Category: Charity Venue Ideas

Categories
Charity Venue Ideas

Charity Event Planning: 10 Unique Orlando Venue Ideas

Charity Event Planning | Orlando Venue Ideas

There are so many venue choices in Orlando, Florida to look at when you are planning your charity event. Why would you choose the same old hotel ballroom? You have a chance to really impress those in attendance by thinking outside of the box. Consider the following Orlando venue ideas when planning your next charity event.

 

Charity Event Planning | Orlando Venue IdeasOrlando Science Center– This Orlando venue has both indoor and outdoor facilities and seating for up to 350 people in a banquet setting. Be sure to take a look at their beautiful Sunset Terrace for an gorgeous rooftop view of downtown Orlando or dine among humungous dinosaur fossils in the Dino Digs exhibit hall for a truly one of a kind charity event experience!

 

Hard Rock Cafe– If you want your guests to feel like rock stars, the Hard Rock Orlando is definitely the place to go. There are many room choices with an array of capacity options, even the option to rent out the whole complex. The Orlando location also just so happens to be the biggest one in the world!!

 

Icebar Orlando– Begin your night with guests setting foot inside the home of the largest permanent ice bar in the world! It’s made with over 50 tons of carved ice and even the glasses are made of ice! No need to worry about event guests freezing since the Icebar has alternate spaces to hold the main charity event complete with personalized ice sculptures! Room for up to 1200 guests, but can also work with groups as small as 50.

 

Orlando Museum of Art– This choice can accommodate a cocktail setting and sit down banquets, and even has an auditorium.  The most unique thing about the Orlando Museum of Art is the ability to hold your event among the works of art in the galleries. For gatherings of over 300 guests, you can even rent out the entire museum for your next charity event!

 

Seaworld– Choose from an array of beautiful outdoor pavilions to modern indoor ballrooms. One of the great things about Seaworld Orlando is that they have space for groups as small as 50 to as large as 5000! For a truly special experience, they even have an intimate venue where guests can dine surrounded by tanks of reef fish and sharks.

 

The Mezz– Located in one of Orlando’s finest luxury high-rise residences, the Mezz is truly a classy location.  This venue has wraparound floor to ceiling windows for a spectacular panoramic view. The view, in combination with the use of modern art and LED lighting, leave nothing to be desired when planning a charity event.

 

Howl at the Moon– A fun location with room for 150-1200 guests. This venue is a stand out because it is home of the famous dueling piano shows! They offer options to customize a company song and can even make a signature company drink to serve .

 

Harley Davidson–  When planning for an event with a modern, industrial feel consider the Orlando Harley Davidson’s Historic Factory. Known for having the largest selection of motorcycles in the world, the spacious showrooms that can accommodate 1000 people in a cocktail setting or 300 people for a sit down dinner. They also have a 1000 person outdoor venue option.

 

Universal Studios Orlando– While the park offers endless charity event options, one to look into is Soundstage 33. This private venue is located inside the popular Orlando theme park but in a secluded backlot which is not accessible to the general public. This 8,500 sq. ft. venue is truly elegant and will make guests feel like movie stars!

 

House of Blues Orlando–  With 57,000 square feet, both indoor and outdoor spaces, 12 venue options, and a menu catered by a celebrity chef, you can’t go wrong with House of Blues Orlando. Located in Downtown Disney, it definitely provides for a fun atmosphere and has the perfect stage setup for speakers, music, and entertainment.

 

Throwing a charity event in Orlando gives you an overabundance of venue options, which is both a blessing and a curse. You have a number of things to consider when choosing a venue including number of guests, room layout, and deciding on a central location, but through it all finding a modern setting with unique features is key. Hope you enjoy this list of venue ideas. Happy venue hunting!

Categories
Charity Venue Ideas General

5 Ways To Save Money When Planning a Corporate Event

Photoxpress_1751001

Planning a corporate event isn’t cheap by any means. In addition to the lost productivity, companies may also front the bill for hotel rooms, transportation, food & beverages, and more. These costs can quickly add up to place a financial strain on the company’s budget, resulting in lower profits across the board. But thankfully there are some simple ways to reduce the cost of your corporate events.

#1) Corporate or Business Rate Hotels

Even if they don’t publicly advertise it, many hotels offer steep discounts for corporate events. Depending on how many rooms you book, this can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on your total lodging expenses.

Instead of booking the rooms online, call the hotel and ask them whether or not they offer discounts for corporate events and gatherings. In addition to the lower room rates, conference rooms, valet parking and/or other amenities may be included in your corporate package.

#2) Book Flights In Advance

According to a study conducted by CheapAir.com, the best time to book a flight is 54 days in advance, whereas the worst time is the day of the flight. The air travel website found that the average price distance between the best and worst time was $312! – and that doesn’t factor in the cost of transportation.

#3) Avoid The Holidays

You can expect to pay more for hotels, flights and car rentals if you book them on or around a major holiday. Thanksgiving holds the title as being the country’s worst travel day, with some 37.2 million Americans traveling 50 or more miles. Other busy holidays include Memorial Day, Spring Break, Christmas Eve, July Fourth, New Years Eve, Labor Day, Easter and Mardi Gras. The bottom line is that you should schedule your corporate event around these and other major holidays to keep your costs low.

#4) Look For Sponsors

A fourth way to save money when planning a corporate event is to look for sponsors. Certain companies will pay to have their brand logo, name and other material displayed at corporate events. It’s a win-win scenario, as the advertised company benefits from increased brand exposure, and you benefit from the additional revenue. This revenue, of course, will offset the cost of planning your corporate event.

#5) Cut Back on Catering

Catering services can quickly burn through your available budget, so try cutting back on them when planning your next corporate event. This doesn’t mean attendees should be left to fend for themselves, but perhaps you can set up some snack trays instead of offering full meals.

Categories
Charity Venue Ideas

The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing a Corporate Event Venue

529599_47917840Location can make or break a corporate event. The right location will encourage employees to attend (and stay) at the event, which is exactly what you should aim to accomplish as a host. On the other hand, the wrong location can make it difficult for employees to find and lower their overall enjoyment.

Don’t: Choose The First Venue

Let me rephrase this statement: don’t choose the first venue without scouting other sites. Spend some time calling around and checking out other prospective venue locations. You don’t have to make a final decision during your initial visit, so shop around to find the place that’s best suited for your particular event. Who knows, you may find a venue that’s larger and more accommodating at half the price of your original choice.

Don’t: Overlook Accessibility

Don’t overlook the importance of choosing a venue that’s easily accessible to employees. If employees are forced to drive through some obscure part of town, some of them may choose to spend their evening at home. A corporate venue should be located a reasonable driving distance along the main roads.

Unless you intend to set up transportation, a good rule of thumb is to choose a venue that’s within 30-60 minutes driving distance from the workplace.

Do: Consider Technical Aspects

What type of technical commodities (if any) does the venue offer? In today’s constantly connected world, there’s a growing need for venues with WiFi, charging stations, laptop desks, etc. Granted, corporate events are usually intended for employees to step away from their normal work setting, but having the option to check your email and perform other tasks will make the venue just a little more enjoyable.

Some venues will even offer on-site technical support, which is another plus. Why would you need technical support at a corporate event? Well, there are dozens of activities that may call for the need of a “professional,” such as public speaking, playing movies or slideshow presentations, lighting, special effects, etc.

Do: Have a Backup Plan (For Outdoor Events)

There are several advantages to throwing a corporate event outdoors, such as the increased space in which employees can move around; the ability to play softball, kickball and other “outdoorsy” sports; and they generally cost less than indoor events. But if you plan on hosting an outdoor event, make sure you have a backup plan ready in case the weather turns south.

Categories
Charity Venue Ideas

11 Unique Venue Ideas for your next Washington DC Charity Event

Choosing the right venue can be a challenge. Below are a few venue ideas to help you in your search for a venue in Washington DC. The perfect venue will help you set the atmosphere for a great event. The venue ideas below are unique and could be perfect for your next charity event.

National Building Museum - Washington DC Venue Ideas
National Building Museum

National Building Museum – The Great Hall is the perfect place to hold a grand charity event. This room features a fountain that measures 28 feet across, as well as four humongous Corinthian columns which are some of the tallest in the world. The room itself is an impressive 159 feet tall at its highest point and can accommodate up to 2000 people.

American Museum of Natural History –  Choosing this museum is the easy part, deciding which room to use is the hard part.  Hold your charity event under a 94’ blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life or amongst a magnificent dinosaur display in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda which boasts a 100’ ceiling. Or how about the Akeley Hall of African Animals with an enormous elephant display as centerpiece? The possibilities are endless!

FedEx Field –  This Washington DC location gives you 10 spaces to choose from.  Look at the Stubhub club level for a truly classy event. It features an enclosed glass atrium and marble floors.  There are many other lounge type settings and outdoor options, as well. You can even throw your event right down on the field!

Powerhouse –  Located in Georgetown, this building has been around since 1917.  It has so many unique features including 30 foot ceilings, brick walls, a 150 foot smokestack, floor to ceiling bay windows, exposed steel beams, and amazing views of the C&O Canal and the Georgetown skyline. Not to mention, a great location that is close to hotels and shopping!

Yards Park –  This is a great choice for those looking to throw an outdoor event in the DC area.  It is a waterfront location with 7 spaces to choose from. Some options include a boardwalk, the River Street Gardens, and the Overlook, which is a raised area overlooking the river.

The Howard Theatre – This location has been around for over 100 years and has recently been restored. It has also been added to the National Register of Historic Places. With it’s brand new stage and HD projector screens, this is the perfect venue idea if you want to put the spotlight on your speakers or entertainment for the evening.

Corcoran Gallery of Art –  This is Washington D.C’s oldest art gallery and rental of this venue includes 2 spaces, the atrium and the  bridge.  The atrium features skylights and columns surrounding the entire room. The bridge is on the second level and overlooks the atrium. It’s the perfect spot to hold cocktail hour before the main event. Art exhibits can remain open upon request.

Ronald Reagan Building – If you are looking for a venue with a lot room, this is it!  With 15 rental spaces, there is sure to be a spot that will work for you. For larger events, consider the Atrium. Space for 1500 people, marble and granite floors, tall columns, and a grand staircase make this venue a great choice.

Ronald Reagan Building - Washington DC Venue Ideas
Ronald Reagan Building

Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium – This venue will impress guests from the moment they pull up. Granite stairs lead up to the main entrance flanked by massive columns.  Inside you will find limestone walls and marble floors and room for up to 1000.

Toolbox –  This is truly a unique venue. It has many amazing features such as wood floors, brick walls, and a glass staircase railing just to name a few. This location fuses the old and new together in a truly memorable way.

The Flying Bridge – This is an amazing rooftop venue with views of the Capitol building and The Washington Monument. It can be rented year round because of a retractable canopy, removable clear side panels, as well heating and air conditioning. The Flying Bridge also has their own parking garage which is an added bonus in D.C.

Hope you enjoyed this list of venue ideas in Washington DC. Here’s to a successful charity event and happy venue searching!

Categories
Charity Venue Ideas

Charity Event Planning in St. Louis, Missouri: 15 Venue Ideas

charity_event_planning_st_louis_venue_ideasSt. Louis, Missouri is a city rich with history, which makes for some unique charity event locations. The venues in this city are a mix of old and new with historic buildings dating back to the 1800’s to super sleek structures with modern architecture. St. Louis is truly an amazing city to hold a charity event in. Here are some venue ideas to get your charity event planning in St. Louis started.

1) Kemp Auto Museum– This location is the epitome of a modern space with it’s sleek black floors and large open floor plans. The museum displays an amazing collection of Mercedes Benz and other one of kind cars. Room for up to 1500 for a cocktail setting and 800 for a seated event.

2) Anheuser-Busch Tour Center– In addition to having space for 500 guests, the center has 150 years worth of memorabilia on display. Tours of the Clydesdale stables and historic brewhouse can make for a unique pre program activity.

3) The Pageant– This is typically a live music venue, which makes it the absolute perfect place to host your charity event if you want to put a focus on the fabulous live entertainment you booked! Seated dinners can be set up for 350 people and for cocktail parties there is room for up to 1200.

4) Contemporary Art Museum– Multiple options are offered including a room lined with floor to ceiling windows, an outdoor terrace, and a contemporary lobby space perfect for cocktail receptions. As a bonus, the galleries remain open during private events and guests are encouraged to view the exhibits.

St. Louis Art Museum - St. Louis Charity Event Venue Ideas
St. Louis Art Museum

5) St. Louis Art Museum– One more option for those looking for an artsy setting. This museum has an auditorium and a number of options for smaller events. For those looking for more space, check out Scripture Hall which features beautiful roman architecture.

6) The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House– If you are looking for a gorgeous outdoor St. Louis venue, this is the place to go. Your event will take place on a lakeside terrace with the beautiful glass Butterfly Conservatory as a backdrop. The conservatory will remain open for guests to visit the 1500 tropical butterflies.

7) 360 Rooftop– Another breathtaking outdoor venue located 400 feet above downtown St. Louis. From this location you can take in all the sights the city has to offer including Busch Stadium, the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River.

8) Busch Stadium– Home of the St. Louis Cardinals! The stadium offers 16 event spaces with various capacities and you can even hold your charity event right down on the field. Package options include player or mascot appearances, as well as batting and pitching experiences.

9) City Museum– What makes this St. Louis venue special is the fact that it is decorated with salvaged architectural pieces. There are 5 rooms to choose from and general admission to the museum is included for guests during your event.

Fabulous Fox Theatre - St. Louis Charity Event Venue Ideas
Fabulous Fox Theatre

10) The Fabulous Fox Theater – This venue is perfect for any classy, upscale affair! While there are several rental options, the Promenade room is especially breathtaking.  The room is flanked by massive columns, art glass wall coverings, Indian balconies and Persian arches. You can even set up on the stage of the theater itself, with room for 370 people.

11) Missouri Botanical Gardens– While the garden offers several options for very small events, the Japanese Garden can accommodate up to 250 guests. The Garden overlooks a 4.5 acre lake making for a truly beautiful setting. Another amazing feature is that when you rent the Japanese Garden you are guaranteed an indoor site should there be bad weather.

12) St. Louis Science Center– One of the top 5 science centers in the country! With four room options to choose from, two of it’s most unique options include the main building where guests can mingle among more than 700 hands on exhibits or the James S. Mcdonnell Planetarium where you can throw a truly magical affair under 9000 twinkling stars.

13) St. Louis Zoo – Lakeside Cafe is just one of the spaces within the zoo to hold your charity event. It’s a covered pavilion right on a lake inhabited by waterfowl and turtles.  You can even add on packages for behind the scenes tours and visits from zoo speakers.

14) The Grand Hall– This historic building opened in 1894 and is located at Union Station. Standing 65 feet at its highest point, it was recently renovated and restored to its former glory. Details include stained glass windows, amazing archways, and gold leaf detailing. Room for 300 people at a seated dinner.

15) Hard Rock Cafe– Also located in Union Station, the Hard Rock St. Louis is set inside a former train shed. This venue is covered in a collection of rock & roll memorabilia making for an event fit for a rock star!

Hopefully the above St. Louis charity event venue ideas will help when planning your next event. The better the venue and setting, the more fun your guests will have and the more likely they will be to return next year. Even better yet, may gain interest in the cause and support you throughout the year. Here’s to a great event. Happy planning!

Copy Protected by Chetan's WP-Copyprotect.