Techniquest

The importance of viewing the venue for your next event

August 23, 2018

It’s easy to assume that party planning is all about ordering cases of Prosecco (we’re not complaining), decorating fancy centrepieces and managing the ultimate guest list.

Any event planner knows that it takes more than this to make sure an event doesn’t fizzle out, regardless of whether it’s a high-profile dinner, cocktail party or local networking event.

Planning an event takes a lot of time, patience and attention to detail, and it can be easy to get caught up in finding the perfect venue. While planning an important party, conference or dinner, it can often seem like its easier to judge a venue based on its photos, but sadly, that’s not always the case.

If you aren’t able to view a venue because it’s too far away, it’s always worth asking if there is any video footage available from previous events. This will give you an idea of the journey your guests will go on as they walk through the door, and what their first impressions will be.

We know that many of our guests want to get an idea of how their event can be pulled together visually, so we put together an inside look of our venue to help them with their enquiries, which you can check out below.

A full walk around will give you the spatial awareness of a venue, which will be useful when it comes to planning the lay out your event and arranging any décor, entertainment or visible catering such as food trucks.

We always recommend a full site visit, and if you have time to take your team to view a venue, there are a few things you’ll need to check of your list.
As well as availability and hire costs, you’ll need to consider:

  • Furnishings — Does your venue have the necessary furnishings for your event?
  • AV equipment — Will the venue provide access to the necessary equipment and technology? Orchard provide AV to events at Techniquest.
  • Natural light, which is crucial for daytime events such as conferences and meetings
  • Breakout areas — If you’re planning a daytime work function such as a conference, are there plenty of breakout areas for guests to enjoy during coffee and lunch breaks?
  • Transport links — Is the venue easily accessible by public transport?
  • Parking — Will there be enough parking for guests and are there any parking alternatives close by?
  • Standard of service — Are the staff knowledgeable and friendly?
  • Emergency exits — This will help to plan against any unforeseen emergencies

Taking the extra time to arrange a visit will give you the confidence you need that you’ve found the perfect fit for your event and organisation. To find out more about how our venue is one of the most unique spaces in south Wales, get in touch with our events team.

Get in touch

For more information on holding an event at Techniquest, please contact us at events@techniquest.org or on 029 2047 5475.

View events packages
 

Find us

  • Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Contact us

  • info@techniquest.org
  • 029 2047 5475
    Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Sat–Sun: 10am–5pm
    While we always endeavour to answer calls, when the centre is busy it may not always be possible.
    If you leave us a message we will respond to you as quickly as we can.

Opening hours

  • Techniquest’s opening hours vary — visit the Opening Times page to find out the current hours.

Charity & company

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FAQs

  •   What is Techniquest?

    Techniquest is an educational charity, with a science centre in Cardiff Bay. Our mission is to embed science in Welsh culture through interactive engagement. We provide a range of services to schools and teachers to complement formal education provision in Wales and work extensively with public audiences.

  •   Where can I park?

    We are pleased to be able to offer all of our visitors discounted parking with Q-Park, our preferred parking partner.

    The Q-Park operates the Cardiff Bay car park in Pierhead Street which is around 8 minutes walk from Techniquest.

    We have agreed a special discount rate for our customers of 15% off all pre-bookings.
    Pre-book and guarantee your space here using the code TECHNI15.

    There are also nearby pay-and-display car parks on Stuart Street and Havannah Street. Please do not park on Havannah Street itself.

    We regret that there is no parking on-site at Techniquest.

  •   Who is it for?

    Techniquest is suitable for all ages! We do have special events for certain groups, however — see Toddler Days and Home Educator days.

  • I have a different question.

    Please see our dedicated FAQ page.

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