Want to push the envelope on breath-taking, heart-pounding fun? Take your group to a high-elevation attraction that also doubles as an unforgettable event venue. In recent years, everything from tasting receptions in individual observation wheel gondolas to cable-suspended “meals in the sky” have become hot social tickets for groups. Read on for our take on some of the best options.
Coca-Cola Orlando Eye
The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye opened in May 2015 to much fanfare. The giant wheel features 30 capsules holding 15 people each. Situated in the middle of International Drive, it is the centerpiece of the I-Drive 360 complex in Orlando’s tourist district.
In May of this year, AlliedPRA Orlando took over the entire attraction for a client appreciation event for a multinational law firm. The 300-person event was held in conjunction with the citywide International Trademark Association convention at the Orange County Convention Center. The law firm utilized the Terminal Building, which is a food court during the day, as well as the hospitality suite, where a chic champagne room was set up. All guests had the opportunity to board the 400-foot-high Coca-Cola Orlando Eye for a 20-minute ride overlooking the entire city.
“We love having events where there’s a mix of networking opportunities along with activities for the guests,” said Iris Langanke, president of AlliedPRA Orlando. “For larger parties, this is a great venue and it’s really a blank canvas. We had a red carpet leading into the Terminal Building, and once inside, the whole room was decked out in trendy furniture and white drapes. We catered the event using various action stations and specialty drink bars.”
Guests also enjoyed dancing to an eight-piece band playing pop, Latin and top 40. Acrobats hung from the ceiling, and the Ferris wheel was lit up in the client’s company colors.
“It’s a wonderful alternative to Orlando’s theme parks,” Langanke said.
Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center, Seattle
The 360-degree views from the 73rd floor of Columbia Center in Seattle are nothing short of breathtaking, according to Britteny Jones, project manager at Uniquely Northwest, a DMC based in Seattle.
“I even love the ladies room,” she said. “All the stalls have spectacular views. It’s very cool.”
Conde Nast Traveler has also given the Sky View Observatory its seal of approval, naming it “One of the Top 11 Public Viewing Platforms in the World.” This one-of-a-kind event space is the highest public observatory in the Northwest, perfect for wowing guests with a seated dinner for up to 75 or a stand-up cocktail reception for up to 100.
A recent client dinner Jones planned at the venue for an IT company was purely top-notch.
“You have the entire backdrop of the city, and the decor is very dramatic with black linens and candles,” she said. “The events team is great to work with. The food from Ravishing Radish Catering is delicious, and the service is high class.”
Standing more than 900 feet tall, the Sky View Observatory offers a 360-degree view of downtown Seattle, Mt. Baker, Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains and the Space Needle. The Columbia Center tower is currently the tallest building west of the Mississippi.
High Roller, Las Vegas
This November, a corporate group will be the first to buy out the entire LINQ Promenade and the High Roller for 7,000 of its invited guests. The attendees will get to experience all that the open-air dining, retail and nightlife venue has to offer, including the highlight of the promenade, the High Roller. Towering over the promenade at 550 feet tall, it is the largest observation wheel in the world.
“The height is amazing and the views are unparalleled,” said Kristina Villardi, director of group sales for the High Roller, Las Vegas. “But what really makes the High Roller unique is the size of the cabins. Each of our cabins can hold up to 40 guests. We can roll in bars, offer catering, teach yoga classes and hold breakout meetings high above the Las Vegas Strip. The sky is literally the limit.”
With 28 cabins that can be treated as individual small venues and an array of branding opportunities from The LINQ marquee to the shining lights on the wheel itself, groups can truly put their creativity to the test at The LINQ Promenade and High Roller.
One Liberty Observation Deck, Philly from the Top, Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s tallest enclosed observation deck is located atop One Liberty Place in the heart of Center City. Opened in November 2015, the observatory offers panoramic views of the cityscape and interactive technology designed to enhance and expand upon points of interest. There are also artistic installations portraying the story of Philadelphia’s past, present and future.
“One Liberty Observation Deck was designed to create an authentic, visually rich experience that expresses the unique vibe of Philadelphia as a place and culture,” said Evan Evans, general manager of the facility. “The visitor experience is creatively choreographed over three floors that engage visitors at every turn and provide incredible photo opportunities.”
The express elevator is a 75-second ride to the 57th floor, where a drone video of Philly sets the stage for the Observation Deck experience. As the elevator door opens the bust of Ben Franklin welcomes visitors to the main attraction. With an open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, 360-degree views offer vantage points of all of Philadelphia—over the bridges to New Jersey, down the river to Delaware and beyond.
Groups have done everything from a semi-private event for 50 to a buyout by one incentive company that held an elegant cocktail soiree for 275, the best type of event for the space, said Jessica Blank, marketing manager at the venue.
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Top of the Rock, New York City
“It’s a magical moment from above for those we bring to Top of the Rock,” said Patrick Sullivan, president and owner, AlliedPRA New York. “It’s right in the center of Manhattan and the views of the East River and Grand Central are spectacular.”
The Weather Room, one of three private event venues at Top of the Rock, provides a dramatic setting 67 stories above Midtown Manhattan with floor-to-25-foot ceilings. It can accommodate receptions for up to 300 or seated dinners for 120.
From the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown, Sullivan said a group of 80 real estate executives from Texas was taken in black SUVs to the rocket-fast elevator in the NBC Building and whisked to Top of the Rock. The middle of the terrace is enclosed with each side open to the breathtaking views. A dance floor was installed, a band was hired and Julianne and Derek Hough from Dancing With the Stars entertained the group.
“We added contemporary furniture and set up bars around the room. Tables were set with binoculars at each place as an amenity to get even better views. And people just couldn’t stop taking pictures,” Sullivan said.
SkyView Atlanta
Towering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park, SkyView Atlanta features 42 climate-controlled gondolas providing guests with panoramic views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area. The VIP gondola boasts Ferrari-style seats, a glass floor and a longer flight time than the others.
Amy Johnson, president of AlliedPRA Atlanta, has used the SkyView Ferris wheel for many groups. With its convenient location next door to the Tabernacle music venue, she has also used the two venues together.
“We put together an event at the Tabernacle with entertainment, dancing and dinner at the eclectic, multilevel venue and then walked everyone out the side door over to SkyView as part of the event,” Johnson said. “It’s set up to thrill guests with amazing views of downtown Atlanta and Centennial Olympic Park.”
Coca-Cola London Eye
At 450 feet high, the Coca-Cola London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, located on the banks of the River Thames. The Riverside Rooms, situated next to the London Eye, are ideal for larger receptions or gala dinners. The London Eye Ferris wheel can carry 800 guests per rotation.
Not only can groups get breathtaking 360-degree views of London, spying the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, to name a few, they can do it in style in one of the Coca-Cola London Eye’s Tasting Capsules. Up to 20 guests can drink in the view for two 30-minute rotations while they sip premium wine or champagne. Restaurant Dining at 135 is another option for up to eight guests. The evening takes place in an exclusive private capsule and begins with a champagne reception followed by a luxury three-course gourmet meal by Rhubarb Food Design and fine vintages from Laytons Wine Merchants of London.
Since its official opening in March 2000, the attraction has become as iconic a London landmark as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
“The Coca-Cola London Eye is the most visually dramatic addition to London’s skyline, a versatile and stunning venue for any event,” said Chloe Couchman, head of public relations for London Midway Attractions, London Cluster, Merlin Entertainments. “The view is always changing. Whether you’re sipping champagne while taking in the views or creating a unique dining experience, it’s a venue that your guests will never forget. Whether you hire one capsule or the entire wheel, it is ideal for corporate events, small meetings or incentive programs.”
Dinner in the Sky, Worldwide
Named by Forbes as one of the “10 Most Unusual Restaurants in the World,” Dinner in the Sky was born in Belgium 10 years ago. Diners are buckled into their seats in front of a table and hoisted on the company’s trademarked sky platform high above landmarks in such cities at Rome, Athens, Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles for a gourmet meal they will not soon forget.
Dinner in the Sky has created more than 5,000 events in 40 cities around the world. Events have included corporate dinners, confidential board meetings and product launches.
