Winging It Will Wreck You
Table of Contents
“We’ve always done it this way” might be the most expensive phrase in the venue business. Without solid SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), you’re gambling with every event.
The Real Cost of Chaos
When venues wing it, things break:
- Staff makes costly mistakes
- Details slip through cracks
- Training takes forever
- Quality varies wildly
- Problems repeat endlessly
Horror Stories Are Born Here
True story: One venue let each coordinator “do their own thing” with vendor load-in. Result? A florist’s truck backed into a historic pillar. Why? No written protocol for parking guidance. Cost? $15,000 in repairs and one lost preferred vendor.
What SOPs Actually Fix
Setup and Breakdown
- Exact timeline requirements
- Specific vendor parking spots
- Clear chain of command
- Equipment handling rules
- Safety checkpoints
Emergency Response
- Clear evacuation routes
- Weather backup plans
- Medical emergency steps
- Contact hierarchies
- Documentation requirements
Vendor Management
- Check-in procedures
- Insurance verification
- Equipment restrictions
- Time management
- Problem resolution
Staff Protocols
- Training requirements
- Safety procedures
- Communication chains
- Problem escalation
- Quality checks
Build Your Playbook
Start with these basics:
- Document current processes
- Identify failure points
- Write clear procedures
- Train your team
- Update regularly
Why It Works
Good SOPs:
- Make training simple
- Reduce mistakes
- Save time
- Prevent accidents
- Build confidence
Bottom Line
Your venue’s too valuable to run on memory and luck. Build those SOPs now, or keep paying for chaos later.
Need help creating SOPs that actually work? Let’s talk.
