We’re in the middle of summer and at the start of the year most of us find attending meetings a breeze. It’s warm in the mornings, the sun shines brightly and we’re re-energised after having some time off.
In the middle of winter however, it’s quite a different story…
Waking up early in the dark and cold to attend a BNI meeting can be a challenge for even the most devoted of us members. This is where your choice of meeting venue can be the key to ensuring everyone attends meetings regularly. Choosing a great venue is often the difference between chapters that are successful and doing plenty of referral business and those that just struggle along.
What should we as a chapter think about when selecting a venue?
Consider the following:
1. Suitability
• Does it give the correct professional impression?
• Will the venue’s staff add to the member’s and visitor’s experience in a positive way?
2. Location
• Is the venue easily accessible to those attending?
• Does the location offer the necessary parking?
• Is the location quiet and conducive to doing business?
3. Availability
• Is the venue available throughout the year?
• Are any extras such as equipment like plasma screens, projectors, boards available throughout the year?
4. Size
• Is the seating capacity suitable – what about for visitor days?
• Are the meeting rooms well laid out? Do they allow for good views of the speaker without any obstructions?
• Does the venue allow attendees to move around comfortably without bottlenecks and delays?
5. Facilities
• Are the rooms well ventilated, bright and temperature controlled?
6. Cost
• Does the venue fall within everyone’s budget?
• Are there hidden costs?
Fundamentally you want to get the most out of your meeting. The venue you choose has to add, rather than detract, from the experience of those attending. So take the time to choose carefully.
Remember changing your venue can invigorate a chapter so consider whether this needs to be done to give your group a new start in the New Year.
Of course some chapters already have fantastic venues. If this is the case for you, share your experience on the BNI Facebook page. Take some photos and write a little about your location so other members can learn from your example. By sharing this sort of feedback we can all benefit from being in a fantastic location!
