Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can join Salon?

Salon is a B2B platform designed for two types of professionals:

• Organisers: Creative agencies, luxury and premium brands, consulting firms, event management companies, non-profits, associations and institutions planning galas, award shows, high-value conferences, product launches, fashion shows, photo and film shoots, corporate dinners and other professional Events.
• Venues: Cultural institutions and heritage organisations — museums, galleries, libraries, historic buildings, theatres, castles, etc. — that wish to generate sustainable revenue through selective Event hosting without compromising their identity or mission.

Where does Salon operate?

Salon's aims to soon operate across Europe, however our company just started recently, so currently we are up and running only in The Netherlands.

Salon is owned and operated by Salon Ventures B.V., a private company incorporated under Dutch law, with its principal address in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Salon was initiated within EIT Culture & Creativity, part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body established by the European Union.

How is Salon different from venue directories or event agencies?

Salon is neither a venue directory nor an events agency. It is a curated end-to-end marketplace. Key differences:

• Every Venue is individually selected and verified before being listed.
• Every booking is formalised through a digital Event Space Agreement generated on the platform.
• Payments are processed securely via Stripe with full transparency.
• Cancellation terms are disclosed before any commitment is made.
• Salon does not organise Events on behalf of Organisers, it provides the infrastructure for Organisers and Venues to transact directly with legal clarity.

What values guide Salon?

Salon applies four core principles:

• Curation over volume : Salon prefers fewer exceptional Venues over a large directory of average ones.
• Trust by design : both Venues and Organisers are verified. Every booking includes a digital rental agreement. Payments are protected.
• Cultural integrity first : revenue and mission are not in conflict. Salon is designed so that Events strengthen cultural institutions, not dilute them.
• Transparency always : fees, cancellation terms and the contractual relationship between Venue and Organiser are explicit before any commitment.

How do I create an Account?

To create an Account, you will need to:

• Provide a valid email address and create a strong password (combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols).
• Accept Salon's Terms and Conditions and Privacy & Cookie Policy on behalf of your organisation. A Platform Agreement between your organisation and Salon is formed at the moment your Account is successfully created. No payment needed.
• Add Company details in your Account. After our team will verify and you will able to Book or List a Space.

Can I sign up as an individual?

Unfortunately no. Salon is a platform built for businesses. The person creating an Account must be an authorised representative or get approval from the authorised representative of a Venue or a professional Organiser (a company or organisation), and must be entitled to act on its behalf. By creating an Account, you warrant that you hold this authority.

How do I contact Salon?

For general enquiries, support or questions: contact@hostsalon.eu For legal and Terms of Service matters: legal@hostsalon.eu For privacy related questions or concerns : privacy@hostsalon.eu Salon's principal address: Keizersgracht 555 (2nd floor), 1017 DR Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

When will the Venue respond to my Booking Request?

A Venue has up to 6 days to accept or reject a Booking Request, but in the majority of cases they respond in 1-2 business days.

However, if the Event date is less than 6 days away, the response period is shortened accordingly.

Is my Booking confirmed once the Venue accepts my Request?

No. The Venue's acceptance is conditional.

The booking is only fully confirmed once you have also accepted the Event Space Agreement and the required initial payment has been successfully processed via Stripe.

Once confirmed, both parties receive a notification of the booking on the platform and via email and a downloadable copy of the signed Event Space Agreement.

What types of Events can I book a Space for?

Salon is designed for professional and corporate Events, including:

• Corporate dinners and board-level gatherings
• Product launches and brand activations
• Fashion shows and presentations
• Photo and film shoots
• Conferences and symposia
• Galas and award ceremonies
• Exhibitions
• PR and influencer Events
• Pop-up shops
• Workshops and training sessions
• Performances
• Community and association activities

Note: Event Spaces may only be used for the agreed professional purpose. Residential use, or operating a retail, hospitality or public-facing business from the Space, is not permitted.

What is included in the Event Space rental price?

Unless otherwise agreed in the Listing or Event Space Agreement, the cost of utilities available at the Event Space (electricity, heating, water, etc.) is included in the usage fee, to the extent reasonably required for the agreed use.

What is typically NOT automatically included and should be verified with the Venue:

• Catering and bar services
• Audio-visual and technical equipment
• Furniture, staging or specialist décor
• Security or cloakroom staff
• Parking
• Extended access hours beyond those stated in the agreement

Always confirm the full scope of what is included directly with the Venue when submitting your Booking Request or during initial messaging.

Can I bring my own technical and production suppliers?

Yes. You may engage third-party service providers, including AV technicians, lighting designers, sound engineers, caterers, florists, staging companies and photographers, provided they comply with the Venue's house rules and any reasonable instructions from the Venue.

The Venue may require prior written approval for certain categories of service provider.

We strongly recommend confirming your supplier list with the Venue during the negotiation phase, before submitting your final Booking Request.

What technical and production options are typically available?

Technical capabilities vary significantly from Venue to Venue. When enquiring, consider asking about:

• Electrical load capacity and power supply points
• Built-in AV infrastructure (screens, projectors, speaker systems)
• Wi-Fi and connectivity
• Blackout capability for presentations or screenings
• Load-bearing capacity for rigging or hanging installations
• Access for vehicles, lorries or freight deliveries
• Dedicated production entrance separate from guest entrance
• On-site technical support or preferred suppliers

Salon's platform allows Venues to specify production-related details in their Listing. Use the messaging feature to discuss your specific production needs directly with the Venue before booking.

⚠ For further details we recommend to confirm with Salon or the Venue directly.

Are alterations to the Event Space permitted?

No permanent or structural alterations are permitted without prior written approval from the Venue. This includes affixing items to walls, moving fixed furniture, or making any changes to the Space's fabric. The Organiser must return the Event Space in exactly the same condition as at the start of the agreement. (See further details in Terms & Conditions — Articles 26.5 and 26.7)

Can third parties use the Event Space during my booking?

The Event Space may only be used by or on behalf of the Organiser. Subleasing or transferring access rights to third parties is not permitted, except for pre-approved service providers engaged specifically for the purpose of organising and delivering the Event. (see details in Terms & Conditions — Article 26.11)

Am I responsible for obtaining permits for my Event?

Yes. The Organiser is solely responsible for:

• Verifying that the Event Space is suitable for the intended use.
• Obtaining any permits, approvals or exemptions required by law or local authority — including noise permits, public gathering authorisations, alcohol licences or broadcast rights where applicable.

Salon does not obtain permits on behalf of Organisers. Failing to obtain required permits is the Organiser's sole responsibility. (See details in Terms & Conditions — Article 26.3)

Is insurance mandatory for Organisers?

Yes. Organisers are required to maintain adequate insurance covering liability risks arising from their use of the Event Space and the Platform Agreement. Salon may request copies of your insurance policy and proof of premium payment at any time. For high-profile Events like galas, award shows, fashion shows, large conferences, we strongly recommend public liability insurance and, where relevant, event cancellation cover.

What extra services might a Venue offer?

Depending on the Venue, additional services may include: Dedicated on-site coordinator or liaison during the Event Approved catering partnerships In-house AV or technical team Furniture, seating plans or specialist rental coordination Guided tours or cultural programming as part of the guest experience These services are Venue-specific and will be reflected in the Listing or agreed upon during the booking negotiation.

Can I visit the Space before booking?

If you feel like it would be necessary for you to see the Space you are encouraged to message the Venue directly through Salon to request a site visit prior to submitting your Booking Request.

Site visit terms and availability are determined by each Venue individually.

What fields do I need to complete in my Listing?

The Listing form is divided into five sections — Details, Location, Pricing, Availability and Photos — completed in sequence. Below is a field-by-field guide drawn directly from Salon's listing brochure and platform screens. Source: Salon Technical Brochure — How to List on Salon Guide

STEP 1 — Details: Event Space Information

Category — Select the category that best describes your Space (e.g. Art House Cinema, Museum, Gallery, Library, Historic Hall, Castle, Theatre, etc.). Choose carefully: this is a primary filter Organisers use when searching.

Event Space Title — The public name of your Space as it appears on Salon. Use the actual name of the Space or hall. Keep it clear, distinctive and memorable. Example from the guide: 'Resist Cult Cinema & Cafe'.

Event Space Description — A free-text narrative about your Space. This is your most important field. Salon's advice: 'Write a thoughtful description to provide a just representation to your Event Space.' Include: The history and cultural significance of the Space Atmosphere, character and physical qualities (ceiling height, natural light, architectural features) What makes this Space extraordinary and unlike a standard Event venue The types of Events it is ideally suited for Write with your ideal Organiser in mind. Creative agencies, luxury brands and premium Event planners respond to language that conveys atmosphere, exclusivity and curatorial quality.

Capacity — Enter the maximum number of guests your Space can accommodate. If your Space has multiple rooms or configurations, note them in the Furniture & Layout field or description.

Suitable for (tick all that apply) — Select every Event type you are genuinely prepared to host. The full list of options on Salon is: Corporate Event Dinner Reception Performance, Show Conference, Fairs PR, Comms, Social, Influencer Event Pop-up, Retail Photo, Film Shoot Temporary Exhibition Workshop, Training Gala, Formal Celebration Community Gathering Experience, Activity Other Be selective and accurate. Ticking Event types you are not prepared to host generates irrelevant Booking Requests and unnecessary declines.

Video Walkthrough (optional) — Paste the URL of a YouTube video of your Space. Even a simple walkthrough filmed on a mobile phone can dramatically increase Organiser confidence and reduce back-and-forth enquiries.

Furniture & Layout — Describe the furniture available in the Space: fixed seating, movable chairs and tables, built-in stages, lecterns, etc. Also describe possible layout configurations (theatre, banquet, cabaret, boardroom, standing). This is a decisive field for Organisers planning galas, award shows, formal dinners and conferences.

Amenities (tick all that apply) Indicate which amenities are present at your Space. Organisers planning high-value Events will filter and evaluate based on these. The full list of options is: Wi-Fi Heating A/C (Air Conditioning) Cloakroom Storage Parking on site Bike storage Kitchen Coffee & tea station Cafe / Restaurant Bar counter Refillable water stations High Ceilings Natural light Outdoor terrace / Garden Rooftop access Reception Desk / Lounge Area Smoking area Furniture included Restrooms Showers / Changing rooms Lift Service animal welcome Step-free Access Throughout Renewable energy Recycling & waste sorting on-site Be honest. Overstating amenities leads to disappointed Organisers and damaged trust. If something is nearby but not on-site, note this in your description.

Services Included (tick all that apply) Indicate which services come with the rental. The available options are: On-site Event manager / host Security staff Cleaning crew Cloakroom / coat check Guided tour / cultural programming Wallet Kitchen Staff For Organisers planning galas, award ceremonies or high-value conferences, the availability of an on-site Event manager, cloakroom and cleaning crew is often a decisive factor. If these are available, tick them.

Catering & Vendor Options — Free-text field. Describe your catering policy clearly. Examples: External vendors — free choice (Organiser may use any caterer) Preferred suppliers list (Organiser must choose from approved providers) In-house catering only No catering or food permitted on site Catering policy is one of the most frequently asked questions from Organisers, particularly those planning formal dinners, galas and award evenings. Be explicit.

AV & Technical Equipment (tick all that apply) Indicate which audio-visual and technical equipment is available. This is critical for Organisers planning conferences, performances, product launches, fashion shows and film shoots. Options: Full PA / Sound System Speakers Microphone Projector LED / video screen Stage Lighting rig Spotlights Livestream setup / Video recording capability Production features If your Space has none of these and Organisers must bring their own equipment, state this clearly — along with any restrictions on external technical suppliers — in your House Rules or description.

Set-up & Vendor Access Window — Specify when Organisers and their suppliers can access the Space for setup and breakdown. Example from Salon's brochure: 'from noon the day before until 2pm the day after.' This is one of the most practically important fields for production-heavy Events. Fashion shows, conferences, award ceremonies and film shoots often require significant setup time. Be realistic and generous where possible.

Compliance & Legal (tick all that apply) These checkboxes communicate your regulatory requirements and restrictions to Organisers upfront, before they submit a Booking Request. The available options are: Insurance required — tick if you require the Organiser to provide proof of public liability insurance Alcohol NOT permitted Food NOT permitted Own Food/Beverage NOT permitted Music NOT permitted Children NOT permitted Sound restrictions (curfew, dB limit) — tick if there is a noise curfew or decibel limit; add detail in House Rules Photography & filming rights — tick if there are restrictions on photographing or filming your Space or collections (important for museums and galleries with permanent collections) Special effects & permissions — tick if smoke machines, pyrotechnics, confetti, open flames or similar effects require prior written approval Fire safety compliant Emergency exits Completing this section accurately protects your Space and avoids disputes. It also saves significant time for both you and Organisers.

House Rules — A free-text field for any additional rules, instructions or conditions. Use this to communicate: How you expect the Space to be treated Restrictions on access to specific areas, collections or heritage objects Instructions regarding your staff, security or on-site coordinator Any particular etiquette relevant to your cultural institution Example from Salon's brochure: 'Please respect the place, take care of our vintage cameras and furniture and enjoy your time!' House Rules are clear, respectful in tone, and form part of the contractual framework of every Event Space Agreement. Source: Terms & Conditions — Articles 26.2 and 26.7; Salon Technical Brochure — Step 1

STEP 2 — Location

Address — Your street address as it will appear on the Listing and Event Space Agreement.

Full Official Address with Cadastral Information — The complete legal address including Municipality, Section and Number. Required for the Event Space Agreement.

Nearest Public Transport — Describe the closest public transport options (metro, tram, bus, train). Example: 'Metro'. For Organisers bringing guests from across a city or country — for galas, conferences and award shows — transport access is a key practical consideration. Source: Salon Technical Brochure — Step 2

STEP 3 — Pricing

Salon's pricing system allows you to create multiple Price Categories, each with its own hourly rate. This means you can price differently by Event type.

Price Category — Name each pricing tier clearly. Examples from Salon's brochure: 'Photoshoot', 'Corporate Event'. Add as many categories as you need.

Price per hour — Set the hourly rate for each category. The platform notes: 'You can have a different pricing based on the type of Event or discounted offer.'

Practical guidance for Venues: A photo or film shoot rate may differ from a corporate dinner or gala rate, reflecting different access requirements and service levels. Consider minimum booking durations (e.g. minimum 4 hours) and communicate these in your House Rules. Remember that Salon charges a 10% Service Fee on your usage fee. Price your Space to reflect its true premium value — Salon's Organiser audience expects and accepts premium pricing for extraordinary cultural Spaces. Source: Terms & Conditions — Articles 6.1 and 18.1; Salon Technical Brochure — Step 3

STEP 4 — Availability

Set a default weekly availability schedule for your Space, then adjust specific dates as needed. Set a default weekly schedule with specific start and end times per day (e.g. Monday to Friday, 09:00–22:00) Block out dates when the Venue is closed, hosting its own programming, or undergoing maintenance

Practical guidance: Keep your calendar accurate and up to date. An outdated calendar leads to Booking Requests for dates you cannot honour, forcing unnecessary declines. Account for setup and breakdown time when blocking dates. A gala that requires the Space from the morning before should have that day blocked. Two cancellations of confirmed bookings trigger an increase in your Salon Service Fee (see Part VI — Cancellations). Source: Terms & Conditions — Article 21; Salon Technical Brochure — Step 4

STEP 5 — Photos

Upload a minimum of 5 to 10 high-resolution professional photographs of your Venue and Event Space. Accepted formats: JPG or PNG, maximum 20 MB per image. Salon's platform tip: 'Upload 5–10 good-quality photos from different angles and a Floormap.'

Photography guidance: Hire a professional architectural or interior photographer. Photography is the single highest-impact investment you can make in your Listing — it directly drives Booking Requests. Show the Space from multiple angles: wide establishing shots that communicate scale, and close detail shots that reveal atmosphere and character. Include photos with the Space empty (so Organisers can visualise their layout) and, where possible, set up for different Event types. Upload a floor plan or layout map. This is essential for Organisers planning complex Events — galas with assigned seating, exhibitions, or multi-area conferences. Bonus: If you have a video of your Space, upload it to YouTube and add the URL in the Details section under Video Walkthrough.

Do I stay in control of who books my Space?

Yes, entirely. You review every Booking Request individually and decide whether to accept or decline — always on your terms and at your own pace. Salon does not automatically confirm bookings on your behalf.

Can I restrict the types of brands or Organisers I work with?

Yes. When defining your Listing, you can specify which Event types you accept and set your house rules accordingly. You also review every Booking Request individually and may decline any request that does not align with your Venue's values or mission — without needing to provide a specific reason. Salon supports Venues in maintaining curatorial control over their Event programme. Salon also reserves the right to decline Organisers who do not meet the platform's quality or values standards.

What happens if I need to cancel a confirmed booking?

Venue cancellations undermine trust on the platform. If a Venue cancels two confirmed bookings, Salon's Service Fee for that Venue increases by 10% from the next booking onwards. Frequent continued cancellations may result in being removed from Salon. In the event of Force Majeure (e.g. a flood, fire, government restriction or pandemic measure), the Organiser is entitled to a full refund, and both parties must communicate and document the situation immediately.

How much does Salon charge?

Salon uses a dual-sided fee model to ensure fairness and transparency. Both Organisers and Venues pay a Salon Service Fee of 10% of the usage fee for the relevant Event Space. This means:

• The Organiser pays the usage fee + 10% (their Salon Service Fee) = the total Booking Fee.
• The Venue receives the usage fee minus 10% (Venue's Salon Service Fee) after the Event.

There are no listing fees or subscription costs. The Service Fee is only charged when an Event Space Agreement is concluded.

Salon may adjust its Service Fee percentage with 30 days' notice. Any adjustment will not apply to bookings already confirmed.

When and how do I, the Organiser pay?

All payments are processed securely via Stripe. The payment schedule is:

• 30 or more days before the Event: Pay a 10% deposit to confirm the booking. The remaining 90% of the Booking Fee is due no later than 30 days before the Event.
• Less than 30 days before the Event: The full Booking Fee is due at the time of confirmation. Failure to make payments on schedule may result in the booking being cancelled.

When do I, the Venue receive the payout?

Following the successful completion of the Event, Stripe transfers the usage fee to the Venue minus the Venue's Salon Service Fee within 1–3 business days after the Event concludes. In the event of disputes, suspected fraud or similar circumstances, Stripe may delay or restrict the transfer in accordance with its own policies.

Are security deposits handled through Salon?

No. If a Venue requests a security deposit, if it is clearly and transparently displayed on the Listing page on Salon. This is agreed and handled directly between the Venue and the Organiser. Both parties must agree on the process in advance. Salon does not facilitate or process security deposit payments.

Who is responsible for invoicing?

Each Venue is solely responsible for issuing invoices to the Organiser for the Event Space usage fee, including any applicable VAT. Salon issues a separate invoice to both the Venue and the Organiser for its respective Salon Service Fee.

What is the cancellation policy for Organisers?

An Organiser may cancel at any time by terminating the Event Space Agreement via their Salon Account:

• Cancellation 30 or more days before the Event: The 10% initial deposit is non-refundable.
• Cancellation less than 30 days before the Event: The full Booking Fee is non-refundable. (See further details at Terms & Conditions — Article 29.1)

What is the cancellation policy for Venues?

A Venue may cancel a confirmed booking at any time (except in cases of Organiser default), with the following consequences:

• Cancellation 30 or more days before the Event: All amounts paid by the Organiser, including the deposit, are refunded in full.
• Cancellation less than 30 days before the Event: The full Booking Fee is refunded to the Organiser.

Venue cancellations are taken seriously. Two cancellations result in a 10% increase in Salon's Service Fee for future bookings. Repeated cancellations may lead to removal from the platform.

What happens in the event of Force Majeure?

If a cancellation is caused by Force Majeure (including epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters, government restrictions, fires, floods, war or major operational failures beyond a party's control), the Organiser is entitled to a full refund of any amounts already paid. The Force Majeure situation must be communicated and documented with supporting evidence immediately.

How do I cancel a Booking?

Both Venues and Organisers can cancel by terminating the Event Space Agreement directly within their Salon Account.

What is the Event Space Agreement?

The Event Space Agreement is a digital rental contract automatically generated by Salon when a Booking Request is submitted. It is based on the Venue's Listing details and the Organiser's Event brief. It is signed digitally on the platform by both parties and made available as a downloadable PDF. Salon is not a party to this Agreement — the contractual relationship exists solely between Venue and Organiser.

Is the Event Space Agreement a lease?

No. The Event Space Agreement is not a lease agreement. The Organiser is not entitled to any legal lessee protections, including eviction protection. The Organiser explicitly acknowledges that their right to use the Space ends on the date specified in the Agreement, and commits to vacating the Space on time.

Which law governs the relationship between Venue and Organiser?

The Event Space Agreement is governed by Dutch law. Disputes between a Venue and an Organiser are settled by the competent Dutch court within whose jurisdiction the Event Space is located.

How does Salon verify Organisers and Venues?

Salon checks the information provided by both Venues and Organisers for completeness before granting access to booking or listing features. However, Salon cannot independently verify the accuracy of all information provided, and both parties warrant that all submitted information is accurate and precise.

Are payments protected?

Yes. All payments on Salon (excluding security deposits) are processed via Stripe, a leading and secure global payment provider. Salon does not itself hold or transfer funds. In the event of disputes or suspected fraud, Stripe may delay or restrict payments in accordance with its own policies.

Who is liable if something goes wrong at the Event?

Salon acts solely as an intermediary and is not liable for the conduct, reliability or actions of either Venues or Organisers, nor for the quality or suitability of Event Spaces. Salon's liability is limited to its role as platform operator (availability, payment processing and administrative support). Claims arising from the Event itself are the responsibility of the Venue and/or Organiser under the Event Space Agreement. Both Venues and Organisers are required to maintain adequate insurance. Organisers are also fully liable for any damage to the Event Space caused during their use.