Exceptional, one-of-a-kind meeting venues
An event meeting space is the canvas to the paintbrush of a meeting planner. With it, they are able to craft experiences their attendees will talk about for days after the event concludes. Each canvas, though blank, can be distinctive and even one-of-a-kind. Smart Meetings curated a sampling of some of the interesting venues that may not seem like a typical meeting space but offer far more than the usual four walls and a pre-function foyer.
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Climb to the top of Nob Hill in San Francisco and look up. You’ll find yourself standing in the shadow of the architectural wonder that is Grace Cathedral. While event hosting may not be the first thought a planner gets when standing in its entrance—between the Ghiberti Doors, also called the Gates of Paradise—Grace Cathedral is a magnificent example of a non-traditional meeting space with pleasantly surprising possibilities to do more with different.
While weddings and worship services are always very common at Grace Cathedral, other events regularly held there include Yoga on the Labyrinth. The guided stretching happens on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings, and all levels of experience are welcome to join in.
Sound Baths are also a regular part of the cathedral’s schedule. Visitors are invited to sit or lie down and connect with their own internal rhythms while listening to live musicians perform as lights within the cathedral change colors.
Another fun activity visitors can do all on their own is walking the labyrinth symbol located on the floor of the cathedral.
Planners can incorporate the history of the cathedral into their experience by scheduling a tour: A behind-the-scenes tour reveals the inner workings of the cathedral as well as a bird’s-eye view of the San Francisco skyline from the South Tower; a guided tour of the cathedral explores the building’s history, structural elements and art collection. Lastly, groups can schedule a guided tour of the cathedral’s inspiring architecture.
There are also 11 rooms available for gatherings that offer a total of 22,127 sq. ft.
Fun fact: If you look up at the stained glass, you can find Albert Einstein and John Glenn!
The National Croquet Center, Palm Beach, Florida
Meetings meet croquet. Yes, they do, in Palm Beach, Florida, if you plan your next meeting at The National Croquet Center, the world’s largest dedicated croquet facility, where 12 full-sized championship lawns sprawl over 4 acres.
Planners can utilize 3,300 sq. ft. of meeting space, or have it divided into two spaces. Before or after meeting, team building with croquet mallets in hand will make the day totally memorable. Instructors demonstrate proper form and technique.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, California
Monterey Bay Aquarium offers planners the option of creating either virtual or in-person events. And where else can your program be surrounded by more than 35,000 underwater creatures? The world-renowned aquarium has a total reception capacity of 2,500.
For group outings nearby, attendees can explore Cannery Row, which features wine-tasting bars, local artist galleries and specialty shops.
With a gorgeous view of the waterfront, teams can pick their own after-hour adventures once your event is adjourned for the day.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden, Delray Beach, Florida
Bring your team to stroll 16 acres of tranquil gardens, sit, and gaze upon the world-class bonsai collection as the lakes shimmer with koi fish below at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden.
Introducing attendees to spaces that foster cultural understanding and education can be a rewarding experience for all. Morikami traces its existence to Jo Sakai, a graduate of New York University who convinced a group of farmers from Japan to relocate to nearby Boca Raton. Though the colony was ultimately unsuccessful, Morikami remains as testament to Japanese culture in South Florida.
In addition to its six historical gardens, 7,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, and rotating exhibits, Morikami offers various educational programs and workshops. In July, these include “The Art of Kokedama,” or growing plants in moss-covered balls of soil. Another class will teach attendees to perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
For events, the interior lobby of Morikami holds 225 guests for cocktails, 180 for dinner, and 150 for dining and dancing. The outside terrace can accommodate up to 300 guests for cocktails, 180 for dinner and 150 for dining and dancing. A theater space with tiered seating can host 220 to 240 guests.
Vibiana, Los Angeles
The City of Angels always has something for planners and attendees alike. Which is why the Vibiana, a former cathedral turned event space captures not only the personality but the history of its location.
Originally created to honor St. Vibiana, the Patron Saint of Nobodies, the former cathedral Vibiana allows planners the creative space to host galas, fundraisers and fashion shows in the midst of downtown Los Angeles.
The construction of Vibiana was completed in 1876 as Los Angeles’ first cathedral; it is one the few remaining vestiges of the 19th century in the area. After the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the cathedral was decommissioned. In 1999, during the revitalization of downtown L.A., the former cathedral was renovated to become a fully functional event space.
For corporate events, Vibiana has 18,000 sq. ft. of Main Hall, along with 15,000 sq. ft. of outdoor courtyard.
Union Station in St. Louis
Ever had a gala dinner in the middle of a former train station? St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton makes it possible.
The grand structure used to be one of the busiest train stations in America and welcomed nearly 2 million travelers each day during World War II. With the coming of the automotive age in America, the transit hub declined. It was reborn beginning in 1985, with a hotel, shopping area and restaurants.
Planners looking to craft an extraordinary evening can treat guests to a dramatic 3D light show over dinner that utilizes the intricate architectural detail of the Grand Hall. Make sure you grab a good spot to view the show, you’ll be gazing upward for minutes of wonder.
For planners looking for a intensive group activity before or after their meeting, there is also a ropes course on property that could be utilized as an icebreaker and team building activity. The 120,000-square-foot St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is located in the former mall area of the station. Its Midway can accommodate up to 3,000 guests for trade shows and exhibits.
St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton has 104,799 sq. ft. of total event space. 48 meeting rooms and 567 guest rooms.
James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, Kentucky
Cocktail theme in mind?
James B. Beam Distilling Co. offers several experiences for guests, including an introduction to bourbon, a tasting, a walk through on how barrels are filled and emptied, an interactive cocktail experience and a sensory whiskey experience that details the craftsmanship behind the process.
The distillery has several venues for planners to choose from, including The Kitchen Table, which consists of a bar and restaurant. The Kitchen can handle 120 guests and has Wi-Fi, an audio system , projector screens and an outdoor viewing deck.
The second venue on location is The Courtyard, an outdoor space that hosts a reception of 150 and 100 seated. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a sound system, aesthetic lighting, tables and seating, and bar service areas. Other outdoor spaces include The Event Lawn that hosts up to 150 guests; The Cocktail Grove, an outdoor terrace, hosts up to 200 guests. Indoor event space includes Baker Beam Home, a conference room for up to 22 guests, The Classroom, which hosts up to 30 guests, and The Workshop that holds 20 guests.
This article appears in the July 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
