Statement Venues for Extraordinary Events
First Published:Â 25th June 2024
Finding the perfect venue for your event brings challenges. You need an accessible venue for delegates travelling from further afield, rooms large or small enough for your event, and, of course, you want all the whistles and bells, such as AV equipment, good lighting, catering, etc.Â
Even if you have ticked all those boxes, sometimes more than a run-of-the-mill hotel or conference centre is needed. When the occasion calls for something special, you need a venue offering something extra. It could be a stunning location that creates the wow factor or a chance for your delegates and guests to try new experiences. This edition looks at some striking venues that combine culture with event-hosting practicalities.Â
Heythrop Park
This stunning eighteenth-century Mansion House is in Chipping Norton in the beautiful English Cotswold. The grandeur of the public spaces, combined with the extensive grounds, make it perfect for all events, from formal dinners to team-building picnics.
This is a photographer’s dream, and your delegates will no doubt be posting avidly on Instagram.Â
With room for a gala dinner of up to 200 delegates and a slew of small meeting rooms, you will be well-suited whether you are hosting a board meeting or formal reception.Â
Delegates can also enjoy the on-site 18-hole championship golf course, health and leisure club, spa, restaurants, and bars.Â
Add this to your shortlist if you are looking for an upmarket venue in the heart of England.Â
La Nuvola
If you want to make your delegates’ jaws drop, how about La Nuvola Conference Centre in the heart of Rome?Â
La Nuvola is a striking and innovative convention centre in Rome. Designed by the renowned architect Massimiliano Fuksas, it is part of the larger EUR district, a business and residential area developed in the 1930s.
The structure’s centrepiece is a large, cloud-like shape made from steel and glass, suspended within a transparent, rectangular “box.” This design creates a floating effect, giving the building its name.
With its space-age design, this is no ordinary meeting space. However, it offers everything you would expect from an ultra-modern MICE destination.Â
The largest auditorium can accommodate 1800 people, and 29 additional meeting spaces are available. Just 13 miles from the nearest airport and with plenty of complimentary parking, access is not an issue.Â
The design of La Nuvola incorporates sustainable features, such as energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials, aligning with contemporary green building practices.Â
Its cutting-edge design, top-notch facilities, and strategic location make it a standout option in Rome’s array of event spaces.
The Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, Canada, is a prestigious venue that offers a unique and versatile setting for various events. As one of the largest museums in North America, the ROM combines historic grandeur with modern design, providing an exceptional backdrop for event organisers.
The ROM can host events ranging from intimate gatherings of 50 guests to large-scale events with up to 2,000 attendees, offering flexibility in terms of space and setup.
Multiple spaces can be used simultaneously for different segments of an event, such as breakout sessions, dining, and entertainment. The venue has state-of-the-art AV technology, including sound systems, projectors, and lighting, to support presentations, performances, and multimedia displays.
On-site technical support ensures the smooth execution of events.
Hosting an event at the ROM provides guests with the unique opportunity to explore the Museum’s extensive collections and exhibits, adding an educational and cultural dimension to the event.
Private tours and special access to exhibits can be arranged as part of the event experience.
Situated in downtown Toronto, the ROM is easily accessible by public transport, including the subway and streetcar, and is close to major hotels and attractions.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
