There should be sufficient space for many guests to stand without creating a chaotic situation. This will be the first impression your guests will have of the event and it is essential that the area is large enough, attractive and highly functional.

The area must be large enough for the display of all the auctions items. Sufficient room must be available for bars, food tables and auction areas and the guests should be able to circulate comfortably throughout the room. Lighting is one of the most critical considerations for the successful operation. View the site in the evening when the auction will actually occur and plan to supplement the lighting if necessary.

The transition from the Silent Auction area to the dining room or Live Auction area must be very smooth to ensure that all your guests can easily move from one to the other without slowing down the program. Check the quality of the sound system for without a good sound system the Live Auction could be a disaster. If audio-visual aids are to be used, confirm the ability to create a display that everyone can see.

Adequate room and privacy are essential to the prompt and accurate collating of the Silent Auction items. If possible, a private room is preferred otherwise try and find an area that can be secured from the guests until the distribution is ready. The Silent Auction room is an ideal location if it is separated from the dining room.

It is essential that an adequate, private and fully equipped space be devoted to the operation. Electricity and light must be adequate. If privacy can be obtained, accuracy and speed of operation are vastly improved. The location should be outside of major traffic areas like restrooms and exits.

If you have adequate space located outside of the main exit area, vast improvements will occur in the speedy and efficient checkout of the winning bidders. Avoid areas that are direct exits to the event where non-bidders may gather or places like a coatroom or restroom.