From screen to scene, elevate your next event
Finding the perfect meeting space is a process. Planners looking for a unique space that checks the appropriate boxes but also offers attendees a different experience may want to explore their local movie theater as a possible location.
To get a better sense of what is possible when you host your event at the movies, Smart Meetings took a look at Galaxy Theatres Grandscape in The Colony, Texas, and chatted with Frank Rimkus, CEO of Galaxy Theatres, to find out.
Read More: Canada Calls: Event Planning Paradise
Smart Meetings What are some unique ways groups can utilize Galaxy Theatres Grandscape for meetings?
Frank Rimkus Hosting corporate meetings and events at a movie theater presents an opportunity to make a lasting impression on attendees, moving meetings from the traditional conference space to a familiar but unexpected venue in the theater. The large wall-to-wall screens and comfortable reclining seating with attached table tops for note taking, holding materials, and of course, snacks, provide both a more comfortable and memorable experience for attendees.
Our largest auditoriums have 276 seats and are ideal for large corporate gatherings, including live streaming town halls from headquarters out of town or guest speakers designed to engage employees. Smaller auditoriums with as few as 40 seats are ideal for breakout sessions and more intimate discussions. With a full bar, lounge areas in the lobby and signage throughout, the facilities can be fully customized for large corporate events. Programming can be shown simultaneously in all auditoriums to accommodate larger groups.
SM How can planners use Galaxy Theatres Grandscape to create a standout experience for their guests?
FR The action of going to a movie theater is always a treat in itself, and our team prides themselves on combining the magic of the movie experience and hospitality with meetings and events. Things as simple to execute as displaying the company logo on marquees and theater signage and providing popcorn as a mid-meeting snack have lasting impressions on attendees. Combined with the options to provide exclusive screenings after the day’s meetings have concluded and the ability to stream any audio and video in the theater, the experience feels like more than a meeting.
A full bar and diverse menu of food and beverage items offer plenty of options outside of the traditional popcorn and candy. As a frequent host of foreign films, including a variety of South Asian films, Galaxy Theatres Grandscape offers delicious dishes for vegetarian guests in addition to gluten free and other allergy friendly options. The food and beverage can also customize craft cocktails and dish garnishes on theme with the current meeting or event.
With ample free covered parking and outside retail, restaurants and entertainment within walking distance, the Galaxy Theatres Grandscape location is a great place to spend time with team building with colleagues or reenergizing alone between or after meetings.
Read More: Alternative Venues: Not Your Usual Suspects
SM What sets Galaxy Theatres apart from other theaters?
FR Besides being recognized for their award-winning hospitality, Galaxy Theatres is known for providing amenities and services that can be overlooked despite having a large impact on guest and planner experience. Large, clean and modern facilities with state-of-the-art digital and laser equipment, wall-to-wall screens of various sizes, stadium seating with uninterrupted sight lines, clean and comfortable restrooms, professionally trained, welcoming staff, excellent food and beverage offerings.
Galaxy Theaters is also committed to corporate citizenship, partnering with local organizations, schools and nonprofit organizations to truly become part of the communities we serve. Meeting planners can discuss potential profit shares or beneficiary options to support important causes at their events.
SM How customizable is the experience?
FR The corporate meeting experience at Galaxy Theatres Grandscape allows planners to transform their typical programming to an experience like that of going to the movies—exciting, memorable and familiar, yet enticing.
The digital signage outside and throughout the inside of the facility can be customized to display logos, meeting information, welcome messages, and attendee photos allowing companies to truly take over the space. Upscale decor opportunities and customized food and beverage options based on attendee preferences, dietary needs and event themes allow for complete control of the aesthetics of the event.
SM What type of corporate events have you hosted there?
FR Our theaters have hosted a large variety of corporate events including product rollouts, customer appreciation, corporate holiday events, employee training seminars, sales presentations, various school sponsored education programs and more.
SM How closely do you work with planners in crafting the experience?
FR The Galaxy Theatres Grandscape team works to make planning a seamless experience, presenting tailored options based on needs, attendees and the meeting content itself. The experience begins with an on-site tour to discuss everything from AV setup and signage needs to food and beverage planning and security precautions.
Read More: Seeking Sustainable Venues
SM Where are some bells and whistles planners can look forward to?
FR Not only do we provide a standard of excellence in hospitality, cleanliness and facilities to all of our guests, we offer several exclusive benefits for meetings and events. The digital sign boards throughout the facility that often present upcoming releases and events can be customized to display logos, meeting information and welcome messages to attendees. Our expert food and beverage team can customize menus to both dietary needs and themes for events, in addition to offering classic movie theater popcorn to all attendees.
Before and after meetings, attendees can enjoy Grandscape, a premium mixed-use development in The Colony, where our Grandscape theater is located. The destination is home to multiple interactive entertainment venues, two hotels, dozens of restaurants and retail stores, including flagship locations of major retailers, and is easily accessible via major highways, located less than 20 minutes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The location provides endless opportunities for both team building and rest opportunities after meetings.
SM How is this experience a step above your average convention hall or meeting space?
FR As corporate leaders and employees visit plenty of hotel ballrooms and convention centers through the years, movie theaters and the developments that house them present a welcome change from usual venues. Luxurious reclining leather chairs with stadium seating and uninterrupted sight lines mean there is no bad seat in the house for meetings and events. Comfortable seats with attached tabletops allow attendees to comfortably take notes, review materials and communicate with team members during the presentations.
Upscale food and beverage options, including classic theater popcorn are a welcome change from banquet catering, including custom cocktails for end-of-day happy hours and diverse menu options for lunch, dinner and snacks in between.
