Clare Sullivan Jackson, CSEP
President and CEO
Sullivan Group
Houston
What are three of the most unique off-site venues you would recommend for groups meeting in Houston?
President and CEO
Sullivan Group
Houston
What are three of the most unique off-site venues you would recommend for groups meeting in Houston?
- The Corinthian in downtown Houston, located five minutes from the convention center, is a beautiful historic building that was originally built as a bank in the early 1900s. It’s not what people expect to find in Houston, which is sort of a new city. It’s been beautifully restored and has huge ceilings and marble. Plus, it’s such a versatile space; I’ve had dinners for 100 people on one long elegant table, cocktail receptions for 2,000 and everything in between. Since the venue is elegant in its own right, no transformation needs to happen—a beautiful table is all you need in there.
- Outside of New York, Houston has more theater seats than anywhere in North America, and one of the newest venues is the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. It’s also located downtown within 10 minutes of the convention center. It’s one of my favorites, with three stories of glass overlooking the downtown skyline, and at night it’s gorgeous. There’s a huge balcony, and it has a great atmosphere for parties in the lobby. It’s only available when there isn’t a show scheduled, but it’s worth asking about because it’s very versatile.
- For a more casual setting, I recommend the Heritage Society, a really cool place for up to 400 people. It’s a park within downtown Houston with some of the city’s original homes, a museum and a beautiful courtyard with old oak trees. One area is gated and is available for private parties; it’s an outdoor venue that can be tented. Also, things stay open for people to walk around, and there could be a docent in the museum and historic tea room to answer questions. Because it’s outside, it’s a great spot for cooking rib eye and barbecue, which is famous down here. It really is a best-kept secret because you could have a Western/Texas-themed event right downtown without going far to a ranch.