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Sandwiched between the Michigan state capital of Lansing, Detroit, and the metropolis of Chicago, Kalamazoo is a convenient spot to hold your next event, especially a business meeting. A scenic setting on the Kalamazoo River offers the perfect in-between-meetings outdoor break and the area's popularity for headquarters of Fortune 500 companies means the business infrastructure is top-notch.
When you need an event space to hold a meeting in Kalamazoo, whether it's for training, collaboration, or introductions, Giggster has the location you need. Event rooms equipped with large boardroom tables, comfortable (but not too comfortable) chairs, and amenities like audiovisual equipment, kitchens, and the all-important air conditioning for humid Michigan summers await.
Giggster makes event venue selection a breeze. The useful spaces are clearly laid out and the features, like food and beverage options and free wifi, are easy to see. Download the app and take an easy first step to planning a successful event by booking exciting meeting spaces in Kalamazoo for a reasonable price.
Natural light, catering services, a functional business center, or an inspiring vibe are all possible with Giggster's venues. Some options can double as locations for holiday parties or another type of work special event so that you can get the meeting out of the way and move on to the fun.
Historically decorated rooms add a formality to the meeting and may even increase productivity. Or, go for a more comfortable space with relaxing easy chairs for a more casual atmosphere.
Planning to serve food at your next meeting? Giggster has options designed specifically for a nice meal, but that can all be cleared away when it's time to get down to business.
When you need multiple gathering areas in a single location, you can easily have that, too. Separate tables encourage smaller group collaboration in an inspiring space full of character and dark wood could be just the thing.
When more room to move around is called for, select a light-filled ballroom with tables for work and space for games and other team-building exercises.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Choose from meeting rooms ideal for small groups or larger conference rooms that can accommodate up to 100 people. With a total of 9 and plenty of options in downtown Kalamazoo, our curated list of meeting venues won't disappoint.
Hassle-Free Booking: Although the variety and selection are wide, you don't have to blow your budget on the location. Hold a productive meeting for as low as $120/hour and see all the space's amenities, availability, and pics in one place. Easily communicate in the app with our professional staff of hosts for a stress-free booking experience.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: With meetings, sometimes you need to adjust the times or dates to accommodate team schedules. Within the first 24 hours after booking, you can cancel for free as long as the reservation date is at least 48 hours (2 days) away.
Platform Protections: Pick a spot like Beautiful Southwest Michigan Home, and you might worry about damage or liability. With Giggster, users can add optional protections for these unforeseen issues in just a few clicks. Plus, if you require even more flexibility, it's possible to expand the free cancellation window.
Even though Kalamazoo seems like the perfect location for your needs, it's good to review all the pros and cons to confirm it's the absolute right decision.
Advantages
Are you a startup or even just a business watching the bottom line closely? When compared to giants like New York and Chicago, Kalamazoo's venue rentals will feel like a real bargain.
Kalamazoo is accessible from major US cities in the Northeast, like Chicago, Detroit, and Lansing, but is also convenient for travel from smaller places like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. So, if your company has locations spread over this area, why not meet up in Kalamazoo?
Downtown Kalamazoo is extremely walkable. Every productive meeting needs a break, so it's easy to grab a bite, walk by the lovely river, or do a little shopping during any downtime.
Disadvantages
Flying in might present a challenge. Kalamazoo's airport is small and if you have members coming in from across the country, it may be hard to find direct (and affordable) flights.
Getting around in winter is tricky. Prone to snow and ice, it can be unpleasant to navigate the city, and with limited public transportation (although there are city buses), you may need to rent a car, and that can get costly.
There are fewer large event spaces to choose from. When organizing a big event, say over 500 people, the selection will be more limited than in larger US cities.
We have 9 amazing meeting space options in Kalamazoo, ideal for cozy gatherings or a larger room to hold the entire team. Or, for a company-wide meeting, you can even rent out entire locations for a completely private experience.
Ballrooms – Complete Elegance. While a ballroom might feel more like someone's dream wedding venue, it can be a wonderful meeting spot with a load of space, gleaming wood floors, and tables for group sessions and dining.
Homes – All the Comfort. It would be an imposition to ask someone to host a work event in their home, even if it's for something like a charitable event or art exposition. So, get all the convenience and comfort of a home without the hassle of hosting everyone yourself. Many different rooms and expansive outdoor spaces are sure to spark inspiration.
Event Rooms – Be Productive. Event rooms offer flexibility for brainstorming sessions. The Giggster options in Kalamazoo come with the all-important tables and chairs, and other perks like on-site parking and wifi.
Dining Rooms – Work and Eat. Whether it's breakfast before everything gets started or cocktail receptions following the work, dining rooms function really well as meeting spaces. Guests won't need to leave to eat, so you can be ultra-productive.
Entire Venues – Spread Out and Collaborate. When a single room just won't do, go big and rent out an entire historic venue full of charm. Original brickwork, downtown Kalamazoo views from the upper rooms, and aptly decorated spaces allow for breakout sessions and team-specific meetings within one location.
When tasked with the logistics of your next meeting, don't get overwhelmed. Start with choosing a venue through Giggster and watch everything fall into place. Keep these items in mind to ensure success:
Know Your Budget and Guest Count – It would be a bit silly to start planning a meeting without knowing how much money you have to spend and how many people will be coming. Get these decided early and things will run much more smoothly.
Plan Catering and Refreshments – Asking people to be productive for an entire day (or even a few hours) is much easier when you feed them. Hire your caterer well in advance for the best selection or simply call or stop in to a local restaurant to arrange the menu and food delivery on the meeting day.
Avoid All Work and No Play – When meetings only involve getting down to business, teammates may groan at the thought of another event. Add activities and games to the agenda. This will be a nice break and encourage networking and team-building at the same time.
You've already chosen to hold your meeting in a more affordable city, which is a great start! Keep the budget-friendliness going with these tips:
Would an off-peak time save money?
Aside from December, when office parties and Christmas parties are in full swing, the winter is often a cheaper time for venues and entertainment in Kalamazoo. Would your meeting work in November or January? If so, you might get a good deal. Morning meetings and weekdays throughout the year might also save a few dollars. Plus, breakfast is one of the cheaper meals when you need to feed everybody.
Who needs to be there?
Yes, having the entire team together in one location is a great thing. But, with travel costs what they are, a budget can easily get blown flying everyone in. Try to focus more on who is available locally. No one needs to be excluded—just utilize laptops and TV screens so everyone can participate, albeit virtually.
Use existing equipment.
To save on AV rental fees or other equipment you'll need for the meeting, bring your own or look for venues that have it in place already. If your company has an IT department, ask for their assistance as well.
Any type of meeting you want to host, you can do it in Kalamazoo. Prepping for trade shows, brainstorming, training, and year-end updates, it's all possible here. Just download the Giggster app, do a quick search, and take venue selection off your (probably long) to-do list. It'll be a meeting the team will remember fondly!