Summer events need to be planned now, and there’s no better place to host them than the Gulf Coast. We’re sharing our top tips, venue ideas, and hot takes to help you get started, including:
- Venue selection is critical as it sets the vibe and creative canvas for your event
- Location, capacity, A/V needs, parking, and additional fees or services offered are other considerations related to venue selection
- The Gulf Coast has endless event venues for events ranging from 125 people to 7,000+ across multiple states and cities
- Summer event hosts should choose dates early and plan for weather, hydration, and more
- Choosing the right event production partner can multiply the impact of your event
Event hosts who are ready to take the first step in creating wow-factor moments in the Gulf Coast area, start here!
The Venue Is A Big Part of The Vibe
No matter what type of event you’re hosting, the venue is the backdrop that highlights you, your mission, and your community. The venue is also one of the largest expenses associated with an event (29%), just behind food and beverage (73%) and audio/visual needs (66%).[1]
Choosing the right venue is paramount for attendee experience and the best use of financial resources. Before signing any contracts, consider the following:
- Location: From major cities to fringe towns, venue options will vary. A centralized location will make transportation easy for your team and attendees.
- Capacity: Intimate events and small corporate gatherings will have more options and unique venue choices, while large-scale conventions will need to look for large centers and arenas.
- A/V Accommodation: If you have a big vision for your event, be sure the location can accommodate all the equipment needed to bring that to life, or work with a professional event partner who handles this on your behalf.
- Parking: If it’s a locally-hosted event, parking is critical. Your ideal venue won’t work if there aren’t enough parking spaces or if access is too challenging.
- Additional Fees or Services: Many venues charge hidden fees and offer supplemental services you may or may not require, from planning and setup to breakout rooms, A/V services, internet access, and catering. Review the contract terms and conditions and eliminate any unnecessary services.
Every well-executed event plan starts with two questions: What’s the desired outcome, and where will it be? Event hosts planning summer events should book their ideal spot as soon as possible so detailed planning and orchestration can begin, with plenty of time for changes.
20 of the Top Gulf Coast Venues: Find Your Match
East Gulf Coast: Florida
- Orlando:
- Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, 3,600 people
- Signia by Hilton BonnetCreek, 4,600 people
- Pensecola:
- Drive The Coast, 10,00 square feet
- Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 350 people
- Destin:
- Hotel Effie Sandestin, 1600 people
- Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 1,600 people
- Callaway:
- Callaway Arts & Conference Center, 300 people
- Tallahassee:
- Tallahassee Conference Center, 500+ people
- Bricks & Brass, 350 people
- Gainesville:
- 5701 Venue, 240 people
- Tampa:
- Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection, 250 people
- Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown, up to 500 people
- Tampa Convention Center Marina, 5000 people
- St. Petersburg:
- Coliseum, St. Pete’s Historic Ballroom, up to 1,800 people
- Fort Meyers:
- Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 3,000 people
- Hertz Arena, 7,500 people
- Hollywood:
- The Diplomat, up to 5,000 people
Central Gulf Coast: Mississippi and Alabama
- Gulfport, MS:
- Gulf Coast Event Center, 3500 people
- Mobile, AL:
- The Locale, 700 people
- Exploreum Science Center, up to 1,500 people
- Gulf Shores, AL:
- Gulf Shores Activity Center, 150 people
- Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, up to 600 people
West Gulf Coast: Texas and Louisiana
Also see our top East Texas Event Venues
- Houston, TX:
- Crystal Ballroom At The Ice, 400+ people
- Beaumont, TX:
- Compro Event Center, 895 people
- New Orleans, LA:
- The Lakehouse, 299 people
- NOLA Skyline Event Venue, 125 people
Partnerships Multiply Impact: Choose The Right Production Partner, Too
Events aren’t just seminars or conferences. They’re moments. As important as venue selection is, choosing the right production partner is mission-critical for making those moments as memorable as possible for each attendee.
If you want:
- Streamlined logistics
- Event-ready tech
- Professionals at the helm
- Support on-site
- Seamless operations
Then you need Technical Elements. Check out a few case studies from past events:
- Case Study: A Competitive Non-Profit Event in GA
- Case Study: Transforming An Aircraft Hangar Into A Celebration with Samaritan’s Purse
Partner With Technical Elements To Create Your Wow-Factor Moments
Choosing the right event production partner can multiply the impact of your event. Technical Elements produces events across the nation and has all the tech, teams, and tools ready to amplify your mission and bring your vision to life. Reach out today!
Sources:
[1]https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/events/event-statistics
