We ask each venue about a party, like a guest would. We use the web form, email and phone. The venue doesn’t know it’s a test. Then we track what happens.
Every score is out of 100.
40
Speed
How fast a real person replies.
25
Price clarity
Fees in writing.
20
Follow-up
A check-in when we go quiet.
15
Easy to book
Few steps to lock a date.
A real person replies in 1 hour: 35. In 4 hours: 28. In 24 hours: 18. In 72 hours: 8. Any reply in 15 minutes adds 5, auto-replies included. The clock runs during posted open hours.
A minimum spend or package price in writing: 10. Service charge, room fee and cake fee spelled out: 8. Deposit and cancellation terms in writing: 7.
A follow-up within 48 hours after we go quiet: 10. Two or more check-ins within 7 days: 5. A tour, a date hold or a clear next step: 5.
Room photos or packages online: 4. A way to check or hold dates online: 4. An online deposit or e-signature: 4. One clear next step to confirm: 3.
Our opinion, from at least 3 tests.
A
90–100
B
80–89
C
70–79
D
60–69
F
0–59
Not yet scored
Fewer than 3 tests. Not a grade.
Event Ready badge
85 or more. Kept until it drops below 80.
A score is GM SideKick™’s opinion of how easy a venue is to book. It comes from our tests on the dates shown. It is not a promise of future service.
Every score shows its test dates.
A venue needs 3 tests for a score.
We grade the booking. Never the food, the room or the staff.
We keep the messages and times from every test.
Featured spots sit at the top of the results. They don’t change the order below.
Free
Featured weeks are free. No one pays for one.
Takes turns
Each week, a few venues get a turn.
Not a ranking
Featured doesn’t mean better. It never changes a score.
Always labeled
Each spot says Featured.
GM SideKick™ runs Columbus Event Spaces. GM SideKick™ is part of Spark Leads Agency, LLC, in Columbus, Ohio.
Some venues are partners.
They pay GM SideKick™ to help book events. Their cards say “GM SideKick™ partner.” We earn a fee if you book with them.
Same rules for every venue.
Partners are tested and scored the same way.
Free to list.
Any venue can list here for free. No one can buy a score.
You see it first
Your private scorecard comes 14 days before a score goes public. The same goes before a score drops a grade.
One free re-test each quarter
Any venue can ask for one free re-test each quarter. It counts like any other test. The score updates when it’s done.
Answer in public
Every venue can post a free public response. It shows next to the score.
We fix wrong facts fast
See a wrong fee, room size or rule? Email support@gmsidekick.app. We fix it within 5 business days.