I am working with a client to develop their creative / educational establishment as a venue for team building and away day events and training courses. Two questions:
1. Does anyone out there book venues that are a little bit out of the ordinary for the courses they run? If so, on average, how much do you pay for a venue for the day? And what do you get for your money?
2. If you work for a company that has booked a venue (and maybe an in-house facilitator) to use for team building activity how much have you paid? And was what you got good value for money?
3 Responses
Venues
Hi Uptake
Not 100% sure what the question is but will give it a go…
Any events in a city I really like http://www.etcvenues.co.uk/ as they are very bright and modern and offer excellent food and well geared up for training events. Expect to pay about £70 ish per day per delegate which can go up or down depending on length of event and number of delegates.
For something a little different and highly recommended I really like http://www.nlp-now.co.uk/ who run courses in the New Forest and have high wires and other forest type activities. Similar prices apply.
I would expect to pay about £800 a day for a team builder but this again depends on length of event and many other factors so it could be a lot more or a lot less.
Hope that helps…
Steve
Venues
I have used a range – HMS Belfast, London Zoo, Forestry Commission, film studios, a tree house (check out De Vere venues) plus more standard rooms but it interesting venues such as Cumberland Lodge and, my home turf, Sunningdale Park. Prices vary enormously so it is hard to cite a meaningful average or benchmark. This all depends on what you require, the group/room size, any special equipment, location, etc.
If you are helping to create a venue I’d suggest that flexibility is a real key factor (eg configuration of rooms, seating, outside space). In terms of resources make sure you have the right people capabilities before you select the best materials and equipment. There is something about creating the right atmosphere and environment which should be led by the type of purpose you want from the facility. This should not compromise the practical issues but it is also important. Do pay attention to details eg in any room check the aspect and what light sheilding you require, go for blinds that let in light but stop glare. When it comes to lights, make sure you can dim and switch them off in banks, preferably front to back not left to right.
What range of team building approacfhes are you thinking about? If it is diverse, you may be better to buy as you go rather than have one facility and the overheads that go with it. If you want to create a sort of innovation centre, do go and see some existing facilities as there are some great ideas to nick. If you want to combine more adventurous activities, do think about insurance costs, safety certificates and the total costs of maintaining it verssus the likely usage and, of course, the benefits you are aiming to secure.
Best of luck
Graham
Venues
Thanks both of you – your responses have been really helpful.
Dave