EVENT CENTER

HOW TO CHOOSE How to Choose An Event Center

The Majestic Moon is a family owned and run business. Mike and Lori Price purchased the building in April 2017 and proceeded to remodel and improve it to make it more user friendly. Adding a handicap accessible entrance on the upper level, replacing the parking lots, adding all new light fixtures throughout the building (chandeliers on the upper level), removing old paneling and repainting with bright whites and grays to make a color neutral pallet for all events and users no matter their color scheme.

The Majestic Moon is run by Lori and her daughter, Kellie Norris. They offer these tips when choosing a venue to work

with. Make sure you start planning your event early. Make time to visit several venues and get a “feel” for the venue itself and an idea of how easy or difficult it may be to work with the personal contacts at each venue. Try to envision your event and write down a short list of questions to ask each. Some examples may be, what increments do you rent the venue? By the hour, half day, whole day, peak or non-peak times, and are there any discounts available in bundling or any special package deals available? If you have extensive or elaborate decorating to do, is it possible to decorate the day or evening before? If some, are there additional charges or is there a package that would include these charges?

Other questions to ask may be: What is included with the room/venue rental? Chairs, tables, servers, etc.? What time do we have to be completely out of the venue? What is the capacity of the room/venue you are interested in and how does that compare to the number you are expecting to attend your event? Are there additional charges and if so, what are they for and how much? Do you require security? Do you take care of this or do we?

Once this basic information is known then you can test their communication skills and get an idea of how helpful your contact with the venue may be. Explain your event, expressing your idea of how the event should flow. See how much feedback or how closely they are paying attention to details as you talk. Does your contact ask questions and show interest and compassion in your event? A good coordinator should ask questions and get details on your event. In turn making suggestions of things you could add or maybe easier ways to get the same end result. Find out who will be there the day of your event. You need to have confidence that if something is needed that there is someone there to help you.

When you have done all of your fact gathering, then it is time to sit down and make a list of pro’s and con’s. Does the venue fit how you envision you event? Is there adequate parking? Do the facilities meet all of your needs? If you have guests coming from out of town, are there accommodations relatively close by? And probably most important, do you feel like your contact(s) are going to be easy to work with? Will you have confidence in them to help you through tough decisions or helping you find a solution for either something you can’t find or a problem that need a solution? Next to the venue, your contact(s) are really, really important.

At the Majestic Moon, we go the extra mile to help make your event the most successful ever. We thrive on details. We can locate hard-to-find entertainment, or items for decorating. Your success is our success! We would love the opportunity to work with you. Give us a call at 319-234-2656 or 319-239-5726.

Article contributed by Majestic Moon

• Weddings & Receptions • Meeting Rooms • Birthday Parties • Military Send-Off or / Welcome Home • Political Campaigns • Retirement Parties • Celebrations of Life • Cultural and Religious Events • Catering • Full Service Event Planning • Convenient Parking • Close to Hotels/Motels • Easy Access to Downtown or Shopping • Close to Water and Amusement Parks

PuBLiC EvEntS: Live Music 4:00-8:00 pm 2nd & 4th Sunday’s (through September)

1955 Locke Ave., Waterloo, IA 50702 info@majesticmoonevents.com www.majesticmoonevents.com