ABSTRACT
The 'lead-in' is the period between the venue receiving confirmation and the date of the event. Post-event management are the procedures to enact after the event, such as debriefing meetings and guest satisfaction evaluation. From the point where confirmation is received there is opportunity for planning the event and nurturing the client relationship. Venues which have a poor management structure typically tend to jump from one event to the next, which leads to developing a reactive management style, rather than a proactive management style. A venue needs to achieve focus on the delivery of service standards to their confirmed clients. This in turn will achieve greater satisfaction and better sales because of repeat business, word of mouth referrals and good reputation. Venues can reduce the lead-in if there are quick-turnaround events. These may be small functions; frequent repeat business of the same type, such as meetings; repeat business from the same client; or short-notice bookings, such as wakes.
