b'venuetake the form of exclusive tours andGardiner Museuminteractive activities. When groups come here, they have access to our galleries, which house a world-renowned collection of ceramics spanning time periods and geographies, notes Klassen, adding, We also like to give guests the opportunity to book guided tours with our knowledgeable docents, as well as clay workshops in our studios for an engaging hands-on experience.Certainly, whether its an ice-breaker among ancient relics, presentations against the backdrop of awe-inspiring architecture, or networking in the company of timeless art pieces, the strength of a museum is its ability to set a distinct theme or atmosphere for guests.COVERING THE BASICSA memorable setting is one thing, but what about the basics? Rest assured, says Lavergne, museums like theCanadian Museum for Human RightsCanadian Museum for Human Rights understand what it takes to keep a crowd refreshed and entertained.the event the museum already worksThe price of holding an event at Weve tried to make includingwith external partners for a museum is another consideration. food and beverage options asthese services.Its only natural that an out-of-the-streamlined as possible, and we canMoreover, says Klassen, its a goodordinary venue like a museum may help planners make the best useidea to ask what special opportunitiescome with additional pricing options. of these elements throughout theor experiences may be on offer duringHere again, it pays to ask questions museum, says Lavergne. Of course,the time of your event: You want toand know your options.because a lot of the artifacts that wereach out to the venue to see whatAny time you take your event to an feature are on loan to us, we need toopportunities may be offered at aout-of-the-ordinary venue, there are keep food and beverage to publicgiven time. You may be surprisedgoing to be incidental costs you might spaces to use for social events. by what is available; perhaps theresnot know up front. Once you learn Museums will often take this all- a special exhibition on display or ayour options and all the packages inclusive approach to audio andnew tour option. Consider bookingavailable, though, youll usually find visual (AV) requirements; particularlythese unique opportunities as soon asthat museums are comparable to the those that understand what workspossible to ensure availability and thatvenues youre familiar with,best within each section of the facility.staffing needs can be met. adds Lavergne.Herein, one approach museums take is to partner with third-party A/V providers who also know the venue and can work one-on-one with planners to enhance presentations, supply entertainment, or add some background flair to an event. BEFORE YOU BOOKThere are several considerations when booking a museum for a meeting or conference. First and foremost, its important to clarify all A/V, food and beverage considerations up front in Fall/Winter 2019CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 41'