The local convention bureau offer their tips

Once you’ve decided on a destination for your event and have a number of venues in mind, why not give the local convention bureau a call? They have a wealth of ideas and, obviously, know all about the people who will be hosting your event. Emma France from the Sheffield Conference Bureau (For further details, see "Sheffield venues":http://www.venues.org.uk/searches/sheffield_yorkshire_venues.asp) gives you her top ten tips for making the most out of these helpful organisations 1. It’s free. All services are free and designed with the events organiser in mind, there’s no catch 2. One stop shop- all the information you’ll need is in one place with one point of contact 3. Save yourself time. Let staff match your requirements to venues using the free venue location service 4. You’ll get the best deal. Conference bureaux work with their venues on a daily basis and are well placed to negotiate the best possible rates for you 5. Less hassle. Conference bureaux offer delegate accommodation booking services so you don’t have to worry about where your delegates will stay 6. No hard sell. They’re here to help not to bully 7. They’re destination experts. Need a hideaway for a cream tea, a map of the one-way system or tickets to a west end show? They’re a wealth of knowledge. 8. Sometimes they give you free things like maps or leisure guides. 9. They’re impartial. You will get a range of options and honest impartial advice 10. They’re a friendly bunch and happy to discuss any aspect of your event