About Houston
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities to visit. Home to more than 2.3 million people, the largest city in Texas and offers a wide variety of entertainment options, from world-class museums and galleries to professional sports teams, restaurants, theatres, and more.
Additionally, Houston is known for its large meeting spaces which provide businesses with great opportunities to host events like conferences, conventions, and other corporate gatherings. With impressive sizes and arrays of amenities, Houston’s large meeting spaces can house thousands of people in a spacious environment that’s perfect for keynotes and seminars, or networking events.
Most of these venues also feature modern technology, with access to high-speed Wi-Fi access and audio/visual equipment readily available on-site. These venues often also come with lounge areas where guests can take breaks between sessions or mingle with others attending the event. What's more, the best meeting spaces in Houston are located near hotels and public transportation stops.
Large Meeting Space Options in Houston
- Event Rentals
Companies specializing in event rentals supply a range of furnishings necessary to conduct productive functions. This includes items like seats, tables, podiums, projectors, and sound systems.
- Lighting
Large meeting spaces in Houston often have overhead lighting fixtures that can be dimmed or changed to create the desired atmosphere. Equipment rental companies in Houston can supply additional lighting effects such as uplighting, gobos, spotlights, pin spots, truss systems, and light bars. They often also offer the services of experienced technicians to assist with setting up and operating the equipment as needed.
- A/V Equipment
The use of audiovisual (A/V) equipment enhances presentations, and they include microphones, projectors and screens, video walls, and sound systems. Having the right gear ensures that meeting participants can easily view and hear presentations without any technical issues or distractions.
Large Meeting Vendors in Houston
- Karana Audio Visual
Karana Audio Visual knows that it takes more than an average microphone or a one-dimensional whiteboard to set the right tone for any event. That's why they strive to provide their clients with all the latest technology resources needed to create a truly transformative experience. Their services range from full video production and lighting to LED Video Screens and complete webcasting/live streaming options throughout Houston and Texas.
- Famous Stages
Whether you’re putting together a performance or hosting an event, Famous Stages has the equipment to bring it to life. From high-quality speakers and mixers to wash lights and up lights, they have it all! Or perhaps you’re looking for something a bit sparklier? They have lasers that follow spots, foggers, and haze machines that can really elevate any performance or presentation.
- Mandap Creations
From custom-crafted mandaps, draping, and backdrops, to luxurious linens and Chiavari, Mandap Creations expertly combines the perfect ambiance with style, class, and sophistication. Their experienced team of creative consultants possess more than 10 years in the events industry and can help make any event's vision a reality. Mandap Creations offers premier services that range from theme design, stage design, lighting, and lounge furniture.
Pros and Cons of Large Meeting Spaces in Houston
Large meetings in Houston showcase and promote the services and products a business offers, while bringing entrepreneurs in the same field together. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to hosting such functions, which should be taken into consideration prior to planning one.
Advantages
- The city’s diverse landscapes offer a varied selection of meeting spaces making it possible to find one that suits your function.
- Houston has a temperate climate, and that makes it possible to explore outdoor meeting locations that can host a larger number of participants.
- Being a city that’s huge on sports, H-town is an ideal place to host a large meeting that brings together athletes and other professionals involved in the field.
Disadvantages
- The humidity and heat can be overwhelming for some people, hence why it is important to go for a meeting space with quality cooling systems.
- Bugs and pests are also a nuisance in the peak of Houston’s humid summers, and it is something worth noting when considering outdoor meeting venues.
- Traffic is a challenge in the city, and it should factor into your meeting space selection decision to give participants an easier time accessing the location.
Tips on How to Organize Large Meeting Spaces in Houston
Planning large gatherings in Houston can be a daunting task. Here are some tips on how to organize a successful large meeting in Houston:
- Research the Venue: Before booking a meeting space, research carefully to determine if it fits your needs and expectations. Make sure the venue is big enough for your attendees and has all the necessary amenities.
- Make Use of Available Resources: Take advantage of services such as local event planning companies or tourist bureaus, who can help with finding suitable venues, arranging transportation, and providing other useful information.
- Set Clear Goals: Have an aim and objective for the meeting so you know what success looks like when it's over.
- Create an Agenda: Outline the meeting agenda in advance with the time allotted for each activity or subject discussed.
- Collaborate: Reach out to local businesses or organizations that could provide services such as catering, and audio-visual equipment rentals. Building connections with local vendors can save time and money while ensuring a successful event.
Famous Locations in Houston
- Glenwood Cemetery
Glenwood Cemetery is an unexpectedly calming and invigorating location to visit in Houston. While many may experience a sense of unease when visiting graveyards, it can be a reflective time to remember the preciousness of life and our bonds with those who have passed on. It is also a place for one’s own momentary escape from the chaos of life, take a quiet stroll around the grounds, whether you want to witness the mesmerizing skyline or explore past historical figures such as Will Clayton and E.H Cushing. It has been around since 1872 and provides insight into Houston’s local culture.
- JPMorgan Chase Tower
Standing at 1,000 feet and containing 75 stories, JPMorgan Chase Tower is a sight to behold. Holding the distinction of being the tallest building in Texas as well as one of the top 100 tallest buildings in the entire world, it has also managed to break another record - this time it's for being the only skyscraper with five sides taller than any other building. Formerly known as Texas Commerce Center, this icon in downtown Houston has become a tourist hotspot. There’s plenty to explore inside, but if you’re looking for views, you should make sure to get up to the observation deck on the 60th floor.
- Sheldon Lake State Park
Sheldon Lake State Park in Texas is an exceptionally beautiful place. From John Jacob Observation Tower, you can have quite the experience admiring nature’s glory - from waters to prairies, and even the city. Spending time here with your family not only allows for a great opportunity to appreciate the natural environment that this park houses, but also a chance to learn more about it through their learning center. Whether you go for a hike on land or take out a boat to explore the waters, Sheldon Lake has plenty of adventures and memorable moments in store for each visitor!