What is a 'Hire Out'?
In live event venues, a "hire out" refers to a specific event, show, or function that is organised, marketed, and managed by an external third party renting the space. Unlike an internal venue production or curated flagship performance, a hire out represents a standalone booking where the venue acts as the host facility, providing the space and supporting services while the client retains full responsibility for the event's execution.
Hire outs can range from corporate conferences, trade shows, and weddings to promoter-led gigs, charity galas, and community meetings. The venue's primary role during a hire out is to ensure site safety, facilitate access, enforce licensing conditions, and support the external team with agreed-upon facilities.
Key Characteristics of a Hire Out
External Ownership: The third-party client or promoter controls the event content, artist bookings, ticketing, and marketing, bearing the primary financial risk for audience turnout and sales.
Defined Contractual Scope: Every hire out is governed by an agreement detailing exact tenancy hours (covering get-in, event duration, and load-out), room access, and whether it operates as a dry hire (space only) or a wet hire (includes venue technicians, bar staff, and AV equipment).
Divided Operational Roles: Venue staff (such as duty managers, house technicians, and security) focus on building operations and safety compliance, working alongside the external organiser's event managers and production team.
Streamlined Financial Agreements: Revenue for the venue is secured through flat hire fees, minimum food and beverage spends, ticket splits, or itemised recharges for technical staff and equipment.
Managing multiple hire outs requires meticulous advancing, clear client guidelines, and rapid room turnarounds to ensure each external organiser receives a seamless experience from initial enquiry to final load-out.