Simon Thompson, MD of Conferences-UK, provides advice and tips for boosting profits by offering a corporate venue service

The economic crisis is having a huge impact on the hospitality industry, especially as many larger companies cut back on the cost of off-site meetings and travel expenses. Now is the time that hotels, pubs and restaurants can boost profits by offering an unusual and cost-effective corporate event or meeting facility.

Simon Thompson, founder and MD of free conference venue finding service, Conferences-UK.org.uk, offers advice on how a few simple additions to your venue can boost corporate bookings at pubs, hotels and restaurants in the run up to Christmas and all year round.

• Make sure the space is well lit and heated or air-conditioned
• Ensure you have sufficient furniture, or invest in new tables and chairs for use at corporate events
• Provide essential materials like flip charts, marker pens and note pads
• Install a pull down screen for presentations and ensure there are plenty of power sockets

Location, location, location...
Many venues are located in fantastic settings, with picturesque scenery for seasonal conferences. They often have the added benefit of outside space, which is perfect for delegates to relax or dine in during breaks. Hotels and many pubs also have the advantage of on-site bedrooms that save guests the hassle of travelling elsewhere at the end of the working day.

To maximise bookings, focus on your unique selling points to entice customers who want a more memorable event that delegates find hard to forget. Unusual locations have seen a surge in popularity thanks to their fresh approach to conferences that appeal to a range of different events, from interviews to internal annual meetings.

Party time
With Christmas just around the corner, many businesses are already planning office parties and lunches so it’s vital to make to the most of your venue before they arrive in December. Let the organisers know about the new business facility, suggest occasions that they could use it on and invite them back for a tour.

Flexible friends
Sometimes, clients can have unusual requests so it’s important to be as flexible as possible to meet their needs. Thompson says: “The most important factors when choosing a venue for an event are location, cost and facilities. Pubs, hotels and restaurants can often offer flexible options to make life easier for event organisers. Free parking is a huge plus point, which is extremely rare in today’s conferencing world, so adds an extra incentive for delegates and organisers.”

Ideas for events and meetings at your hotel, pub or restaurant:

• Interviews
• Company board meetings
• End of year company reviews
• Team building sessions
• Local business exhibitions
• Networking events
• Language clubs / meet-ups
• Local society meetings
• Local speakers events

Thompson’s Top Tips

• Make the most of quiet times of the day or before opening hours by turning areas into conferencing venues and  meeting spaces. Mornings are especially good for interview sessions.
• Offer package deals, eg reduced rate breakfasts / rooms with a meeting
• Offer loyalty packages for returning clients or block bookings
• Establish one contact for venue bookings to avoid double bookings, or changes in circumstances, or for special requests
• Post images of your venue on the website, showing the versatile set ups for different styles of events
• Make sure your website includes details of parking, wi-fi access, air conditioning, provision of equipment eg flip charts and any break-out areas for sub-sections of the events
• With Christmas just around the corner, offer office festive lunch deals to clients who book meeting space with you
• Provide a buffet service for companies that want to hold a working lunch session
• Encourage  local companies to hold their end of year meeting at your facility
• Send letters to local businesses to let them know about your facility and invite them for a tour.

Thompson comments: “From city centre suites to rural retreats, hotels, pubs and restaurants across the country can make the most of their space and really boost profits by offering meeting spaces. It’s surprising how many companies are looking locally and are getting creative during the recession to meet their business needs without the hug expense.”

“Hoteliers, restaurateurs and landlords can speak to one of our advisers to have their venue listed on our directory.”

For more information on how to make your pub, hotel or restaurant appeal to businesses, please visit www.conferences-uk.org.uk, or contact 0845 351 9917.