Celebrating 30 Years Helping Clients Book Fabulous Events: DeSouza Associates Turns 30!
This year, DeSouza Associates proudly celebrates 30 years in the venue finding business. Three decades of helping clients find the perfect venues for meetings, conferences, and events across the UK and beyond, never compromising on the service we provide to our clients.
Over the past 30 years, we have faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and continuously evolved always guided by our core values of treating each enquiry and client individually, getting the best venue at the best rates for each event.
At the beginning – Early Days
From inception in 1995, DeSouza Associates was involved in both event management and venue finding and our service was the same then as it is now; all about treating each enquiry and client individually. Less than a year later, with the business growing, additional staff were recruited. We even had a website by this point, albeit small scale and obviously nothing like the ‘responsive’ sites we have today.
Our approach has evolved with the times embracing new technologies, adapting to market changes, and always looking ahead to what’s next.
Growing with the industry
We have moved on from fax machines!
DeSouza Associates uses a bespoke online portal which helps us provide bespoke proposals for each enquiry.
We also have a venue search facility on our website where our clients book their own venues or send enquiries straight through to us.
Online Booking Tool
How the venue finding industry has changed over the last 30 years
Digital Transformation
- Then: Venue sourcing was largely offline. Planners relied on brochures, phone calls, personal networks, and trade shows.
- Now: Currently, online platforms and databases are predominant, enabling instant searches, real-time availability, and digital bookings. Virtual Tours are becoming very popular where event planners can see the venue space if they are unable to view in person.
We firmly believe that although these tools are available, nothing beats speaking to one of our experienced venue finders.
Globalisation
- Then: Event planning was mostly local or national. International venues required extensive research and often travel.
- Now: We can book venues worldwide!
Data-Driven Decision Making
- Then: Decisions were mostly based on reputation, word-of-mouth and physical inspections.
- Now: Our clients now have access to reviews, ratings, social media feedback to assess venue suitability, and of course the knowledge of the DeSouza Associates Team!
Choice of Venues Available
- Then: Standard hotels, conference centres, and banquet halls were the default.
- Now: Choice has expanded to unique spaces: rooftops, warehouses, co-working spaces, museums and sporting venues to name a few.
Rise of Hybrid & Virtual Events
- Then: Events were almost exclusively in-person.
- Now: Hybrid and virtual events have become commonplace, especially post-pandemic.
Sustainability & ESG Considerations
- Then: Environmental impact was rarely a factor.
- Now: Planners can prioritise eco-friendly venues, sustainable practices, and venues that align with corporate ESG goals.
The venue-finding industry has evolved dramatically over the past 30 years due to technological, cultural, and business shifts.
Case Study
Team Meeting
A regular client of DeSouza Associates recommended our venue finding service to her colleague to help them find a Team Meeting venue in London.
How Events Have Changed Over the Last 30 Years
And now we look at how things have changed in running events. Over the past 30 years there have been dramatic changes due to technology, social trends, regulation, and cultural shifts.
Technology and Digital Transformation
Registration and Ticketing:
- Then: Paper tickets, phone or mail registration.
- Now: Online ticketing platforms, mobile apps, QR codes, and automated check-ins.
- Now: Sustainability: Modern events often include eco-friendly practices—digital tickets, reusable materials, waste management, and carbon footprint reduction
Promotion and Marketing:
- Then: Flyers, print ads, radio, TV.
- Now: Social media, email campaigns, influencer marketing and targeted ads.
Live Streaming & Hybrid Events:
- Virtual attendance and streaming were almost non-existent 30 years ago. Today, even small events can reach global audiences online.
Data and Analytics
- Then: This was virtually non-existent and if it did exist then it would be a very manual task.
- Now: Attendee Insights:Today, organisers can track sales, social engagement, attendee demographics, and behaviour, enabling tailored experiences and smarter planning
Feedback: Surveys, polls, and app-based engagement tools allow organisers to adapt events in real-time.
Regulatory Changes
- Health and safety regulations (e.g., COVID-19 protocols) have dramatically influenced how events are planned.
- Licensing, insurance, and liability laws have become stricter, affecting planning timelines and budgeting.
Worldwide Attendance
- Events now draw international audiences, participants, and speakers more easily due to travel accessibility and online promotion.
Case Study
Company Summer Party
The client had already been in contact with a couple of online venue finders however they had been struggling to find a venue within their budget. A colleague suggested that they get in contact with us.
As we celebrate this special anniversary, we’re not just looking back — we’re looking forward.
The world of events may have changed but our purpose remains the same: to deliver exceptional service & expert venue finding and event management to all our clients.
Thank you!
30 years of Teamwork
Lida would like to thank the DeSouza Associates team members both past and present, whose hard work and dedication have been an important part of our journey.
About the Author – Lida DeSouza
With a background in pharmaceutical sales and international medical event planning, Lida founded DeSouza Associates in 1995 to bring her expertise in venue sourcing and event management to a wider audience.
She combines decades of experience with a personal passion for building strong client relationships and delivering seamless events across the UK and beyond.
Contact
Get in touch to discuss your next event
9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
DeSouza Associates Ltd,
70a Castle Street,
Farnham,
Surrey, GU9 7LP
United Kingdom
