Unconventional Venues: Business meetings and events Alaska style.

• Author: Anderson, Tom
• Position: MEETINGS & EVENTS

Alaska, particularly Anchorage, is a premier destination for hundreds of businesses in search of unique, exciting locations to hold seminars, conferences, and meetings. Both Alaska-based companies and those from Outside take advantage of the state's exceptional meeting options to escape the office to engage in corporate activities.

The good news for the many companies in search of an ideal location to hold their next annual meeting is that there are countless spots statewide that welcome business meetings and events, with the added benefit of a vibrant culture, one-of-a-kind exhibits, and challenging team-building competitions.

There's Always a Time (and Place) for Animals

The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage receives more than 200,000 visitors each year and features more than one hundred animal and bird species on display on twenty-five acres of land. While the Alaska Zoo is a popular destination for visitors and locals, it's also a popular location for businesses and others to hold events including weddings, fundraisers, and corporate meetings. The mountainside property offers business visitors a unique place to old meetings that allows participants to enjoy the animals, the zoo's beauty, and time to enjoy the outdoors.

Patrick Lampi, the Alaska Zoo's executive director, says the facility's Gateway Hall is available for businesses and meetings. Gateway Hall has a capacity of 150 people and provides participants with seating, kitchen facilities, and audio/visual technology. He adds that, beyond amenities such as plasma screens and a giant screen and projector, the Alaska Zoo can enhance what could be a typical boardroom meeting with tours of the zoo.

"We have everything from nature and Alaska animals and birds to a majestic vista overlooking Anchorage and Cook Inlet on your drive departing the property, so holding business meetings and events at our facility goes beyond the boilerplate pen, paper, and conference table," says Lampi. "Alaska nonprofit organizations like the Alaska Zoo are particularly thoughtful places to hold meetings because we are supported by donations, attendance, and sponsorships. Business meetings held here will generate interest, offer a chance to see how remarkable the property is, and hopefully inspire a return visit and patronage."

Notable clients include the Rasmuson Foundation, Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers, and MJ Murdock Charitable Trust. The Institute of Transportation Engineers has also booked the space for an upcoming event.

Pride in Public Safety

When it comes to Alaska law enforcement history and archives, there's no place more comprehensive and packed full of iconic police history than the Alaska Law Enforcement Museum. Located on 5th...