1. Two outlets within 25 feet

The bar runs on two standard 120V circuits, and our cable kit reaches 25 feet with ramps. Ask the venue which outlets near your intended spot are on separate breakers — ballroom perimeter outlets often share circuits with uplighting.

2. The load-in path, door to floor

Wheeled road cases need a route without stairs. Curb, ramp or dock, corridor, room — walk it mentally with your venue contact. Standard door widths are fine; a single flight of stairs is not.

3. Elevator dimensions, if you are above ground

Passenger elevators work; our largest case fits any cab that takes a hotel luggage cart. If the venue insists on the freight elevator, book its window when you book the room — freight schedules fill weeks out in convention hotels.

4. The COI spec, early

Every venue wants a certificate of insurance; the variable is the wording and the additional-insured list. Get their sample COI language to us two weeks ahead and approval becomes a formality instead of a day-of scramble.

5. Placement with a line in mind

The station wants a wall or corner near natural foot traffic — bar-adjacent at receptions, foyer at conferences. Leave ten feet of queue space that does not cross a service path. Avoid placing it behind the DJ: guests should hear the machines' pleasant hum, not lip-read the menu.

6. Light on the table

Thread color choices need honest light. Uplighting-only rooms flatter the dance floor and lie about navy versus black. One overhead can, or our clip lights, solves it — but ask.

7. The strike window

Pack-out takes under an hour. Confirm whether the venue requires same-night strike or allows next-morning pickup — the answer changes crew hours, and crew hours change the invoice.

Confirm those seven and your bar's load-in becomes the least interesting part of the event day — which is exactly what a load-in should be.

The seven-point venue checklist before the bar rolls in.