VENUE: Friscos Brasserie Gets a Makeover

February 15, 2006

A $1.2 million facelift recently transformed Al Friscos brasserie.

A $1.2 million facelift recently transformed Al Friscos brasserie.

A $1.2 million face-lift recently transformed Friscos Brasserie (416.595.8201)—formerly Al Friscos—into a true European brasserie. Styled in the manner of Balthazar in New York, this now Parisian-style venue boasts an inspired interior replete with rich red banquettes, tin ceilings, mosaic tiled floors, and 1940’s-style light fixtures. Friscos can seat 300 guests, with an outside patio able to seat 250, and it also offers Up! lounge, a connected event space on its upper floors.

W Hotels recently revealed a multimillion-dollar transformation of W Austin—and the resulting space now boasts the Texas capital's largest suite. Penthouse I (pictured) spans 1,798 square feet; in addition to panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, the suite has a separate service entrance, perfect for catered social gatherings at the large dining table. The hotel has 32 suites in all, which offer personalized concierge service, Dyson Airblades, record players, and exclusive artwork from artists across Texas and beyond.

What's New in Event Venues: Art-Centric Experiences, All-Inclusive Resort Add-Ons, and More

'There’s really nothing else like it in California,' Meta's Damien Baines says of The Donum Estate, his favorite event venue to entertain a client.

Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues

Hawaii's 605-room, event-friendly Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has introduced a unique new offering for groups: the 'Harmonizing Experiences' workshop, tailored for groups seeking enhanced communication and better dynamics through tai chi principles. This workshop, guided by seasoned practitioners, employs tai chi exercises to help participants balance their energy, focusing on using mental focus rather than physical strength to execute continuous, fluid movements. The exercises aim to convert tension into cooperation and frustration into flow, cultivating a more empathetic and unified group atmosphere.

What's New in Event Venues: How the Tariffs Are Affecting the Hotel Industry and More

Château St. Gerlach | Maastricht, Netherlands

10 New International Venues for 2025 Meetings and Events

What's New in Event Venues: Art-Centric Experiences, All-Inclusive Resort Add-Ons, and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

W Hotels recently revealed a multimillion-dollar transformation of W Austin—and the resulting space now boasts the Texas capital's largest suite. Penthouse I (pictured) spans 1,798 square feet; in addition to panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, the suite has a separate service entrance, perfect for catered social gatherings at the large dining table. The hotel has 32 suites in all, which offer personalized concierge service, Dyson Airblades, record players, and exclusive artwork from artists across Texas and beyond.

Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues

Damien Baines dishes on his favorite spots to entertain clients, get inspired, host an event abroad, and more.

'There’s really nothing else like it in California,' Meta's Damien Baines says of The Donum Estate, his favorite event venue to entertain a client.

What's New in Event Venues: How the Tariffs Are Affecting the Hotel Industry and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

Hawaii's 605-room, event-friendly Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has introduced a unique new offering for groups: the 'Harmonizing Experiences' workshop, tailored for groups seeking enhanced communication and better dynamics through tai chi principles. This workshop, guided by seasoned practitioners, employs tai chi exercises to help participants balance their energy, focusing on using mental focus rather than physical strength to execute continuous, fluid movements. The exercises aim to convert tension into cooperation and frustration into flow, cultivating a more empathetic and unified group atmosphere.

10 New International Venues for 2025 Meetings and Events

Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened worldwide.

Château St. Gerlach | Maastricht, Netherlands

What's New in Event Venues: Unique Wellness Initiatives, New Sustainability Tools, and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

Looking for a fun event moment near some of Atlanta's most popular venues? Following a $2.5 million renovation, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) has reopened the popular Fountain of Rings landmark at Centennial Olympic Park. Daily shows, which kicked off this week, see water spray to heights of over 15 feet, along with more than 250 new LED ring lights offering 360-degree illumination in vibrant colors and patterns, and a sophisticated fog system with over 200 individual fog emitters—all synchronized to a curated playlist of songs from artists with ties to Georgia. In addition to Centennial Olympic Park, GWCCA’s campus includes the Georgia World Congress Center, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Signia by Hilton Atlanta.

What's New in Event Venues: Billion-Dollar Airport Revamps, Hotel Design Trends, and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

The 251-room W Austin completed a multimillion-dollar transformation in January. The revitalization includes redesigned guest rooms and a new restaurant concept, Serenade American Brasserie (pictured), where chef de cuisine Johnny Ray Stinebaugh blends Texan flavors with classic brasserie techniques. The hotel has more than 10,000 square feet of event space and is located next to the popular ACL Live music venue.

How to Keep Sponsors Happy—Without Sacrificing an Event's Integrity

Robin Hood's 2025 Benefit Gala Had the Home Field Advantage—How a Sports Theme Helped Raise $72 Million

Netflix Rebuilds a Bookstore for 'YOU' Fan Experience—See Inside Joe Goldberg's Twisted Reality

Why More and More Brands Are Sponsoring Women's Sports Leagues

Event Profs Share the Catering Moments They’ll Never Forget

What You Might Have Missed From the 2025 Upfront Season

What's New in Event Venues: How the Wildfires Are Affecting LA Venues, Plus 2025 Design Trends and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

Looking for a truly VIP event experience? Park Hyatt New York has debuted the Manhattan Suite, now available for stays starting at $50,000 per night. The exclusive suite, complemented by two additional connecting suites, spans 3,500 square feet with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering 180-degree views of Manhattan’s skyline; it can accommodate up to 10 guests overnight. There’s also a bespoke art collection and more than 50 New York and art-inspired coffee-table books, plus an eight-seat dining table and plenty of space for meetings and social gatherings. The hotel can also arrange private jet transfers to New York City, an in-suite chef tasting dinner, Peloton bikes, and more.

What's New in Event Venues: A 'Wicked'-Themed Suite, a Hotel Brand's Artisan Marketplace, and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

This holiday season, New York Hilton Midtown and Universal Pictures are bringing hotel guests into the world of Wicked with a specially designed suite inspired by the film. Scroll down to learn more.

What's New in Event Venues: The Election's Impact on Hospitality, a New Wellness Certification, and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

Up Norway offers curated work retreats in scenic Norwegian locales, ideal for remote teams seeking a blend of work, nature, and cultural immersion. Options include a village takeover in Knutholmen for larger groups, an urban creative retreat at the new Revier Hotel in Oslo, a nature-driven experience at the historic Hattvika Lodge in the Lofoten Islands, and a music and writing retreat at Raw Ocean Lodge on the western coast. With activities like fjord tours, art workshops, and guided hikes, Up Norway tailors each retreat to corporate goals, enhancing team connection and productivity in Norway’s breathtaking settings.

What's New in Event Venues: First Fully Electric Conference Center in the US, Marriott's New 'Fanbassador,' and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

When Taylor Swift's Eras Tour comes to New Orleans in October, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s Peacock Room (pictured) will host a Swift-inspired costume contest brunch. The contest winner will walk away with a free night’s stay at the hotel.

An Experiential Event Prof Shares Her Favorite Venues Around the World

Erica Taylor Haskins, co-founder and chief growth officer at Tinsel Experiential Design, shares her favorite spots to entertain clients, get inspired, host a cool brand activation, and more.

'The Cathedral of St. John the Divine [in New York] is such a striking hidden gem and one of my favorite event venues in the city,' says Tinsel Experiential Design's Erica Taylor Haskins.

Where I Go: A Global Event Expert Shares Her Go-To Venues Around the World

Bonnie O’Hara, a partner at global creative agency Amplify, shares her favorite venues to host a large conference or brand activation, to entertain a client, to get inspired, and more.

Amplify's Bonnie O’Hara Shares Her Favorite Event Venues

Page 1 of 56