Many experience practitioners in the industry still see the venue contract as either a necessary chore or a tool to make the 'other side' doesn't get the better of you. Doing business should be about win:win and the best practice approaches to contracting will ensure that this is the outcome. This workshop not only discusses the legal necessities, it also focuses on the practical applications and how, by adopting appropriate policies and practices, both the venue and its clients can get more out of their relationship. After attending this workshop, your whole approach to the venue contract will change for the better!

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the purpose and legal framework of venue contracts.
• Identify the essential components of an effective venue agreement.
• Differentiate between contracts and terms & conditions, and recognise how each plays a critical role in protecting business interests.
• Evaluate cancellation charges and understand the rationale behind their calculation.
• Explore the differing needs of venues and clients, and learn techniques to convert bookings into confirmed contracts more efficiently.
• Recognise common contractual risks and opportunities.
• Apply industry best practice to contracting processes, policies and procedures.
• Strengthen client relationships through fair, balanced and commercially effective agreements.

Workshop Programme

The workshop will cover:

• What is a contract and why is it required?
• Contracts vs Terms & Conditions – understanding the differences
• Essential elements of a venue contract, including short-form agreements
• Key contractual clauses:
  • Payment terms
  • Jurisdiction
  • Liability
  • Indemnity
  • Force Majeure
• Rights and obligations of both venue and client
• Service level guarantees
• Managing client addendums and amendments
• Remedies for breach of contract
• The MIA Model Terms & Conditions
• Cancellation charges: principles, calculations and best practice
• Understanding the "dichotomy of needs" between venue and client
• Converting bookings into contracts more effectively
• Best-practice contracting processes, principles and policies
• Real-world examples of venue terms and conditions from across the industry

Ideal for: Venue sales professionals, event managers, operations teams, commercial managers and anyone involved in negotiating, drafting or managing venue contracts.