Corporate Event Venues

The end of the year is quickly approaching and many of us are simply worn out. Companies nationwide are trying to get the most out of their employees while they're in the office, meaning most of the employees are worn out by the time they get home. Why not treat the team to some fun activities to celebrate the year's end? Consider some alternative Atlanta venues that will not only boast employees' spirits but also awaken their inner child.

Atlanta is the perfect destination to rejuvenate your staff. Dave & Buster's is a great Atlanta special event venue where your guests can eat, drink and play. Complete with arcade games, billiards and a main dining room, there is definitely something here for everyone to enjoy.

The Atlanta restaurant gladly welcomes large groups in spaces such as the small party room for intimate events or even the entire 70,000-square-foot special event facility, depending on your needs. The showroom is a happy medium for those mid-sized Atlanta events, and it includes audio-visual equipment.

For those that have a need for speed, consider booking Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. These aren't your carnival bumper cars—your racing fee comes with helmet, race car driver jumpsuit and a once-in-a-lifetime race car experience. Andretti has two professional style tracks, pool tables, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, high ropes course and arcade games. It isn't all play and no work, of course, as Atlanta conference rooms are on-site as well. The Grand Prix Suite offers 4,200 square feet of special event space including tables, seating and audio-visual equipment.

For more information about these and other Atlanta special event facilities, visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

M&T Bank Stadium, home of the National Football League’s Baltimore Ravens, is one of the most interesting event venues in Baltimore. In particular, the lounges on the Club Level of the stadium rival any other special event facility in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

The North Club Level Lounge can accommodate groups from 50 people to upwards of 2,000 people, while offering a fantastic view of the Baltimore skyline, including the nearby Sheraton Inner Harbor and Hilton Baltimore hotels. The two South Club Level lounges can accommodate up to 1,000 people each. In addition, there are several smaller areas on the Club Level that easily handle smaller meetings of 60 to 250 people.

Meetings, sit-down dinners and receptions can be accommodated in either the North or South Club Level Lounges. The folks at Aramark can create custom menus to match the theme of your meeting. Additional attractions for your special event can be arranged at the stadium, such as having the Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders or mascots attend, as well as behind-the-scenes tours of the suites, Press Box, and locker rooms. This is truly a unique venue in Baltimore and one that guests talk about after they leave.

View more information about M&T Bank Stadium on the Cvent Supplier Network

November marks the start of regular flu season. I recently blogged about what event planners can do to get prepared, and, luckily, it looks like plenty of other members of the travel industry are doing what they can to prevent flu outbreaks as well.

Hotels such as Marriott, Hilton, Starwood and InterContinental are focusing on day-to-day preventative measures, such as cleaning oft-touched items like phones and elevator buttons, according to The New York Times. Hotel employees are also being reminded to wash their hands often and sneeze into tissues, not hands. John Wolf, a spokesman for Marriott International, also told The Times that its properties were stocking hand sanitizers for conference and meeting groups.

Airports are taking similar steps, adding hand sanitizer dispensers near security checkpoints and using signs to highlight proper hygiene to passengers. However, the airplanes themselves can offer less protection, so business travelers such be prepared by packing antibacterial wipes, tissues, hand sanitizers, etc.

Have you noticed more flu precautions being taken at hotels and event venues? What are you doing to prepare your event guests?

I've written several blog posts in the past about how to stay green and stay on budget. One tip I've seen time and time again is to reuse event decor, props and whatnot, whether you've kept them yourself or have asked the event venue to to recycle them from an earlier event that day.

Today, I read about a great website that offers another option. Event Leftovers is an online marketplace where meeting and event planners can buy and sell new and gently-used supplies. It's great for planners of all markets and levels, from once-a-year company holiday parties to monthly client events.

Event Leftovers a win-win for both buyers and sellers: buyers get bargains on event goods, while sellers (who can list items for free) get some additional revenue. Plus, both sides are being eco-friendly!

Right now, items for sale range from the wacky and fun (like these tropical birds—perfect for a luau theme!) to standard items that could work at any event, like charger plates and clear votive holders.

Registration and listings are free, so the next time you need to buy or sell some event party rentals, check it out!

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Wonderful words spoken by a truly inspirational woman in history; a woman who would surely appreciate this a Dallas event venue such as the Women's Museum at Fair Park.

A Smithsonian affiliate, this cutting edge Dallas attraction is housed within 15,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space, accented by exhibits that range from female Rock 'n' Roll Photojournalists to Catholic Sisters in America.

Whether you are planning an evening soiree or a brilliant boardroom showdown, the Women's Museum offers several different spaces and packages:

• The AT&T Gathering. This great Dallas banquet space features three-story ceilings and an "Electronic Quilt" at one end that can be designed to fit your specific event. The Gathering area has space for receptions as large as 800 attendees.

• The AT&T Auditorium. With theater seating for nearly 200 guests, this Dallas meeting space is great for for speakers, seminars and education programming. The room is equipped with a rear-projection system for presentations, as well as staging and audio equipment.

• Inside and Outside Balconies. Dallas meeting planners can opt to include the the inside and/or outside balcony areas to the AT&T Gathering space. This addition adds space for up to up to 100 extra guests.

• The Cathy Bonner Boardroom. The boardroom is perfect for smaller meetings. It can comfortably accommodate up to 21 people in round table seating.

• Cafe. The museum's cafe a perfect spot for smaller gatherings of approximately 30 people. Guests are treated to an amazing aerial view of the first floor and surrounding balconies.

The Women's Museum is on the Fair Park grounds and is only a few blocks east of downtown. It offers easy access to several downtown Dallas hotels such as the Sheraton Hotel Dallas, Magnolia Hotel Dallas, The Adolphus, Hotel Indigo, and Hyatt Regency Downtown Dallas.

During 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!

Orlando is sitting on a treasure that many people overlook: a mass quantity of private and public vent spaces. One such Orlando event venue warrants its own spotlight: the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), a versatile and successful option for any private event.

The space, located in the heart of the Orlando tourism area, is comprised of more than two million square feet of event space. In other words, Orlando's convention center has a floor plan and appropriate space for every event imaginable. In fact, it's home to most tradeshows and events in the Orlando area, from the Home and Garden to the Surf Expo every year.

If you're wondering how much such an event space could cost you, you'll be relieved to know this is a government owned and operated facility. So even though you are getting state-of-the-art services, the rental prices aren't exorbitant. Also, if you are looking for an event to either market with or be a part of, the Orange County Convention Center has a list of all of the events for the upcoming year, as well as a list of the companies slated to participate.

All in all, the Orange County Convention Center is a fantastic option for hosting your next Orlando event. If you need a location to showcase your event amidst other industry professionals, this location is a great spot!

View more information about the Orange County Convention Center on the Cvent Supplier Network

Got a sweet tooth? Luckily, Halloween is not the only holiday for sweet treats. There are plenty of holidays that call for celebrating. What about: Got A Promotion Day, Aced That Final Exam Day, or I Need some Chocolate in my Life day. Whatever the need for celebration (real or fantasy) may be, Atlantans have the secret recipe for successful celebratory events: the Chocolate Pink Cafe.

Located amongst many of downtown Atlanta special event venues, this cafe attracts the inner child in all of us. From the colorful pastry display case to the trendy urban design of the cafe's dining area, it's also a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Chocolate Pink's menu is a decadent array of gourmet chocolates, cookies, cakes and tarts, as well as beverages to complement each treat. Special favorites include the White Choc Raspberry Layer Cake, the Pink Lemonade Cupcake and the Apple Frangipane Tart.

The cozy event room at this unique Atlanta venue seats 32 of your closest friends and family for special occasions. Many brides, future moms and even little "divas" have been spotted sampling the "always dessert" menu. In fact, one recent patron was the ever-so-popular Bravo TV reality Real Housewives of Atlanta show star Kim Zolciak, who held her daughter Brielle's birthday party at the cafe last season.

Catering options are available for off-site Atlanta events. Executive chefs can tailor a delicious menu for your next Atlanta wedding, corporate meeting or even private in-home function. No matter whether you're taking a break from lunch or even from your diet, the Chocolate Pink Cafe in Atlanta is the premier choice for pastry delight.

View more information on Chocolate Pink Cafe, along with other Atlanta special event facilities, on the Cvent Supplier Network

With a rich history in exploration and maritime discovery, Lisbon is no stranger to welcoming guests from near and far. Offering a friendly population, competitive prices, and a unique landscape that combines sandy beaches, green mountains and a modern downtown area, Lisbon continues to attract both leisure and business travelers to its streets.

Host your next international event at the phenomenal International Fair of Lisboa (FIL) Meeting Centre, one of Europe's most well-equipped facilities. Or, get a unique taste of Portugal's capital at event venues such as the Maritime Museum or historic Castelo de Sao Jorge. Discover more Lisbon meeting venues, accommodations and more on the Cvent Destination Guide.

Although Atlanta is a landlocked city distant from the Atlantic Ocean, there is hope for those planners interested in making waves at their next Atlanta event. Two aquatic attractions in the region include Stone Mountain Park and Lake Lanier. With versatile options for events large and small, both of these attractions offer your guests an escape to the water without traveling far out of the city.

Stone Mountain Park in all its granite glory features some of the most unique special event venues in Atlanta. Plan a party aboard the Henry W. Grady Paddlewheel Riverboat, where you and 299 guests can set sail amongst the wooded campgrounds of the park.

Your guests will find more than enough room to entertain themselves on any of its three decks, one of which is enclosed for those chilly fall nights. Invite them to partake in cocktails and delicious treats in the Stone Mountain's Golf Course Clubhouse, then hop on the boat for a fun-filled evening.

The sights are not the only thing your guests can enjoy at Stone Mountain. Catering is provided by the on-site catering staff, where the selection seems to be Fourth of July year-round. From Southern fried chicken to sliced smoked beef brisket, there's no reason why your guest should leave on an empty stomach.

Another great venue option in Atlanta for enjoying the great outdoors is the Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Comprised of over 23,000 square feet of mutlipurpose event space including 22 meeting and event facilities, the resort offers indulgent amenities such as the Legacy on Lanier Golf club, a spa, an equestrian center and a beach with exhilarating water park adventures.

Whether your venue of choice is actually on the water or just nearby, remember that although Atlanta is a land locked city it still offers several venues for impressive aquatic events!

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

As the meetings industry prepares for the H1N1 flu virus, are you ready for handling events during flu season? Check out these 4 tips for how to be prepared:

1. Stock up on hand sanitizers.

Hand sanitizers are a decent safeguard to spreading diseases from hand to mouth. Though they don't replace hand washing, they are especially helpful at meetings and events where your guests cannot always run to the bathroom for soap and water. Just make sure to purchase sanitziers that contain an alcohol (ehtyl alcohol, ethanol, etc.) in a concentration of at least 60 percent. Studies have shown that anything less than this is not effective.

2. Educate your guests.

Provide your attendees with helpful information on how they can keep themselves and others healthy. Washing hands frequently, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, and coughing into a sleeve or elbow—not hands—are among the best tips to stay healthy. Share these with your attendees on your event website or in your email marketing.

3. Stay informed.

Just as your guests should be in the loop, event planners should make sure to regularly visit reliable websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep current on the flu vaccine, influenza activity in the United States and more.

Additionally, it also helps to be familiar with the symptoms of the flu, which include fever, sore throat, headache, body and muscle aches, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Note that for adults, symptoms such as difficulty breahting or shortness of breath, sudden dizziness and severe vomiting warrant urgent medical attention. Establish a plan of action should an event guest, or one of your staff members, fall sick. Designate a contact person to whom guests can turn for medical assistance.

4. Have a back-up plan.

Last year, many event planners were caught unawares by the pandemonium brought on by the flu. Make sure to establish procedures for attendee cancellations, speaker cancellations, etc. Have a policy in place when it comes to refunding event fees for your attendees. This also holds true for your event venue and suppliers—go over how payments/refunds will be handled should you need to cancel or change locations at the last minute.

Since the introduction of the turntables, iPods and surround stereo systems, we have somehow forgotten how to appreciate live band music. A concert ticket to your favorite singer or band can cost you anywhere from $50 to your car payment. However, at your next event in Atlanta you can give your guests a front row seat at a show they will never forget.

The selection of a performance band is crucial to the success of your function. Be sure to request a sample CD, listen to online audio clips, and check out the web for any online reviews. The cost for a live band can run you anywhere from $1,000 and up. But if the budget is an issue there are ways to save some funds and still have a live performance.

Student performers from Georgia State University's melodic ensembles are a great solution to your event entertainment budget woes. Their inexpensive but nothing but raw talented. Or, use Myspace or YouTube to find local bands or performers looking to promote themselves in the area, and thus save you a pretty penny. Just remember to try to coordinate your live music according to your theme. For example, a Spanish event lends itself to a Mariachi band, a corporate function to a jazz ensemble, and a wedding reception to a live band complete with the "We are Family" rendition.

So once you've hired a band, now what? Almost every Atlanta event facility and hotel has a dance floor and a stage available for your event, so why not utilize this service to the fullest? If the event venue does not provided adequate dance area, then you can rent a dance floor from most event rental companies. TLC Rents, a downtown Atlanta event rental company, offers various "YMCA" dancing floor options. These include indoor and outdoor easy to assemble panels.

Make sure to check out more options for Atlanta event entertainment and rentals on the Cvent Supplier Network.

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.

Owner 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.

Best-selling author Dan Brown, who penned novels Angels & Demons and The DaVinci Code, explores the symbology and iconology of Washington, DC in his latest thriller The Lost Symbol. For visitors who want to experience the action in real life, Destination DC has made it easy to visit the landmarks and locations featured in the novel. Visit Experience DC: The Lost Symbol to learn more about exhibitions and events in DC relevant to the book, such as the National Museum of Women in the Arts' exhibit on "Telling Secrets: Codes, Captions and Conundrums in Contemporary Art." You can also view an interactive map of some of the top
attractions for your Dan Brown-inspired visit.

Washington, DC event planners can get in on the fun as well, as a number of these attractions also serve as great event venues. Check out a few of the following DC meeting spaces for a Lost Symbol-inspired event:

International Spy Museum

From George Washington's secret life as a spy to the Enigma code-cracking machine, the International Spy Museum immerses guests in the undercover world of espionage. In addition to taking advantage of this Washington, DC special event facility after-hours for groups of up to 300 people, meeting planners can also enjoy a number of the museum's unique packages. Three different scavenger hunts, for example, challenges attendees armed with a top secret bag of tricks to work through coded messages and tough questions as they navigate the museum. The exclusive Speaker Series offers a variety of former intelligence offers willing to share their expertise and experience with your event guests.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Towering over Old Town Alexandria just outside of DC, the memorial showcases both Freemasonry and George Washington himself, who joined the Masonic Lodge in Fredericksburg at the age of 20. Interesting artifacts on display include Washington's family Bible and even a lock of his hair. The memorial also offers over five DC event venues, including the grand hall for up to 250 people and the impressive Memorial Hall, which sets the stage with a 17-foot bronze statue of Washington, eight granite Corinthian columns, two large murals and six stained glass windows.

Library of Congress

Home to many of the nation's secrets, it's not surprising that the Library of Congress is often featured in thrillers such as Brown's The Lost Symbol. It was also featured in the action-thriller film National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Planners can take advantage of the air of mystery around this seemingly low-key but unique Washington, DC venue at one of its five room options, which include the Italian Renaissance-style Great Hall, a great DC banquet space for up to 1,200 guests.

This River West event venue in Chicago was named after its founder Joe Marchetti, the former name behind the renowned Como Inn. For the past 15 years, Galleria Marchetti has been known as the leading venue for hosting private events in Chicago. A unique and bright setting, it has welcomed every type of event, from corporate outings to lavish weddings. Whether you're holding your event in one of its beautiful courtyards or in its spacious pavilion, its hidden escapes make it easy for attendees to forget they are in one of the largest cities in the nation.

Galleria Marchetti has five multi-functional rooms and gardens, available to host groups of almost any size. Its tented pavilion is known as one of the featured attractions of the venue. The style and grace of this Chicago meeting space gives it a dynamic edge that you cannot find anywhere else in the city. Although most pavilions are seasonal, Galleria Marchetti allows guests to request an open-air style, for which the staff removes the sides of the tent to join it with the Marchetti gardens. This creates a unique decor that lends character and elegance to any event.

The East and West courtyards are some of the most beautiful gardens in the city. When guests enter through their iron gates and pass the brick walls lush of colorful ivy, they are greeted by a spacious area filled with flowering trees, seasonal blooms and ample vegetation that create the feel of a Tuscan garden. The courtyards' tasteful outdoor furniture is centered on their large food displays that are sure to ignite your guests' taste buds.

The special event packages at Galleria Marchetti make it easy for Chicago event planners to coordinate a top-notch event. Each package is complete and paired together nicely to create an underlying theme that correlates with the ambiance of the venue. A creative and unusual venue, natural decor, wide arrangement of choices for event space, traditional menus with a twist of Italian flair, an experienced bar and wait staff—Galleria Marchetti is well on its way to earning the timeless reputation of its sister facility Como Inn.

For information on more unique venues in Chicago, please visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

I recently read an article from Oprah.com about saving money at your wedding events without being tacky. I've blogged about some of the tips in the past, such as using flowers that are in season, or opting for a signature cocktail as opposed to a full open bar. However, there were several new tips I found interesting, many of which can be applied to not just weddings but to any sizable meeting or event.

Take a look at some of suggestions, offered up by brides, etiquette expert Anna Post, and event planners. Then let me know what you think!

• Serve lunch-size entrees for dinner receptions.

• Choose an off-night or off-season when wedding and event venues will have less demand.

• Skip the favors (or giveaways at meetings). Consider making a donation to a charity as a more cost-effective and socially responsible option.

• Consider breakfasts or brunches instead of evening receptions.

• If you're set on an evening event, begin early (around 4 PM or 5 PM) or later when people won't expect a full meal. Light appetizers and cake in lieu of a full dinner save a lot of money and still make for a great event.

Read all of the cost-friendly wedding planning tips.

Lead times remain short for meeting and event planners looking to secure the best deals from hotels and event venues. According to a recent MeetingNews survey, 41 percent of planners said their lead times for meetings of less than 100 attendees are 30 to 90 days before the event date. These abbreviated time periods are holding steady, as 73 percent of planners said lead times are about the same in 2009 as they were last year, while 15 percent said they are even shorter this year.

Paul Salvatore, HRG North America president of events and meetings management, told MeetingNews of one client who booked a Pittsburgh meeting for 160 people on September 24 just three weeks prior. Meanwhile, another client is waiting to announce its Boston meeting for 300 guests until a week before, in case a better deal comes along or it needs to cancel.

"Even though we made them aware of the penalties—both on air, using nonrefundable tickets, and on the deposit at the hotel—they factored all that into their budgeting and are willing to forgo their deposit and take the penalties," Salvatore said.

Meeting planners are obviously looking for a deal, and hotels are certainly willing to provide them.

"In the past, we would have to bring up additional features and benefits, concessions on F&B, meeting room rental and other things, and they seem to be thrown on up front," Salvatore said.

It's all just another example of how this is one of the best meeting buyer's markets in years.

"Businesses know it's a soft marketplace. They don't need to negotiate rates this far out, so we can go inside of 90 days and still get good pricing," Jim Fausel, Jr., Global Conference Associates president, told MeetingNews. "Most of inventory is still there within 90 days, at least for 2009."

Need an event venue where your guests can truly combine business and pleasure? Whisk your attendees away to the inviting Seagate Hotel & Spa in Delray Beach, Florida. Opening November 2009, this charming getaway boasts a tropical location, world-class amenities and customizable meeting spaces sure to please guests of weddings, meetings, travel excursions and more.

Meeting spaces at Seagate include the stunning Reef Ballroom, which can host up to 190 guests in its 1,912 square feet of space or be broken down into two smaller venues. The hotel's 380-square-foot Boardroom is a productive meeting space for up to 12 clients or executives to get down to business.

After the conference is done, guests at the 162-room Seagate Hotel can kick back at Atlantic Grille or the Seagate Beach Club, which offers distinctive oceanfront dining; relax in one of the seven private treatment rooms, Vichy shower or Bikram Yoga studio at the on-site spa; or shop for resort wear, gifts and gourmet specialties at etc. cafe & gifts.

View more information about the Seagate Hotel & Spa on the Cvent Supplier Network

Cuvée is a swanky special event space that just opened in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. Brought to you by the owners of another Chicago hot spot, Enclave, which is just a few blocks away, this distinctive 5,000-square-foot lounge opened its exclusive back alley entrance at the end of September.

Cuvée's decor truly sets it apart from any other lounge in the area, as its design is inspired by the inside of a champagne bottle. The interior includes a curving illuminated wall at the entrance, mirrored disks hanging from the ceiling, and light boxes filled with golden brown marbles. 

This stunning setting is a great backdrop for Chicago events of up to 400 guests. The lounge's semi-private areas, including an elevated room above the main area, can accommodate smaller groups of eight to 20 people. Throughout the Chicago special event facility, planners find  smaller semi-private areas that include banquette-lined seating areas with dim lighting.

For receptions and banquets, the Chicago restaurant's bar menu is focused around champagne and champagne cocktails.  Bellini's, the "Chandon Bubble-Tini" and the "Passion Rouge" are just a few of the many different options for cocktails. Meeting and event planners can arrange for catering in Cuvée through the preferred vendor, Jordan's Food of Distinction, but are also welcome to use their own event suppliers.

Fnd more unique Chicago event venues at the Cvent Supplier Network.