About Charleston
Charleston is a charming city in South Carolina, with abundant attractions and activities to entertain visitors. The city is a favored destination among locals and tourists with its rich history, colorful culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning coastal scenery.
The city sits on a peninsula at the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, giving it a unique charm. The average temperature in Charleston is mild throughout the year, with summers reaching the low 80s (Fahrenheit) and winters rarely dropping below freezing. Lowcountry rain showers are common in the spring and summer months. Charleston also has many attractions, such as historical monuments like Fort Sumter, iconic green spaces like Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and famous landmarks, including the Battery and Rainbow Row.
For corporate events, hosting in Charleston can be incredibly rewarding for those looking to provide their attendees with an unforgettable experience. Not only will guests appreciate the pleasant weather year-round, but they'll also be able to explore all that Charleston offers during their visit. With plenty of event venues, from modern hotels to beautiful plantations for hire, it's easy to find the perfect space for any occasion.
Corporate Event Options in Charleston
- Flowers
There’s no better way to decorate your corporate event venue in Charleston than with flower arrangements. You can work with a floral designer to create custom pieces or a professional florist for pre-made centerpieces and bouquets for any occasion. Not only do flowers add a touch of elegance to an event, but they also create a vibrant atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression.
- Balloons
Balloons are another great way to bring fun and flair to a corporate event in Charleston. Colorful balloons are perfect for creating a festive atmosphere, while more subtle designs can be used as decorations for important presentations or awards ceremonies. Balloons can also be used creatively, such as photo backdrops and sculptural installations.
- Photography
Professional photography services are essential for capturing all the special moments at a corporate event in Charleston. A skilled photographer can capture natural expressions and genuine emotions, and the photos can act as great keepsakes or promotional material for companies who want to share their events on social media.
- Transportation Services
Transportation services are often overlooked but vital when planning corporate events in Charleston. Arranging transportation ensures that everyone gets where they need to go safely and on time.
Corporate Event Vendors in Charleston
- Roadside Blooms
Nestled among the scenic landscapes, Roadside Blooms offers more than just a selection of fresh flowers and indoor plants. They also provide a trove of unique, handmade gifts that will bring a smile to your loved one's face. If you need a last-minute gift, their health and beauty products will do the trick. They can also help you restock supplies for your garden and have an impressive selection of stationery. So, whether you're in the mood for a bouquet of vibrant blooms or a thoughtful gift, Roadside Blooms is the place to visit.
- Mt. Pleasant Shuttle
For over two decades, Mt. Pleasant Shuttle has been the go-to transportation option for Lowcountry residents. Their fleet of Sedans, transit Vans, SUVs, and Mini Coaches are always ready to take passengers to their destination without any hassle. Whether you need airport or cruise transportation, wedding transportation, or even corporate events, they offer it all. The professional and witty service that they provide is unmatched and always reliable.
- Salthouse Catering
Since its establishment in 2012, Salthouse Catering has been a go-to catering service for those seeking local, seasonal, and farm-to-table options. And now, they're stepping up their game with their NEW Gourmet to Go Menu. Salthouse Catering offers everything from chef-prepared family-style meals to a vast selection of appetizers and snacks. And with online ordering available for contact-free pickup or delivery, satisfying your cravings has never been easier.
Pros and Cons of Corporate Events in Charleston
Hosting a corporate event in Charleston, South Carolina, can be an excellent option for any organization looking for a unique and memorable event. Whether it's a team-building activity, an awards ceremony, or something else, there are many advantages and disadvantages to consider before settling on a corporate event venue in Charleston.
Advantages
- Charleston offers an abundance of spectacular venues, including historic homes and estates, luxurious banquet halls, and even restaurant spaces with stunning views.
- With its temperate climate throughout the year and its convenient location on the coast, Charleston is an ideal destination for outdoor activities like golfing or kayaking that can help support corporate teambuilding objectives.
- With its rich cultural heritage comes many exciting attractions like historical sites, museums, and galleries that can be incorporated into offsite activities during downtime. Attendees will have plenty of places to explore during their stay.
Disadvantages
- Prices for venues may be higher than in other areas due to the high demand for events in Charleston.
- The area is subject to the occasional hurricane season, which could cause disruption if plans need to change at short notice due to hazardous weather conditions.
- Hotel rates may also be higher than other locations due to tourism influx throughout peak months such as summertime or special events such as Spoleto Festival USA.
Tips on How to Organize Corporate Events in Charleston
Organizing a corporate event in Charleston is no easy feat. From finding the perfect venue to scheduling catering and entertainment, many factors must be considered. That being said, with some research and preparation, anyone can plan a fantastic corporate event. Here are some tips for organizing a successful corporate event in Charleston:
- Create an Agenda: Before you book any vendors or choose a venue, you must create an agenda outlining when certain events during your corporate event will take place, such as networking sessions or keynote speakers. This will help give you a better idea of how much time you need and what amenities you should look for in potential venues.
- Book Catering Services: Find professional catering services that can provide delicious food and drinks for your guests. If there’s no kitchen at the venue you select, get catering services so guests have something to eat throughout the event.
- Add Entertainment: Depending on what type of atmosphere you want your event to have, consider adding entertainment like music or live performances so that guests stay engaged throughout the night and keep having fun until the end.
- Hire Event Staff: You may also want to hire additional staff members who can help coordinate activities during the event or assist with any unexpected issues. This way, everyone can enjoy themselves without worrying about logistics or other details getting overlooked.
Famous Locations in Charleston
- Battery and White Point Gardens
Charleston is synonymous with Southern charm and history, and nowhere is that more evident than in Battery and White Point Gardens. Originally a public garden in 1837, this picturesque promenade along the seawall is now fortified as Battery Ramsey, housing historic mortars and cannons from the Civil War. While a Confederate monument stands tall, the stunning view of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor draws in tourists. Surrounding the park are some of Charleston's most impressive stately homes and mansions. So take a leisurely stroll down the Battery and soak up the history and beauty that have made Charleston a beloved destination for generations.
- South Carolina Aquarium
When visiting Charleston with the family, one attraction that can't be missed is the South Carolina Aquarium. While it may have "aquarium" in its name, don't be fooled; this place offers so much more than just underwater creatures. From birds to land-dwelling mammals to plants and reptiles, there's something every animal lover can enjoy. You can witness daily interactive shows in the two-story, 385,000-gallon aquarium tank, touch sharks and rays in the Shark Shallows area, and even get up close and personal with starfish and other creatures in the touch tank. It's no wonder that the South Carolina Aquarium is a beloved favorite among kids and adults alike.
- The Ravenel Bridge
In 2005, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge became as an iconic structure connecting Charleston to Mount Pleasant. This architectural jewel boasts a cable-stay design that blends seamlessly with the city skyline, making for a jaw-dropping sight from afar. It boasts impressive construction capable of enduring catastrophic events such as over 300 mph winds and an earthquake of up to 7.4 on the Richter scale. It's an engineering wonder, able to prevent collisions with imposing ships passing beneath it. Wonders' Way, a shared pedestrian-bicycle path, traverses the bridge and offers panoramic views of Charleston that leave bike riders and pedestrians mesmerized.