The meetings and live event industry, in particular, has been hit extremely hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate meetings, trade shows, concerts, and really anything that would normally cause a crowd to gather have been shut down until further notice. The demand for venue space has all but completely dried up. Since no events are happening right now, those once-bustling facilities are now quiet and empty. To learn more about how to support the failing events industry, check out this article.
As you may be aware, some of the larger convention facilities around the United States have been quickly turned in to makeshift trauma centers. Instead of projectors and trade show booths, these once-bustling meeting facilities are now full of hospital beds and medical equipment. So even once life does start to resemble some normalcy, how long will it take these mainstay convention facilities to convert back to their original intended purpose? Meeting planners will be busy trying to book and reschedule events that have been canceled or rescheduled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Smaller, more eclectic, and second (or even third-tier) event spaces may be the answer. Here is a look at some of those venues you may want to consider when scheduling your next event.
OFFSITE NYC
Located in New York City at 52 W 39th St and just a 3-minute walk from Bryant Park. This corporate meeting and event venue has three levels: THE MAIN FLOOR, THE MEZZANINE, AND THE UNDERGROUND.
THE MAIN FLOOR space can be broken up into 4 separate breakout rooms and can handle up to 150 standing guests or 60 seated guests. There are a reception and check-in area along with a coat check. This area boasts a 50’ Shimmer Screen, high-end sound and lighting, two 60” and one 70” LED TVs, and three iMac computers.
THE MEZZANINE area has a 30ft conference table with built-in AV inputs that can be removed if requested to open up the space. Included is a 70” digital smart board on wheels with a Windows computer, audio/video conferencing with live camera feed capabilities, and floor-to-ceiling whiteboard walls.
THE UNDERGROUND has an open floor plan for up to 25 attendees ideal for either U-shaped or classroom style seating. An Apple iMac computer and 80” LED TV are also included. This area has a fully stocked kitchenette and private restroom facility.
For more information on OFFSITE NYC, visit www.OFFSITEnyc.com, email go-OFFSITE@OFFSITEnyc.com, or call 212-366-1828.
RHODE ISLAND CONVENTION CENTER
With over 23 meeting rooms, 20,000sq feet of ballroom space, 30,000sq feet of pre-function space, and over 100,000sq feet of exhibit space, the Rhode Island Convention Center is the premier place to have your next function in the New England area. The convention center has a five-story glass front to the building and guests can gather in the large spaces outside the meeting rooms and exhibit halls.
Within walking distance to many hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, museums, and night clubs, you’ll have plenty to see and do. The convention center is connected to the Omni Providence Hotel, Providence Place Mall, and The Dunkin’ Donuts Center. All easily accessible via sky bridge. The convention center works closely with the 564 guest room Omni Providence Hotel for any additional meeting space you may require.
When booking your next function at the Rhode Island Convention Center, One Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903, please contact them at 401-458-6000, www.riconvention.com, jmcginn@smgricc.com.
PEORIA CIVIC CENTER
Home to Bradley University Braves men’s basketball, the Peoria Rivermen Hockey team, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and Peoria Ballet. You can also find at the PCC, flexible meeting space, an arena, theater, expo halls, and ballrooms. The PCC has over 100,000sq feet of exhibit space.
You may locate the Peoria Civic Center at 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61602, or contact them directly at 309-673-8900, customerservice@peoriaciviccenter.com.
WISCONSIN CENTER
Touted as “…one of the world’s most architecturally exhilarating and technologically robust convention facilities, located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”, you can locate it at 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203. The Wisconsin Center will be home to the 2020 Democratic National Center.
The Wisconsin Center has 188,695 square feet of contiguous, state-of-the-art exhibit space and a 37,506 square-foot ballroom with capacity for 3,150 diners and ample utilities for corporate theater. An additional 39,364 square feet of meeting space can be partitioned into as many as 28 meetings and breakout rooms equipped for satellite links, video teleconferencing, data transmission, and other telecommunications and audio-visual technology. And our 2,500-4,100 seat Miller High Life Theatre and 12,000-seat UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena provide spectacular assembly space or entertainment right across the street.
Direct inquiries can be made by calling 414-908-6000 or visit https://wisconsincenter.com/about-wisconsin-center/ for more information.
So consider these venues the next time you are seeking space for your next function. Facilities like these will be thirsty for your business and looking to fill their spaces with attendees. As the curve begins to flatten or be downgraded, business will again start to ease back to normal operations.
Rent Smart. Rent with Randy and Rentacomputer.com.
Are you looking for imaging for multiple computer rentals for your employees’ temporary home offices–or are you planning an upcoming event that may have been rescheduled? You’ll have peace in mind in knowing Randy Moore has worked with a number of companies during these difficult times. If you’re interested in renting technology for your business and employees, Rentacomputer.com and our Tech Travel Agents can help with anything you need–from supplying employees working from home to providing technology rentals for an entire convention!
Rentacomputer.com has a large stock of equipment that is ready to deliver that includes monitors, laptops, MacBooks, desktop computers, Mac Pros, servers, tablets, smartphones, WiFi hotspots, teleconferencing equipment, and more. Not only can we deliver your rentals, but we also offer custom configuration and setup so you know everything is in working order.
Furthermore, Randy can answer any questions you have about office equipment rentals–in any capacity, for any type of office. Contact Randy today at 1-800-736-8772 ext. 225 or fill out a fast, easy online quote form. You can also connect with Randy on LinkedIn!
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*Rentacomputer.com is not affiliated with or in any way authorized by the convention venues mentioned above. Rentacomputer.com is an independent nationwide technology rental provider and this page in no way implies exclusivity of our services at these meeting centers.
*We are a Business to Business (B2B) rental firm. All rental orders must be placed by an authorized representative of a qualified business. First-time business customers are screened for compliance to ensure the order is legitimate and authorized. In short, you must be a business that has been established for a minimum of 2 years with an email address connected to a corotate domain and a ship to address that also meets our requirements. To see the full requirements, visit our Requirements to Rent page.
