You know what? As a venue space, I actually really like the Times Center. Accommodating staff? Check. Get-it-done managers? Check. Nice caterers? Check. Ample space? Check. Nice space...? Surprisingly, check.
Venue:
What's great about the Time Center is that it's new. New events spaces are the best because they're, obviously, not rundown, but the people who work there aren't jaded yet. It doesn't hurt that the Times Center has a light and bright feel. Orange, red and yellow walls (which oddly looks a lot like my office walls) with only light wood and lots of glass makes sure this space isn't encroaching or trite. So when we did our second annual summer conference here over my birthday, it went down really quite well.
The Times Center has three different areas: the stage, the gallery and the hall. Officially, we had both the gallery and the stage, which are both upstairs. The gallery is bright and open, and we used it for registration and bloggers area. The stage was, obviously, where all our panels happened, and with seats for 380, we had more than enough space. The in-house tech crew were great and made sure all of our audio and video were spot on.
The hall downstairs is mostly for banquets and expo floors. My only gripe is that the bathrooms are also downstairs, and are the only set in the building save for the one in the office, which we were using as the speaker ready room. Free wireless was also available, which for a tech and media conference is most important. The roughly 6,000 square feet of space is one of the better places I've thrown events in the city, and I'm really rather happy with the way ours went.
And by the way, Carrie, our on-site manager, was more than helpful, she was a godsend. She made sure we were never more than 15 minutes behind schedule--which for back-to-back-to-back conferences and panels is a huge feat. She helped us with all of our on-site crises and saved us from a few major meltdowns. Thank you very much, hon!
Food:
All of our 400-ish attendees throughout the two days were treated to coffee in the morning, soda and cookies in the afternoon and drinks in the evening. Let me just say, chocolate cheesecake brownies are awesome. Chocolate biscotties are awesome too. Downside is that the food in the area is rather on the high end, thanks theater district.... Either way, catering is allowed, and the Times Center staff will help you if you need food at your event.
Actually, the Times Center staff will help you whatever you need. I love green staff and spaces, they actually remind you of how good events can be, and how rewarding events management can be. read more