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Off-Site Venues
ILLUMINATIONS, DISNEY WORLD convn.org/epcot-off-site Many people would describe their Disney World experience as “magical,” but the park takes magic to a whole new level at the IllumiNations: Reflec- tions of Earth fireworks and water show in the Epcot theme park’s World Showcase. Frequently used for smaller private events, the viewing areas “[are] special, reasonably priced, and a fabu- lous experience,” said Shonna Shroedl, vice president of events at Kikaua, LLC. And Disney staff are known to be excep- tionally accommodating. “Disney is by far one of the easiest venues to have a meeting or event,” said Shroedl, who organized a 40-person event in the fire- works viewing area. “Their customer service is outstanding.”
ACL LIVE AT THE MOODY THEATER, AUSTIN, TEXAS acl-live.com/venue Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater is a unique venue in a city where live music is king — a reimagin- ing of an iconic piece of Austin’s music roots with an immediate connection to the authentic soul of the city. ACL Live is home to the PBS program “Austin City Limits” and is an official SXSW venue. “ACL Live is a beautifully state-of-the-art facility with a specific focus on the fan/guest experience,” said Nicole Portwood, brand manager of Fifth Generation Inc., which held Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s 2011 Hometown Shindig at the theater. “Everything from the first impression walking up the stairs to the number of bathrooms ensures that everyone has the best pos- sible experience.”
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EMBASSY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, WASHINGTON, D.C. russianembassy.org A stark building reminiscent of the Soviet era takes guests back through history at the Embassy of the Rus- sian Federation in Washington, D.C. Second-floor banquet rooms are furnished in the style of the Russian Empire — with authentic furniture, art, and artifacts from Peter the Great and the Romanovs. “Entering the rooms truly transports the guests into another era,” said Teri Jarvie, CMP, CAE, vice president of member programs for Association Forum of Chicagoland, who once organized a 600-person international meeting of oral surgeons at the embassy. And while there were logistical issues, including security, “it was worth the extra work to see the delight on the faces of the guests as they entered these rooms.”
CIPRIANI 42 STREET, NEW YORK CITY convn.org/cipriani-42nd
Described as “quintessential New York,” Cipriani 42nd Street in Mid- town Manhattan was the perfect backdrop for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s final dinner at its 2012 Annual Session. The black-tie- appropriate restaurant is decorated with Italian Renaissance–inspired
marble columns and chandeliers, requiring very little décor for events held there, including corporate func- tions, fundraisers, and parties. “Guests marveled at the room upon entering,” said Tonya Almond, AAPD’s director of meeting services. “[And they] enjoyed themselves so much we actually had to extend the party, because nobody wanted to leave Cipriani’s.”
CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE, VANCOUVER capbridge.com One of Vancouver’s most popular tour- ist attractions, the Capilano Suspen- sion Bridge was built in 1889. Millions of people have crossed it since then. Situated in a West Coast rainforest and spanning 450 feet across the Cap- ilano River, the bridge is “an amazing venue to complement a Vancouver experience,” said Tahira Endean, CMP, director of creative and production for Cantrav Services. The bridge area can accommodate groups from 30 to 700 in a variety of settings — including a pri- vate garden where visitors dine under trees as the river rushes below, and CLIFFWALK, where guests can take a cliff-side trek on high, narrow sus- pended walkways through the canyon.