Worcester Business Journal

24 Worcester Business Journal | January 8, 2018 | wbjournal.com F O C U S B E S T E V E N T S & V E N U E S T he Worcester EcoTarium is a favorite Central Massachusetts attraction for families with children, but with ample park- ing, expansive grounds and three roomy floors, it's also a prime location for employee outings. A large local company can easily entertain a couple thousand employees and their family members during a Expansive grounds, indoor spaces make the EcoTarium tops again BY EMILY MICUCCI Worcester Business Journal Staff Writer company picnic in the summertime, for example, said Joseph Cox, presi- dent of the museum. "The nice thing is, obviously we can handle a lot of people" Cox said. Employee outings are generally held on Mondays, when the museum is closed to the public, giving corporate guests free reign of the outdoor attrac- tions, including a large playground, animal exhibits and scenic train ride. "It's unparalleled access to the grounds, " Cox said, adding that the museum accommodates corporate outings for hundreds as well as small- BEST VENUE FOR AN EMPLOYEE OUTING EcoTarium* Worcester, ecotarium.org Top executive: President Joseph P. Cox Founded: 1825 Employees: 56 Notable runners-up: Kimball Farm, Tower Hill Botanic Garden er corporate receptions, and other non-business events, such as weddings. In addition to the usual attractions, the EcoTarium employs a facility rental coordinator who arranges catering and other vendor services for outings, making event planning at the EcoTarium easy. Pricing is customized, based on size and client preferences. While popular, large employee out- ings at the EcoTarium are reserved for corporate members, members of the museum's 1825 Society, and university members. They are major undertakings, Cox said, and the museum hosts about a handful per year. It's a relatively small part of the busi- ness, but one Cox said the museum would like to see grow, particularly because it introduces people to the museum who might not otherwise attend. There has been a concerted effort to grow the museum's corporate member- ship program over the last three years, and that's paid off, according to Cox, who said about 15,000 corporate employees are now enrolled through the program. While the EcoTarium has the means to accommodate big companies, events can be customized for corporate events of any size. The executive leadership of the the Hanover Theatre, another of the city's biggest cultural draws, attended an outing that included a walk through the museum's former tree canopy exhibit, said Troy Siebels, president and CEO of the Hanover Theatre. Siebels said it was an ideal activity for professionals looking to unwind outside the office. "They have sort of the best of both worlds, you have spaces where you can assemble indoors as well," Siebels said. BEST GOLF CLUB FOR CORPORATE OUTING Cyprian Keyes Golf Club* Boylston, www.cypriankeyes.com Top executive: David I. Frem, general manager Founded: 1997 Employees: Changes seasonally Cyprian offers five function rooms to accommodate groups of all sizes, with an 18-hole championship golf course alongside a 9-hole, par-3 course for beginners. The menu choices are for any budget, and the facility offers a custom club-fitting center. BEST HOTEL FOR BUSINESS CLIENTS Beechwood Hotel* Worcester, www.beechwoodhotel.com Top executive: Sayed Saleh, asset manager and managing director Founded: 1989 Employees: 200 The only AAA Four Diamond hotel in Central Massachusetts, the Beechwood has been building its reputation for nearly 30 years, emphasizing guest service and posh facilities. The high-end Sonoma restaurant relocated from Princeton to the Beechwood in 2017, expanding its culinary options. BEST VENUE FOR A CORPORATE EVENT Mechanics Hall* Worcester, www.mechanicshall.org Top executive: Robert M. Kennedy, executive director Founded: 1857 Employees: 14 Mechanics Hall offers an historic atmosphere and architecture with 21st century amenities to produce meeting spaces catered for events ranging from small luncheons to grand galas. Notable runner-up: DCU Center W EcoTarium, Worcester Cyprian Keyes Mechanics Hall hosted the Worcester Historical Museum's annual Harvey Ball.

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