Banquet Facilities

Be among the few to stand in front of the secret bookcase and say the magic words: "Open Sesame." And poof! The Magic Castle, an elusive LA attraction, will reveal itself as one of the most coveted venues in Los Angeles.

It's not an illusion! World-class entertainment in Los Angeles unfolds right in front of your eyes as you enter this four-story Victorian castle smack-dab in the middle of Hollywood. It holds up to 360 people for meetings and special events.

Combined with the most exciting group dining Los Angeles has to offer and the convenience of a hip hotel right on the property, the Magic Castle is a triple threat. Successful Los Angeles corporate event planning includes a creative conference site or diverse banquet hall, and the Magic Castle holds the cards.

Cvent Planner Insider Tip: Put an ace in your pocket! Befriend a magical member to harness your full Los Angeles event planning potential.

To find more unique Los Angeles venues, visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

Who said going to the Opera was a bore? Owners of the Atlanta Event Center at Opera invite you to host various events—from wedding receptions, corporate functions and fashion shows—in its lively facility. With its Greek columns, luminescent chandeliers and three-tier balcony, the center makes your attendees will feel like royalty the moment they step inside.

Built in 1920 as a performing arts theater for the Atlanta Women's Club, the center has since undergone two million dollars worth of renovations to revitalize the space to its original luster. Now, the Atlanta special event facility boasts three separate and beautiful areas with their own appeals.

The Opera House encompasses a stage, perfect for performances or speaking engagements. The mezzanine level accommodates up to 450 guests, including a full service bar, private VIP sections and private restrooms.

For more intimate events, the Venetian room is an appropriate choice. Host 150 guests for a reception in this Atlanta banquet hall, which includes Victorian accents and hardwood flooring. On those hoTLANTA days or cooLANTA nights, try the Patio, offering greenery, lounge-style seating with breathtaking views of the skyline.

No need for your guests to worry about lodging or car rentals for events at the center. Several Atlanta area hotels are in walking distance, including W Midtown, Four Seasons and Marriott Suites Midtown. As food food choices, Opera provides in-house catering from Chef Jeffrey McGar, a culinary master whose meals matching the unique design and style of the venue. The chef and the culinary team at Opera recently won the 2009 Allie Award for Best Buffet/Reception Menu in Atlanta.

But if not for the culinary delights of miniature Cubans and mojito lamb chops, come for the scenery and ambiance of this unique Atlanta venue. Feel free to leave your falsetto at home!

View more information about the Atlanta Event Center at Opera on the Cvent Supplier Network

Remember your excitement at the first time you saw a lion up close, or when you first heard a rattlesnake's tail jiggle? A trip to the zoo has always been thought of as a child's playground, a place to see the animals that you'd only known from television or the encyclopedia. Now, you can offer your event guests a renewed sense of childhood bliss at Zoo Atlanta.

This unique downtown Atlanta venue has some of the most intriguing amenities offered with an entrance ticket. Between the live shows, petting zoo and giant panda exhibit, there will be plenty of options for your attendees, whether they consider the zoo an Atlanta corporate event venue, banquet hall, or even Atlanta wedding venue.

The multipurpose function space at Zoo Atlanta is quite extensive, capable of accommodating for 20 to 5,000 guests. Check out the Chinese Plaza & Panda Veranda in which you can enjoy a meal with 100 of your closest friends amidst the panda's natural habitat. For presentations or seminars, the Coca-Cola World Studio is an excellent selection with theater seating for over 250 guests.

Packages include, if your guests are brave enough, an animal encounter (with trainer of course) with demonstrations to educate and entertain. Catering is provided by on-site caterers Culinary Sol, which serves up savory dishes including brie en croute, chilled smoked salmon and an array of dishes from around the world.

So for your next event encourage your guests to join you on an exploration of the world's finest animal treasures at Zoo Atlanta.

View more information about booking Zoo Atlanta as your next Atlanta event facility on the Cvent Supplier Network

With the economy taking a large hit, unemployment on the rise and tight budgets, companies are facing scrutiny for every dollar they spend toward their meetings and events. Impact 4 Good has come up with a solution that promotes corporate social responsibility while helping companies avoid inquiry on every event they plan. Impact 4 Good operates with the support of a wide network of community service organizations to create activities for corporate groups, helping them benefit from a learning experience that gives back to communities in need.

Over the past few months, corporate planners have been facing a "perception issue." The media has been highlighting how large companies are spending corporate dollars on so-called "extravagant expenses," most of which include meetings and events. Other challenges include narrowing down current planned events agendas, allowing attendees very little time to get out of their hotels and banquet facilities as well as tight budget constraints.

Community service team building organized by Impact 4 Good can be incorporated to shed some positive light on meetings and events as well as on the company that is participating. These types of events are used to motivate staff to work as a team for the benefit of giving back to the community in programs such as Literacy Builders, Go GREEN Racing, Poverty: Beehive Building, and Children: Bike Build for Charity.

Impact 4 Good's programs not only enhance the image of good corporate citizens, but they also exemplify their commitment to their employees and customers. With most programs lasting two hours or fewer and having the capability of hosting from 10 attendees to 10,000 or more, Impact 4 Good is a great option for companies who are trying to make a difference.

Visit Impact 4 Good for more information and details on hosting a team building activity for your next event.

Located on Union Square, and opened in 1904, The Westin St. Francis is a fantastic San Francisco luxury hotel and a perfect venue for your next special event.  Referred to as the “Great Dame” of Union Square, the Westin St. Francis has over 56,000-square-feet of meeting space in 34 rooms.

With a mix of historic elegance and modern innovation, The Westin St. Francis features of variety of unique special event space. The Colonial Room is a gorgeous 3,276-sqaure-foot San Francisco banquet hall that features a gold-leaf ceiling and a beautiful Tuscan mural and fits over 400 people. The Westin St. Francis also has the massive Grand Ballroom, with over 10,700-sqaure-feet. The Grand Ballroom is perfect for all your large, extravagant affairs, as it fits over 1,500 people.

Another unique element of the hotel is the historic Magneta Grandfather Clock in the lobby. For years, this clock has caused guests to exclaim “Meet me under the clock!” So, tell your guests to meet you “under the clock” for your next special event in San Francisco and host the event at The Westin St. Francis!

View more information about The Westin St. Francis on the Cvent Supplier Network

When hosting an event, whether it is a small office party or a multimillion dollar corporate banquet, hiring a skilled bartender might not also be the first thing to come to mind. Often planners tend to focus a lot on the the food and the venue, but what about the drinks?

The bar is often the hangout spot of the event, so it's important that your guests are happy with what they find there. Plus, it's imperative that the drinks complement the menu. A mismatched wine, beer or cocktail can change the taste of even the best of dishes to an  unpleasant one.

Still on the fence? Consider these 5 reasons to hire a bartender at your next event or party:

1. Impress & De-stress. Your guests will enjoy the luxury of being catered to. Plus, it's one less area to worry about, so you can focus on welcoming your guests, etc.

2. Drink Knowledge. Well-trained bartenders can create drinks specific to your event that suit the theme, audience and so forth. Basically, they'll take the guesswork out of choosing your bar selections.

3. Buzz Kill. Bartending staff can control the "party drunk" by moderating the right blend of alcohol versus chaser.

4. Twist of Flair. A bartender that knows some "flair" (bottle flipping, crafty pouring, etc.) is always a visual treat, not too mention added entertainment at no extra cost.

5. Get Loose. Alcohol is known as liquid courage for a reason. It can allow your guests to mingle and add fun to their overall experience.

So, where to find bartenders for hire for your next Atlanta event? Try the local bartending schools, ABC Bartending School. Most Atlanta banquet halls, such as the Pavillion at East Cobb, also offer bartender services for a minimal addition charge in addition to its Atlanta catering.

For private events, consider inquiring if the hotel ballroom with allow for a drink test with the bartender working your event. Remember to try it before you drink it!

Last week in the nation's capital, non-profit group Fresh Farm Markets received approval to open a farmers' market in downtown DC. On Thursdays from September 17 through October 29, Vermont Avenue Northwest between H and I Streets will close to traffic to make room for vendors to sell fresh food from area farmers, an idea that's been backed by President Obama and the First Lady themselves.

Farmers' markets like the new one in DC are making it easier for people to eat close to home. This so-called "locavore" dining is growing in popularity. After all, it means that the food is fresher, having basically been purchased right after picking, and it's more eco-friendly—food doesn't need to be transported long distances nor heavily packaged.

Not only home cooks can take advantage of the locavore dining movement. Restaurants are getting on the bandwagon as well, which means that even when your business guests are on the road, you can treat them to fresh, healthy fare at your events.

Restaurant Nora
 
Committed to sustainable agriculture, Washington, DC restaurant Nora became America's first certified organic restaurant in 1999. From grass-fed beef to handmade goat cheeses to freshly-picked wild mushrooms, Nora uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft cuisine that is anything but bland. Menu options have included crispy Amish duck breast with maple sherry vinegar jus and grass-fed grilled rib eye steak with macaroni and cheese gratin.

Restaurant Nora offers four DC private event facilities. From dinner for 10 people in its cozy Parlor Room to receptions of up to 50 people in its Gallery Room, Nora's versatile spaces welcome events of all sizes. The restaurant is also a great DC banquet room for lunch events, for which the entire venue can be rented exclusively.

North Pond

Located in Lincoln Park, this Arts and Crafts-style Chicago restaurant features great views of the Chicago skyline and expertly-crafted cuisine. Chef Sherman supports local farmers with his purchases, selecting ingredients at the height of their seasons. Menu examples include smoked pork tenderloin with roasted black figs and charred pimentos and grass-fed grilled New York strip steak with warm purple and gold cauliflower.

With its floor-to-ceiling glass doors and attentive staff, North Pond is a great spot for Chicago wedding receptions, corporate dinners, association luncheons and more. This spacious Chicago event banquet facility can accommodate up to 110 guests.

Greens

This San Francisco restaurant has proved that vegetarian cuisine is more than deserving of a place among fine dining establishments. The restaurant sources much of its organic produce from the Green Gulch Farm, located 14 miles away, in order to craft menu selections such as wild mushroom ravioli with chanterelle mushrooms, roasted potato pesto pizza with smoked mozzarella and fontina cheeses, and ricotta corn cakes served with fresh salsa and pumpkin seed cilantro pesto.

An elegant San Francisco banquet facility, Greens has 20 years of experience hosting weddings, ceremonies, non-profit events, business gatherings, etc. The main dining room, whose windows face the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marina, can seat up to 135 guests and accommodate up to 200 guests for standing receptions. The private dining room is a more intimate San Francisco special event facility, offering seating for up to 50 guests.

Need a San Antonio hotel for an event, but want to treat your guests to a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a great option. Set to open January 2010, this San Antonio luxury hotel is just 20 minutes from downtown set among the majestic beauty of Texas Hill Country's Cibolo Canyons.

Offering 1,002 guest rooms including 85 suites, this Hill Country resort is a truly relaxing experience. Its 26,000-square-foot  spa has 30 treatment rooms, a private spa pool and fitness area complete with state-of-the-art cardio equipment and free weights. Its 36-hole golf course, designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman, boasts stunning views of the countryside. Finally, its 1,100-foot lazy river is the perfect way for guests of all ages to unwind.

The JW Marriott offers over 140,000 square feet of dedicated San Antonio meeting space. Planners in need of San Antonio banquet facilities can take advantage of the 40,000-square-foot Grand Oaks Ballroom, 21,000-square-foot Cibolo Canyon Ballroom or one of three outdoor venues. Also on-site are a 40,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall and 18 breakout rooms.

View more information about the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa on the Cvent Supplier Network

The event sourcing and Request for Proposal (RFP) process is critical to the success of any meeting. After all, finding the right venue starts you on the path to a great event down the line.

Because the site selection process is so critical, it's no surprise that more and more tools and resources are popping up online, promising planners a faster and more effective way to find and book venues. How can you be sure which one is right for you? I've come up with a list of four basic criteria that all effective sourcing tools should have. Today, we'll start with number 1: a range of venue options.

Go-to meeting destinations such as hotels, convention centers, and auditoriums are popular venues for many planners. As such, they comprise the basic foundation of any site selection tool.

However, they are by no means the only options for meeting planners. Those planning smaller events certainly won't require the vast space of a convention center, while those just looking to hold a cocktail reception have no need for the presentation technology offered at an auditorium or arena. And no matter what the meeting type, all planners are recognizing the importance of exploring their venue type options in the interest of lowering costs.

So, while good site selection tools will offer the basic venues, great ones will be more comprehensive. Can you search for banquet halls and corporate office space? What about museums and restaurants? Even movie theaters can be an appropriate, economical venue choice for planners. Make sure your site selection tool encompasses a wide range of options.

Meeting rooms are at the heart of any productive event. While ballrooms and banquet halls are great for networking receptions and cocktail mixers, it's at the meeting room that most of the nitty-gritty education and training goes down.

As such, it's important to make sure your meeting room is optimized for success. Ensure that you, and your meeting attendees, are getting the most out of a meeting by addressing these four often-overlooked meeting room concerns:

• Temperature. A room that's too cold will result in shivering guests in a rush to leave, while one that's too hot will make your attendees uncomfortable or put them to sleep. It's tough to get a just right, Goldilocks temperature that will satisfy everyone, but your own comfort and the comfort of fellow event staff should be a good indication.

When in doubt, err on the side of a slightly cooler room; it will keep guests more alert.

• Number of seats. No matter what type of seating arrangement you choose (classroom, crescent, u-shape, etc.), people tend to gravitate toward the back of the room, leaving the seats up front empty. Aside from not being very appealing to guests who walk in the door, a small a front-of-the-house crowd also gives speakers the impression that there's a lack of interest.

Avoid this problem by keeping some of your seats stacked and adding them to the back area as the front rows fill up. Or, place ropes across the back rows until more seating is necessary.

• Room size. Make sure you book a meeting room well-suited to the number of attendees. You don't want to cram people into a too-small room or make them stand, nor do you want to use a vast space for only 10 or 12 people; this makes an event look unpopular to new arrivals.

Easy-to-use tools such as Cvent's meeting space calculator can help you quickly figure out what size room is necessary per your attendee count, and vice versa.

• Technology. How many times have you arrived to a meeting on time only to spend the first 15 minutes waiting for the event crew to correctly hook up the speaker's microphone or adjust the projector? So frustrating! And not to mention a waste of time for everyone.

Make sure you are familiar with the audio-visual set up of the room in advance of the meeting, and take a few minutes to do a quick AV run-through before the meeting is scheduled to start.

The lush guest rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago luxury hotel have a new look. After a multi-million dollar restyling—one of the largest in the 435-room hotel's history—its new rooms have a more contemporary, urban-chic feel. Room amenities include complimentary Internet access, down duvets and pillows, and plush terry bathrobes.

In addition to its accommodations, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago hotel features six major function rooms on its 12th floor. Capable of hosting 20 to 1,200 guests, meeting rooms include the 9,000-square-foot Ballroom and Loge, a great Chicago banquet facility. Event catering is available as well, including a number of health conscious menus developed in part by the Wellness Institute of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

View more information about The Ritz-Carlton Chicago on the Cvent Supplier Network

Another day, another deal for meeting planners. Today's special is a New York hotel deal.

At The New York Palace Hotel, planners who book a group event by June 30, 2009, and execute it by March 31, 2010, can enjoy various value-added offers, such as a 10 percent discount on food and beverage for a full-day meeting.

Located on Madison Avenue, this famed New York hotel offers 813 guest rooms, 86 suites, an extensive fitness center, on-site dining options and overall first-class service. Planners can take advantage of 22,000 square feet of function space, including a number of meeting rooms and unique venues. The historic Chairman's Office can easily accommodate board meetings, while the Villard Mansion is a lavish New York banquet facility.

View more information about The New York Palace on the Cvent Supplier Network

When it comes to event site selection and sourcing, our meeting planner clients express the same concern time and time again: How do I get a response to my RFPs?

Planners want to know what it takes to get a response from a venue, whether it be Yes or No. After all, it's better to get a regret notice of "We received your request, but cannot meet it," rather than be left wondering if the request was even received and read.

There are some tips to maximize responses that planners can use when creating an RFP. For example, planners need to stay flexible in their requirements. Offer alternative event dates. This way, a hotel that can meet all your requirements but happens to be booked can respond to say they would be available for the following weekend.

Show flexibility in details such as your meeting room requirements by listing multiple room set-up types on your RFP. Often times, venues can arrange meeting rooms traditionally used for one event into a layout that suits your needs (for example, a banquet hall arranged into theater seating.)

Another best practice for RFP creation is to be as detailed as possible. What type of event is this? How many attendees are expected? What's your estimated budget? What is the agenda? Being specific will better inform your venue as to whether or not it can meet your needs, which means you'll more likely get a response.

Add details about your organization's events (how many events you host per year, whether this is a one-time or annual event, etc.). This lets a venue know that, though it can't accommodate you this time, you could be a business partner in the future. Venues that see opportunities for future business will certainly not let your RFP go without a regret response of "No, but please keep us in mind next year."

Despite what your past success with RFPs may have indicated, venues want your business—they just need to know a relationship with a planner is realistic. Simple changes in your RFP creation can go a long way in your response rate. To learn more about getting the most out of your RFPs, contact us about the Cvent Supplier Network today.

With all the excitement surrounding our nation's capital, it's no surprise that Washington, DC is becoming a premier destination for meetings and events. What better way to take advantage of all the city has to offer than by hosting an event at a landmark DC attraction, The Washington Plaza Hotel.

Located in the heart of the city, this Washington, DC hotel is just five blocks from the DC convention center and only minutes away from most talked-about museums, happening nightlife and iconic monuments. It is also just four miles from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Hosting a meeting or event at the Washington Plaza is just as convenient to planners as its location. With 12,000-square feet of column-free space and 12 distinctive meeting rooms, the Plaza can accommodate events of many sizes. Its stately Federal Hall is a great DC banquet facility for up to 500 guests to mingle and dine, while the 400-square-foot Executive Boardroom is great for professional meetings of 12 guests.

A seamless blend of business and pleasure, the Washington Plaza Hotel offers 240 guest rooms in addition its meeting space. The resort-style hotel also boasts wireless, high-speed Internet access in its rooms, a contemporary lounge and bar, and a full-service restaurant.

View more information about The Washington Plaza Hotel or other Washington, DC venues on the Cvent Supplier Network

With Valentine's Day less than a week away, we thought it'd be appropriate to review some of the country's most romantic restaurants. Though couples find them idyllic spots for candlelit dinners for two, meeting and event planners can also make the most of the unmatched elegance and top-notch cuisine at these venues, each sure to impress groups of all sizes.

Take a look at some of Mobil Travel Guide's top picks:

Fleur de Lys

After a 10-month renovation following a devastating kitchen fire, this landmark San Francisco restaurant emerged with an luxurious redesign featuring 800 yards of custom-designed fabric, Limoges and Rosenthal china, and fragrant floral blooms. Host an event in style at the restaurant's Salon Room, with room for up to 25 guests, or private Wine Room, with room for up to 16 guests. The entire restaurant is also a great San Francisco banquet facility for functions of up to 105 people.

Les Nomades

Groups of up to 44 guests can enjoy the intimacy and fine French cuisine offered at Les Nomades restaurant in Chicago. With wood-burning fireplaces and original artwork, this former private club serves up classics with a twist such as roasted venison loin with sherry brown butter sauce and Angus beef fillet with sunchoke potato gratin.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea

Thanks to the soft piano music, flickering candles, and vases stocked with fresh flowers, the well-reputed New York restaurant One if by land, Two if by Sea is commonly known as one of the most romantic in the country. Among exposed brick, fireplaces and shimmering chandeliers, guests to New York events can settle into a night of pure elegance as they enjoy the restaurant's Mediterranean fare.

The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta

One of only 16 restaurants in the country to receive the Mobil Five Star Award, The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton is the perfect spot for private events in Atlanta. A la carte and tasting menus of French cuisine are complemented by an impressive 600-bottle wine cellar at the restaurant. The chef's table offers a great view of the display kitchen to up to 10 guests, but the adjacent salon is an ideal venue for up to 20 attendees to enjoy an intimate, private meeting.

Don't let its name fool you—the House of Blues restaurant in Dallas will have your event guests feeling anything but sad. Opened in May 2007, this hotspot has hosted over 400 shows by big names such as Bob Dylan, Fergie, O.A.R., Peter Frampton and Natasha Bedingfield. So spectacular is its venue and event programs that House of Blues was named the top club in the country by the 2008 Billboard Touring Awards.

With it reputation for hosting great events, it's no surprise that House of Blues is a great spot for your next Dallas meeting or reception. Invite guests to HOB's Gospel Brunch, where they will enjoy an expansive buffet and the energizing music of live performances from local and national touring gospel groups. Or, host an intimate dinner of Southern-inspired cuisine such as Louisiana shrimp creole and "Fall off the Bone" baby back ribs at HOB's restaurant and bar.

The House of Blues Music Hall is the venue's largest party space. This Dallas banquet facility can seat up to 400 guests for dinners or accommodate receptions of up to 800 people and concerts of up to 1,600 people. Not surprisingly, it's one of the most popular unique venues in Dallas.

For a truly exclusive experience, Dallas event planners can host an intimate event in the Foundation Room, a secluded club found at various House of Blues locations. The club's lounge features comfy sofas and 300-year-old antiques, while the fine dining room's 19th century furniture and oriental carpets are a perfect setting for enjoying the American-Pacific Rim fusion cuisine.

In addition to its versatile spaces and savory cuisine, House of Blues in Dallas offers event service options such as party favors and giveaways, audio-visual equipment, custom-decorated cakes, coat check and valet parking.

View more information about House of Blues Dallas on the Cvent Supplier Network

You can't exactly have a cocktail reception without the alcohol. Yet as meeting planners face more and more pressures to trim event budgets, such expenses are often found often on the chopping block. Consider the following tips when looking to cut the alcoholic beverage costs of your next meeting:

Choose the house package. Many event venues and banquet facilities offer both a house and premium alcohol package. The house option is more than adequate and it often comes at a significantly lower price.

Close the bar during your event. Meeting planners often forget that alcoholic beverage payments cover not just the alcohol itself, but also the bar staff. Instead of keeping the tab running all night, consider closing the bar during the dinner service or near the end of the meeting or event in order to save money.

Opt for beer and wine only. Just like the premium alcohol packages, a selection of liquor is often not necessary. Beer and wine are more than sufficient, and certainly likely to please most, if not all, of your event attendees.

Though your budget may be getting tighter, there's certainly no need to completely cut out all the extras from your meetings and events. Follow the suggestions above to keep the drinks flowing at your next affair.

From couples looking for wedding reception venues to large corporations in need of meeting space for an upcoming event, banquet facilities have a lot to offer. Are you aware of the two main benefits of banquet facilities?

Great space. While every banquet facility is unique, they all strive to offer enough space to accommodate a wide variety of events. Don’t get caught thinking that all banquet facilities are smaller than conference centers, hotels, etc.

Realistic price. When compared to other options, banquet facilities are often times priced much lower. In a tough economy, price can make or break your event venue decision.

With banquet facilities located in nearly every city, you can easily to find a venue in your area that suits your needs. Flexible accommodations at a reasonable price? It's certainly worth investigating.

From caterers to bakeries, florists to entertainers, the choices you have to make when planning a wedding seem endless. One of the most important decisions to make is the wedding venue. In any one destination, you are sure to come across many wedding venues. The question is, how will you narrow them down to that one special choice?

Remember two key factors as you begin the selection process: budget and venue type.

You may not like it, but you have to set a budget. Weddings are getting more and more expensive. In a tough economy, it's extremely important to not only set your wedding budget, but to stick to it. Decide what aspects of your wedding are the most important, and budget funds accordingly. Once you have decided where the wedding venue falls in this list, you can cross off a number of possibilities that are simply too expensive.

What type of wedding venues appeal to you the most? Have you always dreamed of a wedding outdoors? Or does an unpredictable climate require that you host your wedding inside a hotel or banquet hall? Maybe a museum gallery best fits your love of science and history. Traditional and unique wedding venues are abundant in every city. Select the type that is most meaningful to you, and eliminate those that aren't.

Budget and facility type are two of the most important details to consider as your begin your wedding venue selection. Once you have these nailed down, you will have a manageable list from which to select the perfect place.