The UK venue market is competitive. Whether you manage a corporate events space, a wedding venue, or a buzzing pub with private hire options, one thing is clear: you need to stand out to secure consistent bookings.
From winning lucrative corporate contracts to refreshing your space for new audiences, this guide brings together practical strategies to help your venue grow and thrive.
Why Corporate Bookings Matter
Smaller private parties are great, but it’s often the big-ticket corporate events that drive your bottom line. Conferences, summer parties, product launches, and Christmas celebrations can mean the difference between a steady year and a record-breaking one.
The good news? With the right positioning, presentation, and packages, your venue can become the go-to choice for corporate planners and PAs.
1. How to Attract More Corporate Bookings
Keep Pricing Simple
Event planners want clarity. Avoid confusing breakdowns with hidden extras. Instead:
- Offer all-inclusive packages
- Consider price-per-head models
- Clearly explain minimum spends
Showcase Testimonials and Case Studies
Bookers want reassurance. Highlight:
- Past events with similar client profiles
- How you handled challenges (like catering or AV hiccups)
- Reviews that emphasise service and reliability
Nail the Site Viewing
A site visit can make or break the booking. Tips:
- Set the space up as if it were “event-ready”
- Offer sample food and drink
- Demonstrate AV systems in action
Use Photography and Virtual Tours
Visuals sell venues. Invest in:
- High-quality images showing different layouts
- Virtual or 3D tours
- Shots of natural light and creative setups
Be Flexible
Sometimes a small discount can secure a high-value client. Think long-term — one well-executed event often leads to repeat bookings or word-of-mouth referrals.
Maximise Versatility
Corporate events come in many forms: dinners, meetings, activations, and parties. Show flexibility in:
- Layouts and floorplans
- AV and lighting options
- Examples of past diverse events
Create a Wow-Factor
Corporate planners want memorable. Ensure you have:
- Striking design or architecture
- Instagrammable features
- Up-to-date AV and high-tech options
2. How to Refresh and Elevate Your Venue
Trends change, expectations shift, and client needs evolve. Here’s how to keep your venue fresh and future-proof:
Know Your Market
- Analyse who books you most (weddings, corporates, social parties)
- Research competitors and identify your unique selling point (USP)
- Update spaces and services to match client demand
Invest in Technology
Clients expect tech-driven convenience. Consider:
- Streamlined booking platforms
- AR/VR tours for immersive previews
- Hybrid event tech for corporate clients
- Cutting-edge AV systems
Refresh Design and Decor
Focus on flexibility and sustainability:
- Use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems
- Create modular spaces that adapt to different event sizes
- Add natural light, plants, or adaptable furniture
Focus on Customer Experience
Train your staff, personalise your service, and collect feedback to refine. Clients remember service as much as space.
Market Your Story
If you’ve revamped, tell people:
- Share before-and-after visuals
- Explain your design choices and upgrades
- Use testimonials from new bookings to build credibility
Stay Within Budget
- Phase renovations to minimise disruption
- Focus on high-impact, cost-effective upgrades
- Reserve part of your budget for marketing
3. How to Make Your Venue Stand Out
Even the best venue won’t grow without visibility. Here’s how to get noticed:
Highlight Unique Features
What makes your venue different? Examples:
- Rooftop terraces
- Historic architecture
- Fully customisable spaces
- High-tech meeting rooms
Offer Customisable Packages
Flexibility wins. Provide:
- Corporate branding opportunities (lighting, signage)
- Tailored furniture layouts
- F&B packages for different budgets
Invest in High-Quality Amenities
Clients expect:
- Strong Wi-Fi and AV setups
- Accessible facilities
- Great catering options
- Comfortable breakout spaces
Share Testimonials and Event Photos
Let potential bookers imagine themselves in your space by showcasing:
- Real events (with guests, not just empty rooms)
- Reviews that emphasise atmosphere and service
- Case studies from recognisable brands
Engage in Digital Marketing
Boost awareness through:
- SEO-driven blog content
- Social media showcasing real events
- Paid ads targeting corporate planners
- Listings on marketplaces like VenueScanner
Promotions and Packages
Incentivise bookings with:
- Seasonal deals (summer parties, Christmas packages)
- Group offers for corporates
- DDRs (Day Delegate Rates) for conferences
Network with Event Planners
Don’t go it alone. Work with:
- Agencies and event organisers
- Marketplaces (like VenueScanner)
- Industry networking events and trade shows
Standing out in today’s venue market isn’t just about having a great space, it’s about presenting it in the right way, staying relevant with trends, and building lasting client relationships.
By simplifying pricing, refreshing your design, showcasing your wow-factor, and marketing effectively, you’ll not only attract more bookings but also future-proof your venue for long-term success.