The Ultimate 2024 Guide To Planning Corporate Events in Austin
Here Are Tips To Making Your Upcoming Corporate Event In Austin Truly Unforgettable!
Not all event venues are equal, but planning corporate events in Austin, TX, will always mean that you and your company will have a blast! Whether you're planning a convention, seminar, expo or even a company party—Austin is ready to make it memorable.
What used to be a small town in the 1800s has now become the fourth most populous city in the great state of Texas! And for good reason!
So here's a guide to planning your next corporate event in Austin and some of my favorite corporate event venues!
Quick Overview:
Corporate events come in all sizes and needs. Whatever you need, there's an event venue for it!
Some venues can host smaller business meetings—make sure to ask about their boardrooms!
All of the event venues listed offer exceptional service!
Why You Need A Corporate Party For Your Company
While some companies don't see the value of having corporate celebrations, there are so many benefits. Whether you're trying to see the benefits of a corporate holiday party or figuring out how to host a seminar, there are so many reasons to plan it!
Camaraderie
Nowadays, in the hustle culture of capitalism, employees need help connecting. And if they're remote? It's nearly impossible without meeting fatigue.
Spending time together at a retreat or conference is a great way to boost personal connections.
Boost Morale
Just like developing camaraderie, when your employees feel seen and appreciated, they're more likely to dedicate themselves through time and energy to make your company succeed.
An Additional Benefit
When companies are selling the benefits of their company to new hires, they can offer more than just healthcare or paid time off.
Company retreats or sponsored convention trips can be an added benefit to make you more appealing.
Are Corporate Events Tax Deductible?
Yes! According to the IRS, corporate events are 100% tax deductible. However, the IRS passed a law that prevents anything deemed as entertainment or recreation from being written off.
Is Austin Good For Corporate Events?
Austin is a vibrant city in Texas, offering stellar nightlife, rooftop terraces with stunning views, 5-star accommodations, and a quirky personality that has yet to entirely evaporate from all of the transplants.
Because Austin is so popular for events, there is a copious amount of options for hosting events. No matter what kind of corporate event you're hosting, there is a venue out there waiting for you!
Pros and Cons of Corporate Events in Austin
If you're looking for reasons to present why your company needs to head to Austin, then here's a quick pros and cons list for having a corporate event in Austin.
Pros
A vibrant nightlife, perfect for drinks after a holiday gathering or seminar
Ample amount of accommodations
Tour options for corporate retreats
Unmatched entertainment
Cons
It lacks an appealing transportation system. Most employees/attendees will have to get ride-shares
The weather might melt your employees/attendees
Your event might be competing with others, so make sure to check event calendars online
10 Tips For Planning Austin Corporate Events
Make sure to ask about the guest capacity
Ask about the parking situation. It can be difficult to find parking in Austin
Consider if you want only an indoor event space or would you like to host outdoors as well
When looking at corporate event venues, considering if you want everyone standing or if you need to find an event space that accommodates sitting
If you plan on hiring an outside catering company, make sure the venue has a prep kitchen
Ask the venue coordinator if it provides accessibility in all spaces
If you need an event venue that provides a flexible space for meetings, make sure you ask how their venue can accommodate this need
Hire an event coordinator! No matter how Type-A you consider yourself, hiring a local expert will cut down the stress!
Looking for something more in-depth with planning? Here’s a quick list of local DMCs to help you out!
Hire a corporate event photographer, i.e., me! I love shooting corporate events and shooting up to four a month!
On that note, this is a great time to get company headshots that all look the same!
What Types of Austin Corporate Event Venues Can Hold Large-Scale Events?
The following event venues are located in downtown Austin and are perfect for larger corporate events. Each event space listed can host hundreds of attendees and normally offers a multi-functional event space.
Palmer Events Center
With oodles of parking in the middle of downtown Austin, and space for thousands, Palmer Events Center is the perfect venue for conventions and expos. It contains exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and gorgeous outdoor canopies. This makes it one of the most popular corporate event venues in the city!
It also has the ability to offer internet, electricity, and security as needed. And it's perfect for attendees since it's so close to downtown hotels!
Good For: Conventions, Expos
Location: 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Austin Convention Center
Another popular corporate event venue is the Austin Convention Center. Just like Palmer Events Center, this convention center can host events with thousands on the attendee list! With five exhibit halls, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and mezzanines, your options are endless!
They also keep things easy with in-house catering and an in-house security team. Oh, and it's within walking distance of over 12,000 hotel rooms!
Good For: Conventions, Expos
Location: 500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum
Such a unique event space, UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum, brings to life Austin nature with stunning sculptures made by local artists. You can host up to 250 people (but keep in mind there is only 22 parking space on the premises).
Imagine bringing your employees to an enchanted garden for your upcoming retreat. It's perfect for large and small gatherings alike.
Good For: Corporate parties, Holiday parties, Weddings
Location: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Speakeasy Austin
While this event venue isn't quite a real speakeasy, when you walk in, you'll find yourself a bit lost in all of the available space. Slinging out craft cocktails, Speakeasy hosts live music, receptions, and other kinds of private events.
If you're hoping for a company holiday party with pizzazz, this event venue is a great option!
Good For: Holiday party, Concerts, Product launches
Location: 412 Congress Ave. D, Austin, TX 78701
The LINE Hotel
With views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake, the LINE Hotel is fabulous for galas and seminars. It's home to Arlo Grey, a restaurant run by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish. The hotel venue offers 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a rooftop terrace.
Capable of hosting large-scale events or something smaller like a board meeting, the LINE Hotel offers a variety of meeting spaces for any kind of corporate event.
Good For: Conferences, Expos, Galas, Seminars
Location: 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
W Austin Hotel
One of the most popular hotels in Austin, TX, this four-star hotel is within walking distance to over 250 bars, restaurants, theaters, and concert venues to keep your employees or attendees entertained. It's a popular choice for company events due to its ability to accommodate differently sized events.
The W Austin Hotel also has a gorgeous tequila bar, a living room to lounge in, and a record room with over 8,000 records lining the walls. The hotel has 7 corporate event venue spaces and 6 breakout rooms. It can host up to 400 attendees, making it a great fit for your next event.
Good For: Small meetings, Conferences, Expos, Galas
Location: 200 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
Austin Corporate Event Venues Perfect For Parties
Oasis Texas Brewing Co
The Oasis Texas Brewing Company is located in the Texas Hill Country, offering unparalleled views of Lake Travis. They have three different event spaces for different private parties. I've also seen wedding receptions hosted here as well, so it can definitely fit at least a couple hundred of your employees!
Good For: Corporate parties, Holiday parties
Location: 6650 Comanche Trail Suite #301, Austin, TX 78732
The Bullock Museum
An unexpected meeting space, The Bullock Museum, is located in the museum district, next to the Blanton Museum and University of Texas campus. With multiple spaces for any private event, the museum is perfect for galas, holiday celebrations, corporate events, and even film screenings!
It's one of the most favored corporate event venues due to its central location and the ability to host up to 450 sitting guests and 600 standing guests.
Good For: Corporate events, Receptions, Holiday Parties
Location: 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Rose Haven
Owned by a long-time event vendor, Rose Haven is not just an event venue, it's also a bakery! This spacious event venue can host parties, team-building meetings, and networking mixers.
With both indoor and outdoor event spaces, it's one of the more popular event venues for corporate events.
Good For: Galas, Small trade shows, Expos, Job fairs, Corporate meetings, Networking Mixers
Location: 12013 US-290, Austin, TX 78737
The Paramount Theatre
Dripping in Austin, TX, history, The Paramount Theatre has an interior space that will wow your employees for your next corporate event. The theatre is familiar with hosting special events, from concerts to benefits/fundraisers.
This venue is best used for parties and seminars, as it contains a stage where presenters can either educate or present awards to your hardworking employees!
Good For: Holiday parties and seminars
Location: 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
The Belmont Austin
This corporate event venue offers downtown Austin, TX, vibes with flair. In the main room, it has a full-service bar. The Belmont layout is a fantastic option for your next happy hour event or even customer appreciation dinners.
It's right off of the infamous Sixth Street district, where the party can go late into the night. Down there, you can take a quick jaunt to multiple iconic Austin blues bars.
Good For: Happy hours, Holiday Parties, Galas
Location: 305 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
The Sky Lounge on Lady Bird
If you're trying to plan the next corporate event for your company and really want to wow people, then the Sky Lounge on Lady Bird is worth a look. Close to the Austin Convention Center, you can host a follow-up happy hour after attending seminars all day long.
The rooftop terrace is simply to die for, with sweeping views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake. Your next event will be the talk of the company!
Good For: Smaller gatherings, Holiday parties, Product launches, Seminar
Location: 401 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Brazos Hall
One of my favorite downtown Austin venues, this gorgeous venue has a rooftop terrace, exposed brick for an industrial look, and the ability to host hundreds of guests. It’s a popular SXSW venue, as well.
Brazos Hall is also within walking distance to all of the surrounding hotels, making it easy for employees to access any time of day.
Good For: Company parties, Corporate events, Product launches
Location: 204 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Springdale Station
Springdale Station events are always something really special. This reimagined train station in East Austin is a quick ride share away from downtown. It offers indoor and outdoor event spaces, able to accommodate over 200 guests.
It has ample parking and is located next to Austin Eastciders—perfect for a quick drink with the team!
Good For: Company Parties, Seminars, Product launches, Holiday parties
Location: 979 Springdale Rd Suite #160, Austin, TX 78702
The Best Corporate Event Venues For Team Building
Waller Creek Boathouse
Nestled next to Lady Bird Lake, the Waller Creek Boathouse is a great fit if you're planning a corporate retreat and need to have your team do activities together. One of my favorite activities is renting a boat from Retro Boat Rentals ATX, which offers rare classic fiberglass electric boats.
If it's a hot summer day, you can also rent paddle boards or kayaks for your team!
Good For: Team building, Corporate parties, Retreat activity
Location: 74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
Stunt Ranch
Now this place is COOL! If you're planning a corporate event that centers around team building or hosting a family picnic, Stunt Ranch is worth reaching out to! This is, however, a bit of away out past East Austin.
But your employees will rave about the zip line, high fall airbag, low ropes obstacle course and even the impromptu spear-throwing contest.
Good For: Retreat activity, Team building, Corporate family picnics
Location: 13317 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
Corporate Party Ideas In Austin
So, you're planning a corporate event or company retreat for your employees! How fun! Austin is such a bustling city, full of opportunities and experiences. Since Austin is a city focused on hosting events of all kinds, there are so many ways to keep busy.
So here is a list of corporate party ideas in Austin, TX!
Austin Scavenger Hunt
In only two hours, you and your team will solve problems, explore Austin, and visit historic landmarks. You don't need an event space for this team-building event.
Company: Scavengerhunt.com
The Great Guac-Off
Nothing says Austin, Texas, more than a guacamole competition! Skip boring corporate meetings and engage your employees with a guacamole-making competition. Plus, it includes trivia and mini-games.
Company: Teambuilding.com
The Escape Game
Escape rooms are all the rage, and there are few things better for team-building! The Austin, TX, Escape Game offers seven different rooms, all with varied difficulties.
Company: The Escape Game
Downtown Austin Food Tour
If you're looking for some yum, then the Austin, TX, food scene will fill your belly to the brim. For the next company retreat or planning an employee's birthday party, consider taking the team on a food tour. You'll taste one or two local food trucks or infamous BBQs.
Company: Cozymeal.com
Take A Bike Tour
A great alternative to another business meeting is taking your employees on a lovely jaunt around Austin via a bike ride! You'll take in the downtown Austin sights, passing the state capitol building and maybe even stop at a food truck.
Company: Austin Bike Tours and Rentals
Corporate Event Vendors in Austin
While I have a more comprehensive list of corporate event vendors here, I'm including a list of event vendors that will be eager to help you with your next corporate event.
Corporate Event Caterers
Corporate Event Planners
Corporate Event DJs
Various Corporate Event Vendors
Wrapping Up: How To Choose the Perfect Corporate Event Venue In Austin
As I'm sure you can see, planning and hosting corporate events in Austin can almost be overwhelming from all of the spectacular options. Boring corporate meetings in Austin simply don't exist, because the city always brings its A-game!
I cannot stress enough that you'll want to consider hiring an event planner! They take away the stress and unknowns, especially if you're coming from out of town and need guidance.
No matter the kind of event you're planning, you're going to have a great time. Now it's time to reach out to hire your corporate event photographer (ME!) so all of these amazing memories will be captured and shared with your company!