Planners had more options this year when choosing venues for events. Here's a look at 2012's biggest venue trends, from nightclubs at sporting arenas to a twist on the chef's table.
![“It’s the rise of the cultural center: From the opening of the buzzy new Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, to the attention piled on L.A.’s California Science Center [pictured] for the addition of the space shuttle Endeavour (around which events can be booked), it’s a great time for the intersection of live events and civic culture.” —Alice Dubin, West Coast editor](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/12/wol_life_tunnel_1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
“It’s the rise of the cultural center: From the opening of the buzzy new Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, to the attention piled on L.A.’s California Science Center [pictured] for the addition of the space shuttle Endeavour (around which events can be booked), it’s a great time for the intersection of live events and civic culture.”  —Alice Dubin, West Coast editor
Photo: Courtesy of California Science Center
![“In Chicago, several new restaurants have kitchen-counter seating, like Storefront Company and Yusho [pictured]. Guests can interact with the chef in a variation on sitting at a traditional chef’s table.” —Jenny Berg, Chicago bureau chief](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/12/yusho26_1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
“In Chicago, several new restaurants have kitchen-counter seating, like Storefront Company and Yusho [pictured]. Guests can interact with the chef in a variation on sitting at a traditional chef’s table.”  —Jenny Berg, Chicago bureau chief
Photo: Courtesy of Yusho
![“Orlando added several new options for ethnic cuisine in 2012, including Indian-inspired Raga [pictured] and Brazilian churrascaria Fogo de Chão.” —Mitra Sorrells, Orlando bureau chief](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/12/img_8292_1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
“Orlando added several new options for ethnic cuisine in 2012, including Indian-inspired Raga [pictured] and Brazilian churrascaria Fogo de Chão.”  —Mitra Sorrells, Orlando bureau chief
Photo: Arrow Studio L.L.C.
![“In New York, more thoughtfully designed meeting spaces—OffSite [pictured], Conrad New York, and Sentry Centers’ upcoming venue at 32 Old Slip—offer open layouts, better tech capabilities, and less boring catering options.” —Anna Sekula, news editor](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/12/mainfloor1_1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
“In New York, more thoughtfully designed meeting spaces—OffSite [pictured], Conrad New York, and Sentry Centers’ upcoming venue at 32 Old Slip—offer open layouts, better tech capabilities, and less boring catering options.”  —Anna Sekula, news editor
Photo: Seth Caplan
![“Miami’s professional sports arenas have embraced the idea of including branded nightclubs—LIV [pictured] at Sun Life Stadium, the Clevelander at Marlins Park, Hyde at AmericanAirlines Arena—enticing sports fans, nightlife enthusiasts, and corporate clients who want a different take on their events.” —Beth Kormanik, senior editor](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/12/liv_cabana_view_by_michael_raveney_1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
“Miami’s professional sports arenas have embraced the idea of including branded nightclubs—LIV [pictured] at Sun Life Stadium, the Clevelander at Marlins Park, Hyde at AmericanAirlines Arena—enticing sports fans, nightlife enthusiasts, and corporate clients who want a different take on their events.”  —Beth Kormanik, senior editor
Photo: Michael Raveney
