The Ultimate Venue Booking Checklist

The performers who get rebooked aren’t just the most talented — they’re the most prepared. A missed load-in time, a power problem, or an unsigned contract can turn a great gig into a stressful one. Run this checklist before every venue booking and you’ll show up looking like the pro you are.

Before You Send the Proposal

• Date and time confirmed
• Venue capacity and layout understood
• Load-in access, parking, and timing confirmed
• Power requirements (dedicated circuits) verified
• Sound requirements clarified — who provides PA and monitors
• Your fee, set length, and what’s included are clear

Before the Event

• Contract signed by both parties
• Deposit received
• Insurance / certificate of insurance provided if the venue requires it
• Emergency and day-of contact exchanged
• Tech sheet or stage plot shared with the venue

On the Day

• Arrive early for load-in and sound check
• Confirm set times and any announcements with the host
• Test every input and have backups ready
• Keep the stage and load-in areas safe and tidy

After the Show

• Confirm payment has been released
• Thank the host and ask for a review within 24 hours
• Log notes on the room, audience, and gear for next time

Keep Leveling Up

Treat every booking as a chance to tighten your process. For deeper playbooks on pricing, profiles, and winning more bookings, ARRIVE Academy walks you through it step by step — and the more reliably you deliver, the more your reviews and search ranking compound.