How do you get more meeting and corporate off-site bookings?

What types of things do you put in your listing?

I’ve booked many EAs that typically request the following, so putting something around these details in your listing will check-off what they need:

On-site Person - Included or an extra charge, but can be provided.
Basically, they need someone to assist since the EA can’t always be there.
This person greets, provides access to the space, sets up catering (breakfast/lunch), AV support, EOD cleanup.

Seating setups and how many people you can host comfortably
(x theater, x conference, x classroom)

  • State how many chairs/tables come with the space
  • Setup the space and take snap shots of them so a guest can see what that looks like.

Audio visuals - Included or rental options
(If you own, you should include in price)
I’ve found that the groups that want a screen or projector are for high-end executive meetings or need for large presentations. My space isn’t that large, so a 60" monitor has worked out great.

Explain why your space is great for meetings
I recommend to write a brief description of how a guest can use the space best for meetings. Think like the guest and think, “why would I book this space to meet with others?” Is it close to a convention center? Is it close to the financial district?

Definitely highlight past clients and companies
I use to also get asked A LOT about past clients I’ve hosted. Listing out companies really increased my inquiries and bookings. I think the guests felt it was a more trusted space. I recommend to put past clients to add more interest. If you don’t have any yet, then just add as they happen.

Good tips on getting meetings/corporate off-sites, especially the highlighting past clients.

Can you give more details about how you inform potential renters about past clients? Is this a list in your “About the Space” section? Also do you ask for guests if you can list their company name?

I’m trying to figure out the best method for attracting week day rentals and off-sites seems like the way.

Pictures! Folks are super visual. They want to see themselves and the kind of meeting they want in your space. Hire an interior decorating and professional photographer. It’s soooo worth the expense. Be sure it’s staged such it looks inviting for a meeting or corporate event.

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That make sense. Thanks for sharing.

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@Chanae_R is right—a big part of it is the pictures. When guests are booking a meeting, they want to see a few things right in the cover photo.

For a small meeting space, they’d want to see:

  • Tables with chairs around it
  • A screen or projector where they can hook in their laptop for presentations
  • A whiteboard (if you have one)
  • Natural light and high ceilings (if available)

For bigger meeting spaces, you’ll want to show the tables and chairs setup in a bunch of different configurations (classroom style, tables for breakout sessions, etc.).

If you get a chance take a look at the photos for this San Francisco space. They show it both as a blank room, as well as in a bunch of different configurations. You’ll also notice you can see that big projector screen right in the cover photo:

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Photos showing various meeting and presentation configurations are terrific. I have been thinking about adding a partial client list, seeing it recommended here gives me a nudge to actually do it. I bought a projector, screens, and a large whiteboard, and built a small kitchen (full-size fridge, microwave, double sink, no oven/stove). We have a great Cuban bakery a block away (Porto’s), very popular for coffee, juice, snacks and meals. Our lowest rate is for the weekday, daytime smallish company meetings. And they are usually quiet, considerate, professional, none of the issues we encounter with the nighttime parties.

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