If you’re in the hotel biz then cover your eyes. The truth be told is, if I go to another event in a hotel banquet room I think I’m going to lose my mind. I realize they have their benefits, the least of which is the convenience for out-town guests, but I really don’t think event producers should put them on their venue A-list for locally attended events. When it comes down to it, I’m a big fan of alternate venues… I love seeing a unique space turned into an amazing event destination.

For example, check-out the Rocky Mountaineer Station in Vancouver, BC.  This fully operational train station has 4 days per week available for bookings and they’ve got all the amenities/services that pretty much any hotel would have (it’s just simply handled by outside suppliers). Portobello West (a fashion marketplace) and a runway show by Aritzia are examples of some of the great events that have happened there. 

Now a venue like that isn’t even that alternative! If you want to catch the train to crazy land what about an abandoned warehouse or an airplane hanger? Maybe roof-top patio atop a 60-storey high rise or on a floating barge? Regardless, I think it’s important to get your clients excited and inspired about holding their event at a location that makes their guests or participants go “WOW”! So whether it’s a train station or not, it’s time to get on board with the idea that your #1 decor strategy should be location verses balloons or flowers.