About Austin
As the state capital of the great state of Texas, there is a lot of history and politics at play in the city of Austin. It’s curious then that Austin is the most liberal city in the whole of Texas, with a special focus on keeping the city “weird”. In fact, “Keep Austin Weird” is the city’s official motto and one that is lived by almost religiously.
In addition to this quirky culture, Austin also has a thriving food scene that is fastly making it the food truck capital of the US. Of course, the Texan specialities of delicious, life-affirming barbecue and tex-mex are alive and well in the city too.
With much to do in the way of art and culture, these aspects, along with the food and general ambiance make an expo space in Austin a fabulous idea.
Expo Space Options in Austin
When you’re putting together an expo space in Austin, there are a lot of moving parts to consider. Here are a few.
- Catering
If you’re at an expo then the chances are you’re going to be there for the whole day. That means having food and drink on hand to cater to all your guests and all the vendors. Whatever type of cuisine or food vendor you want, make sure your guests aren’t hungry!
- Furniture
When you’re trying to sell stands and space in your expo venue, you’re going to need a detailed rundown of what pitch includes what – including furniture. Is it more money to get a stand that has tables and chairs? What about outdoor vendors with gazebos?
- Technology
Similarly to the furniture aspect, you need to think about the number of sockets, cables and electricity needed for each pitch. Are they bringing three laptops and a TV screen? What about speakers? Do you need a generator for the extra power? All things to consider.
Expo Space Companies in Austin
Putting on an event of this scale can be stressful, so why not let the pros lend a hand?
- MPS Film
When it comes to large scale events that need a lot of tech capacity, the guys at MPS Film are pros. From lighting to transportation to camera equipment they have a whole host of skills in their arsenal to make your expo memorable.
- Monarch Event Rentals
If you need to decorate your expo space to match your theme or just to soften the edges of a harsh setup, then why not check out Monarch Event Rentals. They also have staging and flooring available to rent if you need it.
- Crave Catering
If you want to go a little bit more upscale with your expo catering and have something that is going to make your guests go “wow”, then consider Crave Catering. With a love of marrying the creative with the delicious, it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. 1999 was the year this company was launched.
Pros and Cons of Expo Spaces in Austin
Although the city is an amazing city to visit, there are always downsides to consider before committing to a location. When deciding on your Austin expo space, consider the highlights of every neighborhood.
Advantages
- Music
Austin has the title of the live music capital of the world. Not just the US, but the world. So you know that the music scene here is going to be pretty incredible. Consider a musical act in one area of your expo, perhaps the refreshment space.
- Tech
It’s a great time to be in the world of tech in Austin. With giants of the industry Google and Tesla relocating to the city, there is plenty of innovation, invention and interesting technological advances to enjoy.
- Weird is welcome
As we’ve mentioned, keeping Austin weird is a mission that Austinites take very seriously. If you’re a bit odd or have a weird hobby and are proud of it, then this is definitely the place for you.
- Weather
Due to its location in central Texas, the weather in Austin is predictably sunny for most of the year. So, if you’re a sun worshipper or just hate the cold with a passion, then Austin’s sunny temperatures will be a welcome change.
- Low tax
Like the rest of Texas, Austin benefits massively from low taxation. In fact, there is famously no state income tax in Texas, giving locals more to take away on a monthly basis.This is ideal for your budget.
Disadvantages
- Diversity
Despite touting itself as a haven for society’s outcasts and oddballs, and having both a thriving music and food scene, the diversity in Austin is surprisingly low.
- Cost of living
With so many tech giants moving in and so many amenities on offer to locals and visitors alike, the cost of living in Austin has skyrocketed, especially when it comes to accommodation costs. Plan for a budget.
- College town
Some people might see this as a positive thing, but as the University of Texas at Austin campus is spread throughout the city, it can be a pretty rowdy place to be, especially during orientation and on game days.
- Traffic
Gas prices throughout Texas are famously very low, therefore it’s not surprising that the vast majority of locals choose to drive pretty much everywhere. This does mean that the traffic is fairly horrendous.
- Heat
With such lovely sunny days throughout the year, there is a price to pay. That price is the horrific summer heat that can come as a huge surprise to visitors who are not used to it. Your expo will need air conditioning if held in the summer.
Famous Locations in Austin
- Lady Bird Lake
If you want to spend some time out on the water, head to Lady Bird Lake. Named after President Johnson’s wife, the first lady, this reservoir sits on the mighty Colorado River and has kayaks, canoes and paddleboards available to hire.
- Mexic-Arte Museum
Established in 1983, the Mexic-Arte Museum has exhibits starring Mexican, Latino and Latin American artists. Many pieces and exhibits focus on social and political issues that have been faced by the artists making it a really interesting and informative visit.
- Zilker Park
Have you got plenty of time on your hands? Do you like green spaces and tons of trails? Then head out to the 351 acres of Zilker Park. There are so many attractions there including an open-air theatre that often has live performances and shows going on.