It’s the end of another year, and as the holiday spirit sets in, corporate offices around the metro are gearing up for next year’s events. While the planning process may not be as fun as the actual event, we here at Cobb In Focus think it should be. We caught up with some of the best event facilities around the area to help your business plan a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re looking for high-tech meeting space or a relaxed mountain retreat, these establishments can accommodate events of any type or size.
The Georgian Club & Indian Hills Country Club
Best for: Business and play with fantastic skyline views and relaxing golf retreats
Located on the 17th floor of the Galleria Tower 100, The Georgian Club provides an ideal setting for any business event. Along with amazing views of the Atlanta skyline, club-sponsored events and catering options, the club offers eight private meeting rooms with audio/visual equipment and access to all needed resources including entertainment, linens and flowers. “We have three private meeting rooms, in addition to our main dining room, and can accommodate up to 120 people for a seated event and 240 people for a cocktail event,” says Mitch Rhoden, president of Futren, an Atlanta-based country club management company.
For those who want to utilize a more relaxed atmosphere, the Indian Hills Country Club in East Cobb features 27 holes, eight tennis courts, three swimming pools and a clubhouse with dining and year-round social events. “We often do day-long events where members will bring a group for a half day meeting followed by lunch and an afternoon of golf,” says Rhoden. Not only can you utilize meeting space, but you can do it worry-free with full service on-site catering and event planners to assist in menu planning, decorations and activities.
Note: Not a member? Not to worry! Events can be hosted at either The Georgian Club or Indian Hills Country Club if sponsored by a member.
Chattahoochee Technical College
Best for: A tech vibe with a sophisticated feel
With campuses located all over Atlanta, including Acworth, Dallas and Marietta, Chattahoochee Technical College can accommodate corporate events big and small. Their Appalachian campus has the capacity to host more than 500 people in their Education Center, while the Paulding campus offers smaller conference rooms for seating up to 12 people. “CTC offers flexible conference space great for trainings, seminars and banquets,” says Lori Bramlett, facility rentals coordinator at CTC.
Whether you’re looking for a nine-to-five meeting space or a Saturday luncheon, CTC works with each client to ensure all needs are met for the event. The North Metro campus, located next to I-75, offers classrooms and meeting space ranging in size for 10 to 400 people. “Its flexible conference room layout allows the facility to accommodate a wide range of events including training seminars, trade shows and banquets,” says Bramlett.
Kennesaw College for Continuing Education
Best for: Educationally-oriented events
From banquet-style events to theater-seated functions, KSU can accommodate and enhance all meeting and training requests. “The KSU Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide space for meeting and training,” says Sherrie Gentry, KSU facilities manager. “Space can be reserved for as short as a half day or for as long as required to complete your training and meeting needs,” Gentry adds.
Among amenities such as door-front free parking, free Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art audio/visual and computer equipment, businesses can enjoy full conference services as well as a la carte services ranging from registration and payments to website design. They offer two large rooms including the functions room that accommodates 240 people in a banquet setting, or 400 people for a theater setting. They also provide large conference rooms that can seat up to 132 people.
The Cobb Galleria
Best for: Major size accommodations with convenient hotel access
The recently renovated Cobb Galleria, conveniently located near the intersection of I-75 and I-285, provides the ideal space for conventions, trade shows and corporate events. “We have a 25,000-square-foot ballroom that is divisible into six sections, 20 meeting rooms, and four boardrooms,” says Karen Caro, marketing manager at the Galleria. If size does matter for your event, the Galleria won’t have a problem. “We can accompany any size event, from 11 to 11,000,” Caro states. As for planning services, the Cobb Galleria can coordinate everything from Internet to food to electrical needs. You can even utilize their “one-stop option” Meetings Express for smaller meetings, or those under 200 people. Caro goes on to say that a dedicated Meetings Express Manager provides full-service meeting planning including logistics for room set-up, coordination of audio/visual and telecommunications, and management of event catering. Other amenities around the Galleria include a variety of on-site restaurants and shopping at nearby Cumberland Mall.
Barnsley Resort
Best for: Mixing business with pleasure
If you picture your next meeting alongside beautiful mountain views and historic venues, Barnsley Resort might be the place for you. “Located on 3,300 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia [Barnsley Resort] can create a one-of-a-kind meeting or event,” says Shelby Taylor, director of marketing and public relations for Barnsley Resort. The resort includes various areas including The Runs, a historic manor house ideal for events under the stars, and The Beer Garden, an outdoor venue perfect for social or evening events.
Along with the ability to host any type of corporate events, including team-building experiences and day meetings, Barnsley Resort offers a slew of activities including golf, a spa, clay shooting, hunting and horseback riding, just to name a few. Barnsley is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience so that the only thing you have to worry about is business. “Our experienced team oversees everything from menu planning to team-building activities, so you can focus on your agenda,” says Taylor. She goes on to say that a dedicated conference coordinator works closely with you to ensure an event that lives up your expectations.
Sterling Estates
Best for: Intimate gatherings in a versatile space
With experience hosting events such as wellness-focused presentations, corporate training and educational seminars, Sterling Estates, located in Marietta, can comfortably house any event. Sharon Eggiton, assistant executive director at Sterling, notes that the main gathering area includes a state-of-the-art multimedia room with a 165” screen, Wi-Fi connectivity and audio/visual hookups. This room accommodates 30–40 guests while the main dining room that overlooks a courtyard can comfortably accommodate up to 100 people. For lunch or dinner meetings, Sterling’s Casual Café can seat 25 guests. Feel like taking a break after a busy morning meeting? Take a dip in Sterling’s perfectly heated 92-degree saline pool. “We help with the planning and coordination of the events and recommend calling well in advance for availability to secure the best option for your event,” says Eggiton.
Brookstone Golf & Country Club
Best for: A relaxed retreat for all occasions
Located in Acworth, Brookstone Golf & Country Club is a full service facility that provides many amenities for all corporate events. Although private, Bethany Rogers, membership and tournament director says, “We offer family and corporate memberships depending on the individual needs.” But it’s not just golf—they offer Full Golf, Associate Golf, Tennis and Social memberships and host events including meetings, holiday parties and golf packages. For lunch or dinner meetings, Brookstone offers a conference room that is able to host up to 16 attendees. For private parties or all-day events, they recommend using the Azalea Lounge, which can hold up to 20 people. As for planning services, Brookstones’ private event director will take care of everything from menu planning to decorations, to planning contests and organizing prizes depending on the size of the group. Whether it’s a day on the golf course or an evening cocktail event (or both!), Brookstone Golf & Country Club will handle all of your corporate event needs.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Best for: Daytime luncheons for foodies of all kind
Nestled inside the Embassy Suites Atlanta – Kennesaw Town Center, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse gives corporate events major attention. “We work one-on-one with our event specialists to create a truly customized affair,” explains Stephanie Tobben, director of marketing and communications at Ruth’s Chris. With amenities like wall-mounted LCD screens and/or projection screens in all meeting and private dining spaces, Ruth’s Chris can satisfy the needs of any event. But remember to book early! “While we certainly try to work with clients no matter how far in advance (or not in advance) they book, it is always preferable to book as soon as you know you’re going to need the space to ensure you get your first choice of rooms and dates,” suggests Tobben. “Events that are booked at least 90 days in advance are ideal, but as long as we have the space, we’ll accommodate a group that calls two days before an event.”
Let’s not forget about what Ruth’s Chris does best: food. “When you host a meeting at Ruth’s Chris, food doesn’t have to be an afterthought,” Tobben notes. “Ruth’s Chris offers extensive catering options for virtually every event type. From breakfasts and luncheons to snacks, receptions and dinners, Ruth’s Chris Steak House can help you ensure your event is a great success.”
Want to check out the menus before you book? Head to ruthschris.net/private_dining/kennesaw and select “Our Menus.”
From relaxing retreats to informational seminars, these establishments will cater to your every event need. Whether you have five or 5,000 attendees, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for with these facilities.
