37 Things DJs Want to Know at Venues

Here are several things a DJ or other vendors could find very helpful before arrive to setup at a brand new venue. Of course, some of these items will be determined by the client's chosen floor plan, and not all questions below apply to all vendors. 
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1. What is the venue name and address? Is it listed on Google maps?​
2. What is the website of the venue, if any? Is there a page specifically for vendors?
3. What is the wedding ceremony venue and address, if different? What is the distance between ceremony and reception?
4. Who is the venue manager or wedding coordinator & phone? Who is the manager/coordinator on site during the event, if different? 
5. Are there any location markers the vendors should be looking for to make the correct entrance onto the venue property? 
6. When will the door(s) be unlocked? Should/can the vendor check-in with the manager? (The DJ will need to arrive 1-3 hours before the event begins.) ​
7. What building entrance should the vendor load in equipment? Is there a rear or side door closer to the area used other than the main entrance? 
8. What does the load-in access look like? Is a loading ramp or steps required? Can the vehicle park within 10 ft of the door? 
9. Are there door stops available to hold the doors open during load-in? 
10. Where should the vendor park their vehicle during the event? How far is the parking space from the loading area?
11. Is the environment needing sound services outdoors? If so, is a pavilion, tent or canopy provided? 
12. Is there a second or third area of the event that will need sound? Where?
13. Is there an electrical outlet within 25 ft of setup area? Is it a 15 amp outlet that has always worked for prior vendors? 
14. If no nearby electrical outlet, will there be a electrical extension cord setup nearby the vendor area? Should the vendor bring such a cord? How far is the nearest plug-in to the setup area?
15. Is the setup area at least 12 ft wide and 8 ft deep? If not, what are the dimensions available?
16. About how large is the room/space for which to provide sound? How tall is the ceiling? 
17. What is the maximum occupancy that the venue can hold? 
18. Will there be a table available in the setup area upon arrival? Is a 6 ft table available? (Photo booths require a 8’ table provided). 
19. Is there a guest WiFi internet? What is the password?
20. Is the event on the ground floor? Or is a full flight(s) of stairs required?
21. Is an elevator required? Approximately what dimensions is it?
22. Approximately how far will the setup area be from the load-in entrance? Would it be best to bring a cart to move equipment? 
23. Is carting or carrying equipment over grass, dirt, or gravel required? Does the venue have a cart available, if needed? 
24. Is setup on a stage or risers required? 
25. At what corner or wall of the room is the setup area? (north wall, for example)
26. Is the setup area directly in front of a full, bare wall? Is there furniture, bookcases, windows, curtains, or hanging artwork nearby?
27. Will there be ceiling lighting that is dimmable or can be turned off by the vendors? Where is the lighting controls? How are they used properly?
28. Are there in-house audio, video or lighting systems? Has the client requested their use? How are they used properly? 
29. Is there a maximum volume restriction for this venue?  Are there residential neighbors very close by? 
30. What is the size and type of dance floor? Will the venue have an assembled dance floor laid on top of the regular floor?
31. Where is the nearest storage closet/room/area for some vendor boxes and bags? (Or is the vehicle the best space to hide such items if parked very close by?)
32. Is there a restroom nearby for the vendor to change clothing? In what part of the building?
33. Is there a hook inside the bathroom stall to hang 2-3 clothes hangers?
34. Is there a required or latest time to end the event and music must be off?
35. Is there a required time the vendors needs to be out of the venue?
36. Can the venue hold multiple events simultaneously? Or elsewhere on the property?Will there be another event happening when the DJ arrives for setup?
37. Can any of the above questions be answered with photos or videos sent to the vendors?