The Canadian Stage closed its Visionaries program, a group designed to attract the under-40 crowd to live theatre, with an intimate pre-performance reception for about 30 members and friends on Friday. Amy Burstyn Fritz, director at Knot PR and co-chair for the theatre company's program, decided to host the event in her office located around the corner from the theatre. “There was something fun and special about hosting in our offices," said Tatiana Read, director at Knot PR, who worked with Burstyn Fritz and the Visionaries Committee to plan the reception.
It's a trend that's been gaining traction in Toronto. Gifting suites and V.I.P. lounges continue to pop up in office sites, and some work spaces, like Waddington’s, operate as rentable venues after hours. Burstyn Fritz and Read wanted the event to feel intimate and personal. "That really is one of the advantages of hosting in your office," Burstyn Fritz said. "You feel like you're almost coming into somebody's home." Read added that an office venue is unique, giving guests a new space to look forward to and a “behind-the-scenes” look into the hosting company.
However, holding an event in an office is certainly not without challenges. "There's a lot of logistics around an office space venue," said Burstyn Fritz. After getting permission from neighbours and the landlord, Knot PR applied for a Special Occasion Permit from the city in order to serve alcohol. They also had to work with willing suppliers; without a kitchen or fridge space, P&L Catering had to get creative, serving cold apps like fresh veggie spring rolls.
For planners looking to cut costs, an office venue may not end up saving as much as expected. When asked if the measure saved money, Burstyn Fritz replied, "Yes and no. You still need to consider partnering with sponsors and offering the same type of entertainment setup you would at an established venue."
