Conference room within a hotel in Cape Town

Pepperclub Hotel: Cape Town's MICE Venue

Pepperclub Hotel: Cape Town's MICE Venue

For event planners in North America, finding compelling venues that combine well-appointed meeting spaces with a distinctive destination experience is a priority. Cape Town has long been a draw for global business events, incentive travel groups, and international conferences. At the heart of this vibrant city is Pepperclub Hotel, a five-star property that delivers meeting and event facilities, upscale accommodation, and access to one of South Africa’s most dynamic metropolitan destinations. Cape Town’s cultural diversity, spectacular natural scenery, and strong tourism infrastructure make it a natural choice for organizations looking to partner business with memorable experiences. Pepperclub Hotel stands out within this context as a venue that seamlessly blends corporate functionality with luxury hospitality.

Birds eye view of Cape Town in South Africa

Location and Accessibility from North America

Cape Town International Airport is the main gateway for international travel into South Africa. Although flights from North American cities typically require one stop, common connections include European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Dubai. Flight time from New York to Cape Town, including a connection, can range between 18 to 24 hours depending on layovers and routing. Arriving delegates experience a smooth transition from the airport to central Cape Town via private shuttle, hotel transfer, or rideshare services. The Pepperclub Hotel is located in the central business district on Loop Street, putting it close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, financial institutions, and cultural landmarks such as the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain. This central location is valuable for multi-day conferences or incentive itineraries when delegates will want convenient access to both meetings and off-site activities.

Overview of Meeting and Conference Facilities

Pepperclub Hotel offers a range of meeting rooms and event spaces that cater to small executive sessions, board meetings, and mid-size conferences. The venue’s meeting portfolio is designed to support a variety of formats including boardroom, classroom, theatre, U-shape, and reception settings. The flexibility in configurations makes the hotel appealing to corporate planners who require adaptability within the same space.

The Royal Palm venue is among the largest spaces. Measuring approximately 8 meters by 26 meters, Royal Palm accommodates up to 250 guests in a cocktail reception format, 220 in cinema (theatre) style, and 150 for a banquet. It can also host classroom and boardroom layouts. The space is equipped with blackout curtains and soundproofing, allowing planners to tailor lighting and acoustics for presentations or collaborative sessions. On-site audio-visual support is available for technology integration, including presentation screens and projectors.

Smaller executive spaces include the Palm Boardroom, sized at roughly 8 meters by 7 meters, comfortably seating 12 delegates. This room is ideal for strategic planning sessions, leadership meetings, and private sessions that require both comfort and high functionality. The boardrooms also include visual display options, flip charts, and meeting support tools such as writing materials and complimentary water with mints.

Additional intimate spaces such as Paradise Palm and Phoenix Palm offer environments for small team meetings or breakout sessions with seating for up to six delegates each. These rooms are flooded with natural light and can be useful as quiet collaboration spaces or interview rooms.

Together, these spaces give MICE planners a versatile inventory of venues for sessions ranging from intimate executive discussions to full-scale presentations or networking events.

Technology and event support services

Understanding the needs of modern business events, Pepperclub places emphasis on technology readiness and professional event assistance. Meeting rooms are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, essential for hybrid events or global teleconferencing. Digital connectivity includes HDMI and wireless screen-sharing capabilities, as well as configurations that support video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Audio-visual packages can include digital projectors, screens, integrated speaker systems, and technical support throughout the duration of the event.

Event support extends beyond technology. A dedicated events team assists with initial bookings, room setup plans, signage or branding, catering schedules, and on-site troubleshooting. This dedicated support ensures that planners can focus on content and outcomes rather than logistics.

Catering and dining options for meetings and events

Effective catering programs are fundamental to successful meetings. Pepperclub Hotel’s in-house culinary team offers tailored catering designed for business events. Coffee and tea stations with fresh pastries or snacks are available for morning sessions or networking breaks. For lunch, planners can choose plated courses or buffet formats featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Cocktail-style receptions with canapé service can be arranged for evening networking or social events following meeting sessions. Dietary requirements and special requests can be accommodated as part of customized menus.

The hotel’s onsite dining options include COPA Restaurant, a venue that can be booked for private group meals or formal banquets, Ruby’s Cafe for casual meetings over coffee, and Paparazzi Bar & Lounge for post-meeting gatherings. Having multiple food and beverage outlets within the same property enhances efficiency for event schedules and allows for diversity in dining experiences.

Accommodation and delegate experience

For multi-day conferences or incentive programs, Pepperclub Hotel offers luxury accommodation options directly onsite. Rooms range from standard studios to expansive suites with city or mountain views. Amenities include climate control, work desks with high-speed internet, and concierge support. Onsite facilities such as a wellness spa, fitness centre, rooftop pool deck, and private cinema provide delegates with opportunities to relax, recharge, and build rapport outside formal sessions. These amenities contribute to a holistic delegate experience that blends productivity with comfort and leisure.

Integration with Cape Town attractions for incentive programming

Cape Town’s appeal to North American incentive groups lies in its scenic beauty and cultural richness. Dedicated planners can easily incorporate team-building activities or excursions into meeting programs, taking advantage of attractions such as Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, cultural tours, wine estates in nearby regions, and adventure activities like Cape Point or kayaking. The hotel’s location allows participants to experience the city’s vibrant food and arts scene as part of a broader itinerary.

Contact Details and Next Steps for Planners

Planners interested in booking meetings, conferences, or incentive group stays at Pepperclub Hotel can contact the venue directly. The hotel’s events and reservation teams are equipped to provide proposals, space layouts, and catering options tailored to the specific needs of corporate and association groups.

General contact information:

Email for general inquiries: info@pepperclub.co.za
Reservations email: reservations@pepperclub.co.za
Phone: +27 21 812 8888
Website for meetings and events information: www.pepperclub.co.za/meetings-events

Hotel address: Corner Loop and Pepper Street, Cape Town Central, South Africa 8005.

Conference room inside a hotel in Cape Town

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

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The above information is for general guidance.

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AREA15 for MICE Planners - Las Vegas Event Venue

AREA15 for MICE Planners - Las Vegas Event Venue

If your next corporate conference, incentive trip, product launch, or experiential meeting needs to wow attendees, AREA15 in Las Vegas delivers an unmatched combination of flexible venue space, immersive environments, and gourmet hospitality, all just minutes from the Strip. AREA15 isn’t a traditional convention hall; it’s a completely customisable entertainment district built for experiences that stay top of mind long after guests depart.

A venue built for experiential events

One of the biggest differentiators for AREA15 in the MICE world is its diversity of event spaces. Whether you’re planning a keynote, seated banquet, pop-up trade fair, or incentive activation, you can choose an environment that matches your group size and event tone.

The event spaces

Here are some of the standout spaces available to planners:

  • A-Lot – A fully customisable outdoor space with 25,013 sq ft of area that can host up to 2,500 guests reception style or 1,000 seated. It includes an 80-guest sky deck with views of the Las Vegas skyline — ideal for VIP dinners or sponsor lounges.
  • Portal – A 6,569 sq ft indoor canvas equipped with 360° projection mapping. Configured for up to 600 reception or 300 seated, Portal is perfect for plenary sessions, immersive product launches, or themed gala evenings.
  • Illuminarium – This massive multimedia space (16,500 sq ft) accommodates up to 1,100 reception or 650 seated. Use it for keynote presentations with cinematic flair, interactive workshops, or large networking mixers.
  • The Wall – An intimate option with 3,000 sq ft capacity for ~150 people and a built-in LED wall ideal for presentations, demonstrations, or panel discussions.
  • Sanctuary, Oddwood, Asylum Bar + Arcade, LIFTOFF, Block Party, and more — each offering a distinct vibe from lush organic settings to high-energy entertainment spaces.

Spaces at AREA15 can also be combined (for example, Portal + A-Lot or a full campus buyout) to support multi-stage events, breakout sessions, and social activations across venues, a huge benefit for MICE planners who need flexibility in programming.

Past events & corporate uses

While AREA15’s public-facing entertainment events are well documented, it’s also increasingly being used for corporate and MICE activations:

  • Full Campus Buyouts: AREA15 has hosted large-scale corporate takeovers where the entire experiential district becomes an event playground, perfect for incentive groups or global sales meetings seeking a sense of exclusivity and discovery.
  • Immersive Conferences & Team Gatherings: Meetings, leadership summits, trade show “micro-experiences,” and workshop programs have leveraged Portal’s projection capabilities for impactful presentations that transcend traditional flat screens.
  • Festivals Linked to Trade Events: While not purely corporate, AREA15 has been integrated into convention week strategies, hosting branded evening events, sponsor experiences, and networking mixers tied to major industry gatherings that occur in Las Vegas.
  • Product Debuts & Brand Activations: The ability to transform environments (e.g., jungle, palace, outer space) makes it ideal for product launches or immersive storytelling sessions — something planners often seek beyond standard AV setups.

Catering & hospitality

AREA15 pairs its immersive environments with equally memorable food and beverage programming:

In-House Catering & Menus

Planners can work with AREA15’s culinary team to design menus that match event themes or guest preferences. Whether plated dinners, chef stations, or interactive culinary experiences, the in-house team supports:

  • Gourmet multi-course meals
  • Themed receptions featuring local and global flavors
  • Cocktail receptions with bespoke beverage pairings
  • Late-night bites for incentive events

AREA15 also coordinates with its resident bars and restaurants – like The Beast gastropub, Kaia Asian-eclectic eatery, and Oddwood lounge — to offer curated experiences where the space itself becomes part of the event narrative.

External catering partners

While AREA15 primarily handles in-house catering for events, the flexibility of spaces allows planners to bring in preferred outside caterers subject to venue policies. This is particularly useful for bespoke cultural cuisine or high-end gala dinners with external chef collaborations (ask your AREA15 event specialist for details).

Production, AV, and creative support

One of AREA15’s core strengths for MICE events is its production readiness:

  • 360° Projection-Mapped Spaces: Portal’s walls and Illuminarium’s surroundings can be custom-mapped with event branding, visuals, or themed content.
  • State-of-the-Art AV & Lighting: Professional light and sound systems, configurable for presentations, concerts, or interactive performances.
  • Creative Services: Event designers, projection artists, and talent coordinators can be commissioned to bring immersive elements, from aerial performers to interactive art, into your event flow.
  • Photography & Videography: Capture event moments across dramatic backdrops with professional services available on demand.

For MICE planners, these production tools significantly reduce the burden of sourcing third-party AV and creative vendors while elevating the attendee experience.

Incentives, team building & entertainment programming

Experiential group activities are a key differentiator:

  • Interactive Attractions: From projection art to VR experiences and arcade challenges, AREA15’s attractions can be included in team building schedules or evening programs.
  • LIFTOFF Lounge: A panoramic ride + lounge space ideal for VIP receptions or team celebrations with catered service and customizable sounds/lighting.
  • Asylum Bar + Arcade: Turns a post-meeting mixer into an interactive social experience with games and vibrant beverage programs.

This cross-section of meeting, play, and relaxation options makes AREA15 especially strong for incentive travel and hybrid conference-plus-experience programs.

Logistics & accessibility

  • Location: Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip at 3215 South Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV.
  • Transportation: Easily reachable from Harry Reid International Airport and major hotels via shuttle, rideshare, or coach services.
  • Parking: On-site parking options and nearby valet services support event logistics and guest access.

Contact & planning resources

For MICE inquiries, coordination, and detailed proposals:

📍 Address:
AREA15

4.4Tourist attractionClosed

3215 South Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89102

📞 Phone: +1 702-846-1900
🌐 Website: https://www.area15.com/plan-an-event

Event planners are encouraged to contact the AREA15 events team early — especially for large-scale or full campus buyouts — to secure preferred dates and build fully customised programming around venue capabilities and MICE objectives.

For MICE professionals seeking memorable, flexible, and immersive event environments in Las Vegas, AREA15 offers a compelling alternative to traditional conference centers. Its blend of versatile space, customisable production, integrated catering, and entertainment programming makes it especially suited for next-level conferences, incentive events, and brand experiences, where engagement and storytelling matter as much as content delivery.

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

Contact us at hello@smithsfields.com

The above information is for general guidance.

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HunterMoss: White-Glove Corporate Travel Services for the Ultimate Reward or Incentive

HunterMoss: White-Glove Corporate Travel Services for the Ultimate Reward or Incentive

As expectations rise among corporate planners and high-performing teams, traditional event formats are being replaced with immersive, experience-led programs. HunterMoss is a luxury experiential travel company that is redefining what MICE and incentive travel can look like, particularly for discerning corporate clients seeking something far beyond the conventional.

Founded in 2008 and recently rebranded from Ultimate Driving Tours, HunterMoss has evolved into a global leader in ultra-luxury experiential travel. The company specializes in curated journeys that blend high-performance motoring, cultural immersion, and elevated hospitality.

While not a traditional destination management company, they have carved out a powerful niche within the MICE sector, particularly in the incentive travel and executive retreat space. Their philosophy is simple: experiences should be emotional, memorable, and deeply personal. For corporate planners, this translates into programs that motivate teams, reward excellence, and foster meaningful
connections.

Incentive Travel Programs

HunterMoss is best known for its signature supercar driving journeys across the USA. An offering that immediately elevates any incentive program into something extraordinary. Your team will be driving a fleet of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or Aston Martins through scenic Hudson Valley routes, with an overnight stay at Glenmere Mansion or Pendry Natirar. Your program includes curated cultural experiences each evening.

These programs are designed to:

  • Reward high achieving sales team with once-in-a-lifetime experiences
  • Strengthen team engagement
  • Create powerful brand alignment

Unlike traditional incentive trips, which often can focus solely on R&R, HunterMoss delivers active, story-driven experiences which celebrates adventure and excitement.

Corporate Retreats

HunterMoss has expanded its portfolio to include corporate retreats and bespoke group programs, particularly across the United States. For companies seeking to host leadership retreats, executive offsites, or client entertainment programs, the offering is highly customizable.

Each unique program combines:

  • Boutique luxury accommodations (often estates, villas, or high-end resorts)
  • Fine dining and gastronomic experiences
  • Carefully curated local activities (wine tastings, cultural encounters, wellness experiences)
  • Seamless logistics managed by an expert concierge team

This blend of structure and flexibility allows corporate planners to design programs that align with both business objectives and attendee expectations.

New York & the Hudson Valley

HunterMoss offers one of the most compelling offerings for corporate planners in the New York market: the Hudson Valley experience, launched as part of its East Coast expansion. Located just outside New York City, this program provides a refreshing alternative to traditional city based programs.

  • Accessibility: Easy access from New York City, making it ideal for domestic and international attendees
  • Scenic immersion: Rolling countryside, river views, and picturesque driving routes
  • Luxury environment: Private estates and high-end accommodations create an exclusive atmosphere
  • Structured experiences: Guided driving routes combined with curated dining and relaxation

Over the course of a four-day program, participants travel through some of the most scenic roads in the region, enjoying a rotating fleet of high-performance vehicles while experiencing the cultural and culinary richness of Upstate New York.

For corporate planners, this type of program offers the perfect balance between proximity to a major business hub and escape into a high-impact experiential environment.

Seamless Execution for Corporate Planners

One of the defining strengths of HunterMoss is its concierge-level service model. Every journey is meticulously planned and executed, with the team handling:

  • Route planning and logistics
  • Vehicle coordination and support
  • Accommodation and dining reservations
  • Luggage transfers and on-the-ground operations

This level of detail ensures that corporate planners can focus on strategic outcomes – whether that’s team engagement, client relationship building, or brand storytelling – while HunterMoss manages the operations.

What sets HunterMoss apart in the MICE landscape is its focus on storytelling. Each program is designed as a journey. From the thrill of driving a supercar to intimate dining experiences and cultural immersion, every touchpoint is curated.In a world where experiences are increasingly valued over material rewards, this approach positions HunterMoss as a powerful partner for forward-thinking corporate planners.

Experiences Across a Global Portfolio

While its US expansion includes New York and the East Coast, HunterMoss operates on a global scale. Additional destinations include France, Italy, Switzerland, UK, and Australia.

Signature experiences include:

  • European supercar tours through the Alps and the countryside
  • Exclusive Formula 1 hospitality packages
  • Private, tailor-made luxury journeys
  • Track driving experiences and motorsport events

This global footprint allows corporate planners to design multi-destination incentive programs or rotate destinations year over year.

Partnering with HunterMoss for MICE events

HunterMoss represents a broader shift within the MICE industry and diverts away from standardized programs. For corporate planners, HunterMoss offers differentiation in a crowded market. Fully customizable programs are tailored to businesses and offer impactful, memorable experiences that drive engagement and loyalty.

As companies continue to invest in employee motivation, client retention, and brand experience, partners like HunterMoss are becoming increasingly relevant. With its unique blend of luxury travel, high-performance driving, and immersive storytelling, HunterMoss offers a fresh and compelling approach to MICE programs in New York and beyond.

‘More than a drive – it’s an escape worth savoring’

Get in touch with the HunterMoss Team

HunterMoss

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

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Lieux Atypiques: One-Stop-Shop for Renting Unusual Event Spaces in Paris

Lieux Atypiques: One-Stop-Shop for Renting Unusual Event Spaces in Paris

Working with venues in Paris always comes with a certain level of expectation, but the spaces curated by Lieux Atypiques feel like they were designed specifically for event professionals who want to surprise their attendees. You can practically feel the shift in energy that these environments create. They’re the kind of places where you instantly start imagining attendee flow, staging opportunities and how the room will look the moment your group walks in.

(Media: https://www.lieuxatypiques.com/)

One of the striking things about their collection is how naturally each space encourages engagement. North American audiences appreciate environments that feel authentic and visually compelling, and these venues deliver that effortlessly. There are lofts with huge windows that flood the room with natural light, creating the perfect setting for product reveals, leadership sessions or high-touch networking moments. The creative texture of the spaces does half the work, giving planners a strong base before adding any production.

The selection of venues

Some of the more historic venues have an elevated character that reads beautifully for incentive programs and VIP experiences. The architecture, detailing and ambience give events a sense of significance without going over the top. These are the kinds of rooms that encourage people to take photos, share moments and remember exactly where they were when they heard a big announcement or connected with a key partner.

Then there are rooftop spaces that easily compete with the best skyline venues in New York or Toronto. They offer that same sophisticated, big-city feel but with Paris as the backdrop, which changes the tone of the entire event. It’s the type of setting where conversations stretch longer, teams feel inspired and clients are more open to new ideas. It has a built-in wow factor that elevates even casual receptions.

Paris for MICE events

What makes Lieux Atypiques particularly attractive for MICE planners is the versatility built into their portfolio. These aren’t one-format venues. They work for workshops, board meetings, incentives, creative labs, sales events, media previews and everything in between. The mix of industrial, artistic, modern and heritage-style spaces helps planners choose a venue that actually enhances the event narrative rather than simply hosting it. For North American brands looking to make a splash in Europe, that differentiation is invaluable.

The team behind the portfolio understands the expectations of international planners. They anticipate logistical questions and know what matters most when you’re organizing an experience from another continent. That familiarity with event flow, operations and supplier coordination makes the planning process feel smoother and far more grounded. It also makes it easier to dream bigger, because you know the fundamentals are in good hands.

Their off-market and exclusive venues add another layer of appeal. Anyone who has handled executive clients, high-value sponsors or top incentive achievers knows how powerful it is to offer a setting that feels rare. These spaces provide that sense of discovery that North American attendees love, the kind of experience that creates long-term memory value.

Corporate event planning in Paris

Altogether, Lieux Atypiques offers something incredibly useful to MICE professionals: Paris venues that feel fresh, inspired and ready to work as an actual part of the event strategy. They help elevate simple meetings into meaningful experiences and transform receptions into nights people talk about long after they fly home.

Contact details

For inquiries or venue requests, you can reach the team at contact@lieuxatypiques.com. For exclusive or private locations, contact them at exclu@lieuxatypiques.com. Their office is located at 3 Rue d’Uzès, 75002 Paris, France.

Contact Details

For more information or to begin planning a corporate event at Renowned Events, contact the venue at 61 W. Utah Ave STE 141, Las Vegas, NV 89102, call (702) 577-6172, or visit renownedevents.com. The venue team can help with availability, rental options, and specific requirements for your corporate event.

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

Contact us at hello@smithsfields.com

The above information is for general guidance.

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Nenowned Events: Las Vegas Arts District

Nenowned Events: Las Vegas Arts District

Las Vegas is one of the most dynamic meeting, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destinations in the world. Its global reputation for large-scale conventions and trade shows is supported by an extensive hospitality ecosystem that includes major convention centers, world-class hotels, entertainment, and dining options. The city’s ability to host events of all sizes makes it a natural choice for corporate planners and MICE professionals looking to blend business objectives with guest experiences. Its infrastructure and accessibility attract planners from across the United States and internationally, providing reliable logistics, plentiful accommodations, and built-in entertainment that extend business meetings into memorable experiences.

When corporate groups choose Las Vegas for conferences, product launches, leadership summits, networking events, or incentive programs, they benefit from a destination that supports large crowd flows and complex logistical requirements. Convention facilities throughout the city include world-class exhibit halls, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and technological infrastructure capable of handling advanced AV, internet connectivity, and hybrid event needs. The city’s reputation for excellence in service and event execution reinforces its standing as a top MICE destination in North America.

The value of mid-sized spaces in a big city

Corporate events in Las Vegas often default to large ballrooms or massive convention halls. Those spaces work well for major international trade shows or conferences with several thousand attendees, but they are not always the best fit for smaller corporate gatherings, internal meetings, executive summits, networking receptions, or creative offsite sessions. MICE planners increasingly seek venues that offer flexibility without sacrificing accessibility or modern infrastructure. A mid-sized, adaptable space can support more intimate experiences while still being close to the city’s broader amenities.

Mid-sized venues allow teams to focus on strategy, collaboration, and audience engagement in environments that feel intentional rather than overwhelming. These spaces support professional programming without the scale of large exhibit halls or convention floor settings. They also offer a sense of exclusivity that can be difficult to achieve in vast event halls. Las Vegas, with its variety of venue sizes and types, makes it possible to choose the right physical context for the objectives of the event.

Introducing Renowned Events:  the newest event venue in the Las Vegas Arts District

Renowned Events is a modern event space located in the Las Vegas Arts District, positioned between the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown. This location offers planners and attendees both the convenience of proximity to major attractions and a setting that feels distinct from traditional casino hotel conference environments. The venue can be an effective choice for corporate meetings, networking receptions, team celebrations, product showcases, private lectures, award ceremonies, client appreciation events, and other professional gatherings.

The space is designed with versatility and adaptability in mind. Its modern industrial aesthetic provides a neutral canvas that can be customized to reflect a company’s brand identity, event theme, or corporate personality. The open interior allows planners to define the layout and flow of programming exactly as needed, whether that includes banquet seating, theater style arrangements, cocktail networking formats, or breakout areas for small group discussions. The venue can seat up to 128 guests or accommodate standing receptions for up to 162 attendees, depending on the setup.

Venue features

For corporate events, reliability and ease of planning are essential. Renowned Events offers several features that align with MICE needs:

Audio-Visual Infrastructure: The venue comes with built-in audio and visual equipment suitable for presentations, speeches, and multimedia programming. Projectors, screens, sound systems, and wireless microphones facilitate professional delivery of content without requiring extensive third-party equipment rentals.

Flexible Rental Options: Planners can choose from various rental durations, including full-day, standard, or shorter event windows. This flexibility supports different types of corporate event agendas and allows enough time for setup, execution, and breakdown. Full-day access is particularly useful when events include multiple sessions, breaks, and networking periods.

Vendor Freedom and Support: The venue’s open vendor policy allows planners to bring in preferred caterers, decorators, and production teams. This means corporate teams are not restricted to a limited list and can work with trusted partners to shape events precisely. At the same time, the on-site team is available to provide logistical guidance and recommendations.

Practical Amenities: Keyless entry, high-speed WiFi, ADA-compliant restrooms, blackout blinds, and climate control help to ensure that programs proceed smoothly and attendee comfort is maintained throughout the event. An outdoor patio with lighting also provides space for informal networking or coffee breaks in a more relaxed setting.

Location for MICE events

The Las Vegas Arts District location strikes a balance between city energy and local culture. It is near restaurants, bars, and coffee shops within walking distance, giving corporate groups convenient options for pre-event meetups, client dinners, or evening social time without extensive transportation planning.

Proximity to major highways and ease of access from hotel clusters across the city simplify transportation logistics for out-of-town attendees. Being close to the Strip and Downtown means that event participants can plan ancillary activities or experiences as part of their trip without having to travel far. Attendees benefit from the broader Las Vegas hospitality infrastructure while still being rooted in a venue setting designed for focused, professional events.

Corporate events at Renowned Events

Renowned Events works well for a range of corporate event types. Networking receptions and mixers leverage the open space layout to promote interaction. Product showcases and demonstration sessions can use adaptable floor space and integrated AV to present content clearly and professionally. Executive retreats or leadership summits benefit from the venue’s ability to support focused discussion without overwhelming guests with oversized surroundings. Team celebrations and award evenings can use the venue’s flexible design and access to nearby hospitality options to extend the corporate agenda into social experiences.

In addition to hosting events at the venue itself, planners can take advantage of additional services through the associated event team, including professional audio, video staging, and lighting support. These expanded offerings allow planners to execute events with consistent quality across production elements, which is often a priority for brand consistency in corporate programming.

Las Vegas entertainment and hospitality

One of the advantages of hosting corporate events in Las Vegas is the abundance of built-in entertainment and hospitality options. Planners can design event programs that combine professional sessions at a venue like Renowned Events with broader incentive experiences such as casino interactions, fine dining, shows, or team building activities. Las Vegas supports MICE events that are both productive and memorable, making it easier for corporate clients to maximize the value of travel and engagement time.

Planners who choose Renowned Events do so because it simplifies many of the elements that make corporate events successful: adaptability, technology readiness, venue access control, and a strategic location. By combining a thoughtfully designed event space with access to local hospitality and entertainment, Renowned Events supports the diverse objectives of MICE planners without unnecessary complexity.

Contact Details

For more information or to begin planning a corporate event at Renowned Events, contact the venue at 61 W. Utah Ave STE 141, Las Vegas, NV 89102, call (702) 577-6172, or visit renownedevents.com. The venue team can help with availability, rental options, and specific requirements for your corporate event.

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

Contact us at hello@smithsfields.com

The above information is for general guidance.

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Las Vegas for Incentive Travel & Corporate Events 2026

Las Vegas Continues to Lead the MICE World

There are very few cities that reinvent themselves as effectively as Las Vegas. Known today as one of the world’s most influential MICE destinations, the city actually started as a modest railroad stop in the early 1900s. Its transformation accelerated in the 1930s when the construction of the Hoover Dam brought workers, infrastructure, and the beginnings of hospitality development. By the mid-20th century, Las Vegas emerged as an entertainment capital, and soon after, the convention boom followed.

Fast forward to today and the city hosts some of the world’s largest conferences and trade shows. The combination of hotel inventory, event infrastructure, accessibility, and entertainment makes it an ideal place for corporate gatherings, incentive travel, and team building. For planners designing high-impact, memorable experiences, there is no shortage of options.

Incentive Travel Ideas in Las Vegas

Las Vegas excels at team building because it blends strong logistical infrastructure with a sense of energy and possibility. The city packs diversity into a compact geographic area. Teams can move from a strategy meeting to an adrenaline-filled activity in minutes, which makes scheduling easier and keeps participants engaged. The dining scene is extensive, transportation is efficient, and group-friendly venues are everywhere.

Another strength lies in the adaptability of the city’s experiences. Whether a group prefers active, creative, strategic, or indulgent team building, Las Vegas delivers options that can be tailored to the company’s culture and objectives. Many activities are designed specifically with corporate groups in mind, making planning smoother and more predictable.

Below are some of the most effective team building activities in the city and why they work so well for corporate groups.

Indoor skydiving

Teams looking for something energizing respond well to indoor skydiving at facilities like Vegas Indoor Skydiving. The experience simulates freefall without requiring anyone to jump from an actual aircraft. Because everyone participates at the same level, it becomes a shared challenge that sparks camaraderie. Groups often leave with a sense of collective achievement, which helps break down departmental silos and stiff conference energy.

High-speed track time

The racing experience at tracks such as Las Vegas Motor Speedway gives teams the chance to drive exotic cars or compete in timed laps. The format encourages light competition, strategic thinking, and adrenaline-boosted focus. Groups often split into teams to compare results, analyze performance, or simply cheer each other on. The activity works well for companies in fast-paced industries or teams looking to energize leadership retreats.

Escape rooms

Escape room experiences in Las Vegas are more elaborate than in most cities. Many venues operate themed, cinematic-style rooms that require communication, logic, and delegation. These experiences reveal team dynamics quickly. Who leads naturally, who analyzes under pressure, who keeps calm, and who supports from the background. It becomes a safe but insightful environment where teams learn to work together in a new context. For planners wanting a structured, problem-solving-focused activity, this is consistently effective.

Culinary team building

Cooking challenges and collaborative kitchen experiences are increasingly popular in the corporate space. Las Vegas offers group kitchens, private chef experiences, and food-focused workshops where teams learn techniques, prepare dishes, and share meals together. This format encourages creativity and communication in a relaxed environment. It works particularly well for cross-functional teams or end-of-conference bonding sessions where the goal is to decompress while still connecting meaningfully.

Behind-the-scenes entertainment workshops

One of Las Vegas’s unique strengths is its entertainment industry. Teams can access exclusive workshops where performers or production professionals teach elements of stage performance, choreography, or illusion. These sessions highlight creativity and trust. Participants often step outside their comfort zone, which can be transformative from a team development standpoint. Companies frequently choose this option for groups who benefit from confidence building or creative exploration.

Outdoor adventures beyond the strip

While Las Vegas is known for lights and entertainment, nearby landscapes expand the possibilities for team building. Hiking or guided group tours in areas like the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area or kayaking on the Colorado River provide a refreshing contrast to indoor meetings and conference rooms. Outdoor activities create natural bonding through shared physical challenges and scenic environments. They are well suited for wellness-focused corporate programs or leadership groups looking to reflect and connect away from urban distractions.

Team challenges on the strip

The Strip itself offers opportunities for creative scavenger hunts, photo challenges, and problem-solving quests. These activities use iconic landmarks, themed resorts, and public art to create an engaging urban experience. Teams navigate together, solve clues, and interact with the city in a structured but entertaining way. Because the Strip is dense with visual interest, the pacing stays lively and keeps teams energized.

Why the city continues to dominate for MICE Professionals

From a planning standpoint, Las Vegas simplifies logistics. The hotel room capacity ensures space for large corporate groups. Transportation is abundant. Restaurant availability accommodates every group size. The city’s event ecosystem is built around efficiency. With major convention centers, entertainment venues, and flexible mid-scale meeting spaces, planners can shape programs to match any agenda.

The history of Las Vegas also contributes to its current strengths. The hospitality industry has always been at the center of the city’s identity. Decades of experience supporting large groups means service excellence is embedded in operations. Staff across hotels, venues, and attractions are accustomed to corporate timelines, group needs, and fast-changing schedules. The result is predictable quality, which is essential for MICE events.

MICE events and engagement

Las Vegas works because people arrive ready to engage. The environment encourages curiosity, enthusiasm, and openness to new experiences. These qualities are valuable in team building, where willingness to participate often determines success. When people are stimulated and mentally refreshed, they connect more easily, collaborate more effectively, and contribute more meaningfully to program outcomes.

The diversity of activities means team building is not one dimensional. Companies can tailor experiences based on goals. Whether the priority is problem solving, communication, creativity, wellness, or pure morale building, Las Vegas provides options that align with strategic intent.

Las Vegas remains unmatched in its ability to host team building and MICE events. Its history as an entertainment capital, combined with decades of convention development, has built a city uniquely suited for corporate gatherings. Team building activities here are not only varied but also designed to strengthen teamwork in memorable and effective ways. For planners seeking a destination that supports logistics, engagement, and lasting team impact, Las Vegas continues to stand out as one of the most reliable choices in the world.

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

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The above information is for general guidance.

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Industry City: Brooklyn’s Creative Powerhouse

Industry City: Brooklyn’s Creative Powerhouse

Set across a sprawling waterfront campus in Sunset Park, this former industrial complex has been reimagined into one of New York’s most dynamic hubs for creativity, business, and events.

For planners navigating the demands of modern MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Industry City represents something increasingly valuable: scale without sterility, flexibility without compromise, and experiences that feel genuinely immersive.

Industry City for MICE events

Unlike traditional venues confined to a ballroom or single building, Industry City is a 35-acre campus spanning multiple warehouses and courtyards.

Originally built in the early 20th century as a shipping and manufacturing hub, the complex has been transformed into a multi-use destination housing offices, creative studios, retail, dining, and event spaces.

The sheer scale of this venue is what sets it apart.

Instead of designing an event within four walls, planners can build experiences across:

  • multiple buildings
  • open-air courtyards
  • private streets
  • industrial loft-style interiors

Industry City’s portfolio of event spaces

Industry City offers a wide range of event environments, from polished indoor venues to raw industrial spaces and outdoor settings.

Key spaces include:

  • The Factory Floor-style halls
  • The Box Factory
  • Camp David (a conference and coworking hub)
  • The Gallery
  • Open courtyards and seasonal activations like ice rinks and band shells

With individual spaces reaching up to 20,000 square feet, the campus can accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions.

Industry City can support multiple event formats simultaneously, allowing for plenary sessions, breakouts, and networking zones. The spaces are adaptable for exhibitions, product showcases, and experiential builds

For conferences in particular, the ability to spread across zones creates a far more engaging attendee journey than traditional setups.

Experience-led events

The global MICE industry is shifting toward immersive, experience-driven formats, with a focus on engagement, flexibility, and ROI.

Industry City aligns perfectly with this shift.

Rather than imposing a rigid structure, the venue encourages planners to create the following:

  • branded environments
  • interactive installations
  • multi-sensory experiences
  • fluid networking moments

Its industrial aesthetic, exposed brick, high ceilings, and raw materials, acts as a blank canvas for storytelling. This makes the venue feel like ‘corporate’ and more of a creative environment.

A ready-made ecosystem of food, culture, and creativity

One of Industry City’s most compelling advantages is that it’s not just an event venue – it’s a living ecosystem.

The campus is home to:

  • over 650 businesses across creative, tech, and manufacturing industries
  • artisan workshops and maker spaces
  • a growing food and beverage scene, including large-scale culinary operations
  • retail, galleries, and cultural programming

This is a powerful space for MICE events as they offer built-in experiences without needing external vendors. What’s available is authentic local engagement for international attendees and creative opportunities for team-building, tours, and workshops.

For incentive programs or offsites, this creates a sense of discovery. Guests can explore, interact, and engage beyond the core agenda.

Indoor–outdoor flexibility

Outdoor space is one of the most sought-after features in post-2020 event design – and Industry City delivers it in abundance.

Its courtyards and open-air zones allow for large receptions and networking events; food festivals and market-style activations; as well as wellness sessions and team-building activities.

Outdoor space is priceless for NYC MICE events, providing enhanced attendee wellbeing and comfort; a relaxed, informal environment; and being able to support hybrid indoor-outdoor programming.

Few venues in New York offer this level of outdoor integration at scale.

Ideal for multi-day incentive events

Industry City truly excels when used for complex, multi-layered programs, including:

1. Conferences & Summits

2. Trade Shows & Exhibitions

3. Incentive Programs

4. Brand Activations & Product Launches

5. Company Offsites & Festivals

Planners can create campus-wide takeovers, transforming the entire space into a branded environment.

Close to Manhattan

Located in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park, Industry City offers:

  • easy subway access to Manhattan
  • proximity to major transport links
  • a waterfront setting with skyline views

But more importantly, it offers something Manhattan often cannot: space and freedom.

The location of this venue means there’s fewer restrictions on production and design, more competitive pricing per square foot, and the ability to scale events without compromise.

For planners trying to work events outside of the limitations of traditional venues, this is a game-changer.

Modern work culture

Today’s companies are more diverse, creative, and experience-focused than ever before.

Industry City is home to startups, global brands, makers, and innovators, all operating within a single campus.

This creates an environment that feels collaborative, forward-thinking, and culturally relevant.

Industry City for MICE events

Like any large, flexible venue, Industry City comes with considerations. What’s important is:

  • It’s a “blank canvas”: requiring production, design, and coordination
  • Navigation: the size of the campus means clear wayfinding is essential
  • Logistics: multi-space events require strong planning and staffing

However, for experienced planners or agencies, these are opportunities and not limitations.

For MICE planners looking to move beyond the conventional, Industry City represents the future – because in 2026, the most successful events don’t just happen in a space.

They take over it.

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

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The above information is for general guidance.

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Incentive Programs Nashville: Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tours

Incentive travel programs and corporate events in Nashville

For corporate planners looking to create memorable, experience-driven itineraries in Nashville, a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery offers something far more impactful than a standard meeting or dinner. Located about 90 minutes from downtown Nashville, this iconic destination transforms a typical corporate agenda into a fully immersive incentive experience rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

For MICE groups, the appeal lies not just in the whiskey itself, but in the range of curated tours, hands-on experiences, and authentic Southern hospitality that make the distillery one of the most compelling off-site excursions in Tennessee.

A seamless corporate day trip from Nashville

One of the biggest advantages of incorporating Jack Daniel’s into a corporate itinerary is how easy it is to access. The distillery sits roughly 75–90 miles from Nashville, making it an ideal half-day or full-day excursion . Many corporate groups opt for organized transportation, including private coaches or guided tours departing directly from downtown hotels.

This logistical simplicity is key for planners. It allows groups to step outside the city without the complexity of long-distance travel, while still delivering a completely different environment. The journey itself, through the rolling hills of Tennessee, helps set the tone for a more relaxed and immersive experience.

A range of distillery tours for different group styles

What makes the experience especially valuable for corporate events is the variety of tour options available. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the distillery offers multiple guided experiences that can be tailored to different group sizes, timeframes, and levels of interest.

Some tours focus on a broad overview of the distillery, while others dive deeper into specific aspects of whiskey production. Guests can explore working barrelhouses, see the charcoal mellowing process, and walk through the historic buildings where the brand was founded . This layered approach allows planners to match the experience to their audience, whether they are casual visitors or serious whiskey enthusiasts.

There are also shorter tours for tighter schedules and more in-depth options that include premium tastings. This flexibility is particularly useful for incentive groups, where personalization and choice are increasingly important.

Behind the scenes

One of the most engaging aspects of the distillery tour is the opportunity to see the full whiskey-making process up close. Visitors are guided through each stage, from the use of iron-free spring water sourced from Cave Spring Hollow to the fermentation, distillation, and aging processes that define the brand .

Stops along the tour often include the rickyard, where sugar maple wood is burned to create the charcoal used in the signature mellowing process, as well as massive barrelhouses holding thousands of aging barrels . These visual, tangible elements bring the story of Jack Daniel’s to life in a way that resonates strongly with corporate groups.

For teams, this kind of behind-the-scenes access creates a shared learning experience. It sparks curiosity, encourages questions, and provides a natural foundation for conversation and connection.

Whiskey tastings for corporate groups

No visit would be complete without a tasting, and this is where the experience truly becomes memorable for corporate attendees. Many tours include guided tastings of multiple expressions, allowing guests to explore the nuances of Tennessee whiskey in a structured yet relaxed setting .

These tastings are more than just sampling sessions. They are interactive, educational moments led by knowledgeable guides who explain flavor profiles, production methods, and the history behind each expression. For corporate groups, this adds a layer of sophistication and engagement that elevates the overall experience.

Tastings also serve as a natural social catalyst. They encourage interaction, discussion, and shared discovery, making them ideal for networking, team building, and client entertainment.

Interactive corporate events

Modern MICE events increasingly prioritize experiences over passive activities, and the Jack Daniel’s Distillery delivers on this front. Beyond the standard tours, groups can participate in more interactive elements such as premium tastings, Q&A sessions, and curated experiences that dive deeper into the craft.

Some tours even include opportunities to engage with distillery experts or explore unique areas not typically accessible to the public. This level of immersion transforms the visit from a simple tour into a meaningful, hands-on experience.

Exploring Lynchburg beyond the distillery

Another advantage for corporate groups is that the experience extends beyond the distillery itself. The small town of Lynchburg offers a charming, slower-paced environment that contrasts beautifully with the energy of Nashville.

Groups often have free time to explore the town square, visit local shops, and enjoy Southern dining.

Perfect for team building and corporate incentives

From a corporate perspective, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery offers several key benefits that align with modern MICE objectives.

It encourages team bonding through shared experiences. Walking through the distillery, participating in tastings, and exploring Lynchburg together creates natural opportunities for connection.

It delivers a strong sense of place. Incorporating a globally recognized Tennessee brand into the itinerary reinforces the destination and makes the event feel more authentic.

It offers built-in storytelling. The history of Jack Daniel’s, combined with the visual impact of the distillery, creates a narrative that attendees remember long after the event ends.

Corporate incentives in Nashville

For many corporate groups, a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery becomes the highlight of their Nashville experience. It combines education, entertainment, and cultural immersion in a way that few activities can match.

For MICE planners in Nashville, it offers a powerful way to elevate an itinerary without adding unnecessary complexity. It is easy to organize, universally appealing, and rich in content that resonates with diverse audiences.

More importantly, it delivers what every great corporate event aims for: a shared experience that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting impression.

Travel information

  • Direct flights from NYC – 3.5hrs
  • GMT -1hr
  • Best in Spring and Fall

DMCs

https://www.visitmusiccity.com/

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

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The above information is for general guidance.

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Barsky Gallery: Hoboken Corporate Event Venue

Barsky Gallery: Hoboken’s Most Compelling MICE Venue

In a region dominated by large-scale hotels, traditional conference centers, and restaurant private dining rooms, finding a venue that feels both distinctive and operationally seamless can be a challenge. Just across the Hudson River from New York City, Barsky Gallery offers a refreshing alternative to modern event venues. An art-driven, fully private event space that aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

Blending creative energy with practical functionality, this Hoboken venue delivers an experience that goes beyond the expected. For planners seeking something more memorable than a hotel ballroom, it represents a compelling, design-led solution for intimate corporate gatherings and high-impact events.

Corporate events at Barsky Gallery

At its core, Barsky Gallery is a create MICE events space within a contemporary art gallery. Events take place surrounded by original artwork, creating an environment that is inherently engaging and visually stimulating.

For MICE planners looking for a unique space for meetings close to the city, this venue offers everything you need. In a world where attendee engagement is critical – environment matters. Hosting a strategy session, client reception, or leadership off-site in an art-filled space naturally encourages conversation, creativity, and fresh thinking. It transforms what could be a routine meeting into an immersive experience.

This is particularly valuable for:

  • Leadership retreats
  • Creative workshops
  • Client entertainment events
  • Brand activations

The gallery setting provides an immediate sense of occasion without the need for heavy theming or décor.

Fully privatized event venue

One of the standout features of Barsky Gallery is its fully private model. Unlike restaurants or hotels where events often share space with other guests, every booking includes exclusive use of the venue.

For corporate groups, this level of privacy is invaluable. It allows for:

  • Confidential MICE events
  • Focused presentations
  • Seamless branding opportunities
  • A more controlled and curated guest experience

In the MICE world, where discretion, branding, and guest experience are paramount, this is a major differentiator.

Flexibility for MICE planners

Flexibility is one of the most important trends shaping MICE events today, and this venue excels in that regard.

Unlike many venues that impose packages or minimum spends, Barsky Gallery offers:

  • A BYOB policy
  • An open-vendor approach
  • No food and beverage minimums

This gives planners complete control over catering style (from high-end plated dinners to casual networking bites), as well as MICE budget allocation and supplier selection.

For MICE professionals managing tight budgets or highly specific brand requirements, this level of autonomy is incredibly valuable. It allows for tailored, bespoke experiences rather than one-size-fits-all packages.

Designed for seamless execution

Operational ease is another reason this venue works so well for MICE events. The space is designed to simplify planning and execution, with many essentials already included.

Key features include:

  • In-house furniture including tables, chairs, and linens
  • Built-in AV, including projector and sound system
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • White-glove setup and cleanup support

This “all-in-one” approach reduces the need for external rentals and minimizes logistical complexity.

Additionally, an on-site event assistant and gallery manager are present to ensure smooth delivery and enhance the guest experience.

Ideal for intimate and high-impact events

With a capacity of approximately 70 guests for cocktail-style events and 40 for seated dinners, Barsky Gallery is best suited for smaller, more curated gatherings.

This aligns perfectly with a growing trend in the MICE industry: the shift toward intimate, high-value experiences.

Rather than large-scale conferences, this venue offers the perfect space for:

  • Executive roundtables
  • VIP client events
  • Team off-sites
  • Micro-incentive experiences

In this context, the venue’s size becomes a strength. It enables deeper connections, better engagement, and a more premium feel.

Location and accessibility

Situated in Hoboken, New Jersey, the venue benefits from close proximity to Manhattan.

Barsky Gallery is just minutes from the Holland Tunnel and easily accessible via PATH and NJ Transit. It’s walkable from public transport or just a quick taxi ride from NYC.

For MICE planners, this means:

  • Easier guest logistics
  • Reduced travel friction
  • Access to NYC talent and suppliers

It offers the best of both worlds: proximity to a global business hub, combined with a more relaxed and manageable setting.

On-site parking

A high valuable element of Barsky Gallery is the on-site parking. Less common with NYC venues and dense urban environments, this can often be a challenging factor to acquire.

Barsky Gallery stands out by offering guaranteed on-site parking for MICE event guests.

For corporate events, this is a significant advantage:

  • Improves attendee experience
  • Reduces late arrivals
  • Simplifies logistics for VIP guests

It’s a small detail that can make a big difference, especially for executive-level events.

Inspiring environment

Beyond logistics and features, what truly sets this venue apart is the atmosphere it creates. The presence of art, the intimate scale, and the fully private environment combine to foster genuine connection.

Whether it’s a leadership team aligning on strategy, client relationship building or celebrating/awarding sales teams – this space encourages interaction in a way that more conventional venues often cannot.

Even for fundraising or purpose-driven events, the gallery setting can enhance storytelling and emotional engagement, helping to create more impactful experiences.

As the MICE industry continues to evolve, there is a clear shift toward experiences that are more personalized, flexible and memorable.

Barsky Gallery embodies all of these trends.

Key features:

  • A distinctive, art-driven setting
  • Full privacy for corporate use
  • Flexible planning with no rigid constraints
  • Built-in infrastructure for seamless delivery
  • A strategic location near NYC

For planners seeking a venue that balances creativity with practicality, it represents a standout option in the Hoboken and greater New York market.

In a crowded events landscape, this is the kind of space that doesn’t just host events—it elevates them.

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

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The above information is for general guidance.

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The Foundry: A 19th Century Industrial MICE Event Venue

The Foundry: A 19th Century Industrial MICE Event Venue

In a city of glass towers, hotel ballrooms, and rooftop bars, finding a venue that genuinely feels different is no easy task. That’s exactly why The Foundry in Long Island City continues to stand out.

Originally a 19th-century metalworks building, this restored industrial space has been hosting events since the early 2000s, yet it still feels fresh, distinctive, and highly relevant for today’s corporate landscape. For planners looking to create something memorable and not just functional, The Foundry offers a rare combination of character, flexibility, and creative freedom.

A venue with substance

There’s a growing demand in the MICE and corporate events world for venues that feel authentic. Attendees don’t just want polished, they want personality. The Foundry delivers that in abundance.

This is a space with history: once a working foundry serving New York’s industrial waterfront, later abandoned, and eventually restored into a striking event venue that retains its raw architectural DNA. Exposed brick, steel beams, and lofty proportions create an environment that feels both cinematic and grounded – a powerful contrast to more conventional venues.

The Foundry creates immediate visual impact for guests, elevating brand storytelling and event design, offing the “New York” aesthetic that feels authentic, not manufactured.

In an era where events are judged as much by how they look on camera as how they feel in person, this kind of backdrop is priceless.

A multi-space venue with creative flow

One of The Foundry’s biggest strengths is it being a layered layout. Rather than a single room, it offers multiple interconnected spaces, each with its own identity.

The Foundry key areas include the following:

  • a main industrial hall

  • a lush outdoor courtyard

  • an ivy-covered greenhouse

  • a rooftop terrace with skyline views

  • smaller breakout rooms like the Albra Room and Billiards Room

Capacity overview:

  • up to 180 pax standing

  • 125 for seated indoor dinners

  • up to 165 in the courtyard for larger setups

This variety allows planners to design events with natural movement and progression – which is increasingly important in modern corporate formats. The venue offers seamless transitions between sessions, networking, and dining provide events, with the ability to “zone” experiences (e.g. talks, cocktails, activations).

Indoor and outdoor versatility

Outdoor space in New York is a premium, and The Foundry offers it in a way few venues can.

The courtyard, greenhouse, and terrace provide multiple ways to integrate fresh air, greenery, and skyline views into an event experience.

Why this matters in 2026:

  • attendees increasingly value open-air environments

  • hybrid indoor-outdoor formats feel more relaxed and engaging

  • wellness and biophilic design are now key event trends

The courtyard alone can host large dinners or receptions, while the greenhouse adds a softer, almost botanical feel that contrasts beautifully with the industrial interior.

For corporate planners, this creates design depth, so you can shift tone throughout the event without ever leaving the venue.

A blank canvas venue

Unlike many hotels or traditional venues, The Foundry operates as a raw space, meaning planners have significant control over how the event comes together. A blank canvas space is such a wonderful element to acquire when you’re looking to fully take over creative vision.

MICE planners are able to take full control of external suppliers, furniture hire, styling, and experience.

This means that no two events at The Foundry are the same. You’re able to offer full brand identity with the opportunity to create high-impact, one-of-a-kind MICE events.

For product launches, brand activations, or creative industry events, this level of flexibility is a major advantage.

That said, it also requires more planning – making it best suited for teams or agencies that want to build something truly bespoke.

Location close to Manhattan

Situated in Long Island City, The Foundry offers a strategic location just across the East River.

Under 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan by train or car and very easily accessible from Brooklyn and Queens – it’s well connected on public transport.

The Foundry holds fewer constraints that come with many Manhattan venues, specifically:

  • tighter space limitations

  • higher costs for comparable square footage

  • less flexibility in layout and suppliers

The backdrop

At The Foundry, you get the Manhattan skyline backdrop without the Manhattan limitations.

The rooftop terrace, in particular, delivers panoramic views that instantly elevate evening events.

Ideal for MICE events

The Foundry’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of corporate formats, particularly those that prioritize experience and design. Consider this space for:

1. Product Launches & Brand Activations

2. Executive Dinners & VIP Events

3. Creative Industry Events

4. Networking Events & Receptions

5. Offsites & Team Experiences

In 2026, corporate events are shifting toward:

  • experience-led design over formal structure

  • smaller, more curated guest lists

  • visually impactful environments

  • flexible, multi-use spaces

The Foundry naturally supports all of this.

In a city known for its iconic venues, The Foundry occupies a unique position.

What it offers instead is something far more valuable: character, flexibility, and the ability to create events that feel genuinely different.

Smithsfields brings you the latest global MICE news for event profs. We publish destination content, a global supplier directory, event inspiration and incentive travel insights.

Contact us at hello@smithsfields.com

The above information is for general guidance.

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