When event organisers choose a venue the need for it to be unusual is becoming more important.

This is the conclusion of Mary Kay Eyerman, editor of charity publication The London and UK Datebook, who attended a focus group of organisers discussing what they looked for in a venue. Many were moving from hotels to museums, livery halls and even year-round marquees, providing something unusual and saving money in the process.

Also discussed was the benefit of working with one person at the venue from beginning to end, and the irritating issue of hidden extra charges, for such things as power points, and additional set-up time.