The United States is celebrating its 233rd birthday this weekend (only a few days left to get a gift!), so it seems fitting to have a look at some of the best patriotic event venues in the country where you can celebrate this, or really any, important event.
Old South Meeting House
Located in the heart of downtown Boston, the Old South Meeting House has big reputation with meetings. In 1773, 5,000 colonists gathered here to protest the tax on tea, a protest that ultimately led to the famous Boston Tea Party.
For "revolutionary" Boston events, the Old South Meeting House can accommodate up to 650 people. Equipment such as theater lighting, a modular staging system, a piano, screens and projectors can be arranged.
Liberty Bell Center
On display at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, this 2,000-pound former Pennsylvania State House bell called citizens to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. After the first bell cracked, the second one cracked as well—twice—and as such it has not be rung since the mid-1800s. However, the Liberty Bell's message of freedom has persevered, serving as an icon of the abolitionist movement, the fight for women's suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement and more.
The Independence National Historic Park issues permits for special park use to groups that will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Planners can submit a permit application for special events and meetings.
Fort McHenry
Does the quote "O say can you see, by the dawns early light..." sound familiar? Likely you know it's our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. What you might not know, however, is that Fort McHenry in Baltimore was the birthplace of the patriotic tune. It was here in 1814 that 1,000 Americans resisted a 25-hour attack from British troops, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the anthem lyrics.
Meeting planners can obtain Special Use Permits to gain access to the park for runs, weddings, ceremonies, banquets, etc.
Old South Meeting HouseLocated in the heart of downtown Boston, the Old South Meeting House has big reputation with meetings. In 1773, 5,000 colonists gathered here to protest the tax on tea, a protest that ultimately led to the famous Boston Tea Party.
For "revolutionary" Boston events, the Old South Meeting House can accommodate up to 650 people. Equipment such as theater lighting, a modular staging system, a piano, screens and projectors can be arranged.
Liberty Bell Center
On display at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, this 2,000-pound former Pennsylvania State House bell called citizens to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. After the first bell cracked, the second one cracked as well—twice—and as such it has not be rung since the mid-1800s. However, the Liberty Bell's message of freedom has persevered, serving as an icon of the abolitionist movement, the fight for women's suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement and more.
The Independence National Historic Park issues permits for special park use to groups that will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Planners can submit a permit application for special events and meetings.
Fort McHenry
Does the quote "O say can you see, by the dawns early light..." sound familiar? Likely you know it's our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. What you might not know, however, is that Fort McHenry in Baltimore was the birthplace of the patriotic tune. It was here in 1814 that 1,000 Americans resisted a 25-hour attack from British troops, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the anthem lyrics.
Meeting planners can obtain Special Use Permits to gain access to the park for runs, weddings, ceremonies, banquets, etc.
Marriott and Starwood are going high tech with their meetings. Both brands announced separate plans this week to introduce Cisco's TelePresence remote conferencing technology to several properties this year. 
Another holiday weekend is upon us, which means it's time to find out where everyone will be going. Priceline.com has released a list of the 50 most popular destinations for the 2009 Independence Day weekend, based on a survey of over 30,000 hotel booking requests made by customers.
• Offer welcoming cocktails. Let's face it, nothing loosens up your guests' inhibitions, and mouths, like a few drinks. About half an hour to an hour before you reception, consider having waiters pass out welcome drinks to early arrivers. Or, if you have an open bar, make sure it's set up and ready to go before guests need to be in their seats for dinner.
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