You’ve heard realtors say that the most important factor in buying real estate is “Location, Location, Location!” Location is also critical to running a successful event. The right locations attract more attendees and will keep them coming back year after year. Consider the following important factors when you think about the location of your next event.

First, is it a regional, national or international event? If you expect to have attendees from all over the country or even all over the world, you need to choose a location that is close to a major or international airport. Coastal cities are easy to access for international travelers. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago are easy for U.S. travelers to get to. If your event is regional, choose a location that is both attractive and that is easy to access.

Second, how easy is it to get from the airport or hotels to the facility? What will a typical traveler have to do to get to your event? Rent a taxi? Take a shuttle? Take public transportation? Ground transportation should be as convenient and inexpensive as possible. As an example of what not to do, a recent conference in a suburb of Chicago was held at a corporate retreat and resort that had no regular transportation to and from the airport. The service promised by the event management didn’t show up at the airport, so attendees had to take taxis at a considerable expense. Upon their arrival, many already felt very negatively about the conference!

Third, how many attendees do you expect? The venues that can accommodate thousands of attendees at an event are quite different than an event for one or two hundred attendees. Convention centers surrounded by hotels with varying room rates are a good choice for big events. Smaller turnouts can benefit from a smaller venue that creates a sense of intimacy and facilitates interaction. Small groups can get swallowed up in large venues, leaving attendees feeling less a part of the event.

Fourth, what location will fit your budget? Recently, many hotels with meeting facilities and other event venues raised prices, which had sharply decreased after September 11, 2001. The location you choose should fit your budget and offer room rates that fit your attendees’ budgets. Too many event planners have made the mistake of assuming attendees will pay negotiated rates, not being aware of cost cutting measures in certain industries or in certain companies.

Fifth, does the location have a good selection of vendors? Many event venues have in-house vendors for standard event needs such as food and beverage, but what about special technology needs, entertainment, special supplies and other services that are not standard issue? Make a list of what support you will need for your event before you choose your location, and make sure the appropriate vendors are available.

Sixth, does the location have the right kind of technology infrastructure? If your event requires Internet access or other technology, make sure the location can support your needs and has the right outlets, cabling and equipment in place. Many venues now have “Wi-Fi” for wireless Internet access required by speakers and trainers and preferred by many attendees.

As you plan your next event, consider the above six questions before you choose a location. With the right accessibility, space, pricing, vendors and technology, you are on the right path to a successful event.

This article is provided courtesy of ComputerRentals.com. Founded in 1980 in Los Angeles, California, CRE-Computer & AV Solutions is a nationwide leader of computer and laptop rentals, audiovisual rentals, plasma rentals and more for corporate and special events with services throughout the U.S. and Canada.

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