What a Good Venue Sourcing Agent Actually Does (That You Don’t See)
If you’ve never worked with a venue sourcing agent before, you might think it’s just about sending over a list of hotels and spaces that tick the basics. Capacity? ✔ Location? ✔ Availability? ✔
But the real value of a good venue finder happens before, during and after that list lands in your inbox. And most of it, you won’t even see.
At Venue Path, I believe sourcing isn’t just about logistics it’s about alignment, efficiency, insight and knowing how to turn an idea into a real, workable solution.
Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes.
1. Turning Your Brief into a Plan
Sometimes briefs are clear and detailed. Often, they’re not and that’s fine. Whether you come to me with a full schedule or just “we need somewhere for 40 people in Manchester in November”, my first job is to translate that into a sourcing strategy.
That includes:
- Clarifying your goals and what success looks like
- Filling in the blanks (timings, flow, format, access needs)
- Prioritising must-haves vs nice-to-haves
- Making sure I understand your company culture and audience
This is what ensures the venues I source are genuinely aligned not just logistically suitable.
2. Vetting the Right Options — Then Filtering Again
I don’t just run a search and send every venue that matches capacity and postcode.
Instead, I:
- Shortlist based on your brief *and* your ethos
- Check availability directly (no dead-end links)
- Sense-check layouts, access, flow and feel
- Assess whether the venue aligns with your tone and attendees
- Include a couple of wild cards that might surprise you
That’s what makes venue sourcing feel personal and not generic. I also provide a list of venues considered but not shortlisted (with reasons), plus details of any that weren’t available. That way, if there’s a particular venue you had in mind, we can easily revisit it.
3. Negotiating the Bits You Don’t Think to Ask
Venue rates are only part of the story. I also review:
- Contract terms and hidden clauses
- Release dates, attrition rates and cancellation penalties
- Deposit schedules and flexibility around payment
- Added-value offers that might apply
This is where experience matters. Because I’ve worked on both the venue and client side, I know what’s fair and I know how to ask.
4. Saving You Time (and Mistakes)
Sourcing the wrong venue can cost you. Not just money, but time, stress, and goodwill with your stakeholders or attendees.
Working with Mark Dixon t/a Venue Path means:
- No wasted time chasing venues that are too small, too expensive or not quite right
- No back-and-forth with 12 different venue contacts
- No missed details like Wi-Fi capacity, storage, early access or check-in times
- No surprises in the contract
You brief me once and I’ll handle the logistics, the legwork and the negotiation, so you can get on with everything else.
Final Thought: It’s More Than Just a List
Anyone can Google a few venues and send a link. But proper venue sourcing? That’s strategic. It’s personal. And it’s designed to make your job easier and your event better.
I take that seriously. Because your event reflects your business, your people and your priorities. And I make sure your venue does too.
👉 Ready to save time and get it right first time? Send me your brief. I’ll do the rest.
✏️ Not sure what a strong brief looks like? Read the blog on writing an effective venue brief.
About Venue Path
Venue Path offers free, expert-led venue finding for corporate events across the UK and Europe. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and events industry, I help you find the right space — whether it's for a conference, retreat, incentive, away day, group accommodation or strategy session.
Every venue is carefully matched to your brief, budget, and company ethos, with options for sustainable sourcing, off-the-radar venues, and event management support if needed.