The Ultimate Guide to Temporary Event Venues

What is classed as a temporary structure?

A temporary structure is a type of building that will be used for a short amount of time and is not intended to remain in the place it has been built.

For example, the image above shows a temporary structure used for large-scale hospitality at The Wimbledon Championships. This was only standing while the event was live and taken down in a matter of days after the event had finished.

What do I need to consider when using a temporary event structure?

There are a variety of elements you’ll want to consider when choosing a temporary event structure which can have a considerable impact on the choice you make.

1. Location is everything

Choosing a location is so important when planning a large event as it will inevitably influence the attendance and overall success of the event.

When using existing venues you may find that;

• The location is undesirable
• There is too much or too little space
• It is too far from transport systems
• There is no space for parking
• It has no WOW factor

When using a temporary structure, the world is your oyster. Suddenly, you have endless options available, whatever your vision may be. Your location can be anywhere. In the heart of your chosen city, the centre of a historic courtyard, out in an open field or on top of a fountain (literally).

One thing to consider is site accessibility - can it be easily accessed by large lorries to deliver structure materials? Sometimes there may be challenges to overcome, such as restricted access times, low ground bearing capacity or noise regulations. No matter what the challenge, there is always a way to overcome it with advanced planning and a reliable team.

2. The interior layout

When using a traditional venue you are limited to the existing floor plans and building design. Using a temporary venue puts you in total control to create the layout you imagine. This will impact various elements of your event and traffic flow, influencing overall enjoyment & success.

What do you want the entrance to look like? Do you want an internal terrace? Do you need a bar? Do you have a performance or speaker who requires a stage? What about seating? Will you require a back-of-house area for catering or service?

3. Branding opportunities

Using a traditional venue can significantly limit the branding potential of your event. Imagine you are hosting an innovative, unique and totally ‘on brand’ event.. your guests could arrive at a typical venue such as a hotel or large high-rise building OR they can arrive at your fully branded from head to toe, bespoke designed venue.

Branded venues hugely increase user-generated marketing content – your guests will be snapping pictures and posting on Instagram showing off a unique venue like they’ve never experienced. This makes your event more memorable and creates a lasting impact on your guests. It’s a win-win.

4. Being sustainable

Sustainability is on everyone’s mind as the world moves towards a more eco-conscious future. A large part of this is reducing the amount of energy used to produce and run an event. Temporary structures are created with this in mind as they are completely demountable and reusable. The materials used can even reduce running costs. Our latest LDB Thermal Acoustic System creates optimum acoustics inside your venue and doubles as thermal insulation, reducing the amount of energy required to heat the structure.

5. Capacity

How many guests are you planning for?

A traditional venue has strict limitations as the building is what it is, making it difficult or even impossible to make any changes. Using a temporary structure gives you options, even if you plan for 500 people and end up doubling your guest list, the structure can be changed, extended or added to very easily. On the other hand, if you realise you are expecting fewer guests you can create a smaller space, saving money you may have spent on hiring a huge venue.

6. Rental period

Event planning almost always works towards strict deadlines. When choosing a temporary structure, you need to consider the amount of time needed for assembly and dismantle and allow this time to ensure your venue is built on time and taken down just as quickly.

What kind of events is a temporary structure suitable for?

A temporary structure can be used for pretty much any kind of event or gathering you can imagine – Although this list only considers events, temporary structures can also be used permanently if you should require them for an extended period of time (even decades).

Here is a list of some of the most common events our temporary structures are used for;

• Exhibitions
• Sport events
• Hospitality
• Trade shows
• Product launches
• Corporate events
• Festivals
• Trade shows
• Weddings
• Parties
• Ice rinks
• Art shows
• Conference/congress
• Temporary venue

What types of temporary structures can I choose from?

There are a few key categories of temporary venues including the following:

• The standard A-frame
• Multi-deck
• Box-shaped eye-catchers
• One-of-a-kind design

Get inspired! With a temporary venue there are (almost) no limits.

1. The standard A-frame

This is your standard aluminium A-frame structure which is a great option if you’re looking for a large space. These types of venues can be connected easily to create more space, customised to your requirements and built extremely quickly.

The Alu Hall from Losberger De Boer can be fully opaque with PVC wall and roof elements or completely transparent with glass wall and roof elements. The width can be anywhere from 5m to 50m and as long as you like (literally). This structure offers clear-span space, meaning there are no internal columns or obstructions to your space. 

2. Multi-deck

Double or triple-deck structures create super high-end venues to impress your guests. These structures are often used for large sporting events, hospitality or exhibition space. They can be custom designed with countless possibilities, doubling or tripling the space available for your guests.

The Premier from Losberger De Boer can be designed in a variety of ways whether you want a stand-alone platform or a 3-storey structure complete with a viewing terrace or transparent dome on top #wowfactor. This structure also comes with an optional 2.5m wide balcony which can be added for even more wow. The premier truly represents the pinnacle of modular temporary space design.

3. Box-shaped eyecatchers

If you are really looking to grab your guests' attention, it doesn’t get better than a huge fully branded box. This look can be achieved with pretty much any structure, you just have to ‘box’ it in. The iconic shape of this structure is one way to make a statement in any location.

The Palas by Losberger De Boer boasts linear architecture, cubic form and generous branding space. This structure is the perfect choice for large-scale events, hospitality and high-end product launches. It has all the space you need with high-capacity functionality over one or two storeys.

4. One-of-a-kind design

If you are planning something truly special you may want to consider a custom design. A completely new structure will obviously incur some costs, however, you may be able to achieve the bespoke design you want by using a variety of structures connected to create a truly one-of-a-kind venue.

The Van Gogh Alive Immersive Art Exhibition is a good example where they did just that. Here, Losberger De Boer provided different combinations of 3-5 structures to fit the exact location parameters and requirements of the exhibition. When the exhibition was in Edinburgh we provided a combination of the Delta Vista and Anova Vista, boasting a classy, stand-out curved roof.

How can the interior of a temporary structure be customised?

The inside of a venue is just as, if not more important than the exterior. Creating a bespoke interior design is made easy with a temporary structure, with millions of possibilities.

Flooring: Inside your temporary structure can be any flooring you desire. Whether you want it ‘floorless’ on grass, turned into a tennis court, fully carpeted or a hardwood floor laid - The options are endless.

Walls: If you have opaque walls you can create a fully branded wall on the inside of your venue, hang pictures or have a projector showing your latest video content. If you are trying to bring the inside-outside vibe, you may want to choose transparent glass wall panels to create a light and airy feel.

Lighting & sound systems: An often overlooked element of a venue, lighting can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of an event and should absolutely be an important consideration for your temporary venue. Here you can consider simple and traditional lighting fixtures or go all out with a variety of cinematic lights to truly captivate your guests when hosting an art exhibition or product launch.

Heating & cooling systems: There are a number of solutions available including air conditioning, temporary boilers, chillers and heating solutions.

Interior fit out/décor: To really turn your temporary structure into a purposeful space you’ll want to add furniture, seating, stages, sofas, bars and anything else that can create the desired experience you envision for your guests. This can be drastically different depending on the use of your venue. For sporting events, you may need specific equipment, specialised flooring and spectator seating. Whereas hospitality will require entire a back of house kitchen and bar set up as well as tables for guests.

Do I need planning permission for a temporary structure?

You DO NOT need planning permission when:

• The structure will be up for less than 28 days
• The footprint of the structure has a footprint of less than 200m² (This may vary depending on your location, so it is always best to check with your local planning authority)

You DO need planning permission when:

• The structure will be used for more than 28 days
• If the structure is closer than 5m from the site boundaries
• If the floor space is greater than 200m²
• If the building's volume is more than 25% of the existing building (if the structure is an extension of an existing venue)
• If the structure reduces the space available for parking and manoeuvring vehicle

All in all, there is a lot to consider when planning a large event. At Losberger De Boer we pride ourselves on being a partner that really can offer the full package, taking you from concept to completion. Get in touch with the team today to start talking about your vision for your next big event.

Managing Director: Mical.deboer@losbergerdeboer.com

Sales Director: John.cochrane@losbergerdeboer.com

Event Sales Manager: Olivia.beaumont@losbergerdeboer.com