About Austin
Austin Texas is a big city located in the southeastern part of Texas just northeast of San Antonio and a good bit northwest of Houston. Being centrally located between two major cities makes it a great stop for travelers and locals are never far from other major cities. One of the things that folks love about Austin and its location is that it makes Austin a very culturally rich and diverse city. Whether you’re looking for a trade show venue, people to help with your trade show, or just something to do afterward, you’ll find plenty of all of it in Austin.
As far as the climate in Austin, most folks will be happy to know that it stays warm all year round. Winters aren’t much of a concern as it very rarely dips into the freezing range. Most folks comment that it is dry and hot during the day and cool at night, making for an excellent balance. That is with the exception of the summer months that can get quite hot.
Along with the nice weather comes beautiful spots to spend time. With neighborhoods like Downtown, South Lamar, and North Loop, deciding where to book an Austin trade show venue will be easy!
Trade Show Venue Options in Austin
Setting up an Austin trade show venue is a big deal and can take a lot of work. It is also a great opportunity as well though. If you’ve never put one together, then it is a good idea to lean on the right companies and make sure you have everything you need to make the show as productive and beneficial as it can be for your business.
- Event Planner
Putting together an event like a trade show takes a certain amount of expertise and skill. Even if you’re good at your own business, planning an event may not be your forte. In these situations, the best idea is to hire a professional event planner to help you get all the details just right. After all, a trade show is too important to leave up to chance, and hope you got everything right.
- Catering
One thing to make sure you do when you put on your trade show is to make sure that you provide for the basic needs of the staff and presenters so that everyone stays happy and productive. One of those most basic needs is food. Whether you’re serving a full meal, snacks or a buffet, the best choice is to hire a professional caterer to feed the crowd. They have menu options to suit all needs and can handle most special requests.
- Photography/Videography
While you may not be making memories at a trade show, you may want something that you can use later to learn from or to showcase what went on at the show for those who weren't there. If that’s the case, then you might want to hire a videographer to record parts of the event to make into a video for people to see later. This can be a great training or promotional tool for your business.
Trade Show Venue Companies in Austin
Austin is a city with a lot of talent from music to food and specialized trades. You’ll find what you need in local companies.
- Creative Consultants
When it comes to putting together a major business event, it’s not always a good idea to leave all the work up to one person. Even the most well trained and productive people can have trouble with an event that large. Victoria Hentrich of Creative Consultants is there to help. The team provides high-end planning and design so that your event not only goes well but looks great in the process. Victoria has the experience and a lifetime achievement award from the International Special Events Society to boot.
- Crave Catering
Keeping the staff and special guests fed at your trade show is very important to having a productive event and keeping everyone happy. Pulling that off at such an event can be more than difficult. That’s when a caterer like Crave Catering can really save the day. They have unique and inspired menus for every type of corporate event so that no matter what it is you’re trying to do, they’ll have the food covered. Chef Kim Price and her brother Kirk Price launched Crave Catering in 1999.
- Cloud Craft Studios
Beyond all the important work that happens at a trade show, you also want something you can bring back that will be beneficial for those that weren’t able to attend. That’s where Cloud Craft Studios' professional videographer service comes in. Dave Kemper started his business over a decade ago and can record, edit, and create a one of a kind unique video experience of your trade show that you’ll have for years to come.
Pros and Cons of Trade Show Venues in Austin
Austin is one of those cities where no matter what you’re into, you can find an avenue for it there. From an astounding food scene to amazing music venues, there is truly something for everyone in the capital of Texas. With all the great things it has to offer though, Austin isn’t perfect and there are some negatives as well.
Advantages
- Music scene
If you like live concerts and amazing venues then Austin can definitely whet your appetite. Once you’ve found your trade show venue, you’ll want to explore some of the amazing venues and shows that are on offer in Austin, including the iconic Austin City Limits.
- Food
Another big thing that people love about Austin is the sheer variety of food options that are available. From fine dining to steaks and good ole fashioned Texas barbecue, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something that wasn’t absolutely delicious in a city like Austin. Catering your show will be a breeze.
- Friendly people
While it can be rough being new to the city at first, Austin happens to be home to some of the most friendly people that you’ll have the chance to meet anywhere in the country. Whether it’s that southern charm you’ve heard about or just a genuine need to help their neighbors, folks in Austin are very friendly.
Disadvantages
- Crowded
Austin is a big city, and while there is plenty to do, getting around to do those things can be a bit tricky. With over 1 million residents, there is almost always a crowd of people everywhere you go, which can be a bit frustrating if you aren’t used to it.
- Cost of living
One thing you always need to keep an eye on when you’re planning any type of event, even a trade show, is the budget. That’s why putting it together in Austin can be a bit more difficult than you might have imagined. The cost of living in Austin is a good deal higher than in other comparable cities so make sure you plan ahead.
- Traffic
If you thought the streets were crowded in Austin, then wait until you get behind the wheel. The majority of people in the city drive cars and this can make getting around town a bit more hectic than you bargained for.
Famous Locations in Austin
- Bullock Texas State History Museum
If you’re new to Texas in general or just want to learn a bit more about the great state, then the Bullock Texas State History Museum is the place to visit. With a fully built in IMAX theater to showcase movies and a permanent “history of Texas' ' exhibit showcasing key moments in the state’s history, there's plenty to see and do at this museum.
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum
If you like a bit of presidential history, then the impressive Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum is worth a visit. With thousands of pages of historical documents, exhibits detailing the president’s works and a full replica of his oval office, there’s no shortage of things to experience.
- Mexic Arte Museum
If cultural art is more your thing, then the Mexic Arte Museum should be the next stop on your tour of Austin after your trade show has ended. Relatively new, this museum features exhibits that depict Texas’ acceptance of Mexican culture and how it has become a blended party of Texas society today.