If you’re tired of traditional meeting spaces-you know, the same ol’ monochromatic board rooms-why not look to the past? Texas is home to a number of historic mansions that have been converted into enviably equipped meeting venues, while staying true to their roots.
Just because these sites have been around for ages, doesn’t mean they are out of date. Expect to be pleasantly surprised by their audio-visual setups, high-speed technologies, related business services and flexible meeting spaces.
Take The Mansion at Judges’ Hill in Austin, for instance. It was built in the mid-1800s, right about the time Texas joined the union, and has nearly 9,000 square feet of meeting space. The flexible space includes cozy rooms starting at just 364 square feet but also includes a 3,500-square-foot ballroom that opens onto an impressive veranda. There’s onsite catering with a menu full of broad choices, including gluten-free foods.
If your event spans multiple days, guests can stay in one of The Mansion’s 48 hotel rooms and you can adjoin the meeting to The Wooten House, a restaurant and bar on the property. For off-site soirees, like an opening night cocktail party, the Blanton Museum of Art or the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum are just blocks away. A night out isn’t much farther, either, thanks to The Mansion’s proximity to Austin’s fun-loving downtown.
Whatever entertainment options you choose, hosting it at a historic property makes the past a part of your meeting — so don’t forget to plan a brief tour of the property that includes highlights of its notable features. You can read more about other historic venues in the current issue of Texas Meetings + Events.
What’s your favorite historic property in the Lone Star State for meetings and events? Let me know, and you could see it in the pages of Texas Meetings + Events.
Laurie Dove
Editor, Texas Meetings + Events
