About Houston
Being the largest city in the giant state of Texas, there are plenty of things to see, do, eat and drink in this sprawling metropolis. With huge venues and a bumper crop of sporting events available to see pretty much all year round, Houston is claiming the title of Sports City USA.
If sports aren’t your thing, then there are so many museums, galleries and exhibitions to sink your teeth into and while away the hours before the nightlife kicks off. From there you can explore the multitude of cuisines, vibes and themes that the bars, restaurants and clubs of Houston have to offer. So, let your hair down and enjoy all that the biggest city in the Lone Star state has to offer.
Trade Show Venue Options in Houston
When setting up a Houston trade show venue, there are a number of factors that you’re going to have to consider.
- Furniture
With potential vendors and companies coming from all across the country and maybe the world, you can’t expect them to bring tables and chairs in their carry-on luggage. Make sure when you’re selling the pitches you’re clear on what’s included in the space and what they should expect.
- Audio Visual
Again, some vendors might be expecting to be able to hook their laptops up to bigger screens or play videos with music, so be sure to have a whole host of different cables on hand as well as speakers, screens and extension cables. Ask when they’re booking if they need electrics and then you can position them nearer to the sockets.
- Transport
When you’re running a trade show, the chances are that many people are coming in from out of town and don’t know where they’re going. To avoid congestion at your venue, maybe consider putting on a shuttle from key hotels and stations to your event.
Trade Show Venue Companies in Houston
Trade shows are definitely a big undertaking, so you’re going to need to have professionals on your side.
- Karana Audio Visual Services
If you’re looking for professionals with over 20 years of experience in bringing high-quality audio visual events to life, then look no further than Karana. With live streaming capabilities and video production, they can take your trade show to the next level. Family-owned and in operation since 2015, Karana Audio Visual Services is ready to assist from consulting to design and beyond.
- Any Occasion Tents & Events
If you’re looking to rent tables, chairs, barware, chargers, linens and loads more, then you have to check out Any Occasion Tents & Events for their wide selection of hireable goods. They have the added bonus of also renting out tents if you need shelter for parking attendants or specific outdoor vendors. This is a family-owned and run company with decades of experience.
- City View Catering
Looking for some tasty, fresh meals to feed your team on a time crunch while the trade show is going on? City View Catering has dozens of menus in loads of different styles that you can set up in your staff room so people can dip in and out during the trade show. Since 1996, they’ve been serving terrific dishes like Apple Smoked Braised Brisket, Poblano Chicken and more.
Pros and Cons of Trade Show Venues in Houston
Even though Houston has a lot going for it, there are some downsides to consider.
Advantages
- Sunshine
Being in the Lone Star state means that sunshine is on the cards for the majority of the year, which is great if you’re trying to catch some rays in the off-season months.
- Cost of living
For a city of Houston’s size, it’s shocking to discover that the price of living is actually reasonable, especially when you compare it to smaller Texan cities of Austin and Dallas.
- Multicultural
Due to all the different corporations that call Houston home as well as its location, there really is a melting pot vibe that encompasses the whole of Houston from food to language to cultural festivals.
- Jobs
One of the main selling points of Houston is the job market. Due to the low tax in Texas, tons of businesses and industries have moved to call Houston home and as such, there are plenty of jobs.
- Restaurants
Houston’s restaurant scene is huge. It’s got every cuisine you could think of. So much so, that Houston was named the "newest capital of great food" by Food & Wine and the country's most exciting food city by Tasting Table magazine.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
As with many big cities where commuting in is a must, the traffic in and around the Houston area can get pretty manic. If you can avoid the rush hour mania then that’s probably for the best.
- Sales Tax
Even though Houston and Texas as a whole have a very low rate of tax, making it attractive to visitors and locals, the sales tax makes up for it by being over 8% which can come as a surprise to shoppers.
- Heat
Despite sunshine being a pro of living in Houston, the humidity and heat that comes with Texan summers is definitely a con. It’s often that kind of heat where you can’t even enjoy yourself or do anything.
- Mosquitoes
With the unbearable heat and humidity come insects and bugs. Mosquitoes love the warm, muggy temperatures so make sure you have some bug spray and some bite cream on hand if you’re visiting in the summer.
- Flooding
On the flip side, during hurricane season, Houston is particularly susceptible to flooding. This doesn’t happen every year, but it is definitely something to be aware of before you travel, especially during hurricane season.
Famous Locations in Houston
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Founded in 1900, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has a long history of educating and amazing visitors. With gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, visitors center, library, movie theater, gift shop, cafe, two art schools, and two house museums, there is plenty to see and do.
- Kemah Boardwalk
If you’re looking to escape the urban sprawl for some fun and thrills, then head 30 miles south to the gulf coast at Galveston Bay and Clear Lake and spend the day at Kemah Boardwalk. With rides, attractions, food and drink it’s fun for the whole family.
- Houston Zoo
Being the second most visited zoo in the whole of the US, you know that the Houston Zoo is going to be well worth a visit. With 6,000 animals from 900 species, you’re bound to see your favorite or discover a new one.
