I'm in the Boston area and have been on both sides of the equation 
(renting out and also booking event locations), so perhaps I can be of 
some assistance with Question #1 (rates).

The biggest variable is amenities.  Does the location offer abundant 
parking?  If so, the price can be higher than a location that does not.  
What is the catering arrangement?  Can the renter bring in his or her 
own caterer or must the party choose from a specific list?  Alcohol and 
liability insurance rider? Are there tables already or must those also 
be rented?  Is janitorial service included in the rate, or must that be 
paid separately? Is a detail cop required by town by-law?  Is there 
seasonal outdoor space (e.g., for a tent) or indoor only?  Is the 
property in tip-top shape or is it looking a little shabby?  Do you want 
to give discounts to non-profit groups and charge premiums for private 
parties?  Are there "members" of the organization who will expect a 
considerable discount?  If you need a two-tier (or more) pricing system, 
you will want to make sure that the average still meets the budget line.

So there are lots of questions to be answered in order to price the 
location appropriately for the market.  Without knowing what it is, I 
can't say for certain, but I will say that Boston organizations without 
(paid) staff frequently fall in the $50-$350 per hour rate, with 
$200-$250 per hour seeming to be a very common price.

By the way, as far as compensating the event staff person, the one 
method you listed that I would avoid is percentage-based.  It can build 
in the wrong kinds of  incentives and put the property more at risk than 
straightforward salary.

Good luck,
Susan Ruderman
[log in to unmask]





On 2/13/2011 2:20 PM, alexandra rollins wrote:
>
> Hi All:
>
> This is an open-ended question, and I appreciate any direction you can 
> offer:
>
> One of my contracts is with an all-volunteer historic property that 
> wants to increase earned income through rentals - weddings, parties, 
> the usual. The property rents successfully now but not on a structured 
> business model.  We want to retain our current community support and 
> constituents, but know that the income stream could be increased 
> significantly.  FYI, I've looked at AAM, NEMA, AASLH and haven't 
> landed on a cohesive way to get a grip on this without spending a huge 
> block of time.
>
> Can anyone direct me on the following:
>
> How can I determine what the going rates are in my region [Boston] 
> without calling each historic property in the area and working up a 
> full-blown analysis based on square footage, facilities, and so on?  
> It's understood that this is not an exact science.
>
> What policies/standards are crucial or advisable?
>
> Where are there model forms?
>
> If we hire an events person, what are successful models for paying?  
> Percentage?  Retainer?  Hourly?  By Event?  Staff, of which there are 
> none now?
>
> What else should be considered in the mix?
>
> Thank you for your help!
>
> Alexandra Rollins
>
> 617-524-6007
>
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-- 
Susan Cronin Ruderman, Ed.M.
[log in to unmask]
Boston, MA area


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