Outside the Ballroom: Unique Event Venues That Inspire

Often times corporate events take place within a handful of common venue settings—places like convention centers, ballrooms and pop-up stores. But more and more, brands are treating their attendees to an offbeat location that turns the whole event on its head. If you’re looking for fresh ways to energize your experiences, a change of scenery might be just the ticket. Whether you’re releasing a new product, brainstorming new ideas or polishing your pitch deck, here’s some of the most inspiring spaces to get down to business.

ARTECHOUSE (Washington, D.C.)

DC’s hottest new attraction, ARTECHOUSE has drawn audiences from all over to view and interact with its unique, multi-sensory experience. These out-of-this-world creations change seasonally, and the artists continually develop new visuals and shows for people to see. A fresh take on museums, guests are sure to be blown away by this first-of-its-kind wonders. Guests will have exclusive access to the museum, with customized décor and entertainment. While viewing the magnificent pieces, acrobats can perform to the flow of the graphics and an electric violinist will fill the room with lively tunes. Creative food stations and crafty cocktails round out this experience.

ARTECHOUSE Website

Untitled (Chicago, IL)

Head to River North for a mysterious, underground hot spot like no other, simply known as—Untitled. Upon arrival at street level, guests are greeted by a vintage storefront façade. They may think they are in the wrong place, but with a quick stroll down the stairs, a retro world unfolds. This 18,000 square foot subterranean venue boasts a speakeasy/supper club theme, along with multiple, distinct spaces. A set of metal doors open to reveal a "library" complete with leather tufted walls. A second set of doors slide open to uncover the massive parlor and lounge where food, booze and live tunes can be enjoyed simultaneously. Finally, yet another entrance opens to expose a gorgeous dining room and champagne bar. Can include a Whisky Tasting experience with the Whiskey Librarian. Untitled’s Library has the largest selection of American whiskey in the world.

Untitled Website

Museum of Pop Culture “MoPOP” (Seattle, WA)

Featuring a world-class collection of artifacts, unique architecture by Frank O. Gehry, state of the art technology and interactive presentations, MoPop encourages visitors of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power and joy of music in its many forms. The focal point of the venue is Sky Church with 70 foot ceilings and the world’s largest indoor video screen, which makes it the perfect backdrop for performers such as Rock-Bot, a karaoke experience with live musicians. Guests can explore all of the spaces, including the permanent and rotating installations such as the Sound Lab, where you can learn to play an instrument and jam out, relive your childhood in Fantasy World, or the current Marvel Superhero exhibit. Forget your motor coaches and have guests take a ride on the monorail which drops right at the museum and is a fun, inexpensive way to move a group.

MoPOP Website

Caravan Outpost (Ojai, CA)

Check out a new venue experience in downtown Ojai that allows attendees the opportunity to unwind, network and enjoy a laid back evening only California could provide. The Outpost features vintage airstreams, each offering a different activation experience. This space allows your participants to mingle throughout the space and interact informally with other attendees, all while immersing themselves with vignettes of entertainment such as fire pits, yoga sessions, wine tasting, and more

Group size: up to 200 participants

Caravan Outpost Website

Bunkers (The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, WV)

Host your event in a decommissioned Congressional Bunker built during the Cold War as an emergency (nuclear) fallout shelter for our House/Senate to remain and continue business if anything happened. Once a top secret U.S. Government relocation facility, this space is a must see for all guests. Their on property historian t can provide an overview of its significance. Plan a reception in the Culinary Arts Center which is the former bunker cafeteria (complete with pillars and checkered floor) and dine in “The Brain” or Exhibit Hall which was the control center for Congress.

Bunker Tours Website

G Collection (Scottsdale, AZ)

Host your event in a modern museum suitable for multiple tastes with the focal point being an outstanding private car collection. The venue also offers a few interesting conversation and interactive pieces such as a games room, beer can collection and the Barn which houses the future “to be” restored vehicles, a behind the scenes look that many car museums do not offer.

G Collection Website

Aria (Las Vegas, NV)

Aria recently invested in a $165 million project when they took their Zarkana Theater and transformed it into the East Convention Space. The space offers an additional 200,000 square feet of space featuring three new ballrooms, some featuring outdoor verandahs and terraces, as well as breakout rooms and the unique Cypress Executive Lounge. The layout of the new space allows for impromptu meetings which can happen anywhere.

Aria Las Vegas Website

Hard Rock Live Orlando (Orlando, FL)

Orlando’s “Coliseum of Rock” is the destination for the hottest entertainment. This venue makes your meeting space the ultimate rock star. Hard Rock Live Orlando offers the latest in sound and lighting technology to ensure a memorable experience from the first note to the last.

Hard Rock Live Orlando Website

Want to take your inspiring event space to even higher heights? Bring your brand to life with immersive experiences that will connect your customers with your brand on an emotional level. Find out how in our ebook, Growing Your Brand Through Immersive Experiences.