Texas Main Streets have retained their historic character and vintage aesthetic. The preservation of these districts is often represented best by the old movie houses that act as a neon beacon to the past. Historic theaters are not only architectural landmarks in the heart of a city, but they are also wow-worthy venues for meetings.
Of course, a theater might lack some logistical requirements for certain meetings, but for the right gathering, this setting can complement the meeting’s goals and make it more memorable. The sloped seating and retro vibe might be just the ticket to success.
Focus on the Familiar
Many people love going to the movies, so choosing a theater as the venue can create a sense of ease among attendees. “The theater offers a space that is familiar, yet exciting,” says Frank Rimkus, co-founder and CEO of Galaxy Theatres. While Galaxy Theatres are modern—including locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and the latest Texas theater, Galaxy Theatres Grandscape in The Colony—Rimkus understands the vibe a theater experience can create. “Our meetings customers have reported that their teams find the space an unexpected treat,” he says. “Theaters have always been places we meet for community, where memories are made, and are associated with experiences that are reliable.”
The Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue in Austin sits just down the road from the state capitol. As one of only 20 movie theaters over 100 years old still in operation, the Paramount represents the city’s history. The theater plays host to special events for meetings and conferences like South by Southwest, further entwining it with Austin residents and culture.
Heading to a meeting in a historic theater, attendees are likely to feel excitement and anticipation. When choosing a venue, ensure all seating has optimal sight lines to the screen or stage. If some seat views are partially blocked by columns, consider marking them off-limits.
Share the Snacks
Walk into a theater and what do you smell? Popcorn. The aroma surrounds attendees, who might identify the salty treat with a fun time and memorable moments with friends and family. Most vintage theaters have incorporated bar service with their concessions, so be sure to ask about the options available and whether outside catering is permitted.
Concessions at the Paramount in Austin include the typical candy, popcorn, and salty snacks, but at the bar, attendees will find wine, Texas beers, Maine Root sodas, and a wide selection of mixed drinks.
The Majestic Theatre in downtown Dallas, with seating for 1,700, also offers beer, wine, and liquor along with snacks. For lodging options, nearby hotels include the Renaissance Saint Elm Dallas Downtown Hotel and Sheraton Dallas Hotel, the latter of which is the largest hotel in the state.
Keep in mind that not everyone can eat popcorn. As with any catering service, ask if your chosen theater offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian alternatives to standard movie fare.
Arrive at the After-Party
Most historic theaters are in city centers and surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. This allows planners to add a team-building activity with ease, often at a location within walking distance of the theater where the meeting takes place. Breakout sessions also could be held in private dining rooms at a local restaurant.
“Cotton Court Hotel recognizes the importance of designing seamless experiences that are welcoming and convenient to all attendees and planners regardless of their needs or the type of event they are attending,” says Jessica Hall, Cotton Court’s director of sales and marketing. The 165-room property is part of the Valencia Hotel Collection and is located just a five-minute drive from the historic Cactus Theater in Lubbock. It also has its own set of meeting and event space.
“The Lubbock Cultural District is the heartbeat of the city,” Hall says. “From great modern art venues and performing arts centers to ranching heritage museums, the Lubbock Cultural District—with the historic, locally owned Cactus Theater at its core—has everything a visitor could want within walking distance.”
The Cactus Theater hosts both local performers and touring musicians throughout the week and is rentable for events of up to 700 attendees. The concessions area and theater seats were recently renovated, blending nostalgia with modern convenience and comfort.
Abilene’s Paramount Theatre, which anchors the city’s downtown, was refurbished over the course of 32 years beginning in 1987. With an ornate lobby and mezzanine, the theater offers 1,187 seats and is surrounded by shops, galleries, restaurants, brewpubs, and bars. The recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center offers 200 guest rooms and is adjacent to the convention center’s 91,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Before you book, ensure there will be adequate parking for attendees or reserve a shuttle bus that can carry them from a convenient parking lot nearby. In downtown Abilene, for example, many of the parking garages are privately owned and parking without permission will get you towed.
“We have seen that corporate teams enjoy the change of pace from a traditional conference room or ballroom with lecture seating to the familiar, comfortable seats of a theater,” Rimkus says. So, grab your seat, and let’s go to the theater!
abileneconventioncenter.com
austintheatre.org
cactustheater.co
galaxytheatres.com
hilton.com
majestic.dallasculture.org
marriott.com
