By Selena Fragassi
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The third time’s a charm, especially when it comes to naming the elite winners and runners up in the Third Annual Unique Venues Best of Awards. We tallied up all your votes and are proud to announce your standouts in 19 categories that cover every inch of our niche industry and make us all proud.
Best Venue for Transportation
Winner: American University, Washington, D.C.
Being located in the nation’s capital offers its share of advantages, including high-level access to transportation. American University has an abundance of options for visitors to arrive by plane, train, or automobile. The campus is less than 45 minutes from three major international airports (Dulles, Reagan National, and Thurgood Marshall-BWI) while also having its own stop on the redline of the D.C.-area Metro train. “We provide free shuttle buses seven days a week to take students and guests around campus as well as to the metro stop,” notes Kimberly Araya, director, university conferences & guest services. Other on-campus features include shared bike racks and immediate Zipcar memberships, and in 2017, a new meeting center will open with secured underground parking for conference guests. AU is also an incredibly walkable campus, says Araya. “We are located in Spring Valley, which is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the District of Columbia, so if walking is your chosen means of transportation then this is the place for you.”
UniqueVenues.com/AmericanUniv // (202) 885.8247
Runners Up: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, UniqueVenues.com/georgiatech), University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UniqueVenues.com/uccs)
Best Venue for Formal Affairs
Winner: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA
Setting the mood for a formal event comes easy when you have a lavish space already fit with the décor. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the centerpiece of any special gathering becomes the esteemed works that encompass every corner of the Art Deco building. Here, you can give a toast from a grand balcony adorned with Renaissance tapestries, dance the night away in the stunning atrium, or mingle in a garden decorated with Rodin’s classic bronze sculptures. “No matter the affair, the setting will be unforgettable at the Philadelphia Museum of Art,” says Morgan Bedore, vice president of sales, marketing, and creative for Starr Events. “Our spaces offer an array of options for indoor and garden events of all sizes, from photo shoots to business meetings to formal weddings.” STARR Events is the exclusive caterer and can create custom menus to match the opulence. In 2017, the museum is also working on curating alternate ceremony and special event locations at the grounds to better capitalize on the experience and flow of entertaining on-site.
UniqueVenues.com/PhiladelphiaMuseumArt // (267) 239.5272
Runners Up: The National Archives Museum (Washington, D.C., UniqueVenues.com/NationalArchives), Ohio Union at The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH, UniqueVenues.com/OhioUnionOSU)
Best City Center Venue
Winner: The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) may be one of the last remnants of the World’s Fair of 1893, but the gilded building also showcases the city of Chicago in all of its modern glory, too. The former Palace of Fine Arts is just steps away from the shores of Lake Michigan and the scenic route known as Lake Shore Drive, which easily transports visitors from the museum’s home in Hyde Park (also the site of the University of Chicago) to the attractions of nearby downtown Chicago. “With thousands of exhibits, artifacts, and ‘wow’ moments, MSI is the premier destination for unique and engaging special events,” says Stan Hansen, Sodexo Marketing Manager, which handles event planning at the venue. “[The museum] offers unique and spectacular spaces that can be used alone or in combination for transforma¬tive corporate events, holiday parties, picnics, receptions, awards ceremonies, and more.” One of newest is the Smart Home, a former exhibit that has been opened up for exclusive use as a special event venue with an energy-efficient, eco-friendly design. It can hold up to 40 people for a seated lunch or dinner, up to 100 for a cocktail party, and up to 150 for picnics in the adjacent Smart Park area outside the building.
UniqueVenues.com/MSIChicago // (773) 753.2583
Runners Up: The Loft at 600 F (Washington, D.C., UniqueVenues.com/Loftat600F), National Archives Museum (Washington, D.C., UniqueVenues.com/NationalArchives),
Best Venue for an LGBTQ-Friendly Event
Winner: Purdue Conferences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

UniqueVenues.com/Purdue // (800) 955.6385
Runners Up: Distinction by Sodexo at the Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau, QB, UniqueVenues.ca/CAMuseumHistory), President Lincoln's Cottage (Washington, D.C., UniqueVenues.com/PresidentLincolnsCottage)
Best Venue for Unique or Locally Sourced Catering
Winner: Miami University Conference & Event Services, Oxford, OH

UniqueVenues.com/MUOhio // (513) 529.6918
Runners Up: University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO, UniqueVenues.com/CU), Georgian Conference and Event Services (Barrie, ON, UniqueVenues.ca/GeorgianConferenceServices)
Best Venue for Reunions
Winner: Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center, Silver Bay, NY
When it comes time to gather up the family for a reunion, many come home again to Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center in upstate New York, which has won this category three years in a row. “Year after year, we see the same families return because they find Silver Bay an ideal location to form lasting bonds, not only with their own families, but with other families from across the country,” says Marketing & Communications Director Liz Hinck. Here, groups can choose standard programs and activities or customize programs for their needs. “We take great pride in our multigenerational programming. Each member of the family, no matter their age or interests, will find fun in every corner of Silver Bay,” furthers Hinck. Some of the options include craft shops and swim lessons for children, or scavenger hunts and trivia nights for the adults. The idyllic location, set on 700 acres on Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains, is also a key selling point. Encompassing more than 60 buildings (which are on the National Registry for Historic Places), Silver Bay YMCA also plans to break ground in 2017 on a new dining facility with meeting spaces and 22 new guest rooms.
UniqueVenues.com/SilverBayYMCA // (518) 543.8833
Runners Up: YMCA Camp Elphinstone (Vancouver, BC, UniqueVenues.ca/CampElphinstone), American Helicopter Museum (West Chester, PA, UnqiueVenues.com/HelicopterMuseum)
Best Venue for Youth/Sports Groups
Winner: University of Maryland, College Park, MD

UniqueVenues.com/umcollegepark // (301) 314.7884
Runners Up: Florida Gulf Coast University (Ft. Myers, FL, UniqueVenues.com/floridagulfcoast), Carleton University (Ottawa, ON, UniqueVenues.ca/CarletonUniv)
Best Venue for When the Meeting’s Over
Winner: The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
If you want a night at the museum after a long day of meetings, Chicago’s Field Museum is the perfect place to convene. While hosting your group in one of the spectacular event spaces (guest counts range from 10 to 8,000), guests can wander off to explore incredible artifacts, like the Evolving Planet exhibition, which looks at 4 billion years of the Earth. Each event space is paired with unique and stunning exhibitions, like Stanley Field Hall, which has SUE the world famous T.Rex, fighting elephants, and Haida totem poles. “Planners are able to add on private viewings of the museum’s temporary exhibits, many of them highlighting artifacts never on display anywhere else,” says Danielle Kosanovich, special events account manager. Trained docents can also interact with your party, allowing for insider knowledge and greater understanding of the museum's collections, and Interactive Pop-Up stations can also engage guests. The museum (just steps from Lake Michigan, with stunning outdoor terraces and close to downtown) even has its own beer, Tooth & Claw, developed exclusively by Off Color Brewing. The crisp Czech-style pilsner can be added to any catering menu.
UniqueVenues.com/FieldMuseum // (312) 665.7600
Runners Up: Museum of Science and Industry Chicago (Chicago, IL, UniqueVenues.com/MSIChicago), College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA, UniqueVenues.com/WilliamandMary)
Best Venue for Training and Development
Winner: UCLA Lake Arrowhead Conference Center, Lake Arrowhead, CA
Who better than an internationally renowned university to offer learning-based meeting spaces? In fact, the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Conference Center is so focused on this mission that it does not accept reservations for social events. “We want to provide a unique learning environment for training and development groups and other education-focused conferences and meetings,” says General Manager/UCLA Director Steve Caloca. To accomplish that goal, the conference center offers 10,000 square feet of IACC-certified meeting space in 14 varied meeting rooms, all including a suite of audio-visual services. “Our all-inclusive meeting packages include meeting space, deluxe overnight accommodations, and three complete meals each day,” adds Caloca. “Complimentary Wi-Fi is also provided throughout the Center, including in the guest rooms.” The serene setting also offers the opportunity for more concentrated learning—situated on 42 acres along the north shore of Lake Arrowhead in California’s San Bernardino Mountains and National Forest. The Arrowhead Adventures team-building program makes use of the natural surroundings, too, with activities that also stimulate cognitive problem solving. When it’s time to retire for the night, guests can enjoy chalet-style guest rooms with fireplaces and impeccable views that encourage reflective time.
UniqueVenues.com/UCLALakeArrowhead // (909) 337.2478
Runners Up: The Conference Center at Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ, UniqueVenues.com/MontclairStateConfCtr), Georgia institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA, UniqueVenues.com/georgiatech)
Best Earth-Friendly Venue
Winner: Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL

UniqueVenues.com/floridagulfcoast // (239) 590.1426
Runners Up: The Field Museum (Chicago, IL, UniqueVenues.com/FieldMuseum), Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre (Vancouver, BC, UniqueVenues.ca/VancouverAquarium)
Best Venue on a Per Diem
Winner: St. Lawrence College Conference Services, Kingston, ON

UniqueVenues.ca/StLawrence // (613) 544.5400
Runners Up: The Conference Center at Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ, UniqueVenues.com/MontclairStateConfCtr), Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO, UniqueVenues.com/CSU)
Best Suburban/Rural Venue
Winner: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Suburban spots can be just as thrilling as their urban counterparts, especially with a property as unique as the University of Maryland, College Park. “Visitors and guests are amazed by the serenity and open spaces of our secluded and secure campus. That includes a campus-wide arboretum,” says Joseph E. Criscuoli, marketing and sales coordinator of Conferences & Visitor Services. UMCP sits on 1,800 acres in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with a main gate right on Route 1 and quick access to three international airports, often resulting in competitive airfare for visiting groups. When you do want to get into the city, a series of metro bus stops, trains, and motor coach charters can quickly transport groups to nearby Annapolis, Baltimore, or the nation’s capital. On-site, UMCP offers a total of 200,000 square feet of meeting space in 100 meeting rooms and five ballrooms along with 8,000 beds in the summer months. In 2017, the campus will welcome The Hotel at University of Maryland, offering 297 guest rooms, 43,000 square feet of conference space, and a wide variety of amenities. It will be the second facility of its kind, complementing the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
UniqueVenues.com/umcollegepark // (301) 314.7884
Runners Up: University of Scranton (Scranton, PA, UniqueVenues.com/universityscranton), Georgia International Horse Park (Conyers, GA, UniqueVenues.com/GAHorsePark)
Best Venue for Expos and Tradeshows
Winner: Georgian College Conference and Events Services, Barrie, ON
The winner for best in (trade)show for the third consecutive year is Ontario’s Georgian College Conference and Event Services. Here, the events department seamlessly transforms the campus’ student athletic center into a 20,000-square-foot, obstruction-free event space with ample room for up to 100, 8’ x 8’ booths that can fit banners, displays and furniture. Plus, state-of-the-art technology is also included with the rental. To make the experience even more convenient for expo guests, “Georgian College provides on-site parking, catering within the exhibit hall, and access to numerous meeting and breakout spaces in the same building,” says Katie Sleep, manager, conference and event services. As such, the college (just 90 minutes from Toronto) has developed a considerable reputation and hosts around 15 large-scale shows annually including galas, convocations, wellness fairs, career expos, and sports exhibitions, with profits going back to student events, activities, and special projects.
UniqueVenues.ca/GeorgianConferenceServices // (705) 728.1968
Runners Up: Chase Center on the Riverfront (Wilmington, DE, UniqueVenues.com/ChaseCenter), Banff Centre (Banff, AB, UniqueVenues.ca/BanffCtr)
Best High-Tech Venue
Winner: Virginia Tech Executive Briefing Center, Arlington, VA

UniqueVenues.com/VATechResearchCtr // (571) 858.3044
Runners Up: Ohio Union at the Ohio State University (Columbus, OH, UniqueVenues.com/OhioUnionOSU), OFFSITE Chicago (Chicago, IL, UniqueVenues.com/OffsiteChicago)
Best Venue to Film a Movie or TV Show
Winner: 3 West Club, New York, NY

UniqueVenues.com/3West // (212) 582.5454 xt. 2183
Runners Up: New York Historical Society (New York, NY, UniqueVenues.com/nyhistoricalsociety), The Nest at UBC (Vancouver, BC, UniqueVenues.ca/AMS)
Best Venue to Gather for the Day
Winner: OFFSITE, New York, NY

UniqueVenues.com/offsite // (212) 366.1828
Runners Up: Metro Meeting Centers – Boston (Boston, MA, UniqueVenues.com/MetroMeetingBoston), Columbus State Conference Center (Columbus, OH, UniqueVenues.com/ColumbusStateConfCtr)
Best Venue for Small Gatherings
Winner: The Loft at 600 F, Washington, D.C.

UniqueVenues.com/Loftat600F // (202) 431.8516
Runners Up: Virginia Tech Executive Briefing Center (Arlington, VA, UniqueVenues.com/VATechResearchCtr), Spirit Fire Retreat Center (Leyden, MA, UniqueVenues.com/SpiritFire)
Best Venue for Spiritual/Wellness Gathering
Winner: The Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC

UniqueVenues.com/artofliving // (800) 392.6870
Runners Up: Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center (Silver Bay, NY, UniqueVenues.com/SilverBayYMCA), American University (Washington, D.C., UniqueVenues.com/AmericanUniv)
Best Outdoor/Rooftop Event Space
Winner: YMCA Camp Elphinstone, Gibsons, BC

UniqueVenues.ca/CampElphinstone // (604) 886.2025
Runners Up: Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center (Chaska, MN, UniqueVenues.com/OakRidge), Lewis & Clark (Portland, OR, UniqueVenues.com/lewisandclark)