In the world of events, planners and organizers are always on the lookout for new and different—a venue that will go beyond a beige, been-there-done-that meeting space. Pádraic Gilligan, managing partner at SoolNua Marketing, a boutique consultancy, recently talked about how stadia (the plural of stadium, fyi) can be an excellent alternative for those in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. According to Gilligan, stadium events provide planners with access to iconic architecture, along with extensive, flexible spaces all within a unique and unusual context. They are also highly motivational for the attendee because it fulfills his or her real-life field of dreams. Check out these three stadia to consider when planning your next event:
BC Place Stadium, Vancouver There’s a reason BC Place Stadium hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final last summer. It has a fully retractable roof and offers top spec technology with 800 Wi-Fi ports, over 1,000 digital screens, and an energy efficient LED lighting display (talk about your name in lights). Choose from meeting and boardroom spaces, a restaurant-style lounge, banquet rooms, and a 162,000-square foot, column-free surface which alternates between turf and floor.
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey Home to the New York Jets and Giants, this over 80,000-capacity stadium opened in 2010. Choose from five state-of-the-art stadium clubs inspired by prominent New York City venues and designed by world-renowned
architect David Rockwell (Nobu and W Hotel). The Chase and Toyota Clubs can accommodate just under 2,000 attendees for a reception, and temporary structures can be
installed on the field!
Soldier Field, Chicago Whether you’re looking to hold your event indoor, outdoor, or on the field, this famed stadium offers plenty of options. Chicago architects Holabird & Roche were commissioned to design a stadium that would serve as a showcase “for events and a playground for the people.” Indoor spaces include the First Floor United Club with period detail, lake views, and nearly 20-feet vaulted ceilings.
So the next time you’re looking for something unique and want to give your attendees the chance to network in an unconventional location they might otherwise not have access to, check out a stadium near you!
Once you’ve found the perfect (and maybe unusual) venue for your next event, start setting it up on Events.com.
