5 New & Innovative Event Spaces for 2015

Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum has undergone a 10-year renovation and features a range of spaces where groups can meet. Architects Cruz &Ortiz have designed a spectacular new entrance called The Atrium, which covers 7,380 sf, plus a new Asian Pavilion. The structure has 1,600 sf floor space and showcases artwork from the Far East. The addition of an extensive 47,300 sf garden is another highlight. RIJKS is the museum’s new restaurant. It seats 140, with a separate area for 36 guests, and an outdoor terrace for 130.

At the Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Hotel, groups can experience a traditional Korean tea service in the hotel’s Madang gardens. The tea ceremony, known as darye, can be combined with a Korean play viewing, which are also performed in the gardens. The hotel is a traditional wooden Korean “hanok” 30-room guesthouse, featuring an ondol, or under-floor, heating system. The on-site GyeongWonRu meeting facility was built in the architectural style of the Goryo Dynasty, featuring wooden roofs and 4,348 sf of flexible event space.

The all-inclusive Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall opened in December following an $85 million revamp. Spanning 1,200 feet of Montego Bay coastline, the Hyatt Zilara’s 234 rooms are adults only, while the Hyatt Ziva’s 387 rooms host all ages. The Moroccan-style rooftop bar Fez, with fireside seating and stunning views, is perfect for hosting groups. The resort has 50,000 sf of flexible space, and the Ziva Rose Hall Ballroom can accommodate 1,200 theater-style.

Calgary’s Hotel Arts has undergone a $7million renovation, which adds 12 floors of stylishly remodeled rooms to the hotel’s Luxury Tower. The upgrades began in 2013 with the opening of the award-winning Yellow Door Bistro and the renovation of the Raw Bar by Duncan Ly. A local artist curates weekly live music featuring Calgary-based musicians, and the space can be hired for private events. Its 9,500 sf Spectrum Ballroom seats 760 theater-style or can host 1,000 for a reception.

Located in Panama City, the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis occupies a sprawling 66-story tower and offers 1,468 rooms. The hotel has a dedicated events center that covers 4,281 sf. The complex is also adjacent to the Megapolis Convention Center, which covers 29,000 sf and contains a grand ballroom with capacity for 3,000 theater-style. A roof lounge offers panoramic views of the city, and contains three dedicated sections for groups. It can accommodate up to 1,500 in its outdoor space.