Event Organisers are booking their events at the last minute
Many event organisers are waiting until the last-minute to book events, with cost considered as the deciding factor in the final venue choice by more than half of event organisers, according to new findings released today.
The research, carried out by IET Venues, the premier family of venues across the UK, reveals that more than one third (37 per cent) of respondents claimed that they are now looking to book events only one to three months in advance and a further 27 per cent are choosing to book events up to just six months away. A mere 6 per cent of respondents claim they are looking to book events more than 12 months in advance, a significant difference to previous years’ research in this area..
The survey also found that 10 per cent of event organisers are looking to book events less than a month ahead and 3 per cent are looking to do so just two weeks before their confirmed date. The findings emphasise the importance of IET Venues’ approach of responding to enquiries swiftly, to ensure these increasingly short-term bookings are fulfilled.
The research also reveals that 51 per cent of respondents consider cost to be the deciding factor when booking an event. Only 18 per cent of respondents stated that location is the most important factor, whilst price transparency and customer service were each identified as the key factor for making bookings by 9 per cent of respondents.
This suggests that the recession has led to a shift in priority from location to cost and that event organisers are increasingly booking events with shorter lead times in an effort to get better deals. Despite this developing trend for more last-minute booking, the research also shows that 58 per cent of event organisers are increasing the number of events they plan to hold in 2010 from 2009 as they grow out of the recession.
“Our research shows a clear shift in focus of events organisers to ensuring events represent good value for money before considering location, which is one of the key aspects of the service we provide” says Anna Clover, Manager, IET Venues and Facilities. “This further demonstrates the impact the recession has had on the events industry and despite organisers planning on holding more events this year, they are seeking to get the best deal possible by booking them at the last minute.”
The IET Venues research, surveyed 78 event organisers in June and July 2010.
Category: Event Management
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A typical event takes at least 8-12 weeks to arrange with venue finding being a potential Achilles Heel depending on location and time of year.
We advise all our clients to make sure they create a concise project plan outlining tasks, milestones, resources and key dependencies. With a clear view over the whole project you’re more likely to deliver a successful event on time and on budget.
Whilst budget (or lack of) is always a major driver event organisers need to remember than an event represents the brand and a cheap venue, poor food choices and short timeframes can in some cases damage the brand.