8 Product Launch Venues [For Any Goal]

The release of a new product or service is always an exciting time for a business. You’ve identified that perfect market gap for your latest innovation — now it’s time to show it off to the wider world! The key to making an irresistible splash is to unveil it in a way that not only grabs attention but also amplifies its obvious allure. Let’s make this launch unforgettable! 

Taking inspiration from tech giants and disruptors alike, the intent should be for your new release to be a ‘happening’. For many businesses, this will mean edging towards the live launch event with a trickle of teases and enticing promises of big things to come. However, if you want to cash in on the excitement you’ve generated, the final result will need to be worthy of the weeks and months of anticipation. 

Perhaps the biggest way to give your launch lift-off lies in the venue you choose as a focal point. A fundamental feature of any major live event, the location is vital from both a practical and stylistic point of view. This makes choosing one among the most critical decisions you can make.

To make your selection easier, we’ve compiled eight of our favourite product launch venues. From the popular favourites to the eye-catchingly novel, there’s something for all tastes and budgets if you know what to look for!

What to Look for in Product Launch Venues 

When looking for product launch venues there are some fundamental features that you always need to get right. Although aesthetics are important, you should first focus on mastering the basics of comfort, accessibility, and technical capacity. Separating these must-haves from the nice-to-haves is a mindset you should try to adopt at every stage, not just when selecting a venue.  

To help you in your quest, here are the key ingredients you should demand from your venue for a product launch:

• Capacity: It’s important to find a space that is just the right size for your expected turnout. Choose somewhere too small and attendees will feel cramped and uncomfortable. Conversely, if your venue dwarfs the event itself, it could quickly seem that your new release just isn’t worthy of filling the space. Empty seats don’t project an image of success.  
• Location: While a niche venue down a bustling city centre backstreet might be trendy, it can also be a turn off for people who don’t want to negotiate rush hour traffic or park 15 minutes away from the actual event. If you want a full house, it’s advisable to pick somewhere with great transport links and nearby parking.
• Tech Capacity: Even smaller events will need to have a good technical capacity. Therefore, make sure the building you choose has the basics of fast wifi, dynamic lighting, and clear sound to project an image of professionalism. 

And here are some that, while not exactly deal breakers, will definitely add real value to your launch:

• Atmosphere: Every product launch venue will have its own unique atmosphere, so some will suit your release more than others. Depending on what type of impression you’re trying to make with your theme, you should try to ensure that the atmosphere aligns with your promotion.
• Catering: If you’re entertaining associated press and media, they’ll generally expect to be fed and watered. To meet these expectations you should inquire with venues to see if they offer in-house catering. Ask questions about facilities and, if they don’t offer everything you want, ask if you can provide it yourself.

 

Five Conventional Venues for Product Launches…

Although we often recommend thinking outside of the box with venues for product launches, it’s not always feasible. If you’re on a limited budget, or working within a more risk-averse market, there are lots of tried and tested options out there. The following suggestions are widely-recognised as being perfectly dependable choices that can provide the ideal backdrop for most releases.

1 – Conference Halls

The size and technical capacity of the average conference hall makes them the ideal choice for bigger companies. Not only can they house a large audience, but they often also provide smaller breakout rooms that can be great for networking and demonstrations. If the latest in audio-visual is a must, this is the one for you.

2 – Ballrooms

Well-suited to high end, luxury products, hotel ballrooms really add a touch of elegance that you won’t find at all product launch venues. To complement the air of sophistication you can even get accommodation as part of the deal for more ambitious, multi-day launches. A great choice if you’re in the fashion or luxury gift business.

3 – Exhibition Centres

If you need a space that can be adapted to set up in a variety of different ways, an exhibition centre is ideal. Vitally, these cavernous rooms also have the capacity to attract high numbers, so you can get your new lines in front of the biggest possible crowd. This type of product launch venue is commonly used by automotive companies and tech outfits. 

4 – Theatres

The best thing about theatres is the fact they’re a ready made stage that comes complete with all of the AV trimmings you could possibly want. Because these buildings are designed with performance and comfort in mind, there’s no better option for immersion and atmosphere. In this respect, they would work really well for high-concept, visually-appealing reveals. 

5 – Convention Centres

Like conference halls, convention centres are ideally suited to bigger launches or even expos. The sheer size of these buildings lends itself to multinationals or industry gatherings containing launches from a number of different organisations. 

…And Three Less Common Product Launch Venues

While more traditional venues for product launches are popular for good reason, some planners might prefer a place with a little extra zing. If you’re determined to hire a location that is in itself a selling point, there are some interesting options out there. And, should those venues happen to have a thematic link to whatever you’re selling, all the better!  

On that note, here are three more leftfield options for anyone who wants to make a real statement:

1 – Up on the Roof

One of the advantages of finding an unusual spot for your live event is that it can wow the crowds before they’ve even seen your product. In this vein, a city centre rooftop really fits the bill for young, hip brands. If you provide views of the city skyline, chilled music, and tasty food and drink, you’re almost guaranteed to create a cool and classy ambience.

This one works best in summertime, with the sinking sun dropping from view as attendees sip cocktails in the warm evening air. 

2 – Theme-Extensions

As we’ve touched upon, if you can find a venue that ties in with your corporate event theme it can produce the perfect marriage of style and substance. As a case in point, let’s imagine you’re releasing a new travel app with an aeronautical theme, called ‘My Flight’. The ideal location would be able to convey this message while also looking the part. Therefore, what better spot could you choose for the launch than an airport runway? 

You can really let your imagination run wild with this one, with museums, aquariums and zoos being other less common options for anyone who wants to take a chance and paint outside the lines.

3 – Take it Outside

Are you about to hit the market with a product or service that’s aimed at eco-friendly or health-conscious consumers? If so, there’s an organic connection to the natural world that is just waiting to be harnessed. You can make the most of this by looking for coastal or rural spots with clean air and wide open vistas. If you don’t want to go too far afield, you might want to consider compromising with an impressive outdoor garden or pretty local nature spot.

If this suggestion appeals, bear in mind that transporting tech equipment can be every bit as challenging as the unpredictable British weather!

Achieve Take Off With Our Free Venue-Finding Service

Venues for product launches need to provide an irresistible combination of style and substance. With so many potential locations scattered around the country, finding the ideal spot takes time. And that’s before you start negotiating a deal that won’t upset your carefully planned budget. 

The team at ConnectIn Events has been pairing a plan with a place since our inception in 2009. We can use our UK-wide database of contacts to trim the time and costs involved in the typical venue-finding process. Whether you already know where you’d like to set up, or want us to track down the perfect place on your behalf, we can find the most economical slot for any occasion — all completely free of charge.

Our mission is to provide everything you need to make an event amazing. This includes event design, production, entertainment, and much more. Whether you need hands-on, comprehensive assistance or just a small helping hand, we can adapt to your requirements.

To get the ball rolling, get in touch today.