Surprise! You’re planning a birthday party. Perhaps it’s your own, or perhaps it’s for a friend, sibling, or parent. Doesn’t matter really, you just need to make sure the birthday party venue you choose is perfect for bringing your vision to life. Whether you’re organising a milestone celebration for a large crowd, or an intimate gathering with close friends and family, the right venue sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. Here are some top tips to help you choose the best birthday party venue for 2024:
1. It’s all about the guests
This party is not just for the person whose birthday it is, it’s for the guests too. If they have a fun and memorable time, you’ve done your job. When choosing your venue, you’ll need to know how many are coming, to make sure your venue can accommodate them. Also, you need to consider what type of people are coming. Is this an 18th or 80th birthday celebration, or somewhere in between? Age matters. So does personality. The venue that’s great for some is the pits for others—we don’t expect Grandpa to be happy cutting a rug at the trendiest nightclub, but we don’t know him, you do. Use your personal knowledge of the birthday person and guests to choose the perfect venue. You’ll find plenty you consider on chooseyourvenues.com
2. Keep the location close
There’s not much that puts a downer on your party experience more than having to worry about the journey home. Pick a venue that’s convenient for most of your guests. Consider accessibility, walking distances, parking options, and proximity to public transport. A centrally located venue can make a huge difference in ensuring all your guests can attend. That’s not to say that hosting your party in a fun and sparkly destination town or city and making that a part of the experience is a no no, it’s not. Hosting in an exciting destination can make for an amazing party. But if you tread these boards, make sure you choose a place with plenty of good value accommodation, or, lay on taxis, coaches, or minibuses to take everyone back to a central location close to home.
3. We all love a party with a happy atmosphere
The ambience of your chosen birthday party venue should reflect the mood and theme of your party. Are you going for a laid-back affair, loud and vibrant hellraiser, or a more elegant, formal soiree? Consider the atmosphere of the venue as this will help you achieve the vibe you are going for.
4. To theme or not to theme
There’s a tool that can give you a head start in setting the right atmosphere—choosing a suitable theme. The theme can be anything; fancy dress, country western, masked masquerade, steampunk, whatever you choose as the theme, make sure the venue can accommodate your vision. Some venues might have restrictions on decorations or may not suit certain themes. It’s important to check these details in advance.
5. Budget wisely
Your budget will largely determine the type of venue you can afford for the birthday celebration. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts and be clear about what’s included in the venue hire cost, such as catering, decorations, and entertainment. Browse websites like chooseyourvenue.com for packages that offer good value without compromising on quality.
6. You reach the heart through the stomach
Successful parties touch people’s hearts, and you get there with great food and drink. The catering options at the venue can make or break your birthday party. Whether you want a sit-down dinner, buffet, or just snacks and drinks, ensure the venue can cater to your needs. Don’t forget to check if they can accommodate dietary restrictions.
7. Entertainment for the ages
Adding entertainment to your birthday celebrations can help raise the party feel and keep the atmosphere alive. You need to choose the right kind of entertainment for your party guests and theme. Some venues might offer in-house entertainment options like DJs, live bands, or karaoke, which is a great start. Alternatively, see if there’s space for hired performers or activities like photo booths and games.
8. One star! Check reviews and references
Read online reviews and testimonials from people who have previously hosted parties at the venues you are considering. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into what you can expect, help you ask the right questions of venue staff and avoid pitfalls.
9. Do a venue reccie before you choose
Before making a final decision, visit the venue yourself. This allows you to see the space, meet the staff, and get a feel for how your party will flow. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss any specific requirements you may have.
And there you are, follow these steps and you are well on the way to choosing the perfect birthday party venue. Get the venue right and you have made a massive success play—this birthday party is going to be great. You can create a birthday celebration that is fun, memorable, and reflective of the birthday person’s style. Remember, there is a huge choice of venues of all types and in all locations on chooseyourvenue.com. Happy planning!
Surprise! You’re planning a birthday party. Perhaps it’s your own, or perhaps it’s for a friend, sibling, or parent. Doesn’t matter really, you just need to make sure the birthday party venue you choose is perfect for bringing your vision to life. Whether you’re organising a milestone celebration for a large crowd, or an intimate gathering with close friends and family, the right venue sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. Here are some top tips to help you choose the best birthday party venue for 2024:1. It’s all about the guestsThis party is not just for the person whose birthday it is, it’s for the guests too. If they have a fun and memorable time, you’ve done your job. When choosing your venue, you’ll need to know how many are coming, to make sure your venue can accommodate them. Also, you need to consider what type of people are coming. Is this an 18th or 80th birthday celebration, or somewhere in between? Age matters. So does personality. The venue that’s great for some is the pits for others—we don’t expect Grandpa to be happy cutting a rug at the trendiest nightclub, but we don’t know him, you do. Use your personal knowledge of the birthday person and guests to choose the perfect venue. You’ll find plenty you consider on chooseyourvenues.com2. Keep the location closeThere’s not much that puts a downer on your party experience more than having to worry about the journey home. Pick a venue that’s convenient for most of your guests. Consider accessibility, walking distances, parking options, and proximity to public transport. A centrally located venue can make a huge difference in ensuring all your guests can attend. That’s not to say that hosting your party in a fun and sparkly destination town or city and making that a part of the experience is a no no, it’s not. Hosting in an exciting destination can make for an amazing party. But if you tread these boards, make sure you choose a place with plenty of good value accommodation, or, lay on taxis, coaches, or minibuses to take everyone back to a central location close to home. 3. We all love a party with a happy atmosphereThe ambience of your chosen birthday party venue should reflect the mood and theme of your party. Are you going for a laid-back affair, loud and vibrant hellraiser, or a more elegant, formal soiree? Consider the atmosphere of the venue as this will help you achieve the vibe you are going for. 4. To theme or not to themeThere’s a tool that can give you a head start in setting the right atmosphere—choosing a suitable theme. The theme can be anything; fancy dress, country western, masked masquerade, steampunk, whatever you choose as the theme, make sure the venue can accommodate your vision. Some venues might have restrictions on decorations or may not suit certain themes. It’s important to check these details in advance.5. Budget wiselyYour budget will largely determine the type of venue you can afford for the birthday celebration. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts and be clear about what’s included in the venue hire cost, such as catering, decorations, and entertainment. Browse websites like chooseyourvenue.com for packages that offer good value without compromising on quality.6. You reach the heart through the stomachSuccessful parties touch people’s hearts, and you get there with great food and drink. The catering options at the venue can make or break your birthday party. Whether you want a sit-down dinner, buffet, or just snacks and drinks, ensure the venue can cater to your needs. Don’t forget to check if they can accommodate dietary restrictions.7. Entertainment for the agesAdding entertainment to your birthday celebrations can help raise the party feel and keep the atmosphere alive. You need to choose the right kind of entertainment for your party guests and theme. Some venues might offer in-house entertainment options like DJs, live bands, or karaoke, which is a great start. Alternatively, see if there’s space for hired performers or activities like photo booths and games.8. One star! Check reviews and referencesRead online reviews and testimonials from people who have previously hosted parties at the venues you are considering. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into what you can expect, help you ask the right questions of venue staff and avoid pitfalls.9. Do a venue reccie before you chooseBefore making a final decision, visit the venue yourself. This allows you to see the space, meet the staff, and get a feel for how your party will flow. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss any specific requirements you may have.And there you are, follow these steps and you are well on the way to choosing the perfect birthday party venue. Get the venue right and you have made a massive success play—this birthday party is going to be great. You can create a birthday celebration that is fun, memorable, and reflective of the birthday person’s style. Remember, there is a huge choice of venues of all types and in all locations on chooseyourvenue.com. Happy planning!
Surprise! You’re planning a birthday party. Perhaps it’s your own, or perhaps it’s for a friend, sibling, or parent. Doesn’t matter really, you just need to make sure the birthday party venue you choose is perfect for bringing your vision to life. Whether you’re organising a milestone celebration for a large crowd, or an intimate gathering with close friends and family, the right venue sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. Here are some top tips to help you choose the best birthday party venue for 2024:1. It’s all about the guestsThis party is not just for the person whose birthday it is, it’s for the guests too. If they have a fun and memorable time, you’ve done your job. When choosing your venue, you’ll need to know how many are coming, to make sure your venue can accommodate them. Also, you need to consider what type of people are coming. Is this an 18th or 80th birthday celebration, or somewhere in between? Age matters. So does personality. The venue that’s great for some is the pits for others—we don’t expect Grandpa to be happy cutting a rug at the trendiest nightclub, but we don’t know him, you do. Use your personal knowledge of the birthday person and guests to choose the perfect venue. You’ll find plenty you consider on chooseyourvenues.com2. Keep the location closeThere’s not much that puts a downer on your party experience more than having to worry about the journey home. Pick a venue that’s convenient for most of your guests. Consider accessibility, walking distances, parking options, and proximity to public transport. A centrally located venue can make a huge difference in ensuring all your guests can attend. That’s not to say that hosting your party in a fun and sparkly destination town or city and making that a part of the experience is a no no, it’s not. Hosting in an exciting destination can make for an amazing party. But if you tread these boards, make sure you choose a place with plenty of good value accommodation, or, lay on taxis, coaches, or minibuses to take everyone back to a central location close to home. 3. We all love a party with a happy atmosphereThe ambience of your chosen birthday party venue should reflect the mood and theme of your party. Are you going for a laid-back affair, loud and vibrant hellraiser, or a more elegant, formal soiree? Consider the atmosphere of the venue as this will help you achieve the vibe you are going for. 4. To theme or not to themeThere’s a tool that can give you a head start in setting the right atmosphere—choosing a suitable theme. The theme can be anything; fancy dress, country western, masked masquerade, steampunk, whatever you choose as the theme, make sure the venue can accommodate your vision. Some venues might have restrictions on decorations or may not suit certain themes. It’s important to check these details in advance.5. Budget wiselyYour budget will largely determine the type of venue you can afford for the birthday celebration. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts and be clear about what’s included in the venue hire cost, such as catering, decorations, and entertainment. Browse websites like chooseyourvenue.com for packages that offer good value without compromising on quality.6. You reach the heart through the stomachSuccessful parties touch people’s hearts, and you get there with great food and drink. The catering options at the venue can make or break your birthday party. Whether you want a sit-down dinner, buffet, or just snacks and drinks, ensure the venue can cater to your needs. Don’t forget to check if they can accommodate dietary restrictions.7. Entertainment for the agesAdding entertainment to your birthday celebrations can help raise the party feel and keep the atmosphere alive. You need to choose the right kind of entertainment for your party guests and theme. Some venues might offer in-house entertainment options like DJs, live bands, or karaoke, which is a great start. Alternatively, see if there’s space for hired performers or activities like photo booths and games.8. One star! Check reviews and referencesRead online reviews and testimonials from people who have previously hosted parties at the venues you are considering. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into what you can expect, help you ask the right questions of venue staff and avoid pitfalls.9. Do a venue reccie before you chooseBefore making a final decision, visit the venue yourself. This allows you to see the space, meet the staff, and get a feel for how your party will flow. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss any specific requirements you may have.And there you are, follow these steps and you are well on the way to choosing the perfect birthday party venue. Get the venue right and you have made a massive success play—this birthday party is going to be great. You can create a birthday celebration that is fun, memorable, and reflective of the birthday person’s style. Remember, there is a huge choice of venues of all types and in all locations on chooseyourvenue.com. Happy planning!
Destination Emirates Old Trafford has relaunched its Players and Media Centre to further strengthen support for conferences and events held at the venue. The centre, which originally opened in 2012, has seen an increase in use by planners looking to take advantage of its event spaces, on-site studio, and broadcasting capabilities.
The Players and Media Centre relaunch will see the facility more closely integrated into the venue’s meetings and events product, meaning it can be used as an add on to existing events, or as a space in its own right. Within the centre organisers have access to the Lancashire TV Studio, Press Gallery, Players’ Lounge, Sensory Room, and the outside Eco Terrance.
Within the Lancashire TV Studio space, planners can take advantage of a four-camera set up, with a furnished studio including sofas for interviews, all sat in front of the iconic backdrop of the Emirates Old Trafford ground. The studio – which is equipped with lighting and broadcast-quality microphones – acts as a blank canvas and can be designed to match a client’s branding, as well with the opportunity to customise on-screen content.
The Players & Media Centre already broadcasts around the world through its hosting of international and domestic cricket, throughout the summer. The centre is set up with satellite connectivity allowing international streaming of events, filming of pre promotional conference content and trailers, as well as during and post event interviews, and to fuel social and marketing content.
The use of the studio at Destination Emirates Old Trafford can be packaged into the hire of the centre, adding even more reach to hybrid conferences. It is also available for those looking to record and film podcasts and TV shows.
“The vision of Destination Old Trafford is to add as much value to conferences and events as possible,” commented Angela Hodson, Sales Director, Emirates Old Trafford. “We have seen a steady increase in streamed and broadcasted events, and more and more of our clients want to build in a media and content aspect. It’s a natural step to offer these as part of a specific package that gives them a professional service built on our own experience in international sport.”
Event professionals across Birmingham and the West Midlands are preparing to welcome CHS Birmingham as the industry recognises the impact of Birmingham on the UK, and international, event industry, while celebrating the fourth outing of the show in the city.
Strategic Brand Partner, Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau and Founding Partner, ICC Birmingham, have been instrumental in the show’s growth since its inception in 2021, and have seen the event flourish in the region with more new exhibitors and buyers attending than ever before.
Steve Knight, Senior Business Tourism Manager at West Midlands Growth Company, commented, “We look forward to welcoming delegates to the fourth edition of CHS Birmingham. The event will provide another valuable opportunity to bring event organisers to the West Midlands to meet with our venues and destinations and experience first-hand why the region is at the forefront of the UK’s business events sector.
Steve continued, “Whether it’s political conferences, pioneering medical exhibitions or professional sports meetings, the West Midlands is a proud host with a proven track record of putting on successful events. This region is accessible, creative and welcoming, with world-class facilities and exciting new developments – this is an important exhibition in our conferencing calendar, and we can’t wait to tell our story to CHS Birmingham delegates, encouraging them to consider the West Midlands when placing their next event.”
Meanwhile, Andy Gibb, Managing Director for Conventions at the NEC Group, said: "We're so pleased to be hosting CHS at ICC Birmingham again. This is the fourth year CHS Birmingham will be hosted at the venue and it's a testament to the whole city. We look forward to welcoming fellow event industry professionals far and wide to showcase what Birmingham has to offer."
Commenting on the show’s unique partnership with the city, Lou Hindley, Commercial Director, CHS Birmingham, added: “Birmingham is a unique city in the UK’s events industry, and has been the centre point of international events for decades. It has fantastic venues and hotels, creative agencies, suppliers and partners. It’s no wonder we’ve always felt so welcome in the city, and we are so grateful for the support of everyone in the industry across Birmingham and the West Midlands. We can’t wait to be back on the 29th October.”
CHS Birmingham opens its doors 29th October at ICC Birmingham, with the Welcome Reception taking place the evening before at IET Birmingham: Austin Court.
Georgina Porter (Georgie) has joined Lime Venue Portfolio as Business Development Manager as the brand reports another positive trading year and continues to service increasing volumes of enquiries.
The appointment of Georgie is part of the brand’s strategy to continue to work hand in hand with event agencies, offering them vast venue options both in terms of geographically and venue type, within the portfolio This, alongside great service and expertise in all areas of the sector, creates mutual value for both agents and the portfolio’s venues.
The Lime Venue Portfolio Agency Partner Programme and Agency Development Programme have seen significant growth over the last 12 months. The programmes are supported by an award-winning central sales hub, servicing agency partner enquiries, quickly, efficiently, and accurately. With Georgie’s appointment, the brand can expand the reach of the programme and increase face-to-face contact with acute understanding of agency businesses.
Georgie brings with her a wealth of experience working across venue brands within the meetings and events market, but specifically in supporting event agencies and their clients. In that time, she has built a strong network and a fine reputation for supporting customers. As part of her role Georgie will work with partners to further support the strategy, giving additional support to Lime Venue Portfolio customers from an account management perspective.
“We love Georgie, and she has a great reputation in the UK meetings market,” commented Jo Austin, Sales Director, Lime Venue Portfolio. “She’s got a brilliant network, she’s well known, and she has loads of experience working directly with event agencies. It means she can be a consultant as well as a salesperson and underlines our aim to support our customers, and to bring more value to them on top of our venue brands.”
“Ask any meeting planner, and at venue search stage, their main requirement is about being quick, accurate, and getting the detail right when it comes to venue enquiries. At Lime Venue Portfolio I know we do this exceptionally well; however, we also provide knowledge, data, and intelligence that helps them upskill and develop even better meetings and events,” comments Georgie. “It’s been brilliant to see how collaborative the LVP team are with our clients, from training to information sharing, campaigns like neurodiversity to Meetings for Change, the Meeting Room of the Future and wellbeing. As a business development manager, you want to help your clients, Lime Venue Portfolio gives you the tools you need to do so.”
The event industry is set to convene at the ICC Birmingham next week with the organisers of CHS Birmingham expecting one of its most successful shows in the event's short history, in terms of productivity and experience.
The show, which is themed ‘How to be an Event Organiser’, but also follows the broader branding of ‘Growth’ from CHS Birmingham, will underline just how important industry exhibitions are in injecting positive momentum, as well as servicing the ever-increasing demand for face-to-face events.
According to Lou Hindley, the show’s Commercial Director, the momentum ahead of this year’s show has never been higher, “Our buyers really want to have a productive and enjoyable experience with us. Many of them will arrive with enquiries and ideas in hand but they also want to leave, inspired, educated and happy.”
“The real challenge for us is to balance this incredible appetite from our buyers, with giving them the chance to see our educational programmes, take some relaxed time to network with their industry colleagues as well as meeting with our exhibitors,” continues Lou. “As usual we’ll have our lunch and networking breaks, we’ll have our Welcome Reception the night before, and we’ll try to make time for relaxed and informal business. There is a real energy coming into the show from both our buyers and exhibitors which we are really excited about”.
CHS Birmingham 24 will be the fourth outing in the city from CHS and follows a similarly successful event in Leeds earlier this year. The show continues to provide the balance between buyer and exhibitor care and experience, whilst creating productive and inspiring business environments.
CHS Birmingham opens its doors on 29th October at ICC Birmingham, with the Welcome Reception on the evening of 28th October taking place at IET Birmingham: Austin Court.