While many attendees are thrilled to be heading out to in-person events again, before you know it, they’ll also be sick to death of the same-old stuff. Conventional venues are still appropriate for certain types of events, but if you don’t want to bore your guests, thinking outside the box is the name of the game.

When choosing the venue for your next event, remember that it’s not just a place where people gather to hear speakers or enjoy a cocktail hour. The event venue is a major part of the overall experience. Choose a predictable and boring venue, and there’s a very good chance your event will be… predictable and boring.

Imagine what could happen if you broke the mold and tried something new! Choosing an unconventional and unexpected venue will allow you to influence how your audience feels, encourage creative thinking, create a buzz, and spark exciting new conversations.

Are you ready to make a splash? Here’s a look at how to make non-traditional event venues work for you.

3 Rules for Choosing Unusual Event Venues

Sadly, you can’t just plop your next event out on a rural piece of farmland and expect it to be an instant success. However, if you follow these three simple rules, you’ll be well on your way to creating an event that’s both exciting and totally buzz-worthy.

1. Choose the Right Vibe for Your Brand

Unconventional event spaces are all around us – but choosing your venue is not just about finding a cool space. You also need to make sure the character of the space matches the brand’s voice and signature style.

For example, a brand breaking into the luxury market is far more suited to an event held in a mansion than one that’s out in the woods. When choosing venues, always consider what the space says about the event itself and the overall brand message.

2. Maximize the “Wow” Factor

Nobody goes home from an event and brags about the meeting room or convention center. If you want to create a buzz, make sure the venue makes an amazing first impression. Start setting the mood before attendees even walk in the front door. Look for spaces with impressive exteriors or extend an indoor venue outside. Use this space to create an experience and build anticipation. Live actors, outdoor welcome drinks, and grand entrances can all help get attendees pumped for the amazing event they’re about to experience.

It’s often even easier to make a bold first impression with outdoor spaces. They provide more opportunities to create a “Wow” factor and greater options for customization. Just remember that if you choose an outdoor venue, you’ll have to keep a sharp eye on the weather and have a “Plan B” in place.

3. Never Sacrifice Quality

You may think you’ve found your dream venue – but if the space can’t handle the logistics of your event, the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. Many non-conventional spaces are sparse on amenities. Make sure you never sacrifice the quality of your event for the “coolness” of the space.

At a bare minimum, make sure you have sufficient power sources, good reception, and Wi-Fi capabilities. Not only will you need this for your speakers and entertainment, but you’ll also want to make sure guests can freely share photos and videos of your Instagram-worthy venue. 

It’s also critical to make sure the venue is large enough to comfortably hold all your attendees and that the bathroom situation is on-point. Check the seating capabilities, make sure all your technology will work in the space, and be sure the location is easily accessible to your guests.

If you’re thinking of using a venue where an event like yours has never been held before, give yourself enough time to assess the space, work out the logistics, and create backup plans.

Exciting Venues to Consider

Attendees are craving something different and want to attend events in places they haven’t seen before. One important key to choosing an unconventional event venue is to make sure it’s not designed specifically for events. 

Not quite sure where to start? These ideas are sure to spark your imagination.

Rural/Agricultural Locations

Farmland offers plenty of space to get creative, and a clean barn can be the perfect venue for a “shabby-chic” event. This is also a great option for brands that want to promote an eco-friendly image.  

When planning an event in a rural space, be sure to stay consistent with the theme. This is a good time to skip the upscale caterer and choose a local establishment instead.

Rooftops

The incredible view makes rooftop spaces an excellent option for many different types of events, including corporate events and pop-up dinners. During the day, guests can enjoy the picturesque view of the skyline and the streets below. Schedule an evening event to give guests the opportunity to experience an incredible sunset followed by the picture-perfect view of the city lights.

Experiential Event Venues

Planning an event at a location people already want to see creates a built-in sense of anticipation.  Some options to consider include botanical gardens, zoos, art galleries, museums, racetracks, or amusement parks. Not only are these spaces really cool on their own, but the event gives guests the chance to experience the space in a new and different way.

Architectural Spaces

Holding events in architectural spaces gives you a major opportunity to capitalize on the “Wow” factor. Some options include a train station, airplane hangar, or a warehouse. The sheer amount of space also gives you a ton of flexibility for decoration and design.

Parking Lots & Garages

When looking for a large outdoor space to hold your event, a parking lot gives you almost unlimited options. You can add tents for cover, place a band or stage in the middle, and use a circle of food trucks to define the space.

Of course, this won’t be appropriate for all types of events. To create an experience that feels a bit more upscale while still having an urban vibe, use all the same ideas but put them on the top floor of a parking garage.

Cutting-Edge Tools for Your Next Event

Moving events out of ballrooms and into fun and exciting locations requires planners and organizers to perform at their very best. No matter what venue you choose, eShow’s comprehensive suite of solutions will help you pull it off without a hitch.

Our experts are happy to help you explore your options and build a custom package for your needs. Contact us today to schedule a live personalized demo.