About Austin
Almost directly in the center of the state, Austin is a city with many hats. Not only is it the political center of Texas, and it's capital city, but also hot spot of Texas culture and diversity. More than 30 million visitors come to Austin annually for both business and pleasure.
The city is filled with many attractions, from lakeside walking trails, to museums, to a spot to view live bats’ evening flights. Austin is also home to the well-loved Texas Longhorns of the University of Texas. Its landscape is a combination of natural wonders and cityscape, and while the climate can be hot and humid at times, it's generally pleasant all year.
Because of its diverse culture, many attractions, and central location, Austin is a popular place to host events, including workshops. The city offers much when it comes to venues and vendors that can make your workshop right, and its overall atmosphere promotes the type of open learning environment a workshop strives for.
- Interesting Fact:
Austin is Texas’ seventh capital.
Workshop Options in Austin
Need supplies or services for your Austin workshop? From food trucks to photography, the city of Austin can make it happen with its vast selection of helpful vendors.
- Catering:
A day of learning and workshopping calls for delicious fare to keep ideas flowing. The Austin area is famous for its variety of food trucks available for rent, but you can also go with a buffet spread or even five-star meal catering. Whatever style of food fits your workshop’s goal, Austin can bring it to you.
- Decor:
There are many professional decorators in the Austin area who can help embellish your workshop to the fullest. From curated designs suiting your workshop’s theme to simple color scheme plans, an Austin decorator can design your event from start to finish.
- Infrastructure:
Depending on what kind of workshop you’re hosting, it’s likely that you’ll need some kind of supplies for the event. Maybe it’s a sword-making workshop, and you’ll need metals and welders to support the event. Or it’s a simple concept-based discussion workshop, and you’ll just need people and books. Regardless, you can trust Austin to supply the needed infrastructure at your workshop.
- Equipment rental:
Aside from the workshop’s essential supplies, some general equipment is also required for the event to go on. You’ll need projectors, microphones, and tables and chairs, among other things specific to your event. To supply this equipment, enlist an Austin equipment rental company.
- Talent scouting:
Workshops often require talent, teachers, or speakers to support the event’s goal. From speakers as famous as Breneé Brown (the well known lecturer and author), to individuals who simply know how to teach a skill, you can enlist a talent scout to help you find and source them all.
- Photography:
A great way to promote your workshop during and after it takes place is through professional photography. You can enlist an Austin professional to take candid shots of the event, group photos of attendees, and stylized pics of the outcome. Later on, you can use these photos to promote your workshop on social media and plan for future events.
Event Planning Companies in Austin
There is a variety of event planners in Austin who can help you design and execute your workshop to its greatest potential. From big to small, casual to sophisticated, you can trust Austin’s professional event planners make your event better than expected.
- Visit Austin Convention Services:
Visit Austin, the primary tourist organization of the city of Austin, also features workshop planning services. Their professionals can help with both program planning — helping with everything from arranging transportation to resignations and housing for your group — to ensure everything aligns with your budget. They also work closely with Austin local bands and can help set you up with entertainment for the your Austin event.
- Sullivan Group:
This Austin-based conference and workshop planner specializes in both large and small events and can help with any sort of occasion, including training programs, product launches, and annual events. Hire them to make the most of your Austin workshop; they’re up for the job!
- Pearl Events Austin:
This woman-owned and operated event planner can help with any sort of workshop, from initial planning to day-of management, and have experience planning all manner of corporate and social events. Let them help you make your workshop special and fashionable.
Pros and Cons of Workshops in Austin
Austin is a unique city with tons of opportunities to host workshops. There are many benefits to planning a workshop there. However, there are also drawbacks to holding events in large cities like Austin.
Advantages:
- Weather:
The weather in Austin is usually quite pleasant, with the exception of some times during the deep summer.
- Opportunity:
There is plenty of opportunity for venue and vendor selection in the city of Austin.
- Venue variety:
From convention centers to conference rooms, there are plenty of varied venue types to choose from in Austin.
- Attractions:
From restaurants, to museums, to outdoor areas, there are many things to do in Austin, and there’s certainly something for everyone.
- Culture:
Austin motto is to keep the city “weird,” giving way to a fun and casual culture in the city.
Disadvantages:
- Summer heat:
Austin can get hot and humid in the summertime, so keep that in mind when planning what season to host your workshop.
- Traffic:
Like any big city, Austin has traffic, especially during rush hours.
- Football season:
The Texas Longhorns bring in thousands of fans to their games each football season, which can cause even more traffic in the city.
- Cost:
Because Austin is so popular to host events, costs can drive up, especially if your workshop is on the larger side.
- Popularity:
Austin can be a difficult place to book workshops due to its popularity in the state.
Famous Workshop Locations in Austin
There are many famous and fun locations in Austin to take pre-workshop photos or simply explore what the city has to offer. You can visit these locations to get a glimpse at Austin’s “weirdness” and draw inspiration for your workshop.
- State Capitol and Visitors’ Center:
Finished in 1888, Austin's State Capitol is one of the most historic buildings in Texas. At 308 feet tall, this Capitol building is even taller than the one in Washington, D.C.
- Zilker Park:
Home of the world-renowned Austin City Limits musical festival, Zilker Park is one of the most popular spots in the city. It’s a great place to take a stroll or pre-event photos with the workshop group.
- Lady Bird Lake:
Named after president LBJ’s wife, this 416-acre reservoir is a top recreation area in Austin. To feel like you’re walking along the many trails and enjoying the natural foliage at your workshop, book at a historic garden inn in Austin.