Looking to take your next corporate event somewhere unexpected and unforgettable?
If you’re ready to step away from the typical conference halls and make an impression on your attendees, these unconventional venues are just what your event needs.
From historic landmarks to trendy open-air spaces, these nine venues offer a fresh twist that’s guaranteed to wow your team, clients, and guests.
Our top 9 unconventional event venue picks:
We’ve had the privilege of hosting corporate dinners, meetings, and events at many of these spots, so we know firsthand that they’re perfect for taking your event to the next level.
Here are our top 9 unconventional event venues you should consider for your next corporate gathering (or atleast take inspiration from):
- Library of Celsus, Turkey
- Old Kōloa Sugar Mill, Hawaii
- Les Pavillons de Bercy, Paris, France
- Tortuga San Diego Omni Hotel Rooftop
- Château de la Napoule, France
- Bloody Mary’s, Bora Bora
- Chicago CineSpace Studio
- Pier 60 Collection, New York
- Buyouts on a Yacht
Now, let’s take a closer look at each venue’s capacity and why they’re a great fit for your next corporate gathering.
1. Library of Celsus, Turkey
📍 Location: Ephesus, Turkey
☁️ Capacity: Customizable based on event needs
🏢 Venue Features: Ancient Roman ruins, unique historical atmosphere for dinners or events, cool backdrops for photos
Host your next corporate dinner surrounded by the ruins of the Library of Celsus.
Your event attendees can enjoy cocktails and appetizers on the Marble Road in front of the library, with the illuminated façade providing a nice ambiance.
An upscale dinner can be catered by the Kismet Hotel and you can book a Classic Quartet from the Izmir Philharmonic Orchestra for some live music.
We had the opportunity to host a client’s corporate dinner here during an incentive trip to the Greek Isles, and this stop left a lasting impression on every attendee.
2. Old Kōloa Sugar Mill, Hawaii
📍 Location: Kōloa, Kauai, Hawaii
☁️ Capacity: Up to 500 guests
🏢 Venue Features: Industrial charm, large open space, rustic vibes with modern amenities
This venue is a great choice for corporate parties, team-building events, or large gatherings.
The Old Kōloa Sugar Mill combines the rustic beauty of Hawaii’s industrial past with a spacious venue for any kind of corporate event.
The relaxed yet expansive setting allows for creative flexibility, making it nice for events that need a mix of both indoor and outdoor elements.
We had the pleasure of hosting a client’s corporate party here a few years ago in Kauai, and it was a unique experience.
3. Les Pavillons de Bercy, Paris, France
📍 Location: Paris, France
☁️ Capacity: Up to 300 guests
🏢 Venue Features: Historic architecture, customizable event spaces, elegant setting for meetings or dinners
We turned one of the Pavillons into a meeting room, blending the elegance of Parisian architecture with our client’s modern event needs.
It’s a great venue for hosting intimate corporate events or high-profile meetings in a memorable setting.
4. Tortuga San Diego Omni Hotel Rooftop
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
☁️ Capacity: Up to 300 guests
🏢 Venue Features: 4,000 sq. ft. rooftop space, Baja-California-inspired menu, open-air setting with city views
Who doesn't love a rooftop bar for a corporate event?
Located in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, Tortuga offers a sleek rooftop space perfect for everything from corporate receptions to casual celebrations, with great views and Baja-inspired cuisine.
5. Château de la Napoule, France
📍 Location: Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France
☁️ Capacity: Up to 200 guests
🏢 Venue Features: 14th-century castle, lush gardens, panoramic views of the Mediterranean
Set against the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, this historic castle offers a fairy-tale backdrop for corporate gatherings.
Its gardens and elegant interiors make it a beautiful choice for both intimate and grand corporate events.
Our client loved this setting for their corporate dinner during an incentive trip in the South of France, and we’re confident your group will too.
6. Bloody Mary’s, Bora Bora
📍 Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
☁️ Capacity: Customizable based on event needs
🏢 Venue Features: Lagoon-side location, laid-back island vibes, private dining and event options
For a unique and tropical corporate event, Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora offers an island escape with a relaxed atmosphere.
This venue is great for high-end corporate retreats or celebration events, it was a hit with our event attendees.
7. Chicago CineSpace Studio
📍 Location: Chicago, IL
☁️ Capacity: Customizable based on event needs (can accommodate large groups)
🏢 Venue Features: Working film studio, themed spaces, creative environment perfect for unique events
Take your corporate event to a working sound stage at CineSpace, where famous TV shows and movies have been filmed.
Turn the space into an immersive event setting that feels like you're stepping into a movie lot.
8. Pier 60 Collection, New York
📍 Location: New York, NY
☁️ Capacity: Up to 1,000 guests
🏢 Venue Features: Modern, flexible event spaces, stunning views of the Hudson River, perfect for large conferences and events
Pier 60 offers meeting spaces with sweeping views of the Hudson River, making it a great choice for corporate events.
With plenty of room for large gatherings, product launches, and conferences, it’s a versatile venue that can adapt to your event needs.
Whether you’re planning a big conference or an exclusive corporate gathering, Pier 60 will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
9. Buyouts on a yacht
📍 Location: Varies (Four Seasons & Ritz-Carlton yachts)
☁️ Capacity: Up to 250 guests
🏢 Venue Features: Luxurious yacht setting, personalized service, elegant dining options, exclusive event experience
For a corporate event that’s both exclusive and unforgettable, consider hosting it on a private yacht.
The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton offer luxury yacht experiences, perfect for incentive trips, client entertainment, or high-end corporate gatherings.
With top-tier service, incredible dining, and stunning views, it’s a unique way to impress your guests and create a memorable experience.
Ready to take your corporate event to the next level?
At GoGather, we’re all about helping you find the perfect venue and make your event unforgettable. From corporate dinners to incentive trips, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s chat—schedule a call with us, and let’s bring your event vision to life.
