About Eugene
Eugene, Oregon is a city with many different monikers. It’s been dubbed Silicon Shire for its up and coming tech spaces, the Emerald City for its lush forests and vistas, TrackTown USA for its hundreds of elite sports training camps, and more.
Due to its thriving tech scene, Eugene is fast becoming the place to be for startups and technology companies. The University of Oregon is a highlight for visitors to the city and the Market District is a draw for shoppers and lovers of courtyards and cafes. Spectacular stadiums and sports centers await fans, and it’s because of this well-rounded infrastructure that Eugene is the ideal place for your next meeting or conference.
Meeting Options in Eugene
When setting up a meeting space in Eugene, keep in mind some of the things you’ll need to perfect the venue.
- Technology
We've all been there: you're starting up your meeting with a big presentation and there's no sound on the introduction video. Maybe there aren't the cables that you need to connect your laptop; either way, it's best to cover your bases with a professional A/V outfit, and the vendors in Eugene are here to help.
- Transport
Being in a different city, many of your meeting attendees might not know where they're going, what the public transport system is like, or if they'll be able to park at your meeting venue. That's why it's worth looking into local taxi companies that you can make arrangements with or if it's a bigger conference, getting in touch with one of Eugene's shuttle bus companies.
- Catering
No one likes a meeting where there aren't snacks or some kind of platter. If nothing else, we don't think at our best when we're hungry. Whether you're getting packed lunches brought in, having breakfast pastries or a full sit-down meal at the end of a long day, Eugene's food scene has plenty of options.
Meeting Space Companies in Eugene
Once you’ve narrowed down the list to the best meeting space in Eugene, have local companies help you set it up.
- Carte Blanche Catering
Whether you’re looking for brunches to start your morning meeting off on the right foot, boxed hot or cold lunches to keep your conferences on track or even summer picnics and bbqs to bring some spirit to proceedings, Carte Blanche Catering can deliver it all.
- Essig Entertainment
Any meeting or conference needs to have a reliable audiovisual hook-up that’s not going to drop in the middle of a presentation. The guys at Essig Entertainment specialize in creating seamless events from start to finish and can even help provide furniture, decor and more.
- Philyaws Cookout and Catering
If you’re looking to impress your guests, colleagues or delegates with catering that’s a little bit more fun and hearty, then look no further than Philyaws Cookout and Catering. Offering everything from canapes and breakfasts to full tailgate-style affairs and pit BBQ, you can take your pick and really make your meeting one to remember.
Pros and Cons of Meetings in Eugene
Eugene does have an awful lot going for it when you’re trying to find your next meeting space, but it’s important to look at the pros and cons before booking a venue.
Advantages
- Beautiful surroundings
Given its location in the Pacific Northwest, Eugene is home to some spectacular scenery. From mountains to rivers to greenery and deserts there’s something for everyone.
- Craft beer culture
If you’re looking to let loose after your closing down your meeting space in Eugene, you might be interested to know that there’s a growing craft beer culture that has emerged in the city. So take your pick from the many pubs, bars and breweries and try what the local artisans have to offer.
- Foodie community
Portland isn’t the only city in Oregon with a huge love of food – Eugene is right up with it in the foodie stakes. So whether you’re fancying fine dining, trying something new or checking out local food trucks, there’s something to suit your mood in Eugene.
- Outdoor pursuits
With gorgeous scenery comes outdoor pursuits. As Eugene is home to some world-class athletes and their training camps, you know that there are plenty of trails, hikes, paddle routes and more to entertain you.
- Close to Portland and the beach
Even though Eugene isn’t coastal, it’s only a 90 minute drive to the beach and only 2 hours to Portland, so if you want more of a populous city feel or want to check out the Pacific, it’s definitely possible if you’re basing yourself in Eugene.
Disadvantages
- Pollen count
As you might assume with all this greenery, there is a very high pollen count during the spring and summer months, so if you want to keep sneezing interruptions to a minimum during your meeting, provide a closed and air-conditioned space.
- Cost of living
Due to high income taxation and an influx of people moving up from California, the cost of living, particularly housing has gone up. This might be something to consider if you have delegates traveling in that are going to need accommodation.
- Rain
With Eugene being in the Pacific Northwest it rains. A lot. So if you’re looking for somewhere dry and warm for your meeting location, choose a cozy venue.
- Homeless population
Unfortunately with a high cost of living comes a considerable homeless community. In fact, Eugene is home to the highest concentration of homeless people per capita in the United States.
- Earthquakes
As with anywhere on the West Coast, earthquakes and tremors can be a concern. Of course, they’re unpredictable and there’s not a lot you can do about it but it’s definitely something to note.
Famous Locations in Eugene
- Spencer Butte Park
Spencer Butte Park is home to tons of hiking trails ranging from a light stroll to the 2,058 ft challenging hike of the titular Spencer Butte. However, if you do take it on you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views.
- Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History, based on the University of Oregon campus is home to many American natural artifacts going as far back as prehistoric times. It’s the largest natural history museum between Seattle and San Francisco and a center for archaeological and paleontological research in the Pacific Northwest.
- Territorial Vineyards and Wine Company
Although there are plenty of amazing vineyards to explore in Eugene, Territorial Vineyards and Wine Company are based in the center of the city making them easy to access after a long day of meetings. For the connoisseurs among you, they even have a dedicated wine club.