While some meetings are best served by traditional meetings sites with the standard amenities, meeting planners often seek relatively unconventional locations that offer guests a unique setting yet still provide all the essentials for a successful and productive gathering.
Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley is home to several popular meetings sites including the
MassMutual Center and Eastern States Exposition, but it also contains some intriguing non-traditional locales, from handsome museums and historic halls to exciting theme parks and more.
Located in downtown Springfield, the
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an architectural wonder, with its basketball-shaped building. The Hall also features one-of-a-kind artifacts, interactive exhibits and a center court, which can be configured for large meetings. Just a few blocks away is
CityStage, which stages live Off-Broadway comedies, dramas and musicals, and a 487-seat house as well as meeting capabilities in several areas of the venue. Historic
Symphony Hall, in the heart of downtown Springfield, contains 2,611 seats and is also available for meetings.
The thrill of theme park excitement provides an unusual backdrop for business gatherings, and
Six Flags New England has both an outdoor picnic grove for larger groups, and indoor options including the
Rockville Gymnasium/Theater or the
Hall of Justice that are better suited for smaller groups.
Museums are becoming a more popular option for business meeting sites as they provide an aesthetic and pleasantly alternative setting. The
Springfield Museums feature world-class art, history and science exhibits among its four buildings, which are clustered around the famed
Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and offer several possibilities for meeting planners.
Museums10 is a consortium of 10 of the Pioneer Valley’s leading attractions, including the
Emily Dickenson Museum, the
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and
Smith College Museum of Art, among others. There are endless varieties of meeting spaces among the venues to provide an unforgettable locale for attendees.
No matter what your meeting needs may be, the Pioneer Valley has an endless array of choices, and the
Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau stands ready to handle your requirements and details with the utmost of professionalism. To inquire about bringing your group to the region, contact Director of Sales
Alicia Szenda at (413) 755-1346 or
alicia@valleyvisitor.com. For additional information about leisure tours to enjoy the region while your group is in town, contact Convention Services Coordinator
Taryn Siciliano at (413) 755-1370 or
taryn@valleyvisitor.com. For regional information, visit the Bureau’s web site at
www.valleyvisitor.com.
The GSCVB, an affiliate of the
Economic Development Council of Western MA, is a private non-profit destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley for meetings and conventions, group tours and leisure travel.