Corporate Event Planning

Los Angeles Believes in Magic That Few Will Ever Witness...

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Charity Hill
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.

The Light Bulb Goes On Again in Downtown Los Angeles

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Charity Hill
The EdisonMore than 100 years after its original opening, The Edison still shines brightly. Conveniently located near the LA convention center, it is set in one of the first private power plants in California. The historic Edison is truly one of the most unique venues in Los Angeles.

A tribute to the sultry bygone era of industry, science and innovation, this LA party venue explodes with provocative history and tantalizing treats. Depression-inspired comfort food, decadent nostalgic design, and glamorous live entertainment are what makes this locale a top LA attraction and "one of the best new bars in America," according to Esquire magazine.

If you are looking for electrifying entertainment, this LA restaurant is sure to spark your interest. It has a lofty open floor plan, making it perfect for accommodating intimate groups of 10 people to grand gatherings of 300 guests.

Cvent Planner Insider Tip: Receive glowing reviews from your clients this holiday season by booking this rare Los Angeles corporate event space.

View more information about The Edison on the Cvent Supplier Network

Upcoming Chicago Events: Chicagoween's Spooky Happenings!

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
Spooky Jack-o-LanternsDuring the last week of October, Chicago celebrates Halloween with spooky events all across the city. From a midnight circus to a pooch parade, Chicago knows how to give a good scare! 

Chronicles of the Cursed

This haunted house is the largest in the city of Chicago. Located on Grand Avenue, the 20,000-square-foot facility is filled with monsters, ghouls and zombies who will scare you with a bone-chilling experience you will never forget!

Fall Fireworks Dinner Cruises

Many of Chicago's event venues on the water are hosting fall fireworks dinner cruises. The Odyssey, Mystic Blue and Spirit of Chicago are all welcoming guests aboard for a Halloween party unlike any other. Along with the beautiful fall fireworks display hosted by the city, these vessels will be decorated with cobwebs, ghosts and delicious food for guests to enjoy. Like what you see? All of these ships are available for private rentals for Chicago corporate events and social functions.

Franken Plaza

This year marks the 13th annual Franken Plaza Halloween celebration! On-site events hosted by the Special Events Department of Chicago (the hosts of the live taping of Oprah on Michigan Avenue) will include a midnight circus of "high flying aerial entertainers," Pyrotechniq—a show combined with dance, theater and fire—pumpkin decorating, and a farmers' market with fresh fall goodies. Don't forget the best part—it's free!

Seadog Haunted Tours

Experience the lights and freights of Chicago on this specialized city tour. While cruising down the river and viewing some of the most gorgeous architecture in the country, a professional docent will enlighten guests with stories of supernatural occurrences in some of Chicago's oldest structures, including the Fort Dearborn Massacre and the Eastland Disaster. During the regular season, Seadog hosts many types of tours for visitors. From river to lake cruises, Seadog is sure to get your adrenaline running on their clean and fast fleet!

Spooky Pooch Parade

The Chicago Botanic Garden opens its doors to the Chicago canine population on Halloween. Dogs from all over the city are invited to dress up in their scariest costumes and walk in a parade to celebrate the season. In addition to the parade, activities include a costume contest and a barking awards ceremony. 

Don't forget to check the Chicago events calendar before planning your meeting and events in Chicago. The city sponsors great events that are sure to get guests out of the meeting rooms and into the spirit!

The Hearty Boys Take Chicago!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
The Hearty Restaurant in Chicago is a small storefront space located in the neighborhood of Lakeview, just north of bustling downtown. Partners Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh are no strangers to the food service industry. You may recognize them from their Food Network television series "The Party Line with The Hearty Boys," from the front of their cookbook Talk with Your Mouth Full, or from seeing them in person at one of their restaurants or at their catering facility in Chicago.

These food experts have mastered the design of mid-century American comfort food in their new 60-seat venue. The space is decorated with sea glass subway tiles, a hand-crafted mahogany bar, walls of exposed brick as well as modern stainless steal kitchen tables and stools. The walls are a burnt orange color with accents of a toned down lime green, which sets off a wall mounted fireplace as well as bespoke stained glass art.

Their upscale menu includes a house dish of macaroni and cheese, a rabbit corn dog, foil-wrapped fish grilled over hot coals, and Southern fried chicken. Beverages at this Chicago restaurant staple include American vintage classics such as The Brown Derby and The Aviation, as well as a few different brilliant twists on the standard Bloody Mary. Also available is a wine list comprised of selections from domestic vineyards in Georgia and Texas.

Not only have The Hearty Boys conquered television, books and restaurants, but they have also been a top Chicago catering company for the last 10 years. Their ample and delicious sample menus are just a start when planning a wedding or corporate event in Chicago.

Whether on-site at the restaurant or at a catered Chicago meeting, The Hearty Boys are sure to please your palate!

How to Pick the Perfect Venue for Your Orlando Events

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Alexandra Courson
Orlando SkylinePlanning an event in Orlando doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be full of cartoons and theme parks. The Orlando metropolitan area is a cornucopia of unique and under-commercialized spaces that can fit your specific needs.

In all reality, Orlando has so much to choose from that it can be overwhelming if you don't have an idea of who your target is. In my experience, I've found that working with generalized groupings of the Orlando area can help when determining where to hold your special function.

The city can be broken into four quadrants that contain four entirely different demographics. Understanding these regions makes planning for specific audiences a lot easier, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

These four sections are:

The University Area. This is where to go if your demographic is the college and university set. It's the bargain area, where the less expensive venues and some inexpensive accommodations are located.

The Downtown Area. If you are looking to attract corporate clients, or want your event to appeal to the young, hip professional, the downtown area offers a surplus of unique venues in a very compact, walkable zone. By looking into one of over 100 Orlando restaurants, bars, or clubs, as well as the Citrus Bowl and Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, an event planner can easily find a space to fit any theme or size criteria. There are nicer hotels and restaurants in this area that are more than willing to discount based on party size and patronage of their industry partners.

The Winter Park Area. Winter Park is a micro-center of socially and financially influential people in Orlando. If a philanthropic or fund-raising opportunity should strike, this along, with certain parts of the downtown area, is your prime location.

The Tourist Area. If you are in need of a great corporate event space in Orlando, don't pass up the opportunity to look into what Disney, International Drive, Universal and some of the lesser-known tourist attractions have to offer. With some of the most convention footage in the world and different, over-the top themed venues lining the streets, there is something for everyone. The parks are fantastic at incorporating business and pleasure for whatever purpose you may have; they are also incredibly skilled at co-branding. Not only that, but if an event takes place in the off-season, these tourist area venues in Orlando are more than willing to negotiate!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Zoo Atlanta

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
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 Giant Pandasplayground, 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 World Studio at Zoo Atlantapresentations 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

Lend a Helping Hand at Your Next Corporate Event

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
Helping HandsWith 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.

Dallas Venue Spotlight: Group Dynamix Offers Top-Notch Team Building

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Despina Karintis
Are you in need of a quick getaway for a group of employees? Need a fun, easy, inexpensive option for a team outing? Or maybe you're simply looking for something a little different than the norm for your next Dallas business meeting? Consider Group Dynamix in Addison! If you've not yet discovered this excellent Dallas event venue, now's the time.

Team Building EventOwner and "Head Coach" Stephen Mackintosh, aka Coach Mack, has turned his love of team spirit and supportive play into one of the largest, most popular indoor team building centers in the country. His team focuses on group performance and reflection through unique and fun-filled activities that encourage 100 percent participation, 100 percent of the time.

When it comes to interactive team building in Dallas, these guys are pros. They will customize and facilitate events to your company's desired theme, timing, and scale. Whether you have 15 IT guys for half a day or 100 PR reps for an all-day rally, they have the space and means to keep any group entertained. Considering a group upwards of 500 people? No worries. There is 18,000 square feet of usable Dallas event space complete with a ropes course, laser tag, or beach balls ready to pump up and motivate even the most passive participant.

Located in the heart of Addison, close to one of Dallas' most notorious shopping, dining, and entertainment districts, Group Dynamix is easily accessible to several well known full-service and select-service hotels. The facility can accommodate simple team outings or full-fledged corporate events with packages that include use of on-site audio-visual equipment, including wireless microphone, video capabilities with screen (check out the 20-foot-by-20-foot movie wall!), and much more. Snacks and beverages can be provided, but outside catering is allowed and encouraged, so you to work within your budget with any Dallas caterer or restaurant—a rare find for Dallas venues these days.

Use Twibbons to Promote Your Events on Twitter

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Sarah Larkins
Are you using social media to promote your association's cause? Or maybe a charity fundraiser you're hosting? What just about a corporate event? If so, I just came across a great idea for free event promotion on Twitter.

It's called a Twibbon. Basically, it's a service that overlays a small icon onto Twitter profile images of your supporters. For example, supporters of breast cancer research can sign up to suppor the cause by having a small pink ribbon placed in the corner of Twitter profile pictures.

Non-profit event planners can easily create Twibbons for either your cause or your specifc event. All you have to do is create a Twibbon image with design software such as Paint.NET or Pixlr (both free), upload it, and add a brief description. Check out the full instructions for creating a Twibbon here.

Twibbons aren't just for non-profits and charitable causes, though. I've seen them for sport teams, celebrities, TV shows and more. Meeting planners in all markets could use them to promote their upcoming events. Just consider a few of the event-related twibbons I found in use for events of all sizes and types:

Wine Bloggers Conference Twibbon

Rio 2016 Twibbon

TEDxMidAtlantic Twibbon

What's really cool about Twibbons is that once you create one for your meeting, it's logged in the Twibbon database. People can search for your Twibbon and find information about your cause or event, who is supporting it and more.

If you're looking to promote your event or meeting on Twitter, Twibbons are a great option. They're easy, free and fun!

Dallas Venue Spotlight: The Neighborhood of Deep Ellum

Friday, October 2, 2009 by Despina Karintis
Need to think outside the box? Planning on bringing a group of forward thinking, art loving, funky music grooving professionals to Dallas for meetings? Bring them to the always eclectic Deep Ellum neighborhood!

This revitalized warehouse district is known as one of Dallas' trendiest spots and is just a quick three-block jaunt east of downtown. It is home to some of Dallas' favorite bands, bars, and brick ovens. But don't let this take away from some very beautiful, very flexible historic meeting space. Deep Ellum is a fully functional urban community full of thriving businesses, state of the art residential living, and an abundance of unique shops.

Take, for example, Gallery 2910, located at 2910 Commerce Street. A relatively new fine art gallery, this gem is filled with original works from an eclectic selection of talented career artists. The gallery has limited hours to the public and makes an excellent option for corporate events, fundraisers, or cocktail affairs from 50 to 100 people, depending on room set-up.

A quick walk down Commerce takes you to a cute urban loft called Leroy Studios. This studio offers 2,000 square feet of unique space and is most commonly used for photo shoots, casting calls, tastings, and the like—perfect for smaller gatherings or business meetings in Dallas.

Another spot to definitely keep on the list is Space Studios, located at 2814 Main Street. This historic Dallas special event facility hosts everything from yoga classes (bikram yoga, no less) to CD release parties to Dallas weddings, and much more. There is plenty of open space for your corporate affair or launch party and a fully-equipped staff ready to help pull off even the most exclusive event. Top notch!

For more information on Dallas wedding venues, corporate facilities, conference centers and more, visit Cvent's Dallas venue directory.

Ray of Light: 3 Key Elements of Decor Lighting

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Sarah Larkins
Every year since 1931, the New York's Rockefeller Center becomes home to the National Christmas Tree. By day, this massive piece of greenery—reaching upwards of 90 feet—is quite impressive. However, there's a reason millions of people tune into its annual lighting ceremony. Just compare the daytime tree to its lighted counterpart. The lights make all the difference, and the same idea applies to your events.

Whether you start with a clean slate or the most richly-decorated venue, lighting can really make or break the backdrop of your event. But luckily, it can also be one of the most inexpensive ways to transform your event decor.

Below are the 3 most popular elements of decor lighting. Talk to your event lighting specialist about them for your next gathering!

Gobos. Gobos can create patterns with light and shadow, making them great for projecting images and logos for corporate events and theatrical performances. Wedding planners, for example, may project the couple's names or initials on the dance floor, while companies may use a custom gobo to project their image on the speaker podium at a reception.

Themed parties also benefit from standard gobo images, such as a Christmas tree at the holiday party or pumpkins at the fall fete.

Pin spots. Pin spots are ideal for calling attention to certain areas or items of your event decor. Usually, event planners and lighting specialists use them to cast light over centerpieces and floral arrangements. Corporate events can benefit from using pin spot lighting on a company logo or plaque.

Customizable to your event, pin spots can be used with colored gels and lenses, which can be paired together to create a unique look.

Up lights. As the name implies, these event lighting fixtures illuminate from the ground up. They're great for adding color to an otherwise blank wall canvas, and can also highlight fixtures (like columns and archways) that exist in the venue.

Event Lighting

Top 5 Suggestions for Atlanta Special Event Venues

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Cvent Staff
Planners looking for unique venues in Atlanta will not have much trouble finding stunning meeting spaces full of charm and character. From university conference centers to zoos, check out some of the following posts when considering booking an Atlanta special event facility:

Host A+ Events in Atlanta at University Conference Centers

Got Culture? Atlanta Event Venues Do

Go Wild with Events at Zoo Atlanta!

Top 10 Corporate Event Venues in Atlanta

Hit a Home Run with the 755 Club at Turner Field

What are your suggestions for great Atlanta special event venues?

New York Venue Spotlight: 632 on Hudson Offers an Escape in The Big Apple

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Katherine Johnston
632 on Hudson, located in a quiet neighborhood between the Far West Village and the Meatpacking District, is a fantastic New York private event facility. The 632 was in built in 1847 and was once a general store, a sausage factory, and the setting for MTV's "Real Word." Now, a private home that can be rented out for special occasions, the facility is decorated with a collection of antiques and artifacts from around the world.

632 on Hudson features a 755-square-foot Salon and a 255-square-foot Great hall that create the perfect setting for intimate corporate events. Guests can also unwind in the spectacular penthouse garden that features a relaxing atmosphere and stunning views of Manhattan.  632 on Hudson specializes in fulfilling the particular needs of the customer and providing an atmosphere for smaller, more private events.

The 632 on Hudson is certainly a unique and artistic downtown New York venue and provides a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. With three romantic floors and close to many New York attractions, this striking venue will make your next event a success. Who knew that an ex-sausage factory could be so elegant?

View more information about 632 on Hudson on the Cvent Supplier Network.

Share Your Corporate Events and Meetings with Public Calendars

Friday, August 28, 2009 by Cvent Staff
Cvent's internal calendar feature makes it easy for meeting planners to maintain a high-level overview of their events. The corporate lunch next week, the user conference coming up in November, the company holiday party at the end of the year—it's all there for you in user-friendly format.

As part of Cvent's new release, it's now easier to keep members of your team and organization in the know about upcoming events. Make your calendar public, and choose which users can have access.

Internal Calendar Visibility

You can also activate an external version of your calendar by creating a weblink. Share the link with others, who will be able to view, but not change, the calendar without logging in to Cvent.

Orlando Venue Spotlight: Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Cvent Staff
Waldorf Astoria OrlandoAs the first newly built Waldorf Astoria® since the legendary original in New York City, Waldorf Astoria Orlando commands a stunning location on 482 emerald-green acres, surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Resort. The stately lobby draws guests to its centerpiece, a magnificent clock handcrafted by master artisans. It is certain to become revered, much like the iconic lobby clock that has stood in the lobby of The Waldorf Astoria in New York since 1931.

The success of corporate events is sure to follow when they are held at Waldorf Astoria Orlando. To accommodate meetings of various sizes, the venue's 28,000-square-feet of multi-function space has been masterfully sectioned into 15 meeting rooms, two executive boardrooms, and a stately Grand Ballroom that covers 8,100 square feet alone, all with sweeping views of the waterways. In addition, majestic outdoor areas around the pool, or framed by mature woodlands and manicured gardens, can be reserved for private gatherings, as can the a magnificent 25,000-square-foot island.

The knowledgeable team of experts at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando provides assistance in every regard, including elegant catering and 24-hour technological support. In addition, secured wired and wireless Internet connections are located throughout the resort.

View more information about Waldorf Astoria Orlando on the Cvent Supplier Network

Toronto Venue Spotlight: Harbourfront Centre Welcomes Film Screenings, Festivals and More

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 by Cvent Staff
One look at Toronto's meeting stats and you'll know that Canada's largest city offers plenty of things to do and see. But of the more than 300 unique venues and thousands of restaurants, Harbourfront Centre is one of the city's most popular attractions, with about 12 million visitors each year. Its 2009 summer arts festivals are expected to see about two million guests alone.

Occupying 10 acres of Toronto's waterfront, Harbourfront Centre is a hub of performing arts venues, restaurants, shops and galleries. Guests can purchase premium craft pieces at BOUNTY or visit its Craft Studio to watch as local artisans at work. Take a stroll in the Toronto Music Garden, designed to reflect Bach's First Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. Or, catch one of the over 4,000 Toronto events held every year at Harbourfront Centre, which span music, dance, film, and visual and literary arts.

Harbourfront Centre offers a wide range of venues for rent, accommodating Toronto meetings and conferences of 50 to 450 people. Small conferences, corporate events, lectures and presentations, film screenings, and professional performing arts presentations are welcome. Unfortunately, it cannot accommodate social events such as weddings or birthdays.

Las Vegas Venue Spotlight: Resident Performer Barry Manilow Livens Up Events at the Las Vegas Hilton

Friday, July 10, 2009 by Katie Hollar
Hilton Las Vegas Cvent Supplier NetworkLooking for a fun-filled destination with world-class entertainment at your next event? Well, look no further. Following a $100 million redesign completed in late 2008, the Las Vegas Hilton hotel’s 59 acres offer a whole new experience to guests in Sin City

Located right off the Las Vegas Strip, this luxury hotel is packed with excitement.  Guests can try their luck in the 74,000-square-foot casino or visit the 1600-seat Hilton Theater, where Barry Manilow headlines regularly.  Hungry? Eat at the world’s largest Benihana, a three-story Japanese Hibachi restaurant. After dinner, guests can grab a cocktail or hit the dance floor at Tempo, the Las Vegas Hilton’s up-tempo lounge.

With nearly 200,000 square feet of meeting room space, your next event will be a truly memorable affair at this Las Vegas hot spot.  Offering 16 exceptional restaurants on-site, 50 meeting rooms,  and, and almost 3,000 sleeping rooms — all within a mile of the Las Vegas Convention Center — the Las Vegas Hilton is the ultimate destination for corporate events.

View more information about the Las Vegas Hilton on the Cvent Supplier Network

Is Your Meetings Outlook Improving for 2010?

Monday, July 6, 2009 by Sarah Larkins
It started last week when I was spending some time on Twitter. I noticed that conference and event manager Karen Brown (whom both Cvent and I follow) had sent this message: "FINALLY sending out new RFPs for 2010 and 2011."

Karen Brown on Twitter

Great news, but I didn't think much of it. That is, until I kept seeing this topic pop up again and again in articles and industry reports. No longer was it all doom and gloom, canceled conferences and low attendance in the world of meetings and events. Rather, news coverage revolved around something positive: meetings are picking up for 2010.

An article in Boston Business Journal featured interviews with industry leaders who have started to see signs of improvement in meetings business and are optimistic about the coming months.

"Starting in December through March, we definitely were holding our collective breath, but coming into May it seemed like people started coming back and spending money again," Jimmy Callanan, president and owner of JCALPRO, Inc., which handles rigging and logistics support for several Boston venues, told BBJ.

Michelle Ray, director of sales at the Four Seasons Boston, agreed that despite recent challenges, things are looking up.

"The good news is that we are seeing strong levels of business for 2010," Ray said. "Companies recognize the value of face-to-face meetings both for relationship-building and productivity."

The meetings environment in Boston is not surprising. In fact, meeting planners across the country are anticipating a pick up in events in 2010 and beyond.

According to Special Events Magazine's 8th annual Corporate Event Marketplace Study, corporate event professionals say they expect to host the same number of events or more in 2010 as compared to 2009. These events range from incentive trips to marketing events to product launches.

Don't get me wrong—the challenges of the past year have not gone away, nor should they be forgotten. Still, it's great to see some positive news. Like Karen, I want to know, are things looking up for everyone else?

Orlando Venue Spotlight: Host Events in a 2,300-Acre Florida Paradise at Reunion Resort

Thursday, July 2, 2009 by Katie Hollar
Bask in the warm Florida sun at your next meeting! The premier Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida, offers 25,000 square feet of state-of-the-art conference facilities spread among over a dozen meeting rooms, making it a prime destination for hosting your next corporate event. Your guests will feel right at home with its 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas or 3- to 8-bedroom private homes, each with its own private kitchen, dining and living room. Reunion boasts 500 sleeping rooms total, each of which feature complimentary high-speed Internet access, in-room safes, newspaper delivery, and flat-screen TVs and DVDs (not to mention incredible views of the Florida surroundings).

When not relaxing in luxury, guests can take part in a number of activities at Reunion. They can enjoy an expansive on-site water park, play tennis at the award-winning tennis center, or take a complimentary yoga class in between treatments at the spa. Leaving resort grounds, guests find the world-renowned Walt Disney World park just six miles away.

If your guests are looking to hit the golf course, Reunion Resort includes three Signature golf courses designed by legends Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus.  Or, join in on the fun yourself with Reunion’s special promotion for planners: through 2010, when you book 100 room nights or more for your group event, you receive one custom set of Callaway Clubs!

Learn more about this special offer and the Reunion Resort on the Cvent Supplier Network.

3 Aquarium Venues for Memorable Private Events

Friday, June 26, 2009 by Sarah Larkins
Aquariums were always one of my favorite attractions as a kid. Who wouldn't love a chance to see nature's marine life—the beautiful, the odd, and the frightening—up-close? I don't think the wonder of the underwater world diminishes as we get older, which is why adults and children alike find an afternoon at the aquarium exciting.

For meeting planners, the aquarium's unique allure makes it a great event venue. You'll not only elicit excitement from attendees who'll jump at the chance to visit, but you'll also find an unmatched backdrop of corals, jelly fish, sting rays and more that you just can't find at your average venue.

Here are a few great aquariums that can serve as event venues:

Georgia AquariumGeorgia Aquarium

With over eight million gallons of fresh and marine water, the Georgia Aquarium is home to a massive collection of marine life. The two full-grown whale sharks, the largest fish species in the world, are popular with guests, as is Nandi, the only Manta ray to be displayed in a U.S. aquarium ever.

The aquarium has several spaces available for corporate events in Atlanta. From the 16,400-square-foot Oceans Ballroom to a full aquarium buyout for 5,000 people, the venue is perfect for receptions, galas, banquets and more.

National Aquarium

Located in Baltimore, the National Aquarium is home to about 16,500 animals within its uniquely designed glass pyramid building. In addition to its underwater life, the aquarium also houses a range of interesting exhibits on reptiles such as the Giant Amazon river turtle and amphibians such as the Blue poison dart frog.

The National Aquarium can accommodate groups as small as 10 people or as large as 2,500 people. Catering is provided by Baltimore's premier catering company, the Classic Catering People.

Aquarium of the Pacific

This Southern California venue has over 12,500 ocean animals representing about 500 species that call the Pacific Ocean home. With 19 major habitats, the aquarium takes guests on a journey through the waters of Southern California and Baja, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific can accommodate private functions in spaces such as the captivating Great Hall and outdoor Harbor Terrace. It also offers two special event package pricing and menus: the Scuba Package for 50 to 150 guests features three food stations or custom plated meals on the second level of the aquarium; and the Coral Reef Package offers access to the first floor for up to 3,000 guests.

To find an aquarium venue in your city, make sure to check the Cvent Supplier Network.