What is Venue Management?

Venue management is the running of an event venue day to day, covering bookings, events, staff, safety, the building and finances, so every show or event runs smoothly. It applies to music venues, concert halls, theatres, conference centres, clubs and any space that hosts events. The person in charge is usually the venue manager.

How venue management works

Every event at a venue passes through the same cycle:

  1. Book: handle enquiries, holds and contracts with promoters, artists and hirers.
  2. Plan: advance each event, agreeing times, technical needs and hospitality.
  3. Staff: schedule technical crew, front of house, bar and security staff.
  4. Run: deliver the event, with a duty manager responsible for safety and licensing on the night.
  5. Close: settle with the promoter or hirer, pay suppliers and review the event.

Running dozens of events a month means a lot of shared information, which is why many venues manage bookings, advancing and staff with Crescat for venues.

Venue management vs event management

Venue management is about running the building and every event in it. Event management is about planning one event, often by an organiser who uses many venues. At in-house events, the venue team does both. For hires, the venue supports the organiser's own event team.

What venue management covers

  • Bookings, calendar and contracts
  • Advancing and production for each event
  • Staff rotas and payroll
  • Licensing, health and safety
  • Building maintenance and equipment
  • Bars, catering and income
  • Marketing and customer service
  • Accessibility for audiences, artists and staff

Frequently asked questions

What software do venues use?

Most venues use several tools: a ticketing system, a till system and software to manage bookings, advancing and staff. Venue management software brings the event planning side into one place, so the whole team works from the same details.

How do music venues make money?

Mainly from bar sales, ticket income, hire fees and sometimes sponsorship. Many grassroots venues depend on bar income, as ticket income often goes largely to the artists and promoters.

What qualifications are needed for venue management?

Experience counts most, often from working in venues. In the UK, a personal licence is useful for managing licensed premises, and health and safety training is valuable. Many venue managers start in bar, production or front of house roles.

Related terms