America has some amazing meeting venues to meet the needs of small groups all the way up to massive groups of 85,000. While needs vary for space, location and amenities, there are some common things to consider. A recent survey conducted by IACC-Americas’ Emerging Trends Team and Development Counsellors International, explored venue preferences spanning various generations determined several key factors in an ideal venue which include:
- Spaces with plenty of room offering the opportunity for collaboration as well as being conducive to learning.
- Wi-Fi and other technical capabilities.
- A destination that provides the ability for sharing entertainment and evening activities on and offsite.
Here are some of the most amazing and wonderful event venues in the United States that are most likely to satisfy these requirements:
University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln offers one of the largest summer conference operations of its kind in the country. There are a wide range of meeting, conference, event, and accommodation options for as many as 5,500 guests, as well as experienced, trained staff to help oversee the event and ensure its success.
On-campus meeting space is offered at more than 100 venues, including the Lied Center for Performance Arts, which features more than 21,000 square feet. This venue has the ability to accommodate up to 2,271 attendees, and up to 360 guests for a seated dinner or 650 for a reception.
There are a number of hotel, dining and shopping establishments that can be found within walking distance of the venue, while several outstanding golf courses can be found within a 10-mile radius, such as the Pioneers and Mahoney courses. During college football season, the option of being able to attend a home game of the Nebraska Cornhuskers is also a very attractive benefit to many. Memorial Stadium is just a half-mile away.
Redskins Special Events at FedEx Field
FedEx Field is the home of the NFL’s Washington Redskins and the host to a number of other sporting events. It’s also available for non-game events throughout the year. This is a fantastic venue with plenty of space to meet the needs of just about any size or type of group with the capability of serving up to 85,000.
You’ll find several different venues to choose from on the property, including the Joe Gibbs Club Level Concourse. It has capacity for 5,000 standing and 1,000 seated, with more than 121,000 square feet filled with restaurants, bars and flat-screen TVs spread throughout the entirely enclosed, four-story glass atrium. The large and incredibly defined screens attract the attention of all ages and types who may be wishing for something similar at home to enhance their DirectTV viewing experience.
FedEx Field is located in a residential area of Landover, Md. However, the Metro station is within walking distance of the stadium and offers easy access to the many attractions and activities available in Washington, D.C. just nine miles south. There are two golf courses located within 10 miles of the stadium, including an 18-hole par-70 course at Bowie Golf and Country Club, and the 18-hole par-71 Lake Arbor Course.
Dolce Hayes Mansion
The Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose, Calif. offers a gorgeous setting, excellent ambiance and an outstanding location in the heart of Silicon Valley. This historic mansion, built in 1905, boasts stunning leaded-glass windows, polished marble and exotic woods, while perfectly blending with the newer deluxe guest rooms and a state-of-the-art conference center that offers 33,000 square feet of meeting space.
Conference rooms are impeccably equipped and conducive to learning and teamwork, with on-site audio-visual support. You’ll find wireless Internet throughout the property, in addition to video conferencing capabilities. It offers the total package for an event venue, recognized with a number of awards, including the Smart Meetings Platinum Award and Corporate Meetings & Incentives Paragon Award.
Guests can also enjoy privileges at the nearby 18-hole Los Lagos Golf Course, in addition to many of Northern California’s most renowned attractions located just a short driving distance away. World-class wineries, museums and even theme parks can be found within just a 20-mile radius. The picturesque beaches of Santa Cruz are only a 35-minute drive away, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge can be reached in less than an hour.
Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center
Just a few miles outside downtown Talladega, Ala., Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center is set on nearly 800-acres of property, providing a tranquil place for Christian gatherings of all types.
Although the city a short distance away, you’ll find everything you need right on-site, including accommodations, dining and a wide range of activities, like paintball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and even hiking trails. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can take a dip in the swimming pool, or enjoy pedal boats and fishing on a spring fed lake.
The Conference Center can accommodate groups from two to 1,400 with a number of different venues available for meetings and other events. The Stephens Center offers 4,400 square feet of space, with a seating capacity of 300, and includes enhanced audio-visual equipment, a sound board, projection screen, and more. Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet is provided for all guests, and is able to support video conferencing, as well.
Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa
The Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa offers an enticing venue that serves as an urban oasis in the sprawling city of Dallas, Texas. Everything you need for a comfortable stay and a successful event can be found right on site, including spacious accommodations, accredited meeting facilities and full-service catering.
Eight thousand square feet of meeting space is available, with the ability to accommodate groups of up to 250. Each area includes complimentary Wi-Fi and in-house top-of-the-line audio/visual equipment. Corporate travel rates, complete meeting packages, wellness lectures, fitness breaks, and teambuilding sessions are just a few of the options to help ensure a successful and unforgettable event.
On-site, guess can enjoy complimentary access to a massive fitness center that includes a one-mile outdoor jogging trail, lighted tennis courts and an outdoor pool. Spa treatments include massage, facials, nail care and more. The Colonnade Restaurant offers onsite dining and a complimentary breakfast for guests.
All of the amenities of downtown Dallas, including fine restaurants, entertainment and shopping can be found just a 20-minute journey from the center.
Have an event venue you'd recommend? Share it in the comments.