The global events industry market is thriving and is expected to reach $326.50 billion by 2032. The industry is experiencing rapid growth, which signals a lucrative opportunity for new businesses.
So if you’re considering starting your own event venue business, then you’re at the right place.
This guide will help you understand the necessary skills and market demands that can position you in this expanding sector with great success.
Let’s explore how you can start your own event venue business in 2024.
How to start an event venue business
1. Do your research
Before entering the event venue industry, you need to conduct thorough market research. This will help you determine the demand for event venue business in your area and identify what makes your venue different from the rest.
So consider answering some of these questions to get more clarity about the event industry:
- How many event venues are there in your local area?
- How many corporate events or social events are held in your locality annually?
- What types of events are most commonly hosted in your area (e.g., weddings, corporate events, networking events)?
- What pricing models do competitors use, and which functions do they host?
Collecting answers to these questions will help you decide on a particular section of the market you want to serve and help you know your potential clients.
It also helps you understand the current state of the event space business in your area by identifying the needs of your target audience.
2. Prepare a detailed business plan
Before you open the doors of your venue business, you need to prepare a solid business plan. A well-crafted event venue business plan is a roadmap of how you’ll meet the challenges of your business.
This is the stage where you create a final reference for all your requirements, such as your niche, budget, profit margins considered, market research, and financial projections.
With an event venue business plan in your hand, it becomes easier to reach out to investors for funding as well.
So let’s have a look at the sections you need to include in your business plan:
- Executive summary
- Business Overview
- Market Analysis
- Products and Services
- Sales Strategies
- Marketing Strategies
- Operations plan
- Management team
- Financial plan
Writing each of these sections with precision and attention to detail requires dedicated effort and careful planning.
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3. Find a perfect location
Location is key when it comes to event venue business. It is selected based on the type of events you want to host such as weddings, birthday parties, or corporate gatherings, the space requirements will differ.
So you’ll need to find a space that is large enough to accommodate your guests and has all the necessary amenities, such as restrooms, a catering kitchen, and parking.
Once you’ve found the perfect location for your business, be sure to sign a lease or purchase agreement. This will protect you from any legal issues that could arise down the road.
4. Register your business
If you are starting a new business, it’s important to ensure you comply with all local, state, and federal laws. Doing business registration ensures that you are committed to the legal norms.
Understanding these legal necessities is a must, as they vary widely based on the nature of your business and its geographical setting.
So to set your event venue business on the path to success, it’s important first to address these legal requirements, which include:
- Registering your Business Name
- Registering your Business Structure as a Sole proprietor, Limited Liability Company, or Partnership
- Register for an EIN: Federal Tax ID Number
If you need any additional guidance, seeking legal counsel is always recommended.
5. Open a business bank account
To open a business bank account, you need an Employer Identification Number(EIN), which is issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).
Once you have your EIN, you can open a business bank account. This will help you track your expenses by separating business and personal finances.
Also, get a business credit card to cover your basic business expenses.
6. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits
Before hosting events, you must get the proper licenses and permits. You must compile all legal adherences to operate your venue legally and make your customers’ big days special.
The requirements for your new event venue business will vary depending on its location and the type of events you plan to host. But in general, you must have the following licenses:
General Business License
You will need to apply for a general business license in the city or county where your event venue will be located. Obtaining this license gives you an official allowance from the state to operate the business.
Zoning Permit
Ensure your event venue business conforms to local zoning regulations and land use requirements. These permits confirm that your business location is suitable for its intended purpose.
Beer or Liquor License
If you plan to serve alcohol at your events, you will need to apply for a liquor or beer license. The application process and fees vary by state, so you’ll need to check with your local government office.
Make sure to get all these permits and licenses in place before opening your venue to ensure you’re operating legally and safely.
Moreover, as a venue owner, you’ll also need to get insurance to keep it safe and secure from any unexpected situation or financial losses. Here are some of the insurance, you might include:
- General liability insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Professional liability insurance
Always consult a trusted insurance broker to ensure you get the right coverage.
7. Consider financing options
To start and run a new event space, venue owners need to deal with various challenges and one big hurdle is to get enough money to get going.
You need to prepare a detailed budget for your event venue business’s startup and operational costs before you start looking for funds.
Estimate your startup costs by listing the essential startup supplies, insurance costs, licensing requirements, office space, and associated business expenses. The operational costs include employee salary, marketing, advertising costs, etc.
After you’ve got a clear budget, you can look for various funding options like:
- Bank Loans
- SBA (Small Business Administration) Loans
- Grants.gov
- Crowdfunding
- Angel Investors
- Personal Savings
You should choose your ideal funding option that aligns with your business goals, and financial needs, and long-term growth plans.
8. Figure out pricing
The right pricing structure for your event venue business depends on several factors such as location, amenities offered, competitive rates, and type of events hosted.
Researching other event venues in your area and exploring online platforms can provide insights into prevailing market rates.
Here are some pricing models to consider for your event venue business:
- Hourly Rate Pricing: Charge clients based on hourly usage of your venue space and services.
- Fixed-Rate Pricing: Offer package deals where clients pay a fixed amount for a specified event duration or service package.
- Per Guest Pricing: Determine a per-person rate based on the expected number of attendees. This model is common for weddings, birthday parties, and other events where guest count is a significant factor.
- Per Event Type: Charges as per the event type, such as weddings, corporate meetings, or social gatherings. Each event type may have different space and service requirements, hence varied pricing.
- Additional Services Pricing: Offer add-on services such as catering, decor, audiovisual equipment, and staffing at an extra cost. This allows clients to customize their event packages based on their needs and budget.
By including a mix of these pricing models and considering the unique offerings of your event venue business, you can create competitive pricing structures that attract potential clients and ensure profitability.
9. Build a team
As your business grows, you need more helping hands. Consider factors such as the number of staff you need, their qualifications and experience.
Hiring skilled and experienced staff members, such as event coordinators, venue managers, catering supervisors, who are passionate about providing exceptional customer service can help ensure the success of your event spaces.
10. Marketing your event space
To market your event spaces effectively, implement a multi-channel marketing strategy. Start with creating a website showcasing your venue with high-quality photos.
Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to reach potential clients and engage with them by posting regular updates, events, and promotions.
Moreover, attending local networking events can help you connect with other business owners, event planners, caterers, and other vendors in the event industry. These connections can lead to referrals where these professionals may recommend your services to their clients.
Conclusion
Launching an event venue business merges your love for creating memorable experiences with the excitement of entrepreneurship. It attracts clients looking to celebrate life’s special moments in a perfect setting.
The great news? You have the potential to make it a reality!
Let’s take the first step together toward crafting a solid business plan through a business planning tool and have a successful launch.
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