Susan Gray
President, MAC Meetings and Events Inc., St. Louis
What are three only-in-St. Louis venues you would recommend for off-site events?
- Fox Theatre: It’s one of the coolest venues in St. Louis. We’ve coordinated dinners for groups on the stage. This is when groups can really see the stunning decor—with the lights on and no show taking place. Its ornate Siamese Byzantine architecture is impressive. The historic theater, built in 1929 and revitalized in the 1980s, includes the original chandelier that weighs one full ton and the original brass ticket vestibule.
- Missouri Botanical Gardens: I’ve been to many botanical gardens in many cities as I’m into gardening. But this one is the best in my opinion. It’s one of the gems of St. Louis. The garden offers eight venues for groups. The garden’s restaurant, Sassafras, became the first Certified Green Restaurant in the state of Missouri in 2008. The official designation was made by the nonprofit Green Restaurant Association.
- St. Louis Zoo: Groups can’t come to St. Louis without visiting the zoo. It is outstandingly flexible when it comes to events. The zoo offers groups discounted tickets, after-hours tours, four banquet facilities and spaces for 10 to 10,000 people. An event tent is available from April to October and can accommodate up to 800 guests. A carousel is also available to rent seasonally.