Globe-Trotter: One Event Strategy Expert Shares His Favorite Venues Around the World

Raymond BrownPhoto: Courtesy of MASRaymond Brown is the chief operating officer of MAS, a Brooklyn-based experience agency that’s worked with clients like Google, Postmates, YouTube and Forbes. With more than 25 years of event strategy experience, Brown prides himself on his results-driven tenacity, bold creative strategy, relationship building and long-term account relationships. Based in San Francisco, Brown sits on several industry boards and is part of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, whose main goal is to provide mentorship for African Americans in the meeting industry.

Here are some of Brown's favorite places to host events around the world.

To Host a Large Event or Conference
Vegas is the easy answer, but I love thinking outside the box. San Diego has the perfect weather, connections and hotel product for any group; the Manchester Grand Hyatt is the go-to for rooms and meetings space. Fairmont Austin, a collection of Nashville hotels and Nashville's new Music City Center are excellent selections—and Cleveland is the wild card. The 1,048-room Fairmont Austin has nearly 140,000 square feet of event space.Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont Austin

To Hold an Intimate Meeting
The Whitby Hotel in New York. This Upper Midtown location feels special and offers an ideal setting for meeting, eating and entertainment. With its eclectic and colorful design and warm service, this is the perfect location for a meeting. If you never need to leave the building, Central Park is two blocks away. The 86-room Whitby Hotel has three event spaces and a 130-seat screening room.Photo: Courtesy of The Whitby Hotel

To Host an Event Abroad
London is calling. On the premium side, Rosewood London, with over 300 rooms and 11,600 square feet of event space matched with its prime location in Holborn, make it the perfect pick. Yet London—with all its venues from The O2 and ExCeL Center to royal palaces—means you are genuinely spoiled for choice. The 308-room Rosewood London has 11,660 square feet of event space.Photo: Courtesy of Rosewood London

To Host a Cool Brand Activation
There are some amazing ghost stations in Berlin, [like] the old U-Bahn routes that aren't used with huge platforms that are cool for outdoor activities. And Austin's Midnight Cowboy is always an excellent spot for an intimate event. 

To Eat my Favorite Dinner
The St. Regis Rome, in the Lumen dining room with a bowl of Olio e Peperoncino. Italy's architecturally striking St. Regis Rome has 10 event rooms, the largest of which holds 400 people.Photo: Courtesy of St. Regis Rome

To Hear Live Music
I love jazz, and Tokyo has the densest population of jazz bars and clubs in the world. Salt Peanuts is the top of my list, and a quick post-chicken skewer snack from the izakaya Yakitori.

To Get Work Done on the Road
The hotel lobby, in a back corner facing the door! Best of the best is Montage at Laguna Beach in California. People watching, and the ocean as your soundtrack. The beachfront Montage Laguna Beach spans 30 acres and has two outdoor pool decks, a 20,000-square-foot spa and three signature restaurants.Photo: Courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach

To Entertain Out-of-Towners
Since San Francisco is home, it means starting at Trick Dog, a fantastic bar in the Mission neighborhood, followed by a stroll to Flour + Water.  Trick Dog’s private event options include an intimate mezzanine, as well as a fully private space with its own entrance and a rotating collection of local art.Photo: Courtesy of Trick Dog

To Unwind After a Long Day
Walking my dog, Captain Cuddles, in Stern Grove Park in San Francisco.

To Get Inspired by Art and Culture
Chicago! Cloud Gate—most commonly known as “the Bean”—is a sculpture in Chicago’s Millennium Park.Photo: Pexels.com