I started The Meeting Place because I saw a need.  I was looking for a reasonable venue and catering for a Christmas dinner I was responsible for pulling together for a not-for-profit group of 200.  In my search, in 2007, the best quote I I got was $17,000.  Ultimately, we found a venue and food for the group and it came in slightly under $11,000.  It came to my mind that if there is one need, there must be more.  I knew it could still be done very beautifully and for less.

I realized that the largest expense was the fact that you must use certain venue’s catering services.  You were not permitted to bring in your own food or beverages or hire your own caterer.  I found this very unreasonable.

The Meeting Place was established after seeing this need.  I have always enjoyed pulling together events so the mission was to find a facility that would allow me to keep my pricing reasonable and still make a profit.

In this blog, I will be posting ways of saving money and having more effective meetings.  You may want a more traditional wedding and I can help you by some of the partnerships I have formed since I have opened.  I enjoy passing the savings on to my clients.  I may recommend a specific person or company to assist you in your meeting or event needs.  I do this only after careful consideration, to know that person or company will treat you as well as the staff at The Meeting Place.

I read today, July 26, 2010, that the average cost of a wedding is approximately $24,000.  Can you imagine?  In this economy?  I know it’s supposed to be a “once in a life time” event, but also recognizing that divorce rate was 20% nationally in 2009, how practical is spending that kind of money on a wedding?

When booking your venue for your next meeting, birthday or anniversary party, bridal or baby shower, wedding rehearsal dinner or reception, know that The Meeting Place will make every effort to make your event perfect.

So, The Meeting Place has reasonable pricing that is all-inclusive.  Basically, if we don’t need to rent it to make your event a success, it’s included in the price.  (You would have to call for specifics.)  Also, you may bring in your own food, hire your own caterer, or we would be glad to work with our caterer (Catering By Scott) on your behalf.