Holding your seminar in an appealing, high-end venue shows clients you know them well and value their business.

“[A seminar venue is] a reflection of the importance of your clients,” says Sara Gilbert, founder of Strategist in Montreal. “If you select a prestigious address, people will feel flattered, they’ll feel special for going and their response rate will be greater.”

There’s more to finding the best location, however, than booking the most expensive place in town. Follow these tips to find the perfect venue for your next seminar:

> Choose something different
Hosting a seminar at a unique location adds an element of interest.

“Choose a venue that people would want to visit,” Gilbert says. “So, think outside the box, beyond the traditional conference room in your building.”

Many museums now host conferences, she says. An historic hotel or hip restaurant might also pique the interest of invited guests.

Remember, a client event is not the type of activity on which you should try to cut corners for the sake of expenses. If you want an impressive location, you will have to pay for it.

> Know your venue
To avoid surprises, choose a venue you have visited and know well. If you select a restaurant at which you are a regular customer, Gilbert says, chances are you’ll get better service.

Find out if the restaurant makes a maître d’ or an event planner available to take care of organizing the event. Or consider hiring an event planner to work with the people at the venue.

> Check the menu
If you are holding a seminar at a restaurant, take a look at the menu to make sure it’s right for your guests.

Choose a restaurant with a varied menu, says Gilbert, so it can handle diverse dietary needs.

Or, if you have your heart set on a steak house, she says, don’t invite a client who you know is a vegetarian.

> Find the right vibe
For a successful seminar, make sure the venue is warm and inviting for guests, Gilbert says, and has a comfortable atmosphere. That means finding a site with good lighting, plenty of space for mingling and comfortable seating.

> Look out for roadblocks — literally
For a seminar to be successful, it must be easy for clients to get to.

Make sure there is plenty of parking, Gilbert says, and that it’s easy for clients to find without any hassles such as roadwork and detours.

Make sure there aren’t too many stairs or other obstacles for clients with mobility issues. And place plenty of signs to direct clients to the room once they reach the address.

> Check the sound sightlines
If the venue is large or you plan on making a visual presentation, make sure guests will be able to see you and hear you well — from every seat.