How to plan an event at an academic venue

Chelsey Kendall, venue and event sales manager at King’s College London’s Science Gallery, dishes out some valuable tips on planning a unique event at an academic venue.

A dull and run-of-the-mill venue for our next event please’, said no one, ever. Opting for a unique, academic venue offers scope to showcase your brand and exercise your creativity. Who wouldn’t want the pent-up demand, in-the-know, exclusive venue everyone is talking about?

However, event planners should beware of clashing unique with inexperienced, and creative with impractical.

The guestlist
Choosing a unique venue isn’t only about the wow factor – it needs to service your guests’ logistical and practical needs. Ask yourself whether you may have accessibility requirements among your guests? If you do, you need to be looking for a space which can fully accommodate your group.

Are you confident that the chef has the experience and team to be capable of servicing all the dietary needs of your party? There is nothing worse than seeing a VIP still waiting on their gluten-free starter five minutes into service.

“Choosing a unique venue isn’t only about the wow factor – it needs to service your guests’ practical needs.”

The event team
If you want to go all out creatively, ensure you are liaising closely with the events team at your chosen venue from the get-go. They should be as inspiring as the venue itself to ensure you shine on the night.

The location
Is your chosen venue not only in a stunning location, but does it have good transport links? It is such an easy pitfall to get so carried away with the beauty of the architecture, or the fabulous sound system that you cause your guests a violent taxi bill hangover – not the lasting memory you are looking for.

The date
Choosing a date can be a minefield. There are so many variables to consider. Spend a little time checking the internet for clashes; these could be sporting events, transport strikes or even national days of reflection.