By Vanessa Goyanes
One of the most important.phpects of any event is where it's held. Will it be in an indoor or outdoor space? Will it be multiroomed, offering a maze-like feeling or a vast open area to support large decorations? Should the space be traditional or something out of the ordinary?
Naturally, budget plays a role in determining what you can ultimately choose, but no matter how big or small your budget, there are plenty of options. Hotels are a great standby, but they aren't the only choice. Whether you are staying local or choosing a destination, here are nine cool spaces that will add to your arsenal.
Small Budgets—$3,000 and under
Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Fla.
800.353.4741; 813.209.2077
Space Available: The entire aquarium, encompassing 152,000 square feet
Capacity: As many as 3,000 guests
Rate: $1,600 for 125 people; more than 125 is $9.95 per person
Why It's Great: The aquarium offers a picture-perfect setting—a 500,000-gallon Coral Reef Gallery that provides a backdrop of sea life and a palette of colors. The open space means unlimited possibilities for event themes. The dining under the sea theme is possible, but without the added cost of hiring someone to create that effect.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, Fla.
561.495.0233; 561.499.2557
Space Available: Interior lobby, multilevel outside terraces, and a theater
Capacity: As many as 350 people, depending on the type of event. The theater, which has tiered seating, can hold 225 people
Rate: Prices vary depending on the time of year and day of the week, $2,750 to $3,950
Why It's Great: Imagine having an authentic Japanese-style garden for a special event without the price tag of traveling overseas. More than 200 acres surround the museum buildings, and feature tropical bonsai collections and strolling paths. If the event is catered by the on-premise café, the museum offers a $1,000 discount. The Morikami makes a huge impression on a small budget.
Wolfe University Center
3000 NE 151st St., North Miami, Fla.
305.919.5516; 305.919.5638
Space Available: A 6,000-square-foot ballroom, a theater, and meeting rooms
Capacity: The ballroom can hold 600 people, the theater can hold as many as 304, and the meeting rooms can hold 100
Rate: Half the ballroom rents for $500 or the entire facility costs $900. The theater will cost $400. For 50 people or fewer in a meeting room, the price is $125, and it goes up to $225 for 51 to 125 people
Why It's Great: The space can work for all kinds of events-from banquets to corporate meetings-and the price is right. The ballroom includes tables, chairs, audiovisual equipment, and on-site catering. But outside vendors are also allowed. The facility is not used for special events very often, making it a relatively untapped resource.
Medium Budgets—$3,000 to $8,000
Emerald Coast Conference Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
850.609.3800; 850.609.5095
Space Available: A 21,500-square-foot grand ballroom and 12 meeting rooms that range in size from 450 to 1,800 square feet
Capacity: As many as 2,800 people
Rate: Approximately $3,500, with special packages available for various budgets
Why It's Great: The center features more than 35,000 square feet of space on the sunny Gulf Coast. The Emerald Coast was recently ranked the number two drive-to market destination in the state, according to a survey of auto visitors to Florida. The conference center features a 60- by 40-foot stage system, a 16- by 32-foot riser system, a 6,000-square-foot fully equipped kitchen, accessible loading docks, and drive-in ramps leading directly into the ballroom. The location and amenities make this venue both functional and affordable.
Harbor View Convention Center
300 Cleveland St., Clearwater, Fla.
727.462.6778; 727.462.6518
Space Available: Various meeting rooms, halls, and ballrooms ranging from 750 to 30,000 square feet
Capacity: From 60 to more than 2,500 people depending on the event; as many as 129 8- by 10-foot booths for exhibits
Rate: Prices vary according to time of day, day of the week, and amount of food and beverage purchased. Approximately $3,000 to $3,400
Why It's Great: The convention center provides service with a view of Clearwater Harbor and Caladesi Island, and can accommodate a wide range of events from appreciation dinners to trade shows. On-premise catering services are available, and the caterers claim to be able to create anything from simple to over-the-top menus. Harbor View also offers its own audiovisual, electrical, and equipment rentals for a modest fee.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Ave., Miami, Fla.
305.250.9133; 305.285.2004
Space Available: Inner courtyard, outside terraces, and formal Italian gardens encompass more than 50 acres
Capacity: As many as 2,000 people
Rate: Evening rental prices are from 6:30 PM to 11 PM and range from $6,100 to $7,500, depending on the day of the week. Each hour from 11 PM to 1 AM is an additional $600
Why It's Great: The opulent style of Villa Vizcaya is an impressive venue for any corporate event, banquet, or fund-raiser. The beautiful gardens and massive mansion figuratively transport guests to a village in Italy, without ever leaving Coconut Grove. One additional perk: The villa overlooks Biscayne Bay.
Large Budgets—$8,000 and above
Metropolis
9101 International Drive, Suite 2300, Orlando, Fla.
407.370.3700; 407.370.0050
Space Available: A 15,000-square-foot nightclub styled with bordello-like decor
Capacity: As many as 800 guests
Rate: Approximately $10,000 to rent the space, however rates vary based on time of year and day of the week
Why It's Great: The club is located on International Drive, which is easy to get to and close to all the action. Prices include exclusive use of the space, bar staff, doormen, and beverage package based on the number of people. Planners can take advantage of the 13-foot video screen on the dance floor or twelve 27-inch or three 19-inch television screens to post company logos or display promotional videos.
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Pkwy., Orlando, Fla.
407.206.2400; 407.206.2401
Space Available: Boardrooms, ballrooms, and outdoor terraces and courtyards totaling about 86,000 square feet of space both inside and outside
Capacity: Indoor and outdoor spaces can each accommodate 2,500 people
Rates: Prices are based on time of day and size of event, and range from $500 to more than $35,000
Why It's Great: Located minutes away from several of Florida's favorite theme parks and tourist attractions, the Ritz-Carlton is a true destination. The resort is styled after the grand palazzos of Italy, adding an air of elegance and sophistication to any function-whether it stays indoors or spills out into the numerous outdoor areas. Planners can rent a range of equipment from the Ritz-Carlton for the event or provide their own.
Signature Gardens
12725 SW 122nd Ave., Miami, Fla.
305.251.5000; 305.251.7723
Space Available: Five ballrooms, each 3,388 square feet
Capacity: Each ballroom accommodates 200 guests
Rates: Prices vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, and type of function. Prices begin at $8,000
Why It's Great: Styled with elegant decor that creates a Mediterranean feel, the facility offers lovely ambience and impeccable service. Flowers, music, photography, props, and even limousine service are provided. Signature allows only in-house catering-but with white-glove French service, tuxedo-clad waiters and seconds of the main course served to those who ask, it actually turns out to be a positive. The Signature Grand is its second location in Davie.
One of the most important.phpects of any event is where it's held. Will it be in an indoor or outdoor space? Will it be multiroomed, offering a maze-like feeling or a vast open area to support large decorations? Should the space be traditional or something out of the ordinary?
Naturally, budget plays a role in determining what you can ultimately choose, but no matter how big or small your budget, there are plenty of options. Hotels are a great standby, but they aren't the only choice. Whether you are staying local or choosing a destination, here are nine cool spaces that will add to your arsenal.
Small Budgets—$3,000 and under
Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Fla.
800.353.4741; 813.209.2077
Space Available: The entire aquarium, encompassing 152,000 square feet
Capacity: As many as 3,000 guests
Rate: $1,600 for 125 people; more than 125 is $9.95 per person
Why It's Great: The aquarium offers a picture-perfect setting—a 500,000-gallon Coral Reef Gallery that provides a backdrop of sea life and a palette of colors. The open space means unlimited possibilities for event themes. The dining under the sea theme is possible, but without the added cost of hiring someone to create that effect.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, Fla.
561.495.0233; 561.499.2557
Space Available: Interior lobby, multilevel outside terraces, and a theater
Capacity: As many as 350 people, depending on the type of event. The theater, which has tiered seating, can hold 225 people
Rate: Prices vary depending on the time of year and day of the week, $2,750 to $3,950
Why It's Great: Imagine having an authentic Japanese-style garden for a special event without the price tag of traveling overseas. More than 200 acres surround the museum buildings, and feature tropical bonsai collections and strolling paths. If the event is catered by the on-premise café, the museum offers a $1,000 discount. The Morikami makes a huge impression on a small budget.
Wolfe University Center
3000 NE 151st St., North Miami, Fla.
305.919.5516; 305.919.5638
Space Available: A 6,000-square-foot ballroom, a theater, and meeting rooms
Capacity: The ballroom can hold 600 people, the theater can hold as many as 304, and the meeting rooms can hold 100
Rate: Half the ballroom rents for $500 or the entire facility costs $900. The theater will cost $400. For 50 people or fewer in a meeting room, the price is $125, and it goes up to $225 for 51 to 125 people
Why It's Great: The space can work for all kinds of events-from banquets to corporate meetings-and the price is right. The ballroom includes tables, chairs, audiovisual equipment, and on-site catering. But outside vendors are also allowed. The facility is not used for special events very often, making it a relatively untapped resource.
Medium Budgets—$3,000 to $8,000
Emerald Coast Conference Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
850.609.3800; 850.609.5095
Space Available: A 21,500-square-foot grand ballroom and 12 meeting rooms that range in size from 450 to 1,800 square feet
Capacity: As many as 2,800 people
Rate: Approximately $3,500, with special packages available for various budgets
Why It's Great: The center features more than 35,000 square feet of space on the sunny Gulf Coast. The Emerald Coast was recently ranked the number two drive-to market destination in the state, according to a survey of auto visitors to Florida. The conference center features a 60- by 40-foot stage system, a 16- by 32-foot riser system, a 6,000-square-foot fully equipped kitchen, accessible loading docks, and drive-in ramps leading directly into the ballroom. The location and amenities make this venue both functional and affordable.
Harbor View Convention Center
300 Cleveland St., Clearwater, Fla.
727.462.6778; 727.462.6518
Space Available: Various meeting rooms, halls, and ballrooms ranging from 750 to 30,000 square feet
Capacity: From 60 to more than 2,500 people depending on the event; as many as 129 8- by 10-foot booths for exhibits
Rate: Prices vary according to time of day, day of the week, and amount of food and beverage purchased. Approximately $3,000 to $3,400
Why It's Great: The convention center provides service with a view of Clearwater Harbor and Caladesi Island, and can accommodate a wide range of events from appreciation dinners to trade shows. On-premise catering services are available, and the caterers claim to be able to create anything from simple to over-the-top menus. Harbor View also offers its own audiovisual, electrical, and equipment rentals for a modest fee.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Ave., Miami, Fla.
305.250.9133; 305.285.2004
Space Available: Inner courtyard, outside terraces, and formal Italian gardens encompass more than 50 acres
Capacity: As many as 2,000 people
Rate: Evening rental prices are from 6:30 PM to 11 PM and range from $6,100 to $7,500, depending on the day of the week. Each hour from 11 PM to 1 AM is an additional $600
Why It's Great: The opulent style of Villa Vizcaya is an impressive venue for any corporate event, banquet, or fund-raiser. The beautiful gardens and massive mansion figuratively transport guests to a village in Italy, without ever leaving Coconut Grove. One additional perk: The villa overlooks Biscayne Bay.
Large Budgets—$8,000 and above
Metropolis
9101 International Drive, Suite 2300, Orlando, Fla.
407.370.3700; 407.370.0050
Space Available: A 15,000-square-foot nightclub styled with bordello-like decor
Capacity: As many as 800 guests
Rate: Approximately $10,000 to rent the space, however rates vary based on time of year and day of the week
Why It's Great: The club is located on International Drive, which is easy to get to and close to all the action. Prices include exclusive use of the space, bar staff, doormen, and beverage package based on the number of people. Planners can take advantage of the 13-foot video screen on the dance floor or twelve 27-inch or three 19-inch television screens to post company logos or display promotional videos.
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Pkwy., Orlando, Fla.
407.206.2400; 407.206.2401
Space Available: Boardrooms, ballrooms, and outdoor terraces and courtyards totaling about 86,000 square feet of space both inside and outside
Capacity: Indoor and outdoor spaces can each accommodate 2,500 people
Rates: Prices are based on time of day and size of event, and range from $500 to more than $35,000
Why It's Great: Located minutes away from several of Florida's favorite theme parks and tourist attractions, the Ritz-Carlton is a true destination. The resort is styled after the grand palazzos of Italy, adding an air of elegance and sophistication to any function-whether it stays indoors or spills out into the numerous outdoor areas. Planners can rent a range of equipment from the Ritz-Carlton for the event or provide their own.
Signature Gardens
12725 SW 122nd Ave., Miami, Fla.
305.251.5000; 305.251.7723
Space Available: Five ballrooms, each 3,388 square feet
Capacity: Each ballroom accommodates 200 guests
Rates: Prices vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, and type of function. Prices begin at $8,000
Why It's Great: Styled with elegant decor that creates a Mediterranean feel, the facility offers lovely ambience and impeccable service. Flowers, music, photography, props, and even limousine service are provided. Signature allows only in-house catering-but with white-glove French service, tuxedo-clad waiters and seconds of the main course served to those who ask, it actually turns out to be a positive. The Signature Grand is its second location in Davie.
Planners can take advantage of the colorful aquatic view at the Florida Aquarium.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens can set up lavish events both indoors and out.
Orlando hotspot Metropolis has huge event spaces with funky decor.
Elegance reigns in the style and decor at the Signature Gardens.
