Executive Summary

• Venue name: [Working name of the music venue].
• Concept: [Short description of the venue’s unique musical focus, vibe, and positioning].
• Location: [City/Neighborhood and why it’s ideal for a music venue].
• Capacity: [Standing/seated capacity and layout].
• Business model: [Ticket sales, bar sales, private events, merch, sponsorships].
• Mission: [1–2 sentence mission statement about culture, community, and music].
• Vision: [Long-term aspiration: regional hub, touring stop, cultural landmark, etc.].

Company Overview

• Legal structure: [Sole trader / Partnership / Limited company / LLC etc.].
• Ownership: [Founders and ownership percentages].
• Location details: [Address, building type, lease terms].
• History & background: [How/why the idea was formed; relevant experience].
• Objectives: [Short-term (12 months) and long-term (3–5 years) measurable goals].

Market Analysis

• Local scene overview: [Summary of local live music ecosystem and demand].
• Demographics: [Age, income, lifestyle, and music preferences of target audience].
• Trends: [Growth of live music, nightlife trends, genre popularity, tourism].
• Competitor venues: [List of 3–5 key competitors and their positioning].
• Competitive advantage: [What differentiates your venue from existing options].
• SWOT analysis: [Key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats].

Target Audience

• Primary audience: [Core customer profile: age, interests, typical night out].
• Secondary audience: [Tourists, corporate clients, casual visitors, etc.].
• Genre focus: [Primary music genres and subcultures served].
• Audience needs: [What they want from a music venue: sound, vibe, safety, price].
• Customer personas: [2–3 short profiles of typical guests].

Venue Concept & Experience

• Theme & atmosphere: [Design inspiration, decor style, overall mood].
• Layout: [Stage placement, dance floor, bar, seating, backstage, green room].
• Capacity planning: [Standing vs seated ratios; flexible configurations].
• Accessibility: [Step-free access, accessible restrooms, viewing areas].
• Acoustics: [Treatment, sound containment, noise control for neighbors].
• Guest journey: [Entry → ticketing → bar → performance → exit flow].

Programming & Booking Strategy

• Music policy: [Genres, nights of the week, curatorial principles].
• Event types: [Local bands, touring acts, DJs, open mics, themed nights].
• Booking process: [How artists are sourced, vetted, and confirmed].
• Calendar structure: [Regular weekly/monthly residencies and special events].
• Ticketing model: [Advance vs door sales, tiered pricing, season passes].
• Revenue shares: [Typical deals: guarantees, door splits, bar percentages].

Products, Services & Revenue Streams

• Core revenue: [Ticket sales, bar sales, venue hire, private events].
• Secondary revenue: [Merchandising, sponsorship, VIP packages, memberships].
• Food & beverage: [Menu concept, price range, signature items].
• Venue hire: [Corporate events, album launches, parties; rate structure].
• Additional services: [Recording, livestreaming, rehearsal space, workshops].

Operations & Staffing

• Operating hours: [Days and hours of operation; peak nights].
• Organisational chart: [Key roles and reporting lines].
• Core team roles: [GM, booker, bar manager, sound/lighting techs, security].
• Front-of-house: [Ticketing, cloakroom, hosts, customer service standards].
• Back-of-house: [Stage management, tech crew, stock handling, cleaning].
• Staffing model: [Full-time vs part-time vs freelance; shift planning].
• Training & onboarding: [Service standards, safety, diversity & inclusion].

Supplier & Partner Relationships

• Beverage suppliers: [Preferred partners, credit terms, exclusivity deals].
• Food partners: [In-house kitchen or external caterers/food trucks].
• Equipment vendors: [AV, lighting, staging, backline rental partners].
• Ticketing platforms: [Primary ticket seller and integration details].
• Marketing partners: [Local media, promoters, influencers, tour agencies].
• Community & cultural partners: [Municipal arts councils, universities, NGOs].

Marketing, Branding & Promotion

• Brand identity: [Logo, colour palette, tone of voice, key messages].
• Digital presence: [Website features, online calendar, mailing list strategy].
• Social media: [Platforms, posting frequency, content themes].
• Advertising: [Paid social, print, radio, outdoor, local listings].
• PR strategy: [Press releases, launch campaign, media relationships].
• Community engagement: [Local collaborations, free events, education programs].
• Loyalty & memberships: [Member benefits, discounts, early access, VIP tiers].

Customer Experience & Policies

• Entry & ticketing: [Door policy, age restrictions, ID checks, ticket scanning].
• Code of conduct: [Anti-harassment, inclusivity, zero-tolerance policies].
• Security procedures: [Bag checks, conflict de-escalation, incident reporting].
• Service standards: [Speed of service, guest interaction, complaint handling].
• Noise & neighbor relations: [Sound curfews, liaison with local residents].
• Feedback loop: [Surveys, reviews monitoring, artist and guest feedback].

Technology, Sound & Production

• Sound system: [PA type, coverage design, sub placement].
• Monitoring: [Wedge monitors vs in-ear systems, number of mixes].
• FOH & monitor control: [Console models, digital vs analogue, stageboxes].
• Backline: [House drum kit, amps, keyboards, DJ gear].
• Stage & rigging: [Stage dimensions, load-in routes, rigging points].
• Lighting system: [Wash, spot, FX fixtures; control desk; DMX network].

Fixture Placement

• Front light: 30°–45° angle from audience perspective for flattering shadows.
• Side light: adds dimensionality; mount at performer shoulder height when possible.
• Backlight: separate talent from background; use strong color contrast for mood.
• Audience FX: ensure safe aiming and intensity limits to prevent glare.

Programming & Control

• Cue stacks for structured shows; busking pages for live control flexibility.
• Color palettes and beam presets streamline fast programming.
• Sound-to-light triggers via audio feed or internal mic for synced moments.

Safety & Power Distribution

• Use rated clamps and secondary safeties on all fixtures.
• Label and balance power circuits; monitor current draw per phase.
• DMX isolation and proper termination prevent flicker and erratic movement.

Show Workflow

• Advance process: [Technical and hospitality riders collected and confirmed].
• Load-in schedule: [Arrival times, soundcheck windows, line-check timing].
• Show timeline: [Doors, support acts, changeovers, curfew].
• Communication: [Radios/WhatsApp groups for FOH, bar, security, production].
• Post-show: [Load-out procedures, payment settlement, debrief notes].

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Licensing: [Alcohol license, live music/entertainment license, permits].
• Building & fire safety: [Maximum occupancy, exits, signage, extinguisher placement].
• Risk assessments: [Crowd management, trip hazards, electrical safety].
• Noise regulations: [Local ordinances, sound level monitoring].
• Insurance: [Public liability, employer’s liability, equipment coverage].
• Food safety: [Hygiene certification, staff training, supplier checks].

Financial Plan

• Start-up costs: [Fit-out, sound & lighting, furniture, licenses, deposits].
• Operating expenses: [Rent, utilities, payroll, marketing, maintenance].
• Revenue assumptions: [Average ticket price, bar spend per head, occupancy].
• Sales forecasts: [Monthly/annual projections by revenue stream].
• Break-even analysis: [Fixed vs variable costs; break-even attendance].
• Funding requirements: [Capital needed, use of funds, timelines].
• Funding sources: [Owner equity, loans, investors, grants].
• Key financial KPIs: [Gross margin, bar-to-ticket ratio, labour %, NOI].

Implementation Timeline

• Site acquisition: [Lease signing, permissions, key dates].
• Design & build: [Architectural design, contractors, construction milestones].
• Equipment installation: [Sound, lighting, POS, security systems].
• Licensing & approvals: [Application dates and expected approvals].
• Staff hiring & training: [Recruitment, orientation, rehearsal nights].
• Soft launch: [Test events, invite-only nights, system checks].
• Grand opening: [Launch event concept, PR push, headliner].

Risk Management & Contingency

• Operational risks: [Staff shortages, equipment failure, supply issues].
• Financial risks: [Lower-than-expected ticket sales or bar revenue].
• Regulatory risks: [Noise complaints, licensing changes, compliance issues].
• Mitigation strategies: [Backup suppliers, maintenance schedules, strong policies].
• Emergency plans: [Evacuation procedures, medical response, crisis comms].
• Contingency reserves: [Cash buffer strategy and minimum liquidity targets].

Appendices

• Floor plans & stage plots: [Venue layout, fire exits, technical drawings].
• Sample event calendar: [Example month of programming].
• Detailed equipment list: [PA, lighting, instruments, furniture].
• Key contracts: [Sample artist agreements, vendor contracts, lease summary].
• Supporting research: [Market data, survey results, letters of intent].