The capacity of an event is the number of people attending divided by the amount of space each guest needs. The standing capacity of a space is calculated based on how people can comfortably fit into the space. For a cocktail-type event, around 6 square feet per person should be sufficient. We have venues and spaces available to host just about any event or special occasion.
Review our locations and spaces below and submit a quote request to get started. One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating the capacity of an enclosure is the fire code. The fire code is the legal limit on how many people can occupy a space at a time, depending on the size, layout, and safety features of the place. You should always ask the local administrator for the fire code certificate and verify that it is up to date and valid.
The fire code will also tell you how many outlets, extinguishers, sprinklers, and smoke detectors the enclosure has and if they are working properly. You should never exceed the fire code limit or compromise the safety of your guests. You should consider how the venue will complement the theme, style, and goals of your event, and whether it will create the desired impression and impact on your guests. Attendees don't like overcrowded and hard-to-navigate events, so calculating event capacity is a critical step in planning.
The last factor to consider when evaluating the capacity and design of a venue is to visualize the event. If you're planning a cocktail hour for 100 people who are all standing, you'll multiply 100 by 6 to determine that you need a venue with 600 square feet of available, viable space for the event. At the same time, a venue that is too large in relation to the number of guests makes the event look small and with little attendance. From the first contact with your guests to throughout the event, you'll want to ensure that the space is fluid for all aspects of the event.
So, if you have a group of 250 people, don't limit your search to places that advertise an event that can accommodate up to 250 people. Also look at the numbers that are beyond that quantity. If you're looking for venues with a slightly larger capacity, you can decide how well your event would fit into each of them. Venue insurance typically covers a variety of risks related to organizing events at a specific location.
In no particular order, here are 15 of New York City's largest event venues for corporate events, conferences, product launches, trade shows, and more. Look for event spaces of the approximate size you're looking for, and it also includes slightly larger venues. Use a free event layout tool to make your life easier and more accurate, and find an alternative venue with a little more space, just in case. Follow these simple steps to calculate the estimated capacity of the event, such as how many square feet per person you'll need for a meeting or how many people you can accommodate at your dream venue.
