d be amazed how many community group organizations that we’ve helped out have promoted us on social media, and that became another big marketing channel in driving clients through our doors.”

Starting an event space? Don’t forget to talk to seasoned pros like Dianne and Michael

Launching any new business comes with its fair share of learning curves. However, relying on the advice and experience of industry experts can go a long way in helping you gain insights from their successes and prevent making the same mistakes that they did. Experts like Dianne and Michael come with decades of experience of hosting all types of events (and the hard-earned lessons that come with it).

At Planning Pod, as a venue management software solution used by hundreds of venues, we come across our fair share of experienced venue owners, from L.A. to New York and everywhere in between, who wish they knew what they know now before they opened an event space.

As such, we encourage you to reach out to other venue owners and pick their brains about what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing as you move forward with your event space startup. This might require you to join a professional organization like ILEA or MPI, to reach out to hospitality business owners outside of your area or to even hire a venue consultant to help you through the process.

In the end, all this preparation is worth it because it starts you down the right path to success. Having the right tools and processes in place is part of this preparation, and that’s where Planning Pod comes in. Our all-in-one venue management software provides everything you need to manage your bookings, sales, billings, communications and more. Sign up for a free trial.

Most Recent Posts

• Unlock the power of personalization: How data can supercharge your event customer journey
• Dynamic pricing for event and venue businesses: Using data to optimize revenue across seasons
• How data empowers event businesses: Mitigating slow seasons and thriving during peaks
• Top 7 online venue directories to boost your event business marketing
• Ad landing pages for event businesses: selling more through optimized pages

This is an excellent guide!

Very thorough and practical advice. One of the best resources I have come across so far – thank you!

This was amazing content. Easy to understand. I learned a lot of new things I never thought to consider. Thank you!

Excellent!!! A very easy guide – all things I feel are doable! Thank you!

Awesome step by step content! I loved the part where you mentioned to design your venue to impress your most difficult client! Very informational article – Thanks!

WOW!!! Just WOW!!! Can’t even imagine what this info would’ve cost! I’m 10x more excited to break into the event venue bus in. Now. THANK U THANK U THANK U!!!

Wow! Great. The content is very very informative. Thank you.

Very detailed explanation, I gained so much insight into this new project and I am really excited about it

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for industry-relevant news and insights.

You won't regret it ;)

ZenBusinessPlans

Home » Sample Business Plans » Real Estate

How to Write an Event Center Business Plan [Sample Template]

Do you want to start an event center and need to write a plan? If YES, here is a sample event center business plan template & FREE feasibility report. Event centers are in existence and thriving due to the fact that there are always various events for people – individual and businesses – to throw, from weddings, graduation parties, reunions, anniversaries, business meetings, fundraisers, dinner party and so on.

These events are usually conducted in halls that provide convenient facilities for guests than would have been achieved in a home or office. These days there are more events being thrown, which requires the use of event centers, this is why this is the best business to start for any entrepreneur. Below is one of such, a sample event center business plan;

A Sample Event Center Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The event center business is becoming a popular one as new event centers are opened everyday somewhere in the world. Most businesses in the hospitality industry are also leaning towards this trend by constructing multi-purpose halls or renovating existing facilities so as to be able to tap into the trend of hosting parties and conferences.

Globally according to reports, the hotel industry has also recognized the importance of having centers to host and service meetings to its revenue base and has started expanding its offer to cover these areas. This has helped to boost the bottom line for most of these hotels.

Asides hotels, educational institutions such as colleges and Universities have started focusing on increasing the number of conferences centers available to clients. Other unusual institutions such as museums, theatres, cinemas, zoos, castles, theme parks, aquaria, football stadia and racecourses, have also started making centers available to host meetings and other events.

There are new categories of venues that are now being added which create diversity to the other services in the market. These venues are unusual and are also growing in popularity as they are regarded as funky and edgy and are preferred by the younger generation, especially as they do not require overnight accommodation.

Companies are now picking brands that identify with their corporate values and brands, as this is seen as being appreciated by their customers and other stakeholders. Also, guests to these meetings are likely to see the venue as a reflection of the company’s goals.

Venues have also begun to shift towards smarter designs that not only make them accessible but smart as well which mean accommodating all kinds of transportation in order to save attendees added stress.

Venues have also seen the need to ensure that those attending events can connect with the outside world, by ensuring that connectivity is being provided for at events. This has become a priority for event centers and is one detail that clients appreciate.

Event centers are no more focusing on just providing halls for use but also adding other services as well such as catering, event coordination, wait staff, bartending, décor and rentals of several of equipment not included in contract.

2. Executive Summary

Sheldon Event Center, a leading event center is based in 3900 NW 120 St, in Urbandale – Iowa, USA. We offer unique and personalized services to all our clients domestic and corporate. We provide event coordination and offer our clients planning expertise as well as an extraordinary wait staff service, in addition to our core service which is the provision of a conducive hall to host all kinds of events.

As any other business, we have established our business not only to offer our customers an unforgettable experience but to also make profit whilst ensuring that we can favorably compete with other competitors in the same industry.

Our halls are not only conducive but also offer modern amenities that will make the guests of our clients turn into our clients. We have the best facilities and also the right people to handle these amenities. Our staffs are not only professionals with the added touch of competence but have the experience to anticipate the needs of our clients.

Our strong business structure has led us into deploying the best means of sourcing for and recruiting the best staffs for our business. We not only believe in recruiting the best but in ensuring that they are in tune with our vision and objectives and are committed to seeing us achieve our goals as a company.

We believe in ensuring that our employees are not only productive but that they remain happy whilst carrying out their tasks, it is for this reason that we have created a unique welfare package for them that is the best in the industry amongst our category. Also, we have put in place polices that will allow for the continuous trainings of our employees in order to enhance their skills.

Our customer care service is excellent as we have those who not only have a thorough knowledge of the industry but keep informed on current trends to handle this position and therefore help inquiring clients better understand what they are seeking for.

Because we know how important our clients are, we have strategies in place that will ensure that our loyal clients get incentives which comes in form of a discount for every client they refer to us. This has made most of our clients turn into active marketers on our behalf and has grown our revenue base tremendously.

Finally, our Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Lori Sheldon has over 15 years of experience in event coordination as well as in catering. This experience in addition to several certifications in event planning will help take our business to the desired level it intends to attain.

3. Our Products and Services

Sheldon Event Center is the one stop event center that intends to offer our various customers a beautiful experience while also exceeding their expectations with the various services that we intend to offer them at our event center.

Our intention of establishing Sheldon Event Center is to make profit just like any other business and so in addition to our core service, we intend to offer other services as well so as to create multiple sources of income for our business. All our services will be offered within the permissible laws of the service industry as well as the laws of the united states of America.

Therefore some of the services we intend to offer are;

• An event center for weddings, business meetings, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, corporate parties, and fundraisers
• Tables, chairs, China and linens rentals
• Audio/visual equipment rentals
• Event hosts and wait staff
• Consultancy services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision as an event center is to exceed the expectations of our clients by giving them a beautiful experience as well as event space for all their types of special events.
• In order to achieve our vision we have the required coordination and planning expertise for all types of events, with professional and competent staff that would help make the events of our clients a memorable one.

Our Business Structure

Having the right business structure is very important to us as at Sheldon event center and so we have laid the right plans that will ensure that our foundation is not only right but stays true to our core values and vision as a company. This is why we sourced for and have hired competent professionals who are diligent and true to work ethics into the various positions we have in our company.

Our vision as a company is to ensure that all our clients’ expectations are not only met but exceeded as well. This is why all the staff which we have hired are ones that have not only identified with our vision but know what it takes to take our company from where we are at present to where we intend to and should be in future.

Our staff also have the expertise required to work in this industry and bring it to an enviable standard compared to that of our competitors.

Due to the fact that we intend to run several services in addition to our core service, we have ensured that we have the required number of staff to handle the various services which we intend to offer at Sheldon Event Center. Below is the business structure that will be built at Sheldon Event Center;

Chief Executive Officer

Facility Manager

Human Resources and Admin Manager

Marketing Executives

Customer Service Executives

Event Coordinator

Security Guard

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

• In charge of drafting strategic policies on behalf of the organization and ensuring that it is implemented
• Drafts the budget in collaboration with the accountant on behalf of the organization
• Sources for high deals on behalf of the organization
• In charge of ensuring that the facility is ready for events whenever the needs arises
• Inspects the facilities to ensure that everything is up to standard and effects repairs when need be
• Sources for clients on behalf of the event center
• Sources for and recruits the right staff either permanent or temporary on behalf of the event center
• In charge of staff welfare and training as well as other incentives due to staff
• Ensures that all the administrative functions are conducted smoothly
• Prepares all the financial statements on behalf of Sheldon Event Center
• Ensures that balances between banks and the event center are reconciled each month
• Prepares and submit correct tax reports to tax officials on behalf of the organization
• Conducts market research on behalf of the organization in order to determine new markets
• Drafts and reviews marketing strategies to ensure that they are more effective on behalf of the organization
• Empowered to conduct direct marketing to clients on behalf of the organization
• Handles all inquiries of clients as well as bookings
• Creates and maintains an accurate customer database on behalf of Sheldon event Center
• Ensures that clients complaints are promptly attended to and resolved
• Ensures that events are coordinated according to the requirements of the clients
• Ensures that clients expectations are not only met but exceeded positively
• Coordinates with other staff to ensure that event is a success
• Ensure that the premises is kept secure especially during events
• Monitors the security cameras during events to prevent security mishap
• Provides security tips to all staff so as to enable them carry out their jobs better
• Ensures that they deliver our supplies and also pick up same as at when due
• Carry out light maintenance on the vehicle and ensure that it is in good condition
• Carry out other duties as might be assigned by the administrative manager
• Ensure that the premises are kept clean before and after an event
• Ensure that the convenience for staff, clients and their guests is kept clean at all times
• Ensures that cleaning supplies are adequately stocked and replaced as at when due

6. SWOT Analysis

Like every successful business out there, we intend to ensure that our event center is of the required standard whilst also offering the best services and so to ensure that we attain this, we hired a reputable business consultant here in Urbandale _ Iowa, to help us critically look through our business concept and determine if we had what it takes to become a standard company.

Due to our request, the hired business consultant had to use the SWOT analysis in taking stock of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to determine how we were likely to fare in the industry fare in the industry here in Iowa and in the whole of the United States of America as a whole.  Below is the result of the critical analysis conducted on behalf of Sheldon Event Center;

Our strength lies in the fact that we offer diverse services that will meet any requirements by our clients, which allows us stand apart from our competitors. Also, we have professional and competent staffs at hand to ensure that every event no matter the kind is conducted smoothly.

Our halls are not only well designed but also convenient as well as we also have the grounds for customers who want an outdoor ceremony. Finally, the expertise of our Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Lori Sheldon who not only has amassed several years of experience but also has several qualifications, is another of our strength at Sheldon Event Center.

This industry is saturated with these kinds of businesses; however, we intend to stand apart from our competitors by offering unique services that will attract the customers and offering excellent customer care that will retain most of our customers.

• Opportunities

There are various opportunities that abound for us because the halls can be converted to any kind of event that intends to be hosted by our clients. We also can cater to religious bodies who intend to use our halls for regular meetings.

There are various threats that exist to every business in general, and so the probability of facing threats is not alarming to us. The threats we are likely to face in the course of starting and running the business are the off-peak periods, where there are less likely events to be thrown.

We however have come up with other services that will generate income for us during these periods. Another threat is having a major competitor offering same services in the same location. We have proactive measures in place that will ensure that we remain unique and different in all the services that we would be offering.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

Every month there is an event of some sort that is being thrown, which makes having an event center one of the best businesses for any entrepreneur to go into. It should however be noted that this industry have peak periods such as during the middle and end of the year where more events are thrown than during any other times in the year.

Therefore any entrepreneur going into this business must be conversant with the peak and off peak periods in the industry so as to be able to accordingly make proactive plans that would be strategic for the growth of the business.

What most event centers have started incorporating into their core services is the addition of other services – such as catering, bartending, professional wait staff, event coordinator – that will make it easier for their clients who are planning for an event; this would ensure that clients do not have to bother about contracting others for these services, therefore creating more income for these event centers, whilst also allowing them to gain a huge share of the market.

Event centers that do not offer such services are now few but they however are in contact with professionals that run such services thereby making it easy for clients, who do not wish to have to source for these extra services themselves.

Finally, the advent of technology especially the internet has upped competition amongst event centers and also caused most to review the services offered so as to be amongst the industry leaders.

Every event center now has a website that not only point to all the services they offer but also show the clients attractive pictures of the center so as to attract more clients to patronize their services. Also, social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are being used to effectively market to clients.

8. Our Target Market

The target market for this industry is quite huge as there are events that are being thrown every now and then consisting of different types of crowd, which makes for a huge customer base for event centers.

Therefore, our event center cannot be restricted to just hosting weddings, parties, fundraising and business meetings but it can host any event that our client deems worthy to celebrate or carry out. Our strategic location in Iowa has offered us ample opportunity to be able to tap into the target market.

However, we intend to conduct a market research in order to fully understand our target market and know what they expect from us, this will help us properly draft the strategies that would be needed to attract more customers to our business.

From the result of our market research, we have found that we are in business to offer our wide range of services to the following groups of people;

• Business organizations
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Religious bodies
• Educational institutions
• Financial institutions
• Celebrities

Our competitive advantage

Whilst starting Sheldon Event Center, we intend to ensure that our business is not only established to make profit but is also able to compete favorably with our competitors in the industry. Our vision is to ensure that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of all the clients that make use of our event center and our services, and this is one of our competitive advantages against our competitors.

Our event centers have modern and conducive facilities such as 4 room options that have various capacities of 30 to 500 guests, thereby giving our clients varied options in terms of picking something suitable for their event.

Another competitive advantage we have is the fact that we have an individual event coordinator that will help coordinate the events of clients’ throughout the duration of the event, thereby allowing our client have a stress-free event.

Asides, the event coordinator, we also have a professional wait staff that have the experience of handling different kinds of occasions that will crop up at our event center. All our staff project and communicate our brand all the time by giving excellent customer service to our clients regardless of events or packages.

Another competitive advantage we have is our décor service which is also part of the services we offer. We go beyond the average décor and give our clients a wonderful experience that is best experienced.

Finally, we are the best at caring for our employees as we offer the best salaries and welfare packages in the whole of Iowa within our category as a start-up event center in the industry. We also ensure that our employees undergo training that will enable them become better and more productive for our business.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Sheldon Event Center has been established to offer our clients a full range of services for their events with the aim of maximizing profits for our business in the service and hospitality industry in the United States of America. We have different other services that are not only intended to generate income but also to be able to cater to all the needs of our different clients.

Therefore, Sheldon Event Center will generate income by offering the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

This industry is one that will never dip as there are always events that are usually conducted every now and then, thereby resulting in the booking of event centers.

Our location in Urbandale – Iowa has us quite optimistic in that we will not only met our set revenue generating target in the first year but that we will make marginal profit that will allow us grow our business and eventually expand it during the second year.

However, to be able to make a factual sales projection, we have been able to take a critical look at the industry in order to analyze our chances and come up with a sales forecast that we can use to adequately plan and draft strategies for our business.

The sales projection was however gathered based on information and assumptions that were peculiar to event center start-ups here in Urbandale – Iowa. Therefore below are an accurate sales projection for Sheldon Event Center based on the location of our business and several other assumptions;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $500,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $900,000

N.B : The above projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry, and also on several assumptions such as an arrival of a major competitor in same location, as well as a continuous and steady economic growth, within the period of the above projections. Should there be any change in the assumptions either positively or negatively, it is likely to affect the above stated figures, causing an increase or a decrease.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

The event center business just like any business will require marketing in order to not only create awareness for the business but to also ensure that revenue is generated to keep the business going. To draft effective marketing strategies that will bring the best results for Sheldon event Center, we conducted a market survey that allowed us privy to information that will enable us to not only penetrate the market and attract the right customers but also compete favorably with other top event centers here in Urbandale – Iowa.

We have also hired the services of a reputable marketing consultant, who understands the business and industry well to help us achieve our intended marketing goals and objectives. The marketing consultant will look at what strategies will be more effective for us in the short and long run.

Our marketing teams have been empowered to look through the strategies and ensure that they align with the company’s core values and will communicate our brand positively to customers. Our marketing teams have also been empowered to review, tweak and remove strategies that are considered ineffective on behalf of the company.

We know how important the internet especially as regards improving the effectiveness of marketing. We intend to build an interactive website that will show our attractive halls and other services to clients, especially potential ones. Our social media platforms will also be used to target our customers online and generate interest about our event center.

Therefore the following are the strategic measures we will adopt at Sheldon Event Center to market our various services;

• Visit corporations and government agencies to formally introduce our event center and all the services we offer
• Throw a unique themed party when we open our business in order to generate interest and create awareness about our vent center
• Advertise our event center in local newspapers, magazines as well as on radio and television stations
• Engage in direct marketing
• Ensure that our business is listed in online and offline directories
• Use social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as well as our website to market our event center

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Publicity is a very important process for any business that intends to create awareness in the industry. Even though we offer the best and unrivaled services here at Sheldon Event Center, we intend to continue to publicize this so that our customers – existing and potential as well as our competitors can be aware of what we are offering. In publicizing our event center, we intend to explore all means that will allow us gain the awareness we seek.

Publicity and advertising is a two edge sword because not only does it make a business gets noticed, it also serves as a means of generating revenue for the company. This is why our publicity and advertising strategies will be drafted with a publicity consultant so that we not only advertise and increase our awareness but also effectively communicate our brand.

Therefore, below are the various platforms, we intend to use in publicizing and advertising Sheldon Event Center;

• Ensuring that we place adverts in local newspapers, magazines as well as on radio and on television stations
• Writing free columns for the local newspapers that are focused on event centers
• Allowing one non-profit organization have a free slot every quarter of the year
• Ensure that we use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to vigorously promote our business
• Distribute our handbills and paste our fliers in target and conspicuous areas
• Install our bill boards on strategic locations all around Urbandale – Iowa

12. Our Pricing Strategy

When it comes to the rates we intend to charge for our services, we have come up with a pricing strategy that will meet with the budget of our clients here in Iowa. There are different packages and categories with varying rates available for all our different clients and we have ensured that each package is not only affordable but will meet and exceed the needs of all our different clients.

In a bid to raise awareness and also attract customers to our business, we intend to offer our customers a discount for the first three months of business. We have ensured that the discounted rates we will offer our clients will in no way allow us run at a loss even though we might be operating on a low profit margin for the duration of the discounted prices.

• Payment Options

Due to evolving technologies, we at Sheldon Event Center understand that there are varied payment options that our clients would prefer, and we have come up with different payment platforms that will be suitable for our different clients;

Below are the payment options that will be made available to our clients;

• Payment by check
• Payment via credit card
• Payment via online payment portal
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine

The above payment options were careful chosen by us and will run without any form of hitches or inconvenience to our clients.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Starting an event center can be quite demanding especially at the initial stage, where one is expected to spend the bulk of capital on certain on certain aspects in order to ensure that the event center is up to standard. Most of the bulk of the capital usually goes to securing a hall and then equipping the hall to certain standards for clients.

Also, start-up capital is usually used to sustain the business by paying salaries of employees and certain bills until the business is able to generate the revenue that will allow it sustain itself. Therefore the key areas where we intend to spend our start-up capital are;

• Total business incorporation fees in the United States of America – $750
• Other legal expenses as well as obtaining of accounting software and licenses – $1,250
• Cost of hiring a business consultant – $1,500
• Insurance coverage (property insurance, general liability and workers’ compensation) – $2,000
• Cost of leasing a facility for a year and carrying out renovations – $70,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, bill payments) – $100,000
• Marketing promotion expenses (for grand opening as well as general marketing expenses) – $3,000
• Other start-up expenses (stationery, furniture, computers, printers, and phones) – $10,000
• Cost of start-up inventory (cutleries, linens, napkins, china and glassware) – $10,000
• Cost of purchasing a van – $20,000
• Cost of launching a website – $500
• Cost of throwing a grand opening party – $3,000
• Miscellaneous – $8,000

From the above analysis, we would need the sum of at least $230,000 in order to successfully start and run our event center business in Urbandale – Iowa. The amount above includes leasing of the facility for use as well as paying the salaries of employees for at least 3 months.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Sheldon Event Center Business

Sheldon Event Center is a local business owned and financed by Ms. Lori Sheldon. Ms. Sheldon does not intend to seek for external investors in running or financing her business, hence her reason for restricting the sources of income to just 3 sources;

The three areas where the start-up capital will be generated from are;

• From personal savings and sale of stock
• Soft loan from family members and friends
• Loan from commercial bank

N.B: Sheldon Event Center has been able to generate $30,000 from the personal savings of Ms. Sheldon. $15,000 was gotten from family members and friends and the business is at its final stage of obtaining the sum of $185,000 from the bank. As it stands all the necessary documents have been signed and the amount will likely be credited to the business account any moment from now.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Every business that is established to make profit intends to use such profit in sustaining itself and possibly expanding based on the vision and objective of the company. Our sustainability and expansion strategy at Sheldon Event Center is drafted in such a way as to ensure that we continue in the business for a long time to come.

Firstly, we intend to ensure that we hire only competent and professional staffs that fully understand our core values as a company as well as the industry. Also, our staffs have the required expertise to ensure that our business is taken to the level it should be.

To keep our employees happy and productive, we intend to ensure that we provide a conducive working environment, have great welfare packages for them and also ensure that they undergo training every now and then that will not only enhance their skills but make them more productive for the company.

We intend to offer various services at our event center so as to be able to build a revenue base that will sustain us and ensure that we do not constantly go to seek for loans to be able to run the business. Our various services will also make us stand out from our competitors whilst ensuring that we have a healthy bottom line.

Finally, we intend to retain a high percentage of our clients by ensuring that we offer them the best customer service by our trained customer executives. Asides offering excellent customer care, we also intend to ensure that clients that refer us get an incentive and that repeat clients get a discount. These are the strategies we intend to apply in sustaining and expanding our event center business.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting feasibility studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – wholesale suppliers / merchants: In Progress
• Purchase of trucks: Completed

More on Real Estate

Event Venue Business Plan Guide + Free Example

July 6, 2023

Adam Hoeksema

Finding the perfect venue for an event can be a daunting task, and running the perfect venue can be even more challenging. If you are looking to start your own event venue, this demands strategic thinking, careful planning, and a sharp eye for detail. It's not just about finding the right location; it's about understanding your target market, gauging competition, predicting costs, and generating profits. Sounds overwhelming? Fear not, we have your back!

In this blog post, we will take you step-by-step through the process of creating an effective and practical business plan for your event venue business. From defining your business concept and forecasting your financials, to marketing strategies and operational plans, we will cover it all. Moreover, we've included a free, downloadable event venue business plan example to provide you with a tangible resource to guide you through your own planning process.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur who's new to the industry, an experienced event planner branching out, or simply exploring the idea, this comprehensive guide and free example are sure to make your journey to launching your own event venue a bit easier. Stay with us as we delve deeper into the world of event venue businesses and empower you to bring your vision to life.

Here is what I plan to cover in this post:

• Why write a business plan for an event venue?

What to include in an event venue business plan?

Event venue business plan outline, how to analyze the competition for your event venue.

• How to Promote an Event Venue?
• How to create financial projections for an event venue
• Event venue example business plan
• Event venue business plan FAQs

With that as our guide, let’s dive in. 

Why write a business plan for an event venue? 

The primary reason to write a business plan for an event venue is because your potential investors and lenders have asked for your business plan.  I can come up with all sorts of reasons why it might be smart to write a detailed business plan, but at the end of the day, the real reason is because writing a business plan is standing in between you and the startup funding that you need.  

If you are looking to secure an SBA loan, then this general overview on how to write a business plan for an SBA loan can be helpful.  It discusses the differences between writing a standard, long form business plan versus a lean startup business plan which will typically use a business model canvas.  I think this can be some helpful background, but we want to know more specifically how to write a business plan for an event center business.  The following is the outline we use for our event venue business plan template.   

Event Venue Plan Outline

I. executive summary.

II. Business Concept

III. Market Analysis

IV. Competition Analysis

V. Marketing Strategy

VI. Menu and Kitchen Operations

VII. Service and Hospitality

VIII. Financial Plan

Startup Costs:

• Projected Financial Summary:

Annual Sales, Gross Profit and Net Profit:

Key financial ratios:, income statement:, balance sheet:, cash flow statement:.

IX. Organizational Structure

X. Conclusion

As you review our business plan template I think you will get the idea of what to include in most of the sections, but I wanted to focus on a couple of unique sections of your business and provide some tools and techniques that I think might be helpful as you try to complete a competitive analysis and marketing section of your business plan. 

In order to analyze the competition in a given market for an event venue I like to try to pull both website traffic data and physical foot traffic data .  I use a few different tools to help find this data.  

How to Estimate Website Traffic for a Competitor

To estimate website traffic for a competitor I would start by looking up their website on a tool like Ahrefs which will show us how much organic website traffic they are getting.  For this example, let’s assume that our competitor is a wedding venue and winery called The Sycamore Winery .  We can see that they receive approximately 650 organic website visitors per month:

Additionally, with Ahrefs we can see which keywords are sending them the most organic traffic.  In this example, they are getting some traffic from wedding venue related keywords as you can see below:

You can look up all of your competitors with a tool like Ahrefs and find out which ones seem to be getting the most website traffic and from which keywords.  This can help you set an SEO strategy for your venue and determine which keywords to target first.  

How to Estimate Foot Traffic for a Competitor  

In addition to website traffic, it can be really powerful to estimate the actual foot traffic that a particular location might be getting.  This can help you get some understanding of how many events and people you might be able to expect at your event venue which can be important for your financial projections.  Ultimately, the number of events and the size of those events will likely correlate directly with your revenue, so estimating foot traffic can be a secret weapon as you analyze the competition.  

Using our foot traffic report service we can see that The Sycamore Winery has roughly 3,500 visitors per month. 

The report also allows us to see foot traffic by day, so we can see how busy various days are.  This would give you some indication of how many events you might be able to forecast on the weekends and weekdays.  

With that level of detail you may know more about your competitors than they know themselves, and it can really help you understand key drivers of business for your competitors.  

How to Promote an Event Venue? 

Another aspect of your event center business plan that I think I can provide some unique guidance in is how to promote your event venue.  There are obviously a number of ways to promote your wedding event venue such as: 

• Digital Marketing : Launch a visually appealing website that features high-quality photographs and videos of your venue. Incorporate an interactive virtual tour that enables potential customers to envision their event at your venue. Utilize SEO strategies to improve your venue’s visibility on search engines.
• Social Media Promotion : Use platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to showcase your venue. Post photos from real weddings and other events held at your location, behind-the-scenes shots, and testimonials from happy couples. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and direct messages promptly.
• Bridal Shows and Expos : Participate in local wedding expos and bridal shows. These events are a great opportunity to network with prospective clients and other wedding vendors. Provide potential customers with a tangible feel for your venue through pictures, videos, and brochures.
• Collaborate with Wedding Planners : Wedding planners can be your strongest advocates. Develop relationships with local and regional planners, and invite them to visit your venue. They can recommend your venue to their clients if they're impressed with what you offer.
• Online Wedding Directories : List your venue on wedding directories and websites like The Knot or WeddingWire. These platforms can significantly increase your venue's visibility to couples searching for a venue.

One area I want to spend a little bit of time on is how to promote your event venue with SEO.  If you can rank well for relevant keywords it can provide you with a long term competitive advantage.  So here is what I would do.  I would use Ahrefs as I showed you above and look up your competitors websites to see which keywords are sending them the most traffic.  You will see a column called KD which stands for keyword difficulty.  You should look for relevant keywords for your venue with a low KD – keyword difficulty – these are the keywords that you have the best chance at ranking well for early on.  

Additionally, I would use the Google Keyword Planner Tool , which is free, to see which keywords have the most search volume.  For example, I can see that Indianapolis Wedding Venues has roughly 3,600 monthly searches.  Using the keyword ideas function you can see search volume for other related keywords and identify smaller niche keywords that you are most likely to be able to compete in. 

These search volume estimates give you a good idea of how large the market is and ultimately can flow right into building assumptions for your event venue financial model . 

How to Create Financial Projections for a Business Plan

Just like in any industry, the event venue business has its own set of factors that influence revenue, such as location, event demand, and pricing strategies. Utilizing an event venue financial projection template can simplify the process and boost your confidence. Creating accurate financial projections goes beyond showcasing your venue's ability to host events; it's about illustrating the financial path that leads to profitability and the realization of your vision for creating unforgettable event experiences. To develop precise projections, consider the following steps:

• Estimate startup costs for your event venue, including venue acquisition or lease, renovations or decor, permits, licenses, and initial marketing expenses.
• Forecast revenue based on projected event bookings, pricing per event, and potential revenue streams such as catering services or equipment rentals.
• Project costs related to event preparations, staffing, and other event-specific expenses.
• Estimate operating expenses like utilities, maintenance, insurance, and administrative costs.
• Calculate the capital required to launch and operate your event venue, covering initial expenses and providing working capital for sustained operations.

While financial projections are a vital part of your event venue business plan, seek guidance from experienced professionals in the event industry. Adapt your projections based on real-world insights, leverage industry resources, and stay attuned to emerging event trends to ensure your financial plan aligns with your goals and helps you create a successful and in-demand event venue.

Example Event Venue Business Plan

Presented below is the text for our sample event venue business plan. To make it easier for you, we offer a downloadable Google Doc version of this event venue business plan template here . This allows you to edit it and make it truly yours. Furthermore, we provide a video walkthrough that will assist you in tailoring the business plan to suit your unique event venue concept.

Table of Contents

Ii. market analysis, iii. product and service offerings, iv. marketing and sales strategy, v. operations and management, vi. financial projections.

Startup Costs

Financial Summary

Annual Sales, Gross Profit and Net Profit

Key Financial Ratios

Income Statement

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

VII. Conclusion

The proposed event venue is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of the city, catering to a wide range of events including weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. The venue has a total capacity of 300 guests and boasts a spacious ballroom, a cozy lounge area, and a fully equipped kitchen.

The target market for the venue is the high-end segment, which is expected to generate a significant portion of the revenue. The estimated startup costs for the business are $500,000, which will be funded through a combination of personal savings and a loan from a financial institution.

The business is owned and operated by a team of experienced event professionals who have a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. The team's goal is to make the venue a preferred destination for event organizers and guests alike.

The Market Analysis section provides an overview of the event venue industry and the target market.

The event venue industry has experienced steady growth over the past decade and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The high-end segment of the market is particularly attractive due to the increasing demand for premium event experiences.

The target market for the venue includes corporate clients, wedding planners, and social event organizers. The primary customer demographics are affluent individuals and businesses located in the city, as well as those from nearby cities who are looking for a luxurious event venue.

The venue will differentiate itself from its competitors by offering a combination of exceptional service, high-end amenities, and a prime location. The venue will also leverage technology to enhance the customer experience and streamline operations, making it easier for event organizers to plan and execute their events.

The Product and Service Offerings section provides a description of the venue's features and services.

The venue has a total capacity of 300 guests and includes a spacious ballroom, a cozy lounge area, and a fully equipped kitchen. The ballroom is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems and can be configured to accommodate a variety of event setups. The lounge area is perfect for intimate gatherings and cocktail receptions, while the kitchen provides ample space for catering and food preparation.

In addition to the venue itself, the business will offer a range of services to enhance the customer experience, including event planning and coordination, catering, and lighting and sound support. The venue will also partner with local vendors to provide event decor, florals, and photography services.

The pricing for the venue will be competitive with other premium event venues in the market, with a range of packages available to meet the needs of different types of events. The pricing strategy will be based on a combination of demand and cost considerations, with the goal of maximizing revenue while delivering exceptional value to customers.

The Marketing and Sales Strategy section provides an overview of how the venue will reach potential customers and generate revenue.

The marketing plan for the venue will focus on three primary channels: digital marketing, events and promotions, and partnerships. The digital marketing strategy will include a strong presence on social media, a website optimized for search engines, and targeted online advertising campaigns. The events and promotions strategy will include hosting events and open houses at the venue to showcase its features and services. The partnership strategy will include working with wedding planners, corporate event organizers, and other local businesses to promote the venue and generate referrals.

The Operations and Management section provides a description of the venue's organizational structure and day-to-day operations.

The venue will be owned and operated by a team of experienced event professionals who will be responsible for the overall management of the business. The team includes a General Manager, an Operations Manager, and an Event Coordinator.

The General Manager will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the business, including financial management, marketing and sales, and customer relations. The Operations Manager will be responsible for day-to-day operations, including staffing, scheduling, and vendor management. The Event Coordinator will be responsible for event planning and coordination, ensuring that each event runs smoothly and meets the expectations of the customer.

The venue will utilize a booking and event management system that integrates with the financial and operational systems, making it easier to manage bookings, track revenue, and provide excellent customer service. The venue will also have a robust staffing plan, including a team of event staff and catering staff, to ensure that each event is staffed appropriately.

All of the unique financial projections you see here were generated using ProjectionHub’s event venue  financial projection template . Use PH20BP to enjoy a 20% discount on the template. 

The Financial Projections section provides an overview of the startup costs and the financial performance of the business.

The estimated startup costs for the business are $500,000, which will be funded through a combination of personal savings and a loan from a financial institution. The startup costs include the purchase of equipment and furnishings, leasing costs for the venue, and initial marketing expenses.

Financial Summary:

Watch how to create financial projections for your very own event venue:

The Conclusion and Appendices section provides a summary of the key points of the business plan and supporting documentation.

In conclusion, the event venue business is poised for success due to the growing demand for premium event experiences, the experienced ownership and management team, and the state-of-the-art facilities and services offered. This business plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for reaching potential customers, generating revenue, and delivering exceptional value to event organizers and guests.

Event Venue Business Plan FAQs

How do i start an event venue business.

To start an event venue business, you'll need to identify your target market and niche, secure a suitable location, design and set up the venue space, obtain necessary permits and licenses, establish relationships with event planners or vendors, and create marketing strategies.

What amenities should I consider offering in my event venue?

Amenities to consider offering in an event venue include seating and furniture arrangements, audiovisual equipment, lighting and sound systems, catering facilities or partnerships, restrooms, parking or valet services, and any unique features specific to your venue.

How can I attract clients to book my event venue?

To attract clients, develop a visually appealing website and online presence, showcase your venue's unique features through high-quality photos and virtual tours, offer customizable packages, provide exceptional customer service, and establish relationships with event planners or industry professionals.

How to create pricing packages for an event venue?

Pricing models for event venues can vary, and may include hourly rates, package rates based on event duration and services, tiered pricing based on the size or type of event, or customized pricing based on specific client requirements. Research the local market and industry standards to determine your pricing strategy and if you'll include any equipment rental options.

How can I effectively manage bookings and scheduling for my event venue?

You can effectively manage bookings and scheduling by utilizing event management software or tools, maintaining an up-to-date calendar, streamlining the booking process through online forms or platforms, having clear communication channels with clients, and having dedicated staff to handle inquiries and event coordination.

About the Author

Adam is the Co-founder of ProjectionHub which helps entrepreneurs create financial projections for potential investors, lenders and internal business planning. Since 2012, over 50,000 entrepreneurs from around the world have used ProjectionHub to help create financial projections.

Other Stories to Check out

How to know if your financial projections are realistic.

It is important for financial projections for a small business or startup to be realistic or else an investor or lender may not take them seriously. More importantly, the founder may make a financial mistake without a reliable plan.

How to Finance a Small Business Acquisition

In this article we are going to walk through how to finance a small business acquisition and answer some key questions related to financing options.

How to Acquire a Business in 11 Steps

Many people don't realize that acquiring a business can be a great way to become a business owner if they prefer not to start one from scratch. But the acquisition process can be a little intimidating so here is a guide helping you through it!

Have some questions? Let us know and we'll be in touch.

EVENT MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

In-Person Events

Digitize and scale in-person events

Virtual Events

Host events for worldwide audiences

Event Networking & Matchmaking

Facilitate meaningful meetings and connections

Event Ticketing Platform

Your online ticketing platform, powered by Eventtia

Online Registration

Ticketing & Online Payments

Event Marketing

Event Calendar

On-site Check-in

Event Mobile App

Attendee Engagement

Event Data & Analytics

See Eventtia in Action

API Features & Services

Build custom experiences and workflows

API Documentation

Explore Eventtia's API documentation

API White Paper

Gain actionable industry insights

Serving multiple types of clients and industries

Use one platform to host multiple types of events

Enterprises

Access advanced enterprise features

Consumer & Luxury Retail

Host exceptional events for your customers

Universities & Colleges

Manage events that drive results

Brand Activation & Clienteling

Increase customer loyalty through events and experiences

Corporate Events

Inspire your teams and brand stakeholders by hosting events.

Knowledge Base & Help Center

Get the help you need to use Eventtia's solutions

Blog Articles & Insights

Access industry insights and trends

Interactive Demos

Explore Eventtia's user experience

Platform Comparison

Discover why Eventtia is the ideal solution

Testimonials & Case Studies

Learn how famous brands use Eventtia

Product News & Updates

Keep up with Eventtia's product updates

Discover our story and our culture

Event Management Platform

How to Easily Create a Conference Business Plan That Works

Subscribe to Eventtia's Newsletter

Receive expert insights, product news, customer stories and inspirational content.

By clicking on "Submit", you agree to our privacy policy . You will receive emails about our solutions and services. You may unsubscribe at any time.

You might also be interested in

Best Cvent Competitors and Alternatives in 2024

Cvent vs vFairs: Which Event Management Software Is Best?

Best White Label Event Management Platforms in 2024

• France and Europe
• United States
• Latin America

Virtual & Hybrid Events

Networking & Matchmaking

API & INTEGRATIONS

Features & Services

Online Documentation

White Paper

Consumer and Luxury Retail

Brand Activation and Clienteling

Knowledge Base

North & South America

Europe & Middle-East

Asia & Oceania

Copyright © 2024 Eventtia

Terms of services

Privacy policy

Copyright © 2014 - 2024 Eventtia

Product Overview

• Donor Database Use a CRM built for nonprofits.
• Marketing & Engagement Reach out and grow your donor network.
• Online Giving Enable donors to give from anywhere.
• Reporting & Analytics Easily generate accurate reports.
• Volunteer Management Volunteer experiences that inspire.
• Membership Management Unify your donor and member data.
• Bloomerang Payments Process payments seamlessly.
• Data Management Gather and update donor insights.
• Integrations
• Professional Services & Support
• API Documentation

Learn & Connect

• Articles Read the latest from our community of fundraising professionals.
• Guides & Templates Download free guides and templates.
• Webinars & Events Watch informational webinars and attend industry events.
• DEI Resources Get DEI resources from respected and experienced leaders.
• Ask An Expert Real fundraising questions, answered.
• Bloomerang Academy Learn from our team of fundraising and technology experts.
• Consultant Directory
• Comms Audit Tool
• Donor Retention Calculator
• Compare Bloomerang
• Volunteer Management

Conference Planning: A Step-by-Step Checklist for Success

Great Fundraising Events: From Experience to Transformation.

Conferences are an important part of professional development and business networking for all industries. Bringing people together from all around the world in the same industry to learn and share is essential for innovation. A successful conference can come in all shapes and sizes, from 200 people over a weekend to 15,000 for a week.

Bloomerang Volunteer has had the privilege of working with many conferences, some of which are the largest in their industry. Through this, Bloomerang Volunteer understands the complex logistical challenges and planning that go into setting up a conference for success. Planning a conference can be a large undertaking, but this step-by-step checklist will help ensure whatever you plan will be a success.

Table of Contents

Getting started: 8-12 months out, ramping up: 4-8 months out, building excitement: 1-4 months out.

• The Weeks Before Your Conference

After the Conference

There is a lot of planning that goes into an in-person conference event. That’s why it is so important to start your conference planning process well in advance. It is helpful to review your successes and shortcomings from your last conference and use that information to help inform your planning this time around.

Task #1 – Establish your goals and objectives.

To plan and execute an amazing conference or corporate event, you need to first decide specifically what you are trying to accomplish. Ask yourself what type of conference attendee you want to attract, as well as how you can make sure the conference relates to your brand. What kind of value do you want to provide, and which organizations and speakers would make ideal partners for your event?

In order to do this, you need to answer some basic questions:

• What do you want the takeaway to be?
• What will people learn from your conference?
• Who is your target audience?
• Does your event need to turn a profit? If so, what is that profit target?
• How much will tickets cost?
• What charitable work will your conference do?
• Where will your event take place?
• How many people will attend your event?

By answering these questions, you will begin to see a clear picture of your conference objectives and the foundational elements needed to make it a success.

Task #2 – Choose a format and theme.

Your conference’s format and theme will form the basis of your attendees’ and sponsors’ experiences at your conference. As such, you should choose a theme that will attract your target audience and shine the spotlight on your brand. Your theme should be apparent to attendees and coherent throughout the event.

Here are a few conference themes to spark some ideas:

• Destination Innovation
• Journey To The Top
• Partners In Progress
• Mission Possible
• Back To The Future

Once you have a theme to act as your guide, the next step in the conference planning process is to decide your conference format. There are so many event formats to choose from, and you can also combine formats to deliver a unique experience for your attendees.

Here are a few formats that you can incorporate in your conference:

• Large Seminars
• Industry Panel Discussion
• Workshop Session
• Round Table
• Speed Networking (Like Speed dating)
• Gamification Sessions

Whatever format(s) you select for your conference, it is important to consider what will make your event stand out from your competitors. The more memorable and impactful your conference is, the greater success it will have for years to come.

Task #3 – Set your budget.

Now that you have a clear idea of what kind of conference you will be planning, the next step is to establish a budget to make it all happen. There are so many line items that make up a conference budget so it is important to account for all of them and then some for incidentals along the way.

Establishing Your Fixed Costs

There are many fixed costs in conference planning that will inevitably make up the most considerable portion of your event budget. These costs are not typically affected by the number of attendees at your event — they are what they are.

Examples of fixed costs are:

• Event Venue
• Equipment (AV tech)
• Licenses and Permits

Establishing Your Variable Costs

There are a lot more variable costs than fixed ones when it comes to conference planning. Variable expenses are all the extra things that depend on your number of attendees, marketing costs, and all the extra touches that make your event unique.

Examples of variable costs include:

• Meals per attendee
• Marketing and advertising
• Social event cost
• Shuttle or transportation service
• Event staff & volunteer management software
• Print materials
• Giveaways and speaker gifts

Once you have a clear understanding of all the line items required to make your conference a success, you can begin to establish your conference budget. Don’t forget to allot some extra money for any last-minute expenses that come up along the way.

Now that you have a clear idea of what your conference is and all the activities you will have for your attendees, it’s time to start planning how you are going to deliver those incredible experiences.

Task #4 – Choose a location and set a date

There is no conference without a venue and date. So now it’s time to get that all sorted out so you can begin planning your logistics. A great conference needs a great venue. If you are new to organizing conferences, ask other organizers what venues have worked for them for past events.

When you have found a potential venue, ask yourself:

• Is this venue accessible?
• Is it close to suitable accommodations?
• Will attendees find parking easily?
• Is the size suitable for the audience size you imagine?
• Does the venue have availability for the preferred event date?

Most of the time, an event date is determined by a venue’s availability. However, if the date is more important than the venue, you will need to prioritize finding a venue that accommodates that date. Once you have your venue/location and date set, it’s time to rally the troops to make this event happen.

Task #5 – Recruit a team of volunteers

Every good conference needs a team of dedicated individuals to keep things running. Rather than hire an entire crew to do this for your conference, why not use volunteers ? Many attendees would love to volunteer some of their time for a reduced conference ticket, or students would love to participate if they’re looking at getting involved in the industry post-graduation.

Volunteers are an essential part of most of the largest conferences in the world. So why not try to recruit some help from motivated individuals. Bloomerang Volunteer management software has helped conferences recruit, schedule, manage, and communicate with volunteers.

Getting started is simple; you just have to create a custom branded volunteer sign-up form and post it to your conference website. From there, interested volunteers can sign up directly for shifts they are qualified to work.

Here is an example of how volunteer management software can make an impact:

“ Social Media Marketing World went from an event with only 50 staff to more than 200 staff. There were 4,500 attendees, more than 600 shifts worked, and over 4,000 hours worked. Event manager Jaci Feinstein summarized the experience by saying, “Bloomerang Volunteer is worth every dollar to be able to streamline and better manage, communicate, organize your volunteers. It allows you and your volunteers to focus on what is really important.”

Task #6 – Book speakers and vendors.

Now it’s time to book all those people and organizations that will make your conference a memorable experience. You have likely created a list of desired speakers and vendors for your event. Now it’s time to secure those people for your event.

Booking Your Speakers

You will want to secure a few keynote speakers that are well known, as well as other speakers who can offer their expertise to your attendees. Securing your main speakers is incredibly important because you can’t effectively build your event schedule and marketing plans without them.

Booking Your Vendors

Your vendors are the people who will ensure that attendees are comfortable, fed, and entertained, so you must select the best vendors possible. There are many vendors to secure for your event, from Wifi providers and caterers to equipment rentals and attendee software. It is important to keep track of each vendor’s contract and deliverables to ensure there are no surprises when they start work.

Task #7 – Search for sponsors.

Sponsors are a huge source of revenue to help offset initial event costs. Corporate sponsorship is a common practice for industry conferences; often, industry vendors will be looking to sponsor events. To attract sponsors, it is important to establish all the various events and material available for sponsorship and then create sponsorship packages for your team to send to your list of ideal sponsors.

Remember that sponsors should be getting measurable value out of their money, so make sure to include numbers in your packages. The more successful the event is for your sponsors, the more likely they will be eager to contribute more next year.

Now it’s time to get everyone excited about your event. This is when to start sharing all the amazing things you have planned for your event to attract attendees and more volunteers to your conference.

Task #8 – Build your website.

Many event producers will choose to build an event-specific website for marketing and attendee registration. Other companies will simply add event specifics pages to their existing corporate website. Whichever way you choose, all the information an attendee, vendor, or volunteer needs must be available and easy to find online.

Here are some core pieces of information you need on your website:

• Event date and location
• Key speakers and activities
• Ticket and registration portal with payment gate
• A volunteer page with online registration
• Vendor and sponsorship information

Task #9 – Promote your event.

Now it’s time to start promoting your event to your network and to your target audience. What makes your event stand out from the crowd? Take that unique sales proposition and use it as a core pillar in all your marketing efforts .

When creating your marketing materials, it is important to use your theme and brand to stand out and create material in any medium . For example, a video on social media and YouTube can go a long way but so can a great graphic in an email. The more you have to work with, the more channels you can market in.

In today’s market, it is very important to use multiple channels to market your event. Here are marketing channels to promote your event:

• Email marketing to your network
• Social media channels
• Industry publications
• Paid social ads

Be consistent with posting and make sure to drive people to your registration and volunteer signup forms. By spreading the word as widely as possible, you’ll get your conference in front of more people, directly impacting event attendance.

Task #10 – Draft a schedule.

As you fill speakers slots and seminar hosts, keep a draft version of your schedule. Your event schedule is a key tool for you and all your stakeholders, like vendors and volunteers . Your schedule will change, but as your conference approaches, it is important to make your conference schedule available so everyone else has to make plans around it.

The Week Before Your Conference

As your event approaches, it’s time to make sure everything is all in place, and everyone knows what they need to do to set up your conference and ensure its success. This phase of conference planning is critical and will require a lot of last-minute adjustments and patience. Everyone on your team as well as all your speakers, vendors, and volunteers must have all the information they need to their best work.

Task #11 – Send Final Reminders.

As the conference approaches, it is vital to ensure everyone is meeting important deadlines and milestones. This is when reminders communications come in handy for everyone. Make sure to keep people updated on your event’s progress and any changes that need to be made to the schedule.

As for your vendors, sponsors, and volunteers, you will need to be in contact with a lot during the last few weeks leading up to the event. Consider assigning a staff member for each group, and ask them to keep their group updated on all the information and changes that can affect their job. Good communications will ensure the event setup goes smoothly.

Task #12 – Give your volunteers the final rundown.

Now that you have assembled an amazing team of volunteers, it’s important to equip them with all the training and tools they need to thrive. Volunteers should be trained on general safety regulations and receive specific training concerning the roles and responsibilities they will be tasked with during the event.

This is the time to ask your volunteers to download the volunteer app from your volunteer management software to access their personal volunteer schedule and event documents. This app should also allow them to check-in to shifts and communicate directly with their supervisor. Your volunteers are the people that will be the face of your event, so the better equipped they are, the better they can ensure your attendees have a great experience.

Once your conference is over, there are still some things to accomplish to ensure you set up next year for success. It is so important to document and track all the successes you had and any shortcomings that arose during your event. The more you learn, the more you can improve.

Task #13 – Survey your audience.

There is no way to tell if your attendees had a good time without asking them. This is when an online survey can help you learn how your event did. Create an online survey that asks questions about specific topics like location, food, session and speakers, and general feelings about your conference. All the problems in your survey should help you better understand how you can improve your event.

The survey should be distributed no more than a day or two after your conference. You want to ensure that your event is still fresh in everyone’s mind to collect the most accurate information possible.

Task #14 – Share any follow-up resources.

There was a lot of information and resources made available to your attendees throughout your conference, but some of those resources may inevitably be lost or forgotten. Make sure to share any event-specific resources and videos with your attendees through email and social channels shortly after your conference. You naturally want everyone to receive the maximum value from your event, so this extra effort can go a long way.

Now it’s time for you to start planning a fantastic event. This article should simply act as a jumping-off point for your conference planning. Bloomerang Volunteer can help you deliver a specular conference by helping you build an outstanding team of skilled, loyal & committed staff and volunteers. To learn more, click here to take a tour or explore the list of resources below.

See How Bloomerang Can Have a Bigger Impact on Your Mission!

Get the free guide!

Exclusive Resources

Related Articles

Event Planning Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Event Planning Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their event planning businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through an event planning business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Event Planning Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your own event planning business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for Your Event Planning Company

If you’re looking to start an event planner business or grow your existing one you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your event planning business to improve your chances of success. Your event planning business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Event Planning Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of secure funding for an event planning business are bank loans, personal funding, credit cards, and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

Another common form of secure funding for an event planning business is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund an event planning business.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for event planning.

When you write a business plan, you should include the following 10 key aspects:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each important component of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of event planning business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have an event planning business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of businesses.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the event planning business industry. Discuss the type of business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target audience. Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy and plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Corporate Events : this type of event planning business caters to businesses, charities, nonprofit organizations, and the like to plan fundraisers, receptions, conventions, trade shows, competitions, award ceremonies, product launches, and other types of meetings.
• Social Events : this type of event planning business targets middle- to upper-income individuals and families to plan events such as weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other types of celebrations.
• Niche Events : some event planners specialize in just one of the above event types.

In addition to explaining the type of event planning business you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new contracts, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your business structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the event planning business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the industry educates you. It helps you understand the target market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards events that adhere to social distancing guidelines, it would be helpful to ensure your plan details what approach you would take (suggested venues, creative solutions for inclusion, etc.).

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section:

• How big is the event planning industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your business. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section must detail the clientele you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: private and corporate clients, high-income households, medium-income households, engaged couples, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of event planning company you operate and the event services you offer. Clearly, businesses would want a different atmosphere, pricing, and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than engaged couples.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the age groups, genders, locations, and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most event planning companies primarily serve customers living in the same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target market. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do to attract customers and retain your existing customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other planners and businesses that offer event planning services.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors. This includes caterers, venues, and customers planning events on their own. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who throws a party hires an event planner each time.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be other businesses that offer event planning services very close to your site.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What planning services do they offer (wedding planning, baby showers, birthday parties, social events, etc.)?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. 

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior event management options (e.g., more cuisine types, better venue options, etc.)?
• Will you provide event options that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to book your services (e.g., utilizing event planning software, etc.)?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For an event management business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

In the product section, you should reiterate the type of business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products/services you will be offering. For example, in addition to designing the event, locating the venue, arranging vendors, coordinating personnel, and supervising the event, will you offer services such as catering, decor, and entertainment?

In this section, document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place refers to the location of your event management business, conference centers, and/or venues in which you own and/or have a relationship. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success.

The final part of your event planning business marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your site. The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Social media marketing
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites 
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., getting on the list of recommended vendors with local venues)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your event planner business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your event planning business such as interviewing clients, making arrangements, keeping the store/studio clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 100th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in total sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch in a new market.

Management Team

To demonstrate your own event planning business’ ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company. 

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience as event planners or in the industry. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in event planning and/or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you plan one event per week or several events? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your business, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a company approached you with a massive $100,000 event contract, that would cost you $50,000 to fulfill. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $50,000 now for supplies, equipment rentals, employee salaries, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During those 180 days, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key startup costs needed in starting or growing your business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• The total cost of equipment and furnishings like decor, sound systems, etc.
• Cost of maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

  Event Planning Summary Putting together your own event planner business plan is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the event planning sample template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the business, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful event planning business.

Event Planning Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my event planning business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Event Planning Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of event planning business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have an event planning business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of event planning businesses.

  OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.   Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

9 Free Conference Planning Templates for Your Next Big Event

By Joe Weller | August 14, 2023

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn

Link copied

It’s a substantial commitment to plan a conference — and plan it well. Planning a big event with proposals to approve, speakers to schedule, and advertising materials to create and promote can feel overwhelming. By utilizing our library of conference planning templates, event organizers can prepare for a conference of any size without letting important details slip through the cracks.

In this guide, you will find various conference planning templates — from proposals to evaluations — along with tips on how to use conference planning templates, the benefits of using them, and what to include in them.

1. Conference Proposal Template

Download Conference Proposal Template Microsoft Word | Google Docs | Adobe PDF

Speakers, vendors, suppliers, and organizational partners matter at a conference. Members of a brand’s target audience may agree to attend upcoming conferences or participate in conference activities if brands they are interested in or associated with decide to partner with the conference’s organization. This conference proposal template helps organizers analyze and choose the best organizational partners for their conference’s goals and target audience.

• Use: This template is best for client and speaker proposals.
• Benefits: This template allows potential clients and speakers to propose their services or partnership to an organization holding a conference.
• Key Elements: This template includes space to outline services, performance expectations, pricing and payment terms, estimated fees, event information, and work scoping.

2. Conference Budget Template

Download Conference Budget Template Microsoft Excel | Google Sheets | Adobe PDF

While planning the budget for a conference, there are plenty of moving parts to account for, including venue, entertainment, and marketing costs. A conference budget template can help coordinators track conference costs, budget for expected and unexpected expenses, and account for conference budgeting restrictions.

• Use: This template is best for calculating projected and actual conference subtotals.
• Benefits: This template provides users with categorized sections for calculating individual item subtotals and overall conference budgets.
• Key Elements: This template includes sections for projected subtotals and actual subtotals for each item across various categories.

3. Conference Agenda Template

Download Conference Agenda Template Microsoft Word | Google Docs | Smartsheet

Organizers can use conference agenda templates to keep track of potential conference facilitators and attendees, schedule presentations, and provide attendees, presenters, and other conferencegoers with detailed presentation descriptions. This template can also help organizers estimate presentation times and session durations.

• Use: This template is best for scheduling conference presentations and calculating their duration.
• Benefits: This template allows coordinators and creators to schedule agenda items and describe their contents, presenters, and possible attendees.
• Key Elements: This template includes spaces for a conference’s call-in number, call-in code, and web link, as well as the attendees requested, conference schedule, description of the agenda items, and the event’s presenter, start time, and duration.

4. Conference Call Agenda Template

Download Conference Call Agenda Template Microsoft Word | Google Docs | Adobe PDF

Whether on video or by phone, a conference call agenda template can help coordinators plan schedules and deliver agenda item descriptions to attendees before a conference starts. This clear agenda can help keep conference calls on schedule and provide attendees with additional information.

• Use: This template is best for scheduling conference call agendas.
• Benefits: This template allows conference call coordinators to schedule agenda items, create item descriptions, and account for attendees.
• Key Elements: This template includes space for the meeting title, subject, facilitator, attendees, description of agenda items, presenters, and event duration.

5. Conference Planning Checklist

Download Conference Planning Checklist Microsoft Word | Google Docs | Adobe PDF

It’s no secret that people love checking items off a list — with this conference planning checklist, you can organize and complete essential conference planning tasks. This template can help you visualize your progress while planning a conference and help organizers understand what needs to happen 3 to 24 months before it begins.

• Use: This template is best for all stages of conference planning.
• Benefits: This template provides users with a checklist of items to consider when planning any type of conference.
• Key Elements: This template includes planning sections for every stage of the conference, from  24 months pre-event to immediately post-event, with each stage including a separate checklist of items.

6. Conference Planning Worksheet

Download Conference Planning Worksheet Template Microsoft Excel | Google Sheets | Smartsheet

A conference planning worksheet can help organizers estimate projected expenses, complete conference purchases, and track pending items needed for a conference. This template also allows users to organize conference items by category, gauge the amount allocated and spent per item, and provide the difference between a projected and actual conference subtotal.

• Use: This template is best for tracking the purchases — both pending and completed — of all your must-have items. 
• Benefits: This template provides a variety of conference item categories for tracking your expenses and having your conference needs in one place.
• Key Elements: This template includes sections for venue, decor, food and beverage, event programming, entertainment, travel, guest services, registration, communication, public relations, marketing, social media, advertising, sponsors, logistics, and other items.

7. Conference Workflow Template

Download Conference Workflow Template Microsoft Word | Google Docs | Adobe PDF

Conferences that frequently launch marketing campaigns have a variety of digital assets that need to be created pre- and post-event. These assets — blog posts, social media campaigns, email campaigns, press releases, and more — must be assigned and executed by specific dates. Conference workflow templates help conference owners organize these projects and approve their completion.

• Use: This template is best for conferences with a marketing campaign.
• Benefits: This template allows conference organizers to create workflows covering a project’s pre- and post-event items.
• Key Elements: This template includes sections for different categories and tasks related to the campaign, along with each one’s respective manager, deadline, and approval status.

8. Conference Sign-in Sheet Template

Download Conference Sign-in Sheet Template Microsoft Word | Google Docs | Adobe PDF

Not all conferences require attendees to check in, but a conference sign-in sheet template can be a helpful tool for organizers hoping to track conference attendance. Organizers can use this template for conferences of all sizes to list observations or write comments during a conference’s duration.

• Use: This template is best for conferences where tracking attendance is necessary.
• Benefits: This template is a streamlined organizational sign-in sheet for conferences of all sizes.
• Key Elements: This template includes sections for conference information, including its organizers, location, and attendee names and their signatures.

9. Conference Evaluation Form

Download Conference Evaluation Form Microsoft Word | Google Docs | Adobe PDF

When a conference is complete, there’s no time to sit back and relax. Instead, conference organizers should send follow-up communication to suppliers, vendors, and speakers and post-conference evaluations to attendees. This conference evaluation form can help organizations discover strengths and weaknesses in their events and help organizers get a jump start for new conference preparations.

• Use: This template is best for post-conference evaluations.
• Benefits: This template allows conference organizers to collect post-conference data about attendants’ experiences and recommendations.
• Key Elements: This template includes post-conference survey questions covering attendant demographics and backgrounds.

What to Include In a Conference Planning Template

What you should include in a conference planning template depends on which template you choose to use, if you plan an in-person or virtual conference , and what your conference needs to succeed.

It’s best to include some general information in all conference planning templates:

• Conference Description: Include a conference description on each planning template to ensure each document gets completed according to its specific event.
• Conference Goals: A conference’s goals are the core of the event. Outlining these goals can consistently keep all investors aware of their expectations and collaborate on goal-specific ideas.
• Budget: You must account for many conference expenses — big and small — during every stage of the conference planning process.

How To Use a Conference Planning Template

Like any good template, a conference planning template is a great place to start when diving into the planning process for a big event . To best utilize any type of conference planning template, you should also use a project management system to organize your planning documents.

Share your conference planning templates with others involved, including marketers, advertisers, content creators, web developers, sales managers, and more. Conference planning should be a collaborative process, so keeping templates updated and shared across teams is the best way to use them.

Additionally, you should use conference planning templates along with other process templates. Organizers can use our library of conference templates in tandem to create a structured, organized planning process from start to finish — no matter the size or theme of a conference.

Benefits of Using Conference Planning Templates

During the pre-planning, duration, and post-planning stages of an event, conference planning templates can produce many valuable benefits:

• Conference planning can occur virtually and asynchronously.
• Updates are easy and quick to share across teams.
• All data, including attendants, vendors, suppliers, and speakers, are accounted for and tracked in a central location. 
• Calculate budgets before purchasing begins.
• Organizers and staff are assigned expectations in advance of due dates.
• Streamline timelines and task assignments.
• Checklists allow organizers to visualize the planning progress.
• Automatic status updates are available, and plans are shareable across wider teams.
• During a conference, tasks can be managed, assigned, and finished.

From simple task management and project planning to complex resource and portfolio management, Smartsheet helps you improve collaboration and increase work velocity -- empowering you to get more done. 

The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed.

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time. Try Smartsheet for free, today.

Discover a better way to streamline workflows and eliminate silos for good.

See how Cvent can solve your biggest event challenges. Watch a 30-minute demo.

19 Engaging Conference Themes for 2024

In-person, hybrid, or  virtual conferences  are more than just fancy corporate meetings; they are platforms for knowledge sharing, networking, and business growth. According to a  recent survey , 31% of respondents believe that trade shows, conferences, conventions, and channel events are essential to doing business in their target customer markets. In comparison, another 42% believe them to be still very valuable. 

This data underscores the importance of conferences and the need to get them right. One key element of successful  conference management  is the theme. The theme sets the tone for the event, guides the selection of speakers and topics, and creates a memorable experience for everyone involved. And in this blog, we've curated a list of 19 conference themes you can try in 2024.

19 Engaging Conference Themes 

Here are 19 conference theme ideas that are sure to captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression in 2024:

Motivational/Inspirational Themes

1.  A Whole New World:  This theme focuses on mastering technological trends shaping the future of business. It's about understanding and integrating these technologies into existing business models to drive innovation. 

The conference should include interactive workshops where attendees can learn how to apply these technologies in their businesses through hands-on activities like building AI models or exploring blockchain solutions. You can also include case studies of companies like Tesla and Google to explain how they have been at the forefront of tech innovation. 

2.  Anything is Possible:  At the heart of this theme lies a powerful message—you are capable of more than you know. This theme is designed to push attendees to challenge the boundaries of their beliefs and envision what could be if only they dared to dream big. Through engaging talks and interactive workshops, it delves into the latest psychological research on growth mindsets and intrinsic motivation. 

Bring in experts and ask them to share transformative strategies that have helped top performers shatter glass ceilings. This will also provide participants with tools that can help them map out their paths to success, whether they're looking to climb the career ladder or turn a side hustle into a thriving business.

3.  Don't Stop Believing:  This theme serves as a rallying cry for anyone who's faced setbacks and fought the urge to give up. It aims to equip participants with mental and emotional strategies and tools to persist, persevere, and thrive in the face of adversity, ensuring they leave motivated and equipped to meet their challenges head-on. 

Provide the latest findings on resilience from cognitive psychology and behavioral science to explain what keeps some people pushing forward when others feel like throwing in the towel. Request speakers who have overcome significant personal and professional obstacles to share their journeys and offer actionable insights and strategies that the attendees can apply in their own lives. 

Visionary Conference Theme

4.  Back to the Future:  The business world is rapidly changing. What was relevant yesterday may not even exist today—think of companies like Netflix, Kodak, and Blockbuster. 

This theme takes a deep dive into history's role as the greatest teacher, pulling lessons from the past to flourish in the future. This corporate conference theme explores tales of businesses that either adapted innovatively to thrive or, on the flip side, failed to change and faded away to help attendees better understand the value of their past experiences and how they can be used to create a more successful future.

5.  Charting the Course:  Goal setting is important. However, having a clear vision and execution strategy is equally important. People who can vividly describe or picture their goals are  1.2 to 1.4 times  more likely to successfully meet them than others. Charting the course can be a great annual conference theme to reinforce the importance of setting clear goals and outlining the steps to achieve them. It should delve into strategic planning, goal-setting, and project management so every team can craft a roadmap that guides them to have a great year ahead.

6.  Facing the Future—Together:  Emphasizing the power of unity, this theme explores how collaboration and teamwork are crucial to overcoming challenges and achieving success. It should cover essential topics like communication, conflict resolution, and team building. This theme is perfect if you're looking to foster a spirit of cooperation among your team or organization, showing how collective effort can lead to remarkable achievements.

Leadership Conference Themes

7.  Becoming Agents of Change:  Deep dive into the art and science of change management by engaging with cutting-edge strategies for effecting change within organizations and communities. 

Call on some experts in the field to lead sessions on innovative change methodologies, such as design thinking and agile management, providing tools that can disrupt traditional approaches and foster a proactive change culture. Host workshops that tackle real-world problems and offer hands-on experience in overcoming resistance and engaging stakeholders effectively. The ultimate goal of this theme is to transform participants into change-makers who can confidently initiate and manage change.

8.  Leadership Challenge:  Today's leaders must be versatile, resilient, and forward-thinking. This theme addresses these needs by focusing on developing core leadership competencies required to excel in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. 

Use case studies, interactive panels, and skill-building sessions to discuss essential leadership qualities such as strategic decision-making, crisis management, and adaptive thinking. This will enhance participants' ability to lead diverse teams through challenges and opportunities alike and steer their organizations toward sustained success.

9.  The Power of You:  According to a survey by the  Harvard Business Review , 71% of employees claim that leadership programs significantly impact their job performance. So, having a conference theme like The Power of You can promote personal growth and leadership development and explore how individuals can tap into their latent potential and remove barriers that limit their performance. 

Through a combination of keynote speeches, collaborative sessions, and personal development workshops, delve into areas crucial for any leader, including emotional intelligence, effective communication, and strategic time management. Use success stories from seasoned leaders to inspire attendees and give practical exercises to help them practice new skills in real time. The goal is to empower each participant to become a more effective leader by focusing on self-awareness, team dynamics, and the practical application of leadership theories in everyday scenarios.

Teamwork/Collaboration Themes

10.  Higher, Faster, Stronger:  As the name suggests, this conference theme helps participants achieve greater success through effective teamwork and collaboration. Ultimately, it should help attendees develop the skills they need to build and lead high-performing teams. Participants will be better equipped to drive growth and achieve their goals by focusing on effective teamwork and collaboration. 

Cover topics like communication skills, conflict resolution, goal setting, time management, project management, and building a strong team culture. You can also feature case studies and success stories from industry leaders who have successfully built high-performing teams and achieved greater heights of success through effective teamwork and collaboration.

11.  Success through Synergy:  Employees who collaborate are known to be happier and more cohesive in teams than others. Use this theme to discuss the power of collaboration and teamwork in driving success. Discuss the latest strategies and tools for building effective teams and how to leverage the strengths and perspectives of different team members to achieve common goals.

In the end, attendees should understand how to develop the skills and mindset to build high-performing teams and achieve success through collaboration and synergy.

Competitive Themes

12.  No Stopping Us Now:  We've all felt that deflating sense of lost momentum at some point in our careers. Whether a last-minute client requirement changes or a major technical glitch, a small setback can steal our momentum and leave us questioning ourselves.

This is where a conference theme like this resonates. Use it to explain how to keep the momentum going and maintain a positive attitude in facing challenges and obstacles. Include a mix of inspiring keynote speakers who've bounced back from adversity, interactive workshops for refining the "bounce-back" mindset, and ways to stay motivated when the going gets tough. 

13.  Beat (Name of Biggest Competitor):  Your biggest competitor is your benchmark. It's the bar you will always aim to beat so that your product, service, or strategy stands above the rest.   

This conference theme is your battle plan. Take this opportunity to provide strategies for developing competitive advantages and outmaneuvering competition. Provide best practices for analyzing and responding to competitive threats and how to develop and execute effective competitive strategies. 

Marketing and Sales Conference Themes

14.  Discover the Difference:  Every product or service has something special that sets it apart. This conference helps attendees discover that unique value proposition and learn how to share it with the world. It aims to help them deeply understand their product or service and gain the skills to communicate its unique value to customers. 

15.  Selling Beyond Price:  Price is often a sensitive issue that decides the fate of a deal. Use this conference theme to encourage sales professionals to focus on other factors influencing customer decisions, such as value, quality, and customer experience.

It will help them develop a more nuanced understanding of the sales process and gain the skills needed to sell effectively, build lasting relationships with customers, and drive long-term growth.

16.  Get Momentum:  How do you build and sustain momentum in your sales and marketing efforts? This conference theme addresses this question. Cover topics like goal setting, time management, productivity hacks, building a strong team, and leveraging data and analytics to track progress and make informed decisions. You can also feature case studies and success stories from industry leaders who have successfully built and sustained results in their sales and marketing efforts.

Technology Themes

17.  The Power of AI and ML:  As the name suggests, this conference aims to promote the great potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)—both of which have propelled innovations previously thought impossible. 

Create a  conference agenda  that includes various aspects of AI and ML, such as the use of AI to solve major global challenges like climate change and healthcare. Explain how attendees can leverage these technologies to assist in learning processes and automate their workflows while ensuring data privacy and security. Feel free to elaborate on ethical considerations that must be factored in when deploying AI and ML. Design the conference content to suit developers, tech investors, and policymakers, among others.

18. Building a Cyber-Resilient Organization: Security in this digital world is paramount. Technology also poses evolving risks, including viruses, phishing scams, malware, and more. These threats can threaten personal information, financial assets, and even physical safety. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and combat these cyber threats.

Use this conference theme to cover a range of cybersecurity topics, including how to recognize online threats like spam and phishing links, the availability and use of anti-virus services, and the importance of regular software updates. Also, explain how to implement robust security measures and respond sustainably to security breaches. Given the ubiquity of cyber threats, invite a diverse range of participants from various sectors, including government, academia, and healthcare.

19.  Applying Design Thinking in Business:  Design thinking is a critical thinking skill. It includes a set of steps for solving a problem, including empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. This conference theme explores applying a design thinking mindset to solve complex problems. 

This approach encourages businesses to develop innovative and practical solutions that meet their users' needs. Call a diverse range of speakers, including designers, founders, and leaders who have successfully integrated design thinking into their organizations. By attending this multidisciplinary event, participants should walk away with valuable insights and practical skills to enhance their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

What are conference themes? 

The conference theme is, in essence, the "big idea" that ties the entire event together. It covers everything that happens at the conference—the speakers, the workshops, and sometimes even the type of food and beverages. A good theme should clarify what the conference is about, why the audience needs to be pumped up about attending, and help shape the entire experience.

Why is it important to choose a good theme for a conference?

Choosing a good theme for a conference is crucial for several reasons. First, the theme determines the mood and goals of the event by determining who the speakers, participants, and attendants will be. 

Next, a successful theme will help attract and maintain attendees' interest. If the participants are excited to attend an event with a catchy theme based on the topic, they are more likely to come and participate. A well-chosen theme can also provide participants with a shared sense of mission and community, making it easy to discover potential partnerships and other legitimate development areas. Thirdly, the right theme can enhance the conference's brand and reputation. 

A timely, relevant, and innovative theme can position the conference as a thought leader, attracting positive attention and media coverage. It can also differentiate it from other events, making it unforgettable for attendees and sponsors. Finally, a good theme offers a framework for measuring event success . By defining clear objectives and outcomes related to the theme, you can evaluate its impact and uncover areas for improvement in future events.

How do you choose a conference theme?

Choosing corporate conference themes requires careful consideration and planning . Here are some steps to guide you:  

Identify the conference's purpose and objectives:  Start by defining the conference's purpose and objectives. What do you hope to achieve? Who is your target audience? What topics are most relevant to them? Answering these questions will help you narrow your theme options and ensure the theme aligns with the conference's goals .

Research industry trends and hot topics:  Look for trends and hot topics in your industry or field. What are the current challenges and opportunities? What are the latest innovations and best practices? Choosing a timely and relevant theme can help generate interest and engagement among attendees.

Consider the needs and interests of your target audience:  Think about the needs and interests of your target audience. What topics are they most interested in? What challenges do they face? What skills do they need to develop? Choosing a theme that resonates with your audience can help to attract and retain attendees.

Brainstorm theme ideas:  Once you have a clear understanding of the conference's purpose, industry trends, and audience needs, brainstorm a list of potential theme ideas. Be creative and think outside the box. Consider using a mind map or other visual tool to organize your themes and  conference marketing ideas .

Evaluate and refine your theme options:  Review your list of potential themes and evaluate them based on relevance, timeliness, and appeal to your target audience. Refine your list by combining or eliminating themes until you have a shortlist of top contenders.

Test your theme with stakeholders:  Before finalizing your theme, test it with key stakeholders such as speakers, sponsors, and attendees. Gather feedback and use it to refine and improve your theme as needed.

Final Thoughts

Conferences are powerful catalysts for learning, networking , and driving business success. A well-crafted theme is the key to ensuring your conference leaves a lasting impact. By focusing on your audience's needs, staying ahead of industry trends, and choosing a theme that inspires and resonates, you'll create an experience that motivates attendees, builds connections, and promotes growth.

Up next, read our comprehensive  conference management guide , which includes everything from the difference between conferences and events to  virtual conference platforms  and their features to types of conferences and more.

John Hunter

John is the Senior Manager of Event Cloud Content Marketing at Cvent. He has 11 years of experience writing about the meetings and events industry. John also has extensive copywriting experience across diverse industries, including broadcast television, retail advertising, associations, higher education, and corporate PR.

More Reading

Congratulations to the 2024 cvent excellence awards finalists, 5 reasons agency partners can't miss cvent connect, why you can't miss cvent connect in san antonio: a love letter to corporate event rockstars.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Bowling Center Business Plan PDF Example

• May 23, 2024
• Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful bowling center business. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your bowling center business’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a bowling center business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the recreation industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your bowling center business concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

• Executive Summary : Offers an overview of your bowling center’s business concept, market analysis , management, and financial strategy.
• Facility & Location: Describes the center’s design, amenities, and why its location is appealing to potential clients.
• Products & Services: Lists the services provided by your bowling center, including entertainment options and pricing structure .
• Key Stats: Shares industry size , growth trends, and relevant statistics for the bowling market.
• Key Trends: Highlights recent trends affecting the bowling sector.
• Key Competitors : Analyzes main competitors nearby and how your center differs from them.
• SWOT : Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis.
• Marketing Plan : Strategies for attracting and retaining customers.
• Timeline : Key milestones and objectives from start-up through the first year of operation.
• Management: Information on who manages the bowling center and their roles.
• Financial Plan: Projects the center’s 5-year financial performance, including revenue, profits, and expected expenses.

Bowling Center Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your Bowling Center’s business plan, providing a concise overview of your center and its offerings. It should detail your market positioning, the variety of bowling and related entertainment services you provide, its location, size, and a summary of day-to-day operations.

This section should also explore how your Bowling Center will integrate into the local market, including the number of direct competitors within the area, identifying who they are, along with your center’s unique selling points that differentiate it from these competitors.

Furthermore, you should include information about the management and co-founding team, detailing their roles and contributions to the center’s success. Additionally, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be presented here to provide a clear picture of your center’s financial plan.

Make sure to cover here _ Business Overview _ Market Overview _ Management Team _ Financial Plan

Dive deeper into Executive Summary

Business Overview

For a Bowling Center, the Business Overview section can be effectively divided into 2 main slides:

Facility & Location:

The Bowling Center features modern lanes with automated scoring, a lounge area, a pro shop, and a snack bar. Located near a busy commercial district with ample parking, its strategic location is ideal for attracting diverse clientele, including families and corporate groups.

Products & Services:

The center offers open bowling, league play, and event hosting (birthdays, corporate gatherings). Special nights like glow bowling add unique appeal. Pricing is competitive, with membership options and loyalty programs to foster repeat visits and customer loyalty.

Make sure to cover here _ Facility & Location _ Products & Services

Market Overview

Industry size & growth.

In the Market Overview of your Bowling Center business plan, begin by evaluating the size of the entertainment and leisure industry, particularly focusing on bowling and related activities, and its growth potential. This analysis is crucial for understanding the market’s scope and identifying opportunities for expansion.

Key market trends

Proceed to discuss recent market trends , such as the growing consumer interest in family-oriented and group entertainment options, the integration of technology in traditional games, and the emphasis on experience over mere participation. For example, highlight the demand for entertainment venues that provide a variety of activities beyond bowling, like virtual reality games, and the rising popularity of theme nights like cosmic bowling.

Key competitors

Then, examine the competitive landscape, which includes various entertainment venues ranging from other bowling centers to multi-activity complexes, as well as emerging trends like escape rooms and e-sports arenas. For example, emphasize what makes your Bowling Center distinctive, whether it’s through superior facility amenities, a comprehensive range of entertainment options, or exceptional customer service. This section will help articulate the demand for leisure activities, the competitive environment, and how your center is positioned to succeed in this dynamic market.

Make sure to cover here _ Industry size & growth _ Key competitors _ Key market trends

Dive deeper into Key competitors

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the Bowling Center , highlighting Strengths (such as modern facilities, diverse entertainment options), Weaknesses (including seasonal fluctuations in customer visits or high maintenance costs), Opportunities (for example, expanding into event hosting or capitalizing on the growing trend for leisure and group activities), and Threats (such as new entrants in the entertainment market or economic downturns that may affect discretionary spending).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain customers through targeted advertising, promotional discounts, themed bowling nights, engaging social media campaigns, and community involvement. Emphasize partnerships with local businesses and schools to increase visibility and participation.

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines critical milestones for the Bowling Center’s opening, marketing initiatives, customer base growth, and expansion objectives. This ensures the business progresses with clear direction and purpose, aiming for specific achievements such as launching a loyalty program within the first year or hosting regional bowling tournaments by the second year.

Make sure to cover here _ SWOT _ Marketing Plan _ Timeline

Dive deeper into SWOT

Dive deeper into Marketing Plan

The Management section focuses on the bowling center’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the bowling center toward its financial and operational goals.

For your bowling center business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your bowling center’s financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your bowling center’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs , and capital expenditures.

For your bowling center business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

Privacy Overview