BUSINESS MEETINGS
& EVENTS PLANNING TIPS & RESOURCES
Learn the ins and outs of planning – and executing – effective business meetings and events in Montgomery.
2018 EXCLUSIVE GUIDE
ENTERTAINMENT / UNIQUE VENUES / CATERERS / HOTELS & MEETING SPACE
BUSINESS EVENT GUIDE
COME TOGETHER
If the idea of planning an event for your business has you stressed, read on for a list of tips and tools that will make it easier and ultimately, more successful.
THE BASICS
MAKE IT MEMORABLE
are a lot of things to consider. Answer these questions to
less than excited. But there are ways to make your event memorable.
get started.
• Don’t make it mandatory.
• What type of event are you after?
• Consider having a theme.
• What is the goal of the event?
• Talk it up around the office and give out plenty
When it comes to hosting an office party or meeting, there
When the words “office party” are mentioned, many employees are
• Will there be food?
of details so employees feel like they know
• How many people will attend?
what to expect. • Do a little research and find a day or evening
• What’s your budget? • Do your goals (and budget) call for renting an offsite venue or holding the event at your business?
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that isn’t packed with other events or functions that could conflict.
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BUSINESS EVENT GUIDE
CHOICES, CHOICES.
Different events call for different venues and vibes.
“END OF THE YEAR” AWARDS BANQUET
When it comes to recognizing your volunteers and employees for all their hard work, an award event is the first thing that comes to mind. These annual events encourage your staff to strive for excellence in areas you want to emphasize. You
TEAM-BUILDING PARTY
can pick an off-site location with a unique venue that
Think beyond the ropes
spurs memories like a farm
course, and consider
or historic venue. Make it
pure fun and games like a
an event that your team
bounce session at Rockin’
COMPANY LUNCHEON
CLIENT OR VOLUNTEER
Jump Trampoline Park or a
OR DINNER
APPRECIATION PARTY
really working together, try
Employees can interact with
Client or volunteer appreci-
Escapology or Breakout
one another over an activity
ation parties are a reward-
Games. This fast-paced fun
we all enjoy – eating. It’s a
ing way to say “thanks” to
pushes employees to pool
simple but appreciated way
your best clients for their
ideas and strategize to solve
to recognize employees
business or volunteers for
puzzles. This activity not
and give them a break from
their hard work. Whether it’s
only reinforces teamwork, it
the hectic atmosphere at
small and intimate or you’re
can make memories that will
the office. A tip for making
inviting a major crowd, many
positively impact working
the meal go smoother: Limit
area hotels have a wide
relationships.
the menu to three or four
range of meeting-space
entrées and coordinate this
options to choose from and
A FEW FAVES:
with your restaurant prior
lessen the stress of a party
ROCKIN’ JUMP
to arriving. Some restau-
by including on-site catering
TRAMPOLINE PARK
rants, like Central, will even
ANOTHER IDEA:
in their venue rental. These
print your special menu for
Consider making it a themed
events are also nice ways to
guests.
event that kicks off next
incorporate your employ-
year’s goals with party
ees’ families into business
favors that compliment the
festivities.
upcoming initiatives.
bowling outing. To get folks
montgomery.rockinjump.com ESCAPOLOGY
escapology.com BREAKOUT GAMES
breakoutgames.com
A LITTLE TREAT:
Organize a tailgate party at the office on the Friday
GET THE HOOK UP
before a big game (think Iron Bowl or Super Bowl)
Need a space that’s AV
to relieve stress and build
compatible? Check out our
common non-work interests
guide for meeting space that
(or rivalries!)
meets your tech needs too.
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
looks forward to each year. Many company banquets are formal, but they don’t have to be. You can easily put together a catered picnic. Casual events are more relaxed. And they give employees something to bring their families to as well. There is nothing wrong with the formal approach either. Presenting an award over a nice dinner gives extra meaning to the recognition.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BUSINESS EVENT GUIDE
Featuring Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Members
129 Coosa
334-517-1155
Alabama Activity Center
334-269-0222
Alabama State University
334-299-4100
Alabama Wildlife Federation AlleyBAR
800-822-9453
334-387-3333
Alley Station
130 Commerce Street 334-277-1077 www.alleystation.com
AUM Center for Lifelong Learning
334-244-3804
Auburn University at Montgomery 334-244-3000 Address Phone Capital City Club A201 Monroe Street, Suite 2100 Web Address 334-834-8920 www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/ Capital-City-Club-Montgomery
City of Montgomery - The Alley
334-625-2100
City of Montgomery - Riverwalk Amphitheater 334-625-2100
Commerce Center
Address Phone Dexter Avenue King MemorialWeb Address Legacy Center 334-239-9336 334-264-0829
Dream Field Farms
334-534-6976
F. Scott Fitzgerald Museum Hampstead
334-264- 4222
334-270- 6730
Hank Williams Museum 334-262-3600 The Mission House
461 South Court Street 334-356-3892 Facebook/Mission House.com
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Multiplex at Cramton Bowl Pete Peterson Lodge
334-240-4333
334-625-3480
334-271-7013
Railyard Tavern & Porter Room 12 West Jefferson Street 334-262-0080 www.tavernandporterroom.com
RSA Plaza Terrace Troy University
334-264-0829
334-241-9500
Union Station Train Shed The Warehouse Young House
334-277-1077
334-264-7480
334-261-1106
NUMBER OF GUESTS
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>2 0 21 -5 0 50 -10 0 10 0+
UNIQUE VENUES
UNIQUE VENUES
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Mandatory Catering
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AV Compatible
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Tables/ Chairs Included
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SPECIAL GUEST
Alley Station allows patrons to choose their own off-site caterer, so it’s easy to customize your event, whether it's a breakfast or a BBQ.
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
A GREAT VIEW
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The Capital City Club boasts one of the best views in downtown Montgomery. Enjoy a holiday party, business event or a host a rooftop lunch with colleagues. It’s just one of the great amenities of a CCC annual membership.
INSIDE HISTORY
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The F. Scott Fitzgerald Museum is full of the elegance and charm of the Gatsby era. Enjoy its beautiful outdoor space in the heart of historic Old Cloverdale.
R E S TAU R A N T S
BUSINESS EVENT GUIDE
WITH MEETING SPACE
RESTAURANTS
NUMBER OF GUESTS
Featuring Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Members
Blackfinn Ameripub
334-517-1760
Central
129 Coosa Street 334-517-1155 www.central129coosa.com
SPICE IT UP
City Grill
334-244-0960
Chappy’s Deli - Perry Hill
334-279-7477
Chappy’s Deli - Vaughn Road
334-279-1226
Chicken Salad Chick Vaughn Road 334-649-4828 Chick-fil-A - Downtown 334-293-4773
>2 0 21 -5 0 50 -10 0 10 0+
WITH MEETING SPACE
. .
Island Delights - Dexter Irish Bred Pub Jim N Nick’s La Jolla
SWEET RETREAT
334-593-0043
334-356-5641
334-834-7559
334-213-0046
334-356-2600
Magnolia’s Grill & Bar
334-288-3858
Newk’s Eatery 334-290-4955 Sinclair’s Taste
334-271-7654
334-676-4333
The Cork & Cleaver The Exchange
334-676-2260
334-481-5165
The House Restaurant at the Renaissance 334-481-5166
The Tipping Point
A round of cookie skillets at The Tipping Point or a sampling of desserts is a sweet reward for meeting goals or brainstorming together.
334-260-9110
Twin Peaks
6814 EastChase Parkway 334-513-1244 www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com
Vintage Year
334-819-7215
Yellowhammer Café
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334-239-7758
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12 West Jefferson Street 334-273-7427 www.dreamlandbbq.com
Ginza Japanese & Korean
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Rental Fee or Minimum Order
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Dreamland BBQ
Looking for laid-back fun? Dreamland BBQ in the office or served up in the Tavern or Porter House gives business gatherings a less-traditional vibe.
Outdoor Eating
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
. . . . . . . . . BONUS Twin Peaks offers a 20% discount to fellow Chamber members.
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
BEFORE CALLING THE MEETING, CALL EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON
*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age. © Hilton Worldwide.
TM indicates
Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery Hilton & Conference Center 300 Tallapoosa Street / Montgomery, AL 36104
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
TM
a trademark of Hilton Worldwide.
/ 334-269-5055 / 800-Embassy / Embassy.com
BUSINESS EVENT GUIDE NUMBER OF GUESTS WITH MEETING SPACE
Featuring Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Members
Comfort Inn & Suites Mitylene
334-532-4444
Comfort Suites Airport South
334-676-2576
Comfort Suites
334-387-2585
Country Inn & Suites
334-277-4142
Country Inn & Suites - Carmichael
334-270-3223
Courtyard by Marriott Montgomery 334-272-5533
Days Inn
334-356-3335
DoubleTree by Hilton
334-245-2320
Drury Inn & Suites Montgomery
334-273-1101
Embassy Suites Montgomery Hotel and Conference Center 300 Tallapoosa Street 334-269-5055 embassysuites3.hilton.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport
334-281-6882
Fairfield Inn & Suites EastChase
334-260-8650
Hampton Inn & Suites EastChase Hampton Inn Airport
334-277-1818
334-280-9592
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Hilton Gardens Inn
334-265-1010
334-272-2225
Hilton Garden Inn EastChase Holiday Inn Airport South
334-244-0101
334-288-3858
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites EastChase 334-271-5516 Home Inn & Suites
334-387-3016
Homewood Suites by Hilton Microtel Inn & Suites
334-272-3010
334-649-4465
Montgomery Inn & Suites Red Roof Inn
WITH MEETING SPACE
334-409-9999
334-269-9611
Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center 201 Tallapoosa Street 334-481-5000 www.marriott.com
Staybridge Suites by Marriot EastChase 334-277-9383 TownePlace Suites by Marriot EastChase 334-239-7110 Wind Creek Casino Montgomery Wingate by Wyndham
334-245-4684
866-946-3360
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>2 0 21 -5 0 50 -10 0 10 0+
HOTELS
H OT E L S
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W H Y A H OT E L? • ONE-STOP SHOP They have employees, caterers and contractors in place to service any need. • ONE SIZE FITS ALL Most hotels have the flexibility to handle groups and events of all sizes. • EASY ACCESS AND PARKING Sufficient parking (even valet) and accommodations for any special needs are taken care of by most facilities. • PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT Guests and team members are walking into a clean and well-equipped space prepped to be a productive environment. ANOTHER TIP: Guest rooms are the most profitable source of revenue for hotels. If you will also be reserving guest rooms, this may help lower meeting space costs.
D O W N TO B U S I N E S S Meeting spaces with computer labs or classroom space can make group learning easy. A FEW OPTIONS: Alabama State University Auburn University at Montgomery AUM Center for Lifelong Learning Troy University
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
GET TOGETHER Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center can host groups and activities of all sizes. Whether a convention hall or more structured meeting rooms are needed, spaces on-site at The House, the rooftop spa or the more casual Exchange Bar give you plenty of options.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BUSINESS EVENT GUIDE
ENTERTAINMENT
NUMBER OF GUESTS
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
334-271-5353
Arrowhead Country Club 50 Ocala Drive 334-272-7180 *13
>2 0 21 -5 0 50 -10 0 10 0+
& ACTIVITY VENUES Featuring Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Members
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
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Mandatory Catering
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AV Compatible
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Tables/ Chairs Included
WHY OFF-SITE?
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www.arrowheadcountryclub.net
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Breakout Games 6715 Taylor Court 334-203-7868
breakoutgames.com
Capri Theatre
334-262-4858
City of Montgomery- Gateway Park Lodge Address and Golf Course 334-284-7920 Phone City of Web MontgomeryAddress Harriott II 334-625-2100 Cloverdale Playhouse
334-262-1530
Cottonwood Golf Club
334-281-3344
Escapology Montgomery 130 Commerce Street 334-523-1947 escapology.com
Grandma’s Home House Retreat Ice Palace at Eastdale Mall Jasmine Hill Gardens
334-207-8028
334-277-2088
334-567-6463
Lagoon Park Golf Course
334-240-4050
Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
334-240-4900
Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Riverwalk Stadium 200 Coosa Street 334-323-2255 biscuitsbaseball.com
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 334-481-5100
ON A DEADLINE
• TEAM BUILDING Bring staff together with an off-site activity. • JUST FOR FUN A few laughs and time to enjoy each other’s company create good memories.
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• EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION Acknowledge hard work of staff or volunteers by treating them special.
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• AWARDS BANQUET Hitting a big goal or marking a milestone is a reason to celebrate together.
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Test your staff’s teamwork and discover unknown strengths during Breakout Games’ fun, timed escape activities.
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ANOTHER TIP: Even teaming up to plan an off-site event can create more inner-office camaraderie.
HIT IT OFF RIGHT
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PREP FOR SUCCESS Teams are more effective and collaborative when they "huddle." Communication, problem-solving and decision-making activities can bring bigger gains in the office.
PARTY HARD (NO, IT’S EASY!) Montgomery Biscuits Baseball has reserved areas in Riverwalk Stadium designed specifically for businesses and large group gatherings.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BUSINESS EVENT GUIDE
NUMBER OF GUESTS >2 0 21 -5 0 50 -10 0 10 0+
ENTERTAINMENT Featuring Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Members
Montgomery Zoo 2301 Coliseum Parkway 334-240-4900 montgomeryzoo.com
Old Alabama Town
334-240-4500
Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill
334-285-1114
Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park
334-239-2587
Rosa Parks Library & Museum
334-241-8615
Troy University’s Davis Theatre
334-241-9567
Address W.A. Gayle Planetarium 1010 Forest Avenue Phone 334-625-4799 Web Address www.troy.edu/planetarium
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery 1801 Eddie L. Tullis Road 334-567-1283 windcreekmontgomery.com
Wynlakes Country Club
334-279-0297
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Mandatory Catering
AV Compatible
Tables/ Chairs Included
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GO WILD! The Montgomery Zoo offers both meeting spaces and unique entertainment options including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.
B E S T T H E AT R E S Are bright lights and a big stage part of your event? Check out these local theatres for rental space or a great night in the audience. A FEW OPTIONS: Alabama Shakespeare Festival
asf.net
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
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Troy University Davis Theatre
troy.edu/davistheatre Montgomery Performing Arts Center
mpaconline.org
C AT E R I N G V E N D O R S
BUSINESS EVENT GUIDE
Featuring Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Members
A Catered Affair, Inc. 334-281-4747
EAT UP
important aspects of any type or size event. Your event goal should help you decide on the amount and kind of food to serve. Casual? Go with finger
foods and light appetizers. Elegant banquet? Pick
ASE Cakes & Catering dba Courthouse Café
Chick-fil-A Downtown
334-265-7181
334-293-4773
Baumhower’s Eastern Blvd
Chick-fil-A EastChase
334-271-1831
334-271-1095
Baumhower’s S. Union Street
Chick-fil-A Eastdale Mall
334-263-8800
334-272-1411
334-517-1760
someone like Jennie Weller Catering or Carron Marrow Events. A BIT OF ADVICE:
Chicken Salad Chick Vaughn Rd 334-649-4828
Buffalo Rock Pepsi 334-395-7171
Carron Morrow Events
Jim N Nick’s
334-262-8463
334-213-0046
Full Moon Bar-B-Que
King’s Table Catering
334-676-5999
334-270-0200
Georgia Roussos Catering
La Jolla
Chris’s Hotdogs
334-279-6279
334-265-6850
Central
Cuco’s Downtown
334-517-1155
GiGi’s Fabulous Foods, LLC
Lek’s Railroad Thai at Union Station 334-269-0708
334-593-5623
Honey Baked Ham
Magnolia’s Grill & Bar
334-284-9100
334-288-3858
Irish Bred Pub
Island Delight @Dexter
Martha's Place
334-356-5641
7798 Atlanta Highway 334-356-7165
Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant 334-277-7600
334-832-0081
Chappy’s E. South Blvd
Dream Field Farms
334-286-9200
334-534-6976
Chappy’s Perry Hill Rd
Dreamland Bar-B-Que
334-279-7477
334-273-7427
But don’t forget your budget. Discuss this up front with any caterer and get cost estimates before making final decisions.
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334-356-2600
251-666-1141
334-834-7559
Chicken Salad Chick Zelda Rd 334-517-1378
a caterer that has proven experience in this area,
Filet & Vine, Inc.
334-279-1226
Blackfinn Ameripub
Food is one of the most
Chappy’s Vaughn Rd
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Jason’s Deli
marthasplacebuffet.com
Moe's Original Bar-B-Que 334-676-1078
334-409-9890
Jennie Weller Catering 334-264-7480
Montgomery Catering 334-269-0222
Nancy’s Italian Ice
Texas Roadhouse
334-356-1403
334-396-7774
Newk’s Eatery
The Tipping Point
334-290-4955
334-260-9110
PepperTree Steaks & Wine
Urban Cookhouse 334-239-7801
334-532-8005
Sa Za’s
Wharf Casual Seafood
334-495-7292
334-676-3200
Scott Street Deli
Wishbone Café
334-264-9415
334-244-7270
Shashy’s Fine Foods, Inc.
Yellowhammer Café
334-263-7341
334-239-7758
Shrimp Basket
Zoe’s Kitchen EastChase
334-523-0466
334-270-9115
Sinclair’s 334-271-7654
Sol Restaurante Mexicano & Taqueria 334-593-8250
Sushi Café 334-819-7060
SweetCreek Farm Market 334-280-3276
Zoe’s Kitchen Zelda 334-395-4698