The pool. Nearly every hotel has a pool for guests to enjoy at their leisure. However, for many business travelers, this isn't a spot they get to visit often. That doesn't have to be the case, though, as it provides a wonderful outdoor option for events.
With that said, a poolside event doesn't always mean a casual, bikini-filled afternoon. For instance, if your client markets a product that has to do with pools or water, why not hold the event on-by using a cover (which also adds several hundred square feet to your space)-or even in the hotel pool? This not only allows attendees to familiarize themselves with the product, but also ensures they'll be talking about your event long after.
Another option is to use the pool instead of a stage for performances-think synchronized swimmers-or as the stage or display itself, by floating acrylic plates on the water's surface.
A pool can also be drained to create a multidimensional event space. New York-based event planner Michael Stern, in an attempt to provide additional seating for the hotel's New Year's Eve soiree, emptied the pool at the Setai on South Beach to create a sunken living-room setting.
In fact, other than lawns and some courtyards, a pool deck is one of the only column-free spaces large enough for an exhibition at a hotel outside of the standard ballroom-as was most recently done for the Remix Hotel at the National Hotel during Winter Music Conference in Miami.The fitness center. There is more than one way to make use of the hotel gym-even without breaking a sweat. Here's the scenario: Sports industry executives are meeting to discuss promotional ideas for the launch of a new product and want you to find them a space. While the conventional four-wall meeting room immediately comes to mind, why not branch out a bit?
Since interaction and activity foster creativity, ask the hotel to accommodate the group inside the fitness center or perhaps on the tennis courts, such as those at the Regal Sun in Lake Buena Vista, which is now incorporating its courts into its meeting packages. Doing so will engage your group, give them the opportunity to better familiarize themselves with the product, and in turn increase the productivity rate of the meeting.
The loading dock. Conventionally thought of as the back area of a hotel-a place you want to hide from event guests-the loading dock provides a raw space that allows you extensive creative freedom.
When it works: Event management students at Johnson & Wales University decided to employ this unconventional space when deciding on a location for their annual Star Awards after-party. Using the elevated docking areas as V.I.P. suites and lower spaces as the main event floor, where they set up intimate lounge areas, they completely transformed the loading dock into a Hollywood club.
The kitchen. Hosting a chef's table-style event always impresses guests, as it makes them feel like V.I.P.s for the night, which translates to potential increased business for you as the planner.
The kitchen also provides you with unconventional decor elements, such as its industrial yet blank-canvas-esque ambience. Stacy Stern of the Special Events Group in Boca Raton used the kitchen at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel to create a 1920s-style San Quentin Prison atmosphere.
"We outfitted the kitchen staff in 'San Quentin Prison' shirts and had them banging pots and pans and yelling at the guests," says Stern. "We also had 'cops' lining the pathway to the other room and arrows on the floor to direct guests toward the main event space. They loved it!"
In addition, since many companies are requesting cooking demonstrations and lessons as a teambuilding activity for their group, set up a table for them to enjoy each other's creations at the end. Or, arrange to have the winning team seated at the chef's table for that evening.
A favorite of Fortune 500 companies, the Omni Jacksonville Resort features a private kitchen within the main kitchen for as many as 10 guests.
"This experience is like a chef inviting you into his home," says Wendy Preisand, director of sales at the Omni. "This experience can be as interactive as the planner would like by incorporate cooking demos, classes, and wine tastings."
Executive suites and penthouses. Depending on your client, staying in an executive suite may be something they've never had a chance to do, or part of their regular travel routine. No matter which category the guests fall into, suites and penthouses provide a great option for hosting intimate gatherings.
Suites can range from the uber-posh and expensive to more moderately priced with a range of amenities offered. One way to take advantage of these spaces is to use conjoining suites. They're great for meetings of 25 to 75 attendees: The largest room can host your general session while the adjoining rooms are ideal for breakout sessions and teambuilding activities.
If you are coordinating a larger event, head to the hotel's penthouse, if it has one; they generally range from 2,500 to more than 7,000 square feet. It's a great option if the on-site restaurant is booked or you're looking for a private experience, as hosting your cocktail or dinner party in the penthouse will not only make your search for a venue in close proximity to the hotel easier, but also provide spectacular views for guests to enjoy throughout the evening-as can be done from the Triplex penthouse as the National Hotel in South Beach. For cocktail receptions, consider setting up different vignettes in the bedrooms, such as food stations, themed private lounges, or product-placement spots.
The spa. Think relaxation, think stress release, think a comfortable environment, and then head to the hotel's spa. Many individuals communicate more efficiently and diligently in a relaxed environment. Although holding your meeting or event here does provide a much-desired incentive for many-men and women alike-it doesn't necessarily have to include spa services, or be spa-related.
In fact, many spas have outdoor courtyards or relaxation areas large enough for groups of as many as 50 guests-such as the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure in Fort Lauderdale, which is known for its Zen garden and patio. These areas can be used for anything from an evening cocktail reception to a short yoga session between long meetings to reenergize attendees and keep the creative juices flowing.
When working for out-of-town clients, a welcome session or cocktail party set in a spa with massages, manicures and pedicures, or other services is a great way for attendees to unwind after the long flight and to feel rejuvenated and ready for the upcoming conference, sessions, or trade show.
With that said, a poolside event doesn't always mean a casual, bikini-filled afternoon. For instance, if your client markets a product that has to do with pools or water, why not hold the event on-by using a cover (which also adds several hundred square feet to your space)-or even in the hotel pool? This not only allows attendees to familiarize themselves with the product, but also ensures they'll be talking about your event long after.
Another option is to use the pool instead of a stage for performances-think synchronized swimmers-or as the stage or display itself, by floating acrylic plates on the water's surface.
A pool can also be drained to create a multidimensional event space. New York-based event planner Michael Stern, in an attempt to provide additional seating for the hotel's New Year's Eve soiree, emptied the pool at the Setai on South Beach to create a sunken living-room setting.
In fact, other than lawns and some courtyards, a pool deck is one of the only column-free spaces large enough for an exhibition at a hotel outside of the standard ballroom-as was most recently done for the Remix Hotel at the National Hotel during Winter Music Conference in Miami.The fitness center. There is more than one way to make use of the hotel gym-even without breaking a sweat. Here's the scenario: Sports industry executives are meeting to discuss promotional ideas for the launch of a new product and want you to find them a space. While the conventional four-wall meeting room immediately comes to mind, why not branch out a bit?
Since interaction and activity foster creativity, ask the hotel to accommodate the group inside the fitness center or perhaps on the tennis courts, such as those at the Regal Sun in Lake Buena Vista, which is now incorporating its courts into its meeting packages. Doing so will engage your group, give them the opportunity to better familiarize themselves with the product, and in turn increase the productivity rate of the meeting.
The loading dock. Conventionally thought of as the back area of a hotel-a place you want to hide from event guests-the loading dock provides a raw space that allows you extensive creative freedom.
When it works: Event management students at Johnson & Wales University decided to employ this unconventional space when deciding on a location for their annual Star Awards after-party. Using the elevated docking areas as V.I.P. suites and lower spaces as the main event floor, where they set up intimate lounge areas, they completely transformed the loading dock into a Hollywood club.
The kitchen. Hosting a chef's table-style event always impresses guests, as it makes them feel like V.I.P.s for the night, which translates to potential increased business for you as the planner.
The kitchen also provides you with unconventional decor elements, such as its industrial yet blank-canvas-esque ambience. Stacy Stern of the Special Events Group in Boca Raton used the kitchen at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel to create a 1920s-style San Quentin Prison atmosphere.
"We outfitted the kitchen staff in 'San Quentin Prison' shirts and had them banging pots and pans and yelling at the guests," says Stern. "We also had 'cops' lining the pathway to the other room and arrows on the floor to direct guests toward the main event space. They loved it!"
In addition, since many companies are requesting cooking demonstrations and lessons as a teambuilding activity for their group, set up a table for them to enjoy each other's creations at the end. Or, arrange to have the winning team seated at the chef's table for that evening.
A favorite of Fortune 500 companies, the Omni Jacksonville Resort features a private kitchen within the main kitchen for as many as 10 guests.
"This experience is like a chef inviting you into his home," says Wendy Preisand, director of sales at the Omni. "This experience can be as interactive as the planner would like by incorporate cooking demos, classes, and wine tastings."
Executive suites and penthouses. Depending on your client, staying in an executive suite may be something they've never had a chance to do, or part of their regular travel routine. No matter which category the guests fall into, suites and penthouses provide a great option for hosting intimate gatherings.
Suites can range from the uber-posh and expensive to more moderately priced with a range of amenities offered. One way to take advantage of these spaces is to use conjoining suites. They're great for meetings of 25 to 75 attendees: The largest room can host your general session while the adjoining rooms are ideal for breakout sessions and teambuilding activities.
If you are coordinating a larger event, head to the hotel's penthouse, if it has one; they generally range from 2,500 to more than 7,000 square feet. It's a great option if the on-site restaurant is booked or you're looking for a private experience, as hosting your cocktail or dinner party in the penthouse will not only make your search for a venue in close proximity to the hotel easier, but also provide spectacular views for guests to enjoy throughout the evening-as can be done from the Triplex penthouse as the National Hotel in South Beach. For cocktail receptions, consider setting up different vignettes in the bedrooms, such as food stations, themed private lounges, or product-placement spots.
The spa. Think relaxation, think stress release, think a comfortable environment, and then head to the hotel's spa. Many individuals communicate more efficiently and diligently in a relaxed environment. Although holding your meeting or event here does provide a much-desired incentive for many-men and women alike-it doesn't necessarily have to include spa services, or be spa-related.
In fact, many spas have outdoor courtyards or relaxation areas large enough for groups of as many as 50 guests-such as the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure in Fort Lauderdale, which is known for its Zen garden and patio. These areas can be used for anything from an evening cocktail reception to a short yoga session between long meetings to reenergize attendees and keep the creative juices flowing.
When working for out-of-town clients, a welcome session or cocktail party set in a spa with massages, manicures and pedicures, or other services is a great way for attendees to unwind after the long flight and to feel rejuvenated and ready for the upcoming conference, sessions, or trade show.
Courtyard of Casa Casuarina
Courtesy of Casa Casuarina
Pool at Omni Orlando
Courtesy of Omni Orlando
Agua Spa's Rooftop at the Delano
BizBash
Oceanfront Lawn at Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Courtyard of Casa Casuarina
Courtesy of Casa Casuarina
Patio and Garden of The Standard Hotel
BizBash
