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www.nadfas.org.uk NADFAS REVIEW / AUTUMN 2016 29 Image: Shutterstock.It’s not just the subject matter or the ambience that make a great lecture – the venue can also make a real difference. Many castles and historic houses are available for hire, which can provide a real draw and help increase membership.However, if accessibility is a concern, a more modern venue,or one with adaptations (and therefore few or no steps) might be the best choice. Art galleries and museums often tick these boxes – for instance, Birmingham Evening DFAS meets in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts – but if your committee has had problems securing space in local facilities because they are too small, offer too few parking spaces or are fully booked, then consider also venues like racecourses, golf courses, sports clubs and hotels, many of which will also serve refreshments.“In Spain, the lectures have tended to be held in hotels and golf clubs, which generally have good parking facilities close to the venue, good wheelchair access, and – of some importance during the summer months – air conditioning,” comments Jason Porter, a Director with Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited, which provides international tax and wealth management advice to UK expatriates living in France, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta. Blevins Franks has helped a number of European Societies by offering donations towards lecture expenses. For instance, it recently offered fi nancial assistance to fl edgling Society Javea DFAS when it hosted its taster lecture in a nearby golf resort, an event that was very well received.If possible, opt for venues which have an adjoining space that can be used to serve refreshments and, if necessary, kitchen facilities as well.Jason adds: “Some venues may offer everything you need, but be more expensive than what you are used to. If you can fi nd a local business to help towards the lecture costs, it can really pay off in the long run.” ■Location, Location, The right lecture venue can help boost membership – we explore some of the main aspects to considerLocation