Meetings That Make an Impression
Meetings today are as much about the experience as they are about the agenda. Driven by the rise of experiential travel and the blending of business and leisure, attendees and planners both seek unique meeting venues that tell a story, foster connection, and create a sense of place. From historic landmarks reborn for modern gatherings to open-air art gardens, light-filled waterfront spaces, and sports venues that put guests in the heart of the action, the following spaces reflect a larger industry trend: meetings that engage all the senses and leave a lasting imprint.
Lotte Hotel Seattle
Historic Spaces Reimagined
There’s something inherently inspiring about gathering in a place that has witnessed decades or even centuries of history. The Sanctuary Grand Ballroom at Lotte Hotel Seattle, once a cathedral, still carries the reverence and grandeur of its past life. Towering ceilings, intricate architectural details, stained glass windows, and a famed pipe organ create a dramatic backdrop for high-profile galas, strategy sessions, or milestone celebrations for up to 930 guests. The marriage of original craftsmanship with modern event amenities makes this historical meeting venue both a showstopper and a highly functional meeting space.
In Washington, D.C., The Hay-Adams offers its own brand of prestige. Its rooftop ballroom, “Top of the Hay,” holds the distinction of being the only private event space in the city with sweeping, unobstructed views of the White House. Accommodating up to 340 guests, this vantage point gives any gathering — from a board meeting to an elegant dinner — an air of gravitas. As the sun sets, the city’s glowing historic monuments become part of the event.
The Hay Adams
Embracing the Outdoors
Some meetings thrive when they step out of traditional walls and embrace the outdoors or abundant natural light. At Orlando’s Lake Nona Wave Hotel, the 50,000-square-foot Sculpture Garden invites exploration among world-class works from The Lewis Collection and acclaimed artists like Fernando Botero, Henry Moore, and JEFRË. Fragrant blooms, nearly 300 hand-selected palms, and artfully lit pathways create a setting that evolves with rotating exhibits — inspiring fresh ideas with every visit. The blend of nature, design, and art sparks conversation and fresh ideas in a way few standard venues can match
Lake Nona Wave Hotel’s sculpture garden
Fresh Air, Fresh Ideas
Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale takes a different approach, drawing the outdoors in. Its newly unveiled ballrooms are wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing daylight to pour in and offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding waterways. During the day, the natural light energizes attendees, while evenings bring dramatic sunsets that wash the space in warm, golden hues. It’s a venue that doesn’t just host an event; it transforms with the time of day, ensuring every moment feels dynamic and alive.
Recently opened this year, Treehouse Silicon Valley — a “sister hotel” to 1 Hotels and part of SH Hotels & Resorts — brings urban sophistication and nature-inspired design to the heart of California’s tech hub as the brand’s first U.S. property. With treehouse-style accommodations as well as event spaces nestled among lush greenery, groups can embrace the outdoors and escape the city’s bustling energy. Take advantage of the property’s rooftop pool and bar, farm-to-table restaurant, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
Treehouse Silicon Valley
Venues with a Front-Row View
For planners who want to blur the lines between business and leisure, venues integrated with sports and entertainment offer a level of engagement that’s hard to replicate. The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square in Denver’s vibrant LoDo district sits directly across from Coors Field. This proximity opens the door to breakout sessions in stadium boxes, behind-the-scenes tours, and the ultimate post-meeting perk — catching a Rockies game just steps away. The lively nightlife nearby means the experience continues long after the day’s agenda wraps.
In Minneapolis, the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel taps into the energy of professional football. Overlooking the Minnesota Vikings’ practice fields and part of the team’s headquarters complex, the hotel gives groups VIP access to a 7,000-seat stadium for special events, training camp viewing, and even collaborative exercises on the field. Add in visits to the Vikings Museum, and you’ve got a meeting that channels the same teamwork and determination that drives the pros.
Down South, Hutton Hotel Nashville’s on-site venue, Analog, strikes the perfect chord for music-loving groups. With state-of-the-art acoustics and an intimate club atmosphere, it’s the ideal setting for a private songwriter’s night or a branded concert. Attendees can enjoy a one-of-a-kind performance without ever leaving the property, making it easy to tie the city’s famed music culture into the overall event experience.
Hutton Hotel Nashville
Hidden Gems
For groups seeking exclusivity and a sense of discovery, speakeasy-inspired venues deliver the perfect blend of intimacy and intrigue. At Raffles Boston, the hidden Blind Duck speakeasy channels the glamour of the Prohibition era with its blue velvet-draped interiors, moody lighting, and carefully curated cocktail program. It’s a setting that elevates private tastings, after-hours networking, or VIP client entertainment into an experience that feels both rare and unforgettable.
In Las Vegas, Durango Casino & Resort introduces Wax Rabbit — its own speakeasy tucked behind an unassuming entrance in Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant. Recognized as one of the best speakeasies in the city by multiple outlets, the intimate, 1,000-square-foot lounge balances modern edge with nostalgic charm, offering craft cocktails, plush lounge seating, and a soundtrack that sets the mood for connection. Ideal for groups looking to surprise and delight, it transforms a standard corporate reception into an exclusive night out.
Wax Rabbit Speakeasy located inside Durango Casino & Resort
More than Just a Venue
These destinations prove that the most memorable meetings are born when the setting itself becomes part of the story. Whether it’s the echo of a cathedral’s past, the inspiration of art in the open air, the rush of a stadium tour, or the magic of a live performance, the venue can transform the tone and energy of the entire event. For planners, that means not just booking a space but curating an experience that attendees will talk about long after the last slide has faded from the screen.
