Event planners attending the London Venues Summit are reassessing what matters most when sourcing venues. Where capacity, location, and cost once dominated decision-making, a broader set of criteria is now shaping procurement strategies, driven by evolving delegate expectations, regulatory changes, and advances in event technology…
Sustainability as Standard
Organisers are actively seeking venues with environmental credentials, including BREEAM or ISO 20121 certifications. Carbon-neutral operations, on-site recycling systems, low-energy lighting, and plant-based catering options are frequently cited in RFPs. In response, venues are investing in solar panels, zero-waste policies, and transparent ESG reporting to meet the needs of eco-conscious clients and attendees.
Tech-Ready Spaces for Hybrid Demands
As hybrid formats become embedded in corporate event strategies, venues are under pressure to offer robust digital infrastructure. High-speed connectivity, built-in AV capabilities, streaming booths, and flexible bandwidth options are no longer “nice-to-haves”, they are essential. Planners are increasingly seeking venues that can support seamless hybrid experiences, with dedicated technical support and integration with popular event platforms.
Wellbeing-Centric Design
In a post-pandemic world, attendee wellbeing is taking centre stage. Venues with natural light, air purification systems, breakout zones, and green outdoor spaces are winning favour. Accessibility is also a renewed focus, with event professionals prioritising step-free access, neurodiversity-friendly environments, and inclusive amenities to ensure comfort for all guests.
Data Transparency and Security
With GDPR compliance and cybersecurity threats top of mind, organisers are now scrutinising how venues handle data. This includes everything from Wi-Fi login security to delegate information stored during registration. Secure access controls, cyber incident response protocols, and data processing transparency are rising up the venue selection checklist.
Local Community Impact
Finally, planners are considering how venues engage with local communities. This might include employing local staff, working with regional suppliers, or supporting community projects. Event leaders want to ensure that their footprint is positive, not just in terms of environmental impact, but also social value.
The conversation around venue sourcing is changing. Cost and capacity still matter, but they’re just part of a much broader picture. Today’s event professionals are balancing sustainability, technology, inclusivity, wellbeing, and security when choosing a venue, demands that reflect the increasingly strategic role events play in brand reputation, stakeholder engagement, and corporate responsibility.
As the industry evolves, venues that rise to meet these multifaceted needs will find themselves at the top of the shortlist.
Are you searching for venues for your event projects? The London Venues Summit can help!
Photo by Nils Stahl on Unsplash
