Venue Finder Insights: Five Questions with Chen
Every venue has its own personality, but finding the right one is about much more than choosing a beautiful space. At Function Fixers, our team spends every day matching clients with venues that work not just on paper, but in practice.
We asked Chen to share her thoughts on what makes a venue stand out, the common mistakes event organisers make and the practical details that can make all the difference.
What makes you excited about recommending a venue?
For Chen, it’s all about finding the right fit.
“I really enjoy finding a venue that feels right for the client, not just one that looks good on paper. It’s satisfying when the location, layout, budget and overall style all come together and the client can immediately see how their event would work there.”
Every event is different, so the most successful recommendations are those that balance practical requirements with the client’s vision.
What’s the biggest mistake event planners make?
One of the biggest mistakes Chen sees is placing too much emphasis on appearance.
“A beautiful venue still needs to work properly. You have to think about guest numbers, event flow, AV, catering, accessibility and how the space will be set up on the day.”
An impressive venue can quickly lose its appeal if delegates struggle to hear presentations, navigate between rooms or access the facilities they need. That’s why practicality should always sit alongside aesthetics when choosing a venue.
What’s one thing clients rarely think about?
According to Chen, it’s the guest journey.
“People often focus on the meeting room itself, but the experience starts much earlier. Arrival, registration, networking spaces, the flow between rooms and whether everyone can see and hear comfortably all have a huge impact on how successful the event feels.”
These practical considerations aren’t always obvious when looking at photographs online, but they can significantly influence the delegate experience on the day.
What’s the best venue you’ve visited recently?
One venue that has particularly impressed Chen is Central Hall Westminster.
“It really stood out because of its central location, impressive architecture and rich history. Despite its scale, it never feels impractical, and it offers flexible event spaces that work well for conferences, presentations and receptions. It can also be a very cost-effective option for corporate events.”
For Chen, the venue strikes the right balance between character, flexibility and value, making it suitable for a wide range of corporate events.
If you could give event organisers one piece of advice before booking a venue, what would it be?
Chen’s advice is simple but important.
Arrange a site visit.
“Seeing a venue in person gives you a completely different perspective. You get a much better feel for the space, how people will move around it and whether it really fits the event you’re planning.”
A site visit often confirms the right decision – or highlights practical considerations that aren’t obvious from a website or brochure.
Chen’s Takeaway
The best venues aren’t chosen because they’re the most striking – they’re chosen because they work.
When location, layout, accessibility, delegate flow and atmosphere all come together, organisers can focus on delivering a successful event, knowing the venue is working with them rather than against them.