by Briana Oldham
For most meeting professionals, there are certain criteria spaces need to have before they decide whether it is right for their group. What better-deciding factor than the warm summer sun now gracing The Land with its presence? From epic waterfalls to patios with breathtaking views, the season for outdoor meeting planning is upon us. Here you’ll find there are a variety of venues for groups of all sizes with locations spanning Cleveland.
Blazing the trail for the future of meetings is the expansion project at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. While the center currently has a beautiful 14-acre greenspace called Mall B and Mall C, adding an 11,000 sq. ft. outdoor terrace will further set the center apart from other destinations. The renovation, to be completed in June 2024, brings more flexibility and ease of conducting business that will exceed industry expectations and needs.
Lady Caroline's newest boat, is also coming soon and is a 15,000 square foot cruise ship. Guests can set sail and incorporate friendly skies and calm waves on one of three climate-controlled decks or on the open-air sky deck.
If it’s one thing Cleveland is known for, it’s the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Boasting endless opportunities for meetings both big and small, the venue also offers the Exterior Plaza as an option for guests. From Memorial Day to early October, planners can line the plaza with festive food trucks to accompany the scenic Cleveland Skyline.
Create memories that attendees will never forget at Cleveland Metropark’s Edgewater Beach House. Lake Erie views and good vibes meet here. When break time hits, you’ll be in the best location to explore the many walking and biking trails surrounding the beach.
Downtown is no stranger to the most popular attractions; the Garden of Eden is chief among them. The rooftop offers the best seat in town to take in the amazing sights. Plus it’s located on the 12th floor of the Metropolitan at the 9 Hotel which boasts a variety of meeting spaces including The Vault Speakeasy which is tucked behind a 1906 bank Vault door and can host up to 400 guests.
Bar 32 is full of ambiance and is the charming backdrop that makes this a top choice for any occasion. Located atop the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, your guests will have the added bonus of being directly connected to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. With 18 meeting rooms, itself, the Hilton Downtown also offers variety for meeting planners looking to host and book rooms in the same location. When it comes to Bar 32, you will literally never forget those views no matter how hard you try. Luckily, why would you want to?
Being on the lake means the waterfront comes with the territory. At FWD Day & Nightclub, prepare to be impressed by this outdoor venue with a custom sound system sure to get your guests engaged.
Trellis Rooftop is an LGTBQ+ venue located in Studio West 117, a 30,000 square foot inclusive and welcoming space to host events. The first rooftop patio in Lakewood is designed to bridge luxury and relaxation together. Plus, it’s only minutes from downtown and in the heart of several LGBTQ+ businesses.
There are few venues that create an outdoor oasis quite like 17 River Grille. Perfect for intimate gatherings, the covered and heated wrap around terrace overlooks the stunning Chagrin River falls and will make guests keep coming back even after the day is done.
Nature is one of the best gifts anyone can explore. Looking for garden spaces that are as vast in acreage as they are in the number of people who love them? Look no further than the historic 100-year-old Cleveland Cultural Gardens. The serene area spans two miles between the arts and cultural district University Circle and Lake Erie. More than 30 cultures are represented in the Gardens with 10 more in development. The Gardens feature statues and inscriptions depicting significant figures in the world’s cultural history.
Not quite hit that garden fix yet? Host your next event around the reflecting pool and fountain at Cleveland Botanical Garden. Here the breathtaking gardens are professionally curated and provide endless meeting space options. Whether you’re looking for an English-inspired lush garden or a miniature creation of hills, mountains, and running water from Japan, there is something for everyone.
A scenic downtown adjacent location is the breathtaking Ariel International Center Rooftop. The rooftop has rustic features such as a hardwood floor and a view that includes a vintage water tower. Guests would have no shortage of eye-catching sights. The views don’t stop at the rooftop, head inside for meeting spaces with large windows overlooking the skyline and Lake Erie. If you like lake views, this is the space to meet.
The newest patio to join the list is Fiyah Korean BBQ and Hot Pot. The draw for planners is the 2,000 square foot rooftop wrap-around deck. Near downtown, this space combines features an interactive experience in the form of hot pot cooking and combines Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese styles and flavor profiles.
Located just minutes from Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, The Aviator Rooftop is a space that is part of The Aviator Event Center. Regardless of the size of the group, curating unique experiences truly take flight here.