About Houston
Houston is a busy, cosmopolitan city located in southeastern Texas near the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of 2.3 million, Houston is one of the top 10 most populous cities in the United States. It also happens to be one of the largest in terms of area. Houston has a modern, metropolitan downtown core, surrounded by expansive suburbs, each with its own unique appeal.
Home to NASA, several professional sports teams, a variety of international and national company headquarters, and several universities, Houston is a diverse city with much to offer.
If you're considering planning a forum event here, you'll be delighted to find a wide range of venues and countless talented service providers who can help you execute a seamless and professional forum.
Forum Space Options in Houston
Your forum planning work isn't over when you select a venue. Now you have to work out the finer details of your event. From decorations to the equipment needed to make the venue comfortable and functional, there is a lot to coordinate to ensure your event runs smoothly.
- Decorator
The decor you select will transform your venue from a blank slate into an inviting and comfortable forum space. Whether you are aiming for a professional, neutral tone or wish to infuse the room with your brand's personality, a local decorator can help.
- Equipment Rentals
It takes a lot of equipment to run a successful forum. You're bound to need tables and chairs and maybe even sofas, room partitions, carpets, speaker systems, and more. Work with a Houston equipment rental company to source everything you need.
- Caterer
Providing catered meals or snacks is a great way to keep your forum on schedule, and your attendees focused. Whether you want to serve coffee and pastries or a fully-catered lunch, Houston is home to many professional catering companies that can help you select a menu that suits your event.
- Transportation
Navigating a new city can be overwhelming for guests who have traveled long distances to attend your event. Consider hiring a professional transportation service to ensure your key stakeholders arrive comfortably and on time.
- Technological Support
Hosting a forum in the 21st century is bound to entail some degree of tech. Whether a live, virtual, or hybrid event, consider hiring an A/V service to ensure everything runs smoothly. Then you can focus on facilitating the event rather than getting hung up solving tech issues that arise.
Forum Space Companies in Houston
Planning and executing a forum event is no small task. To save yourself some stress and ensure everything runs smoothly, consider outsourcing some tasks to experienced professionals. Here are some Houston service providers who would be happy to help.
- Bright Star Productions
Bright Star is an audiovisual production company serving Houston area clients since 1986. They specialize in providing professional sound, video, light, and special effects to events of all sizes. Whether you're looking for equipment rentals or need assistance designing and executing the sound and lighting for your event, Bright Star can help.
- My Houston Towncar
My Houston Towncar is a private transportation service specializing in chauffeured ground transportation. They offer airport pickup and dropoff and transport for corporate meetings and events or special occasions. Their professional drivers and comfortable vehicles ensure you get where you need to go safely and comfortably.
- SwaLaRue Events
Founded by Anshwa Lewis, this wedding and corporate planning firm has been featured in the Knot and Wedding Wire. They are committed to planning bespoke events and pride themselves on their efficiency, problem-solving abilities, and professionalism. They can help with everything from the developmental stages of event planning to coordination and execution.
Pros and Cons of Forum Spaces in Houston
Houston's affordability, international airport, and diversity make it an attractive place to host events but don't forget to plan for challenges like hurricane season and congestion as you organize your forum event.
Advantages
- Cost
Houston has a low cost of living compared to other cities of its size, making it an enticing place to host events.
- Accessibility
Thanks to its international airport, Houston is easy to reach from anywhere in the world.
- Variety of venues
You can find every type of venue imaginable in Houston, from historic to modern, indoor, outdoor, architectural, and beyond.
- Fun activities
Houston is a dynamic city with fun things to do for everyone. You can enjoy nature parks, museums, take in live performances, see a sports game, and much more.
- Weather
Houston's weather is generally quite pleasant, making it a great place to host events all year.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
Houston is a car-centric city, and traffic can be congested.
- Hurricanes
Due to its location on the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is prone to hurricanes during the summer and fall.
- Bugs
Houston's heat and humidity make it a breeding ground for bugs. Wear bug spray anytime you head outdoors.
- Poor public transportation
The public transportation system in Houston leaves much to be desired. The most efficient way to get around is with a personal vehicle.
- Competitive
Houston is a popular place to host events, so be prepared for some competition over venues and service providers.
Famous Locations in Houston
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is an internationally renowned art museum with nearly 70,000 works in its collection. It is one of the largest museums in the United States. The permanent collection includes American and European paintings and sculptures, textiles and fashion arts, photography, prints, and drawings. There are also pieces from Asia, Africa, the Indigenous Pacific Islands, and beyond. The museum gift shop is a great place to pick up some beautiful and artistic gifts or souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
- 19th Street in The Heights
The Heights is a diverse neighborhood with a rich history and established community. The area boasts excellent residential and commercial potential, beautiful parks, and friendly local businesses. One of the most popular parts of this neighborhood is 19th Street, a thriving commercial corridor. This lovely street is lined with boutique shops, restaurants, bars, and live music venues. It's also home to Houston's original Whole Foods store. 19th Street in The Heights is one of the best shopping districts in Houston, and the heritage buildings and leafy green streets only add to the pleasant ambiance.
- Rice University
Located in downtown Houston, the Rice University campus occupies 300-acres and is home to many stunning buildings, parks, museums, and art installations. Visit the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace, an acoustically engineered pyramid structure that delivers a spectacular light show at sunrise and sunset. Take in an art exhibit or live performance at Hamman Hall, or catch a film at the Rice Cinema, which shows a mix of classic, indie, and forum films. After an afternoon of exploring, pop into the campus bar, Valhalla, to grab a beer. Book a venue in downtown Houston so you can pop over to the Rice campus and take in all it has to offer!