Short answer: choose the venue for the event you’re running, not for its name. Start with guest numbers and format, then check what the venue includes, what it charges on top, and its rules on setup times, outside suppliers and noise. Always do a site visit at the same time of day as your event, and ask for the event rules in writing before you sign.
Types of venue in Singapore
| Type | Good for | Usually included | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel ballroom or function room | Dinners, awards nights, conferences, seminars | Tables, chairs, linen, kitchen, service staff, basic sound | Minimum spend, prices quoted before service charge and GST, in-house AV rules |
| Convention and exhibition centre | Large conferences, exhibitions, multi-room events | Large column-free halls, loading access, meeting rooms | Everything is priced separately; long setup times for big builds |
| Restaurant private room | Small dinners, client entertainment | Food, drinks, service | Size limits, no room for a stage, noise |
| Attraction or unusual venue | Launches, receptions, events that need a talking point | The space and its setting | Catering, furniture, AV and power often brought in; restricted hours; rain plans for outdoor areas |
| Your own office | Office openings, town halls, small launches | No hire fee, familiar to staff | Space, power, building management rules, disruption to work |
Singapore’s large convention venues include Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, and Singapore EXPO. The Singapore Tourism Board’s meetings and events site lists more venues.
Questions to ask every venue
- What’s the capacity for our format: banquet, theatre, classroom or standing?
- What’s included in the price, and is it quoted before or after service charge and GST?
- Is there a minimum spend, and when do we lock guest numbers?
- What are the setup and teardown hours, and what does extra time cost?
- Can we bring our own AV, décor and suppliers, or must we use yours? Is there a fee if we bring our own?
- Are there noise limits or a hard finish time?
- Where are the loading bay and service lift, and do they need booking?
- Is the kitchen halal-certified, if we need it? You can check in the MUIS directory.
- What’s the access for guests with mobility needs?
- What are the deposit, payment and cancellation terms?
On the site visit
- Go at the time of day your event will run. Light, traffic, noise from next door and air-conditioning all change during the day.
- Stand where the audience will sit. Check sightlines to the stage and screens, and look for pillars.
- Look at the ceiling height and rigging points if you plan lighting, an LED wall or hanging décor.
- Find the power points, and ask about power capacity if you have heavy AV.
- Walk the guest route from the car park or taxi stand to the room, including lifts, and where registration will go.
- See the backstage area, green room and where suppliers will set up.
- Test the mobile signal and Wi-Fi in the room, especially if you’re livestreaming or using online check-in.
Outdoor and rain
Singapore’s weather changes quickly and heavy showers are common, so any outdoor plan needs a wet-weather option, decided in advance: a covered area, an indoor room held as backup, or tentage. Agree when you’ll make the call, and who makes it.
Permits
Events in public spaces, with public performances, or with temporary structures may need licences and approvals. See our guide to event permits and licences in Singapore.
Common questions
How early should we book a venue?
As soon as you have a date range and guest numbers. Popular venues for year-end and Chinese New Year dates book up first.
Is a hotel always the easiest option?
It’s often the simplest, because so much is included. An unusual venue can make the event more distinctive but needs more coordination and suppliers.
Can an event company get a better venue rate?
Sometimes, through repeat business with venues, but the bigger benefit is usually knowing which rooms work for which formats, and what to ask before signing.
Looking for a venue?
See our guide to planning a corporate event in Singapore, or tell us your date, guest numbers and format.