Forget the Hotel Ballroom for Your Kansas City Corporate Event

March 6, 2024

When searching for the perfect venue for a memorable private event in Kansas City, MO, it’s important to explore diverse options.

No longer confined to traditional hotel ballrooms, there’s a wealth of inventive event centers throughout the City of Fountains. These luxe banquet venues offer top-notch service and perfect backdrops — including the city skyline — to captivate your attendees.

Consider this when organizing your upcoming event: Would you prefer the monotony of a conventional conference center, or the allure of a bright, contemporary venue with ample natural light just minutes from downtown?

Opting for a distinctive event space like UNION for your next event will not only leave a lasting impression on your guests, but also add excitement to the planning process, ensuring everyone eagerly anticipates future company gatherings.

Corporate meeting setup at UNION in Kansas City

Limitations of Ballroom Venues in Kansas City

While hosting an event in a hotel’s grand ballroom in Kansas City offers certain advantages, such as a professional setting, there are notable drawbacks to consider:

Fixed Layouts: A ballroom may feature more square feet, but often lacks flexibility in layout, making it challenging to tailor the space to specific event requirements. UNION offers three floors of event space, including a speakeasy, which provides generous flexibility for your event. 

Technology Constraints: Older spaces may lack modern audiovisual and technology amenities, hampering the seamless execution of multimedia presentations or interactive features.

Parking and Accessibility Concerns: Attendees may encounter difficulties with parking in hotel settings in downtown Kansas City, affecting overall convenience and satisfaction.

Noise and Distractions: Large ballrooms can suffer from poor acoustics or disruptions from adjacent events, detracting from the ambiance and effectiveness of presentations or discussions.

Limited Outdoor Spaces: Ballroom venues typically prioritize indoor areas, which for guests, may not provide an experience that stimulates their senses. 

Catering Limitations: Exclusive catering contracts at some meeting and event spaces restrict organizers’ freedom to select food and beverage providers. At UNION, we have a flexible vendor policy, meaning you’re able to work with the caterer and other vendors of your choosing.

Food truck at UNION in Kansas City

Appeals of Unique Venues in Kansas City

If you’re ready to step away from tradition and opt for a more picturesque event space in Kansas City, there are several meeting spaces to choose from. Here’s why we favor these locations:

Non-Traditional Setting: Unique event spaces such as historical buildings, art centers, or outdoor venues with a view of the Kansas City skyline offer a chic setting for corporate events. UNION’s historic event space is located in the heart of downtown KC, and includes a rooftop space for photography.

Brand Alignment: Selecting a unique venue that aligns with your company’s values or mission can reinforce brand identity. Additionally, choosing such a venue often supports small, local businesses in the Kansas City area.

Customization Opportunities: Whether you’re hosting a conference or a gala, atypical venues typically provide greater flexibility for customization, enabling designers and planners to set the stage for the event’s theme or specific needs.

Local Flavor and Culture: With an open vendor policy at venues like UNION, organizers can bring in diverse culinary offerings, including local food trucks, to invite your guests into an experience they won’t soon forget. 

Outdoor Spaces: Some unique event space features include access to outdoor areas, gardens, or rooftops, allowing for alfresco networking, receptions, or activities.

Technology Integration: Many unique meeting rooms are equipped with modern audiovisual capabilities and technology infrastructure, ensuring seamless execution of presentations, multimedia content, and interactive experiences.

Speakeasy at UNION in Kansas City
Photo: Epic Photos & Film

Tips for Choosing the Right Kansas City Event Venue

It’s never been easier to host your next event in Kansas City. As you begin your event planning process, it’s important to take these tips into consideration:

Clarify Your Objectives

Begin by clearly outlining the goals and objectives of your event. Take into account elements such as the theme, expected attendance, and demographic profile of your audience when determining what makes a perfect space.

Location and Capacity

Select a venue that is easily accessible to your guests and offers free parking. UNION is located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, which means easy access to the Kansas City street car! 

Amenities and Services

Assess the amenities and services that the event space offers, and inquire about their policies regarding external vendors. If you require specific arrangements like furnishings or décor, opt for a venue capable of accommodating or outsourcing these needs.

Ambiance and Setting

Reflect on how the venue’s indoor and outdoor event spaces align with your event’s theme and branding. Whether you envision a contemporary space located in the heart of the city, a country club in the suburbs, or a historic building with a story to tell, choose a venue that complements the desired event experience.

Plan Ahead and Confirm Dates

Once you’ve identified the ideal venue to impress your guests, secure your preferred date well in advance. Many sought-after wedding and event spaces book a year or more out, so work with the venue’s staff to finalize contracts, and place a deposit to secure your date.

Say No to Hotel Ballrooms. Book a Unique Event Space Today.

Once a film processing center, the building that is now UNION has been remodeled to bring a modern feel and elegance to the space. The building boasts hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, plus stunning views of the city. Our team will ensure your event is entirely successful, and that your guests enjoy every detail. 

Contact us to find out more about hosting your upcoming private party at UNION.

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