\n<\/p>\n
Switching things up occasionally is important, even for event organizers and corporate planners. Whether you work in public, private, or corporate events, changing the scenery can leave event attendees feeling refreshed and inspired. So, if you\u2019re looking for unique event venues that offer something new and exciting, you\u2019ve come to the right place. This guide explores the wonderful world of non-traditional event venues and their endless possibilities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
What makes a venue truly unique? Where do planners find one-of-a-kind event spaces? How do you work with unorthodox venues? We answer those questions and more as we explore various unexpected places, like stadiums and aquariums, and examine how they can serve as unique event venues.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Discover why you should consider unique event venues for your next function<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Before diving into particular locations and the events they host, let\u2019s take a closer look at what makes some venues genuinely unique. How are they different from other types of event venues<\/a>, like hotels and conference centers?\u00a0<\/p>\n Many businesses\u2014a few of which may surprise you\u2014double as unique event venues. While some of these places primarily function as event venues (that may not look or operate like standard venues), other businesses on our list host events as a secondary service.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For example, the House of Eternal Return<\/a> in Santa Fe, New Mexico, operates as an event venue, but its artistry and design make it completely distinctive. Famed author George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones) purchased a vacant bowling alley<\/a> and leased it to a team of more than 130 creative professionals. The artists worked together to design the House of Eternal Return, one of the world\u2019s most unique and artistically impressive event spaces\u2014a venue that slips through time, space, and nature.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Other unique event venues, like the locations on our list, primarily operate as another business, offering event services on the side. Aquariums, art galleries, botanical gardens, and comic book shops are just a few examples of unique venues that provide event space as a secondary service. Although a comic book store\u2019s first purpose is to sell comic books, many regularly host local events, touring bands, and other events.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re creative enough, you can host an event just about anywhere. The list of unique event venue options is massive, but planners are also limited by their location and what\u2019s in it. Although specific options may differ from place to place, consider hosting your next event at non-traditional venues you\u2019re likely to find nearby, like\u2014\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n While you may already consider restaurants and bars the perfect places to meet friends and family, they can also be excellent locations for meetings, business lunches, private parties, and other events. Some eateries have separate spaces, like banquet rooms, dedicated to hosting private events; others may offer a separate floor, patio space, bar area, or the entire restaurant for bookings. With built-in d\u00e9cor and the kitchen close by, hosting at a restaurant can help cut costs while ensuring the food arrives piping hot.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Are you looking for somewhere a little more titillating than a traditional bar or restaurant? If so, consider booking a nightclub for your next event. In addition to dance space and loud music, nightclubs can accommodate a broad spectrum of events, from exclusive private parties and corporate retreats to high-energy reunions and close-knit community functions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Boasting knowledgeable, professional staff and expansive indoor spaces, museums are fabulous venues for hosting various events, including parties, seminars, conferences, and fundraising events, like galas<\/a> and auctions. Additionally, every museum is unique, holding different art or artifacts. Because of their individuality, museums offer an incomparable event atmosphere.\u00a0<\/p>\n Impress clients and event attendees by selecting a venue with a rich, powerful history. Historic locations, like protected landmarks and century-old estates, are fantastic locations to host community meals, private corporate functions, weddings, and other events. Display your in-depth destination expertise while providing guests with an unforgettable and impactful event experience.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Art galleries are unique, modern, and trendy locations to host after-work events, such as networking mixers, happy hours, and even more elevated functions, like black-tie galas and charity auctions. For recurring events, look for art galleries with rotating exhibits to keep things fresh and exciting. You also won\u2019t have to worry about decorating the space!\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to being entertaining and educational attractions, most aquariums host special events. From various corporate events<\/a>, including holiday parties and team-building sessions, to private functions, like vow renewals and birthday celebrations, aquariums are flexible and unique event venues with lots to offer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n When you think of attending a stadium event<\/a>, you might picture a crowded football game or concert. While most stadium arenas are available for booking\u2014at remarkably high rates\u2014they usually hold smaller, specialized event spaces within the stadium as well. Incredibly diverse venues, a single stadium may have an auditorium, boardrooms, restaurants, and other specialized event spaces.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re searching for a fun place to host a retreat, family reunion, corporate conference, or tradeshow, look no further than the nearest amusement park. Offering food, fun, and festivities, they offer everything you need for an epic event.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Are you looking for a venue that\u2019s accessible and affordable? If so, consider booking a low-cost public space. Reserve public gardens for a wedding, plan a company picnic in your local park, or rope off a few streets in your neighborhood for community events<\/a>. Contact your local parks department to check availability, booking policies, and event restrictions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n From atmosphere and size to location and cost, planners book non-traditional venues for many reasons. In addition to gaining access to unique space and resources, choosing a non-traditional venue for your next event could\u2014\u00a0<\/p>\n So, you want to find a unique venue off the beaten path, but where do you start? Discovering lesser-known event locations isn\u2019t always easy, but determined planners can find what they\u2019re looking for by\u2014\u00a0<\/p>\n Whether booking a nightclub, stadium, or upscale restaurant for your next event, the process may differ from what you\u2019re used to. Follow these tips to navigate and streamline the process.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Identify your essential event needs so you don\u2019t waste time falling in love with a charmingly unorthodox venue that can\u2019t accommodate it. Outline the basics, then begin your search by looking for venues that fit your vision.\u00a0<\/p>\n If possible, visit the space in person to see it up close. Schedule a tour with the venue\u2019s coordinator, who can highlight the amenities and characteristics that make it so unique. Remote organizers and long-distance planners will benefit from virtual tours, which enable you to complete immersive online walkthroughs in photo-realistic 3D<\/a>. Look for venues that utilize interactive planning software, making it easier to visualize what an event will really look like, even in a space you\u2019ve visited.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to get distracted when touring unique event venues, so take a checklist or list of questions. Write down everything you want to cover with the venue coordinator, such as deposit requirements, cancellation policies, setup restrictions, etc. Here\u2019s a site inspection checklist and planner\u2019s guide<\/a> to help you stay on track and find the perfect venue for your event.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Look for venues that fit your event goals and objectives<\/a>. How formal or casual is the event? Are you hosting performance reviews or a holiday party? Is it for friends and family, residents, or your office? Think about the timeline and included activities. Is it a participatory or seated event? Will attendees need room to move or dance? The large open spaces museums and art galleries provide are perfect for community and networking events, while restaurant banquet rooms are ideal for more intimate, personal functions.\u00a0<\/p>\n After exploring a few venues, compare their pricing, amenities, and services. What makes a particular venue better suited for your event than others? How does it outshine the others? What special services does it offer? Is the price right?\u00a0<\/p>\n How early does the venue allow event organizers to set up? Are there noise or entertainment limitations? Are there any restrictions on food and drink outside? Discuss all policies and regulations in detail before making a final decision.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Depending on the venue\u2019s interior design and decor, specific setups or d\u00e9cor choices might look out of place, so finding a location that matches your vision for the event<\/a> matters. We also recommend seeking locations that match your event\u2019s fundamental themes. If you\u2019re hosting a high-energy, technology-focused event, a stoic, historic estate may not be the best location to do so.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nWhat makes a venue unique?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Nine unique event venues planners should know about<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Why should planners book unique event venues?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
How do planners find unique event venues?\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Tips for working with unique event venues\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n