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College Campuses: The New Hotspots for Corporate Events

In a surprising twist, college campuses are emerging as sought-after destinations for corporate and association meetings and events. This growing trend is reshaping the landscape of event planning, offering businesses unique and cost-effective alternatives to traditional venues.

Why Campuses Are Winning Over Planners

Diverse Venues: From historic halls to state-of-the-art conference centers, campuses boast a wide range of spaces to suit any event’s needs. This versatility is a major draw for planners seeking unique and memorable locations.
Budget-Friendly: Universities often provide competitive pricing compared to hotels and convention centers, making them a compelling option for cost-conscious organizations.
Modern Amenities: Many institutions have invested heavily in upgrading their facilities, offering cutting-edge technology, comfortable accommodations, and top-notch catering services.
Prime Locations: Campuses are often situated in desirable areas with easy access to transportation, hotels, and local attractions, enhancing the overall event experience for attendees.
Summer Availability: The summer months, when students are on break, open up a wealth of availability on campuses, providing planners with ample options during peak event season.
Sustainability Focus: Many universities have strong sustainability initiatives, making them appealing to organizations prioritizing eco-friendly practices.

While the list is constantly evolving, here are ten college venues currently making waves in the corporate event world:

Blacksburg, VA: The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Notre Dame, IN: The Conference Center at the University of Notre Dame
University Park, PA: The Nittany Lion Inn at Penn State University
Los Angeles, CA: The UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center
Atlanta, GA: The Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
Champaign, IL: The I Hotel and Conference Center at the University of Illinois (Champaign, IL)
Austin TX: The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center at the University of Texas at Austin
Atlanta, GA: The Emory Conference Center Hotel
Ann Arbor, MI: The Michigan League at the University of Michigan
Cambridge, MA: The Charles Hotel at Harvard Square

Related Reading: 10 Great Rooftop Bars In NYC

These venues offer a mix of historic charm, modern amenities, and convenient locations, catering to diverse event needs and preferences. For more options, visit Unique Venues a website that showcases a wide range of college and university venues available for rent, highlighting the growing popularity of these spaces for corporate and association events.

Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.

Photo by Unsplash+ In collaboration with Zetong Li

Event Security Planning: Insights from DNC & RNC

During the Republican National Convention (RNC) heavily armed security boats patrolled the Milwaukee River to deter potential threats. The recent Democratic National Convention (DNC) Chicago police officers underwent constitutional policing and de-escalation training. The security plans for both conventions offer valuable lessons for meetings and events planners.

Lake of the Torches Resort Casino

Introducing Lac du Flambeau Casino Resort: The perfect venue for unforgettable meetings and events! Conveniently located amidst the breathtaking beauty of Northern Wisconsin, our resort offers a harmonious blend of modern amenities and natural surroundings. The conference center is situated on the shores of Lake Pokegama nestled in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, providing a classic Northern retreat feel that reflects its Ojibwe culture and heritage. The casino has slot machines and table games, dining in the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant and Woody’s Bar & Grill, and 101 well-appointed rooms. The 8,500 square-foot Convention Center with the Hall of Nations offers an outstanding venue for entertainment, receptions, trade shows, meetings, presentations, and seminars. The Convention Center can accommodate up to 800 people. Call 1-800-25-TORCH for more information.

The Edgewater Hotel

The Edgewater Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin is an ideal location for hosting meetings and events. The hotel is located in the heart of Madison, next door to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and within a short walking distance of the Capitol Square and downtown. The hotel has over 14,000 square feet of indoor space including seven breakout rooms, multiple ballrooms, and four special event spaces that can be configured to support your meeting or event. The Grand Ballroom and Terraces, The Madison Room, The Mendota Ballroom, The Red Crown Club, and The Sky Bar are some of the venues available for hosting events. The hotel offers first-class meeting and banquet facilities with the latest A/V equipment and is staffed with in-house A/V technicians. Contact their sales team at sales@theedgewater.com to start planning your event today.