What to look for from a corporate event venue in Kent

If you’re planning a corporate event, you’re probably under pressure to impress senior stakeholders, justify the budget, and ensure that every detail runs without fault. When looking for a corporate event venue in Kent, you need to find a flexible space that will accommodate your needs, and an expert on-site team that will take care of all the little details – so you can focus on delivering an exciting programme that reflects your organisation at its very best.

Here’s how to choose the perfect corporate event venue in Kent.

1) Map out your priorities

Before you dive in and start viewing venues, you need to take a step back and consider how you want your event to run.

Try asking yourself:

• What do attendees need to do at the event?
• What tone are you aiming for? Formal and structured, or more collaborative and celebratory?
• What key moments will you include? Presentations, workshops, networking, private dining etc.
• Is your event a meeting, incentive, conference or event (MICE)? As each has its own requirements.
• Do you require multiple breakout rooms or informal lounges?

By mapping out your priorities and key moments in advance, you can make sure that your chosen venue accommodates your agenda perfectly; rather than having to reshape your plans to suit a rigid, one-size-fits-all package. 

2) Consider the venue location and access

You need to ensure that all attendees can easily access your venue. If it’s awkward to reach, the overall turnout could suffer. Make sure that your chosen venue has:

• Straightforward road access and clear signage.
• Ample on-site parking close to the entrance.
• Dedicated arrival points for your suppliers and speakers.
• Nearby transport links for non-drivers.

Solton Manor is situated in the heart of Kent, just a stone’s throw away from the historic towns of Deal, Dover, Folkestone and Sandwich. With generous on-site parking for up to 100 cars and excellent transport links close by to both Europe (via the Ferry or Le Shuttle Channel Tunnel) and London, it couldn’t be easier for you and your guests to get to us. 

3) Look at the capacity and layout flexibility

The venue capacity will directly affect how your guests feel and engage on the day. When visiting different corporate event venues in Kent, ask for details about:

• Maximum capacities per room.
• Availability of breakout rooms or separate meeting spaces.
• Areas for registration, refreshments, and informal networking.
• Flexibility to reconfigure spaces during the day.

At Solton Manor, we can accommodate meetings for up to 40 guests within the Manor House, with separate rooms available for breakout sessions. If you’re hosting a larger conference, the Dutch Barn offers the ideal setting for up to 200  seated guests, with plenty of room for networking and exhibition stands.

4) Check what technology is available

Technology is a non-negotiable essential for corporate events. If your event includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, or speakers, make sure the venue provides:

• Projector and screens with strong sightlines.
• Microphones suited to your format (i.e. handheld or roaming).
• A speaker system appropriate for the room size.
• Reliable, high-speed WiFi.
• Accessible power points for laptops and charging.
• On-site technical support.

We offer all the technology you can possibly need for a seamless event, including a projector, bluetooth speakers, microphones, fast WiFi, and plenty of power sockets. You’ll also be assigned your own dedicated event planner, who will be on-hand to provide any technical assistance needed throughout the day.

5) Ask about the catering options

Food and drink shapes the energy and pace of your event. You’ll need to look for a venue that offers flexible catering and can accommodate all dietary requirements. Find out if your venue provides:

• Coffee on arrival and refreshment breaks throughout the day.
• Seated dining, buffet, or more informal catering formats.
• Wine pairing.
• Quick service for larger groups.
• Transparent handling of allergens.

At Solton Manor, we offer coffee on arrival and a range of menus to choose from, created by our trusted catering partner Invicta Food Design. We also offer a range of locally sourced Kentish drinks. Tables, chairs, linen, crockery and cutlery are all included, so you can sit back and relax knowing all your guests will be fully catered for.

6) Find out what on-site support is available

If you want your event to run smoothly from start to finish, you’ll probably need an extra pair of hands. Ask your venue if a dedicated event coordinator will be assigned to your booking and confirm:

• The access times for deliveries and setup.
• Whether you’ll have clear contact points during the day.
• What support is available for managing the running order.

When you book your corporate event at Solton Manor, you’ll be assigned a dedicated event planner who will remain on-site throughout the day, overseeing everything from supplier arrivals and room setup to AV coordination and timetable management.

7) Consider the accommodation options

If you’re hosting a multi-day event, you may want to look for a corporate event venue with accommodation in Kent. This will help to:

• Reduce travel time and logistical stress for you and your guests.
• Allow your team to bond outside of the formal agenda.
• Ensure your attendees remain focused on your objectives.

Solton Manor offers luxurious accommodation for up to 30 guests: sleeping 26 in the Manor House, and an additional 4 in Dovecote Cottage. When the day is over, your guests can retreat to their bedrooms (13 rooms in total) and have the opportunity to unwind in the most stunning setting.

FAQs

What should I prioritise when choosing a corporate event venue in Kent?

Start by considering the capacity and layout flexibility, then confirm the AV, WiFi, parking, catering, and on-site support available. You need to ensure the venue aligns with your event objectives, not just your headcount.

Is accommodation important for corporate events?

Yes, accommodation is a key consideration for multi-day corporate events. A corporate event venue with accommodation helps to reduce travel stress and encourages informal networking beyond the scheduled sessions.

What questions should I ask before signing a contract with a corporate venue?

Before signing a contract with a corporate venue, you should clarify what is included in the hire fee, AV provisions, setup and breakdown times, cancellation terms, parking availability, and whether a named event coordinator will be present on the day.