Event Space Checklist: What to Look for When Booking a Venue in Lekki, Lagos

Booking an event space in Lagos can feel like a gamble. The photos look great online, but what about the generator? The air conditioning? The parking situation when 200 guests arrive at the same time?

Whether you are planning a product launch, corporate conference, wedding reception, or creative showcase, this checklist will help you evaluate any venue in Lekki before you commit. We have seen too many events derailed by problems that could have been caught with the right questions upfront.

The Non-Negotiables

These are the things that will make or break your event. Do not compromise on any of them.

1. Power Supply

This is the single most important factor for any event in Lagos. Ask specifically:

• •What size generator does the venue have? (Look for at least 100kVA for medium events)
• •Is there automatic switchover, or will there be a blackout while the generator starts?
• •Is there a backup generator if the primary fails?
• •What fuel reserve do they maintain?

The gold standard is zero-blink power — dual generators with automatic transfer switches that provide instant, uninterrupted switchover. The Freeme Space, for example, runs 200kVA + 150kVA generators with solar backup, guaranteeing zero interruptions. This is critical if you are live streaming, running AV equipment, or simply want your guests to never sit in the dark.

2. Air Conditioning

Lagos heat plus a room full of guests equals an uncomfortable crowd. Ask:

• •What is the guaranteed temperature?
• •How many AC units serve the space?
• •Can the AC system maintain temperature with the space at full capacity?

Professional venues guarantee a specific temperature (typically 18-22°C) regardless of occupancy. If a venue cannot give you a number, that is a red flag.

3. Capacity — Real Capacity

Venues love to quote their maximum standing capacity. But your event probably is not just standing. Ask for capacity in the format you actually need:

• •Standing/cocktail: How many guests comfortably, not sardine-packed?
• •Theatre-style: How many seats with a stage or presentation area?
• •Banquet-style: How many round tables with chairs?
• •Boardroom: How many at a single conference table?

The Freeme Space main soundstage holds 400-450 standing, 150-180 theatre-style, or 80-100 banquet-style. The event lounge adds another 50 guests. Know what configuration you need before comparing venues.

The Logistics

4. Parking

In Lekki, parking is not optional — it is essential. Ask:

• •How many vehicles can park on-site?
• •Is parking secured and gated?
• •Is there overflow parking nearby?
• •Can production vehicles (trucks, vans) be accommodated?

The Freeme Space has secure gated parking for 15-20 vehicles within a fully fenced compound. For larger events, coordinate with the venue on overflow arrangements in advance.

5. Load-In Access

If your event involves any production setup — staging, lighting, sound equipment, catering supplies — ask about load-in:

• •Is there a dedicated load-in entrance separate from the guest entrance?
• •What is the largest item that can fit through the load-in door?
• •Is there a freight elevator if the space is above ground level?
• •What are the load-in time windows?

6. Location and Access

Lekki Phase 1 is the most accessible area in the Lekki corridor, but specific locations within Lekki matter. Consider:

• •Proximity to the Lekki-Epe Expressway
• •Ease of access from Victoria Island and Ikoyi
• •Availability of ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt) to the location
• •Visibility of the entrance — can guests find it easily?

The Freeme Space is at 16A Nike Art Gallery Road, Lekki Phase 1 — a well-known landmark area that guests can navigate to easily.

The Technical Requirements

7. AV Equipment

What does the venue include, and what do you need to bring?

• •Sound system: Is a PA system included? What wattage?
• •Microphones: Wireless handhelds, lapels, or headsets?
• •Screens and displays: Projector, LED walls, or flat panels?
• •Lighting: Stage lighting, ambient lighting, or just overhead fluorescents?

Venues that include AV equipment in the rental price save you significant money on external rentals. The Freeme Space soundstage includes 2x P3 indoor LED video walls (4.5m x 2.5m each) in every booking — a major cost saving.

8. Internet Connectivity

If your event involves live streaming, social media activation, or any cloud-based presentation tools:

• •What is the internet speed? (Get a number, not "fast")
• •Is it wired or Wi-Fi only?
• •Can it handle 100+ simultaneous devices?
• •Is there a backup connection?

9. Catering Facilities

Most Lekki venues do not have full kitchens, but the best ones offer:

• •Kitchen prep area for your caterer
• •Refrigeration for beverages
• •Dedicated service entrance for catering staff
• •Clear policies on outside catering vs. preferred vendors

The Contract Details

10. Pricing Transparency

Before signing, make sure you understand:

• •Base rental rate and what it includes
• •Additional charges for overtime, equipment, or staffing
• •Deposit requirements and payment schedule
• •Cancellation and rescheduling terms
• •Whether crypto payments are accepted (useful for international clients)

The Freeme Space operates on a transparent pricing model: 50% deposit at booking, balance due 48 hours before the event. Crypto payments (USDC, Bitcoin) are accepted for instant settlement.

11. Insurance and Liability

• •Does the venue carry liability insurance?
• •Are you required to carry event insurance?
• •What is the damage deposit, and what does it cover?
• •Who is responsible for guest safety and security?

Your Pre-Booking Visit

Never book a venue without visiting in person. During your walkthrough:

• •Test the lights — turn everything on and see how the space looks
• •Check the bathrooms — your guests will judge the venue by its restrooms
• •Listen to the sound system — play music at event volume
• •Feel the AC — stand in the space for 15 minutes and see if it holds temperature
• •Count the parking spaces yourself
• •Meet the venue manager and get their direct phone number

Ready to Tour?

The Freeme Space offers complimentary venue tours by appointment. Walk through the soundstage, event lounge, Dolby Atmos suite, and podcast studio with our team and see the infrastructure firsthand.

Book a tour today or call us at +234 909 720 9484.