About Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington, is a beautiful city between Seattle and Olympia. It's a great place to host corporate events because of its stunning views of Puget Sound and its proximity to historic destinations like Mount Rainier National Park. The city boasts mild temperatures year-round, with plenty of sunshine in the summer months, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities and events. Tacoma has many cultural attractions, including the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Thanks to its charming downtown district with its multiple restaurants and hotels, Tacoma provides an ideal setting for corporate events focused on networking or team building. Additionally, teams looking to incentivize their employees can take advantage of the various outdoor activities available in the area, such as golfing, kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing. Companies looking for memorable team-building experiences can also find unique venues.
Planning corporate events in Tacoma offers attendees diverse options tailored to meet any budget or goal. The city’s accessibility from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) makes it convenient for businesses nationwide. At the same time, its mix of metropolitan amenities and natural beauty provides a unique backdrop for any event.
Corporate Event Options in Tacoma
- Event Planners
Working with an experienced event planner can be the key to success for any corporate event. Event planners have the knowledge and expertise to help create the perfect atmosphere, take care of all the little details, and ensure everything runs smoothly. They also have access to numerous vendors, such as caterers, photographers, and entertainers, that can help make your event a success. Event planners in Tacoma bring years of experience and familiarity with local businesses and venues that will be perfect for your corporate event.
- Catering Services
Food is essential to any corporate event, and finding a reliable catering service is important. In Tacoma, many excellent catering companies specialize in providing delicious meals for corporate events. From traditional plated meals served onsite to individually packaged meals delivered to guests’ homes, these companies offer a range of options to suit any budget or dietary requirements. Many catering services also offer specialized menus like vegan or gluten-free dishes so you can make sure that everyone at your event is being taken care of.
- Entertainment
Music, comedy performances, magic shows, DJs, whatever kind of entertainment you need for your corporate event, someone suitable in Tacoma can provide exactly what you need. Whether you want music that will keep everyone dancing or a professional comedian specializing in business settings, from small acoustic acts up to full bands, plenty of exciting options are available locally. Hiring entertainment for your corporate gathering ensures that your guests will leave with lasting memories they won’t soon forget.
Corporate Event Vendors in Tacoma
- Anna's Party Rentals
Anna's Party Rentals offers quality service and party rental equipment (tents, tables, chairs, linen, glassware, chafers, etc.) for birthday parties, receptions, corporate events, photo and film shoots, and more. With a commitment to excellence and attention to detail, their team of professionals is ready to help make your special event a success. Regardless of the size of your event, Anna's Party Rentals takes a personalized approach to each event, focusing on delivering exceptional customer service.
- Celebrity Cake Studio
Whether it's your wedding day or a corporate event, the expert bakers and decorators at Celebrity Cake Studio will create a stunning centerpiece that looks amazing and tastes delicious. Each cake is a true edible art that will leave a lasting impression on your guests, elevating your celebration to the next level. From elegant tiered cakes to whimsical 3D designs, Celebrity Cake Studio has a cake for every occasion.
- Fifi's Flower Market
Whether you are a florist, an event planner, a wedding coordinator, or a do-it-yourselfer, Fifi's Flower Market can help. With over 45 years of experience in the floral industry, this family-owned business cares about making your vision come to life. Their team of experts can help however they can, so you can feel confident that you are in good hands for the corporate event.
Pros and Cons of Corporate Events in Tacoma
Corporate events can be a great way to bring your company together, build team morale, or host clients and partners. Hosting corporate events in Tacoma can have both advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- They Can Bring Teams Together: Corporate events allow employees to bond outside of the office environment, which helps build team relationships.
- Increase Efficiency: Having staff interact with clients and discuss projects and solutions together helps increase efficiency as everyone is on the same page.
- Advertising Opportunity: Hosting corporate events provides companies an excellent opportunity for self-promotion and networking with potential customers, partners, and vendors.
- Unique Tacoma Experience: Hosting in Tacoma offers one-of-a-kind experiences like good food, stunning views, fun activities, and much more.
Disadvantages
- Time-Consuming: Planning a successful event requires a lot of time spent creating agendas, booking venues, making travel arrangements, etc., which takes away productivity.
- Difficult to track ROI: It may be difficult for companies to track the return on investment (ROI) from holding corporate events due to their complexity and wide range of applications.
- Time Commitment: Corporate events require significant time commitment from employees, which may divert them from their regular duties.
- Early Arrangement: Arrangements may need to be made with local authorities if the event includes activities such as fireworks or any other public disturbances.
Tips on How to Organize Corporate Events in Tacoma
With the right planning and preparation, Tacoma corporate events can be easily organized. Listed below are five tips for organizing successful corporate events in Tacoma, WA:
- Research Venues: Researching the local venues in the Tacoma area is a great way to determine which space would be best suited for your event. Consider factors such as size to accommodate all guests, accessibility for persons with disabilities or elderly attendees, and any technology that may be needed (AV equipment).
- Explore Catering Options: For a corporate event to be successful, it’s important to consider the food offerings. Consider catering companies in Tacoma that specialize in corporate catering and can provide a unique culinary experience that will tantalize everyone's taste buds.
- Plan & Prioritize Tasks: Before hosting an event, ensure you have a detailed plan with set tasks that must be completed before the event day. Consider delegating tasks to people willing and able to help. This will help ensure that everything runs smoothly on the event day.
- Organize Transportation: It’s important to plan transportation so all guests can safely make it to and from the venue. Look into local companies specializing in transportation services for corporate events, as they can easily take care of all your needs.
- Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage: When it comes down to hosting a corporate event, you want to ensure proper insurance coverage if something happens at your event (examples being accidents or injuries). Double-check your coverage before booking any vendors or venues if something happens during your event.
Famous Locations in Tacoma
- W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory is a remarkable addition to Tacoma's range of attractions. This verdant gem features a distinctive dome-shaped structure that harbors an astonishing array of over 250 plant species. The Conservatory is a notable exception to the common admission fees charged by most botanical gardens, allowing Tacoma residents and visitors to appreciate its breathtaking sight without concern for financial constraints. The Conservatory is a fruitful tribute to nature, offering a green oasis to explore, study, and admire.
- Working Waterfront Maritime Museum
The Working Waterfront Maritime Museum in Tacoma houses information about the city's rich maritime history. Established in 1996, the museum has a mission to provide an educational experience for visitors and to be a community activity venue on the Tacoma waterfront. Through private and public funding, the museum can continue its important work to preserve the stories of the people and industries that have contributed to the growth of the Tacoma waterfront.
- The Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park
The Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park is a serene tribute to China's rich, vibrant history. The park is transformed into a beautiful sea of cherry blossoms in the spring, adding to the already impressive scenery. While the nearby roads may produce noise pollution, the park is an excellent destination for joggers, runners, and walkers along the Ruston Way boardwalk. It's a visually stunning venue that provides a perfect family-friendly day out.