About Indianapolis
There are two major things about Indianapolis that even non-natives probably know. The first is that Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana, the second is that it is home to the Indy 500, one of the most famous races the sport of auto racing has to offer. Aside from those things, you can expect a city with a lot of educational outings and nature to offer as well.
The climate is mostly moderate during the spring, summer and fall, with highs in the mid-’80s. The winter can dip well below freezing and depending on the amount of snowfall, it can become quite unpleasant to move around in. Finding a meeting space is easy in a city like Indianapolis, so long as you prepare for what mother nature may bring.
Meeting Options in Indianapolis
Putting together a business meeting of any type or size is about much more than just picking the meeting space. It also involves a lot of prep work to make sure the guests are well taken care of and all the equipment is functional so that the meeting can actually happen without any last minute technical glitches or presentation snafus. Here are some options to consider when planning your meeting.
- Catering
From the smallest of board meetings to the largest of sales conferences or seminars, no meeting is complete without refreshments.That’s why when you plan a business meeting, you need to have the space picked out and a rough idea of how many people are in attendance. That way you can plan for how to feed them all. While a meeting space may offer basic things like water and coffee, if you want to plan to truly take care of your guests, you’ll want to have catering brought in. Even if it’s just sandwiches, having food ready will keep everyone fed and hopefully a bit more jolly in the process.
- Presentation Equipment
Business meetings are always about getting things done. From whiteboards to projectors, having the right presentation equipment available is crucial to a successful meeting. Rather than relying on whatever the venue provides and then hoping there’s tech support available, it might be a wiser option to rent or buy your own for the meeting. There are tons of equipment rental companies in Indianapolis that can help you get the things you need. Plus, they’ll usually come with the expertise you require to operate everything in the process.
- Sound and Lighting
Another element to some meetings that people often forget is that you need microphones, speakers, and lights to properly address an audience. Now, of course, if you’re in a board room with eight people, it might not seem necessary. However, in a conference room of 200, having this equipment will make sure that the presentation, discussion, seminar, or whatever else that’s happening, is heard and seen by everyone in attendance.
Meeting Companies in Indianapolis
Putting your meeting together will be a smooth process with the right help. Call on the pros in the area for an efficient Indianapolis meeting space.
- Nameless Catering Co.
The one thing you need in a catering company for a business meeting is to make sure they can accommodate everyone. You need a company that can provide for a wide variety of palettes and needs. That’s where Nameless Catering Co. comes in. They have a special set up for corporate catering and they can handle everything from appetizers to dessert. They will also custom tailor orders to whatever you need so that all you have to worry about is enjoying the food.
- Markey’s Rental and Staging
Making sure you have the right gear for presentations during your meeting is one of the key preparations you need to make. It’s not enough just to have the projector screens, 3D displays or other equipment, you also need to know how to set it up and operate it to do what you want. Markey’s Rental and Staging is the place to go for all your equipment needs. They’ll handle all the setup and staging so that everything is ready to go when and where you need it.
- Tipton Sound and Lighting
Having good audio-visual equipment will make sure that whatever message is trying to be delivered will be heard by the entire audience. Stages, audio, and lighting equipment are all necessities. Tipton Sound and Lighting specialize in bringing all the equipment to you and helping set it up so that you’re ready to go. They even provide mobile stages if your meeting event is outdoors or you need to improvise for presentations, such as at a company retreat or award ceremony.
Pros and Cons of Meetings in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has amenities, events, and lots to offer for anyone living there and visitors alike. With all the positives, like any city, Indianapolis has its share of negatives as well.
Advantages
- Low cost of living
Compared to other cities of its size, Indianapolis has a lower cost of living. This means that venue rentals, equipment rentals, and catering will be just a bit cheaper than other places, making planning a meeting a bit easier and more budget-friendly.
- Seasons exist
While it may not matter if you’ve booked an indoor venue, for larger gatherings and outdoor venues, having a city that actually experiences seasons that are tolerable can make even week-long training sessions more enjoyable.
- Diverse job market
If you’re looking for new hires before or after your big meeting, then Indianapolis is the place to be. With a large group of highly educated people in a variety of job markets, you’re sure to find great talent for whatever your needs are.
Disadvantages
- Public transportation
Getting around in Indianapolis isn’t the easiest thing and the outdated and under-equipped public transit system doesn’t help matters. It is wise to choose a meeting space that has plenty of options to access it.
- Driving is a pain
Along with poor public transit, driving is also difficult due to the city being difficult to navigate. This means it’s a good idea to pick a meeting venue that’s near landmarks or on a main thoroughfare to make it easier to find.
- Winter is harsh
While most of the seasons are pleasant, Indiana is far enough north to get extreme winters and Indianapolis is no exclusion to this fact. This makes picking an outdoor venue a bad idea in the winter. You’ll also want to make sure the venue is easy to get to when the snow piles up.
Famous Locations in Indianapolis
- Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art
If you’re looking for a true piece of Native American Culture, then the Eiteljorg Museum is the perfect place to see it. Featuring actual exhibits from Native American artists past and present, the museum has a multitude of things to see and new exhibits all the time. When you’re done exploring, why not look into booking one of the modern conference rooms downtown for your next meeting?
- Indianapolis Zoo
We all like fun and interactive things to go to. The Indianapolis Zoo has plenty to do from dolphin swim adventures to real-life giraffes and musical concerts. If you’re itching to do something fun and educational after your meeting then come visit the zoo!
- Rhythm! Discovery Center
If you're a fan of history and musical instruments, then the Rhythm! Discovery Center is the place to go. Featuring exhibits on everything from the history of percussion to Native American drums from hundreds of years ago and more, this is one museum you’ll want to hear as well as see.
