NewHavenBIZ

26 n e w h a v e n B I Z | M a r c h / A p r i l 2 0 1 9 n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m F O C U S | M e e t i n g s & E v e n t s Sound Surroundings By Jessica Giannone n Yale Maurice R. Green- berg Conference Center 391 Prospect St, New Haven 06511 (203) 436-5866 greenberg.yale.edu Space: Amphitheater: 88 seated; classroom 17-22 seated; dining room 104 seated/160 standing; outdoor patio 75 standing; upper lobby 75 standing; lower-lobby seminar rooms 12-14 per. Standout feature(s): Green building, LEED Gold-certified, diverse spaces Yale's newest conference facility is efficient in terms of both energy use and function. Housing international leadership programs, among other Yale-affiliated events, the Greenberg center is esteemed for its dynamic accommodations and state-of-the- art infrastructure. It boasts multiple interpretation booths, advanced audio-visual equipment for video conferencing, and highest level of conformity to benchmarks set by the U.S. Green Building Council. e space is suitable for retreats and receptions as well, as the design makes for a productive and intimate setting. e building has witnessed a bounty of influential individuals and memorable events. n Art Plus Studio 1207 Chapel St., New Haven 06511 (203) 500-7352 artplusstudio.com Space: Upstairs studio seats 42-50 (65 standing) Standout feature(s): Artistic and cre- ative team-building activities. If you're looking for an outing that offers a range of collaborative activities, Art Plus Studio is a col- orful choice. More than 14 different activities for private bookings include group murals, portraits, guided canvas painting, string art, terrariums, mosaics, leather craing, glass etching, macrame, wooden signs, and designing a mock food-truck business. e stu- dio also offers lunch-break painting sessions in addition to public cra nights. Attendees can bring food and beverages to all events. Owner Bella Zadore books one or two business events a month. She adds that although the studio gets busy with the classes, many local companies do get to expe- rience what Art Plus has to offer. Art Plus staffers can also travel to your venue of choice to facilitate a large "live" painting for employees to share in creating. e projects provide a productive outlet for em- ployees to stretch their innovation aptitude. n Lyric Hall 827 Whalley Ave., New Haven 06515 (203) 389-8885 lyrichallnewhaven.com Space: Theater: 50-60 seated/90 standing; building 150-190 Standout feature(s): Historic architectural elements and overall aesthetic gestalt E ven if attendance is mandatory for the "guests," busi- ness functions need not be perfunctory or lackluster affairs. Quite the opposite: An attractive, engaging venue can provide the foundation for a successful, even memorable, corporate get-together. All that's needed is a little creativity and imagination. While southern Connecticut is home to many venues for companies seeking gathering spaces, there are some partic- ularly notable sites in greater New Haven that venture into more unusual territory for a "business" event. e features that set many of the following potential event spaces apart from more "convention-al" sites for business functions tend to provide (potentially yet unrealized) beneficial results. Each venue included below can serve as a fruitful refresher, or a rich treat, welcoming staff members as they meet. Yale University Maurice R. Greenberg Conference Center

• Cover