As a communication and event specialist for Hospice of the Western Reserve, Celeste Conklin is always on the lookout for unique meeting venues.

When the theme for the 2010 annual meeting was Spirituality & Art, Conklin thought it would be tough to find a place that matched the theme. Then a caterer told her about Josaphat Arts Hall, a former Catholic church built in 1915 in Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood that had been converted into an art gallery and meeting space.

“When you walk in, you get this feeling that you’re in New York City in some awesome art gallery,” Conklin says. “The normal church lighting is very dim, and there are large pillars.”

For the 200-person event, the staff hung artwork done by Hospice of the Western Reserve patients. They added decorative miniature lights and candlelight to enhance the ambience.

The former altar area served as a perfect stage for keynote speaker Connie Schultz.

“It’s a beautiful, serene atmosphere,” says Conklin. “You just feel like you are somewhere special.”

Coffee Grounds:  For another historic venue to hold a meeting, try the Folger Home, built in 1902, located in Veteran’s Memorial Park in Avon Lake with views of Lake Erie.

- Best Practices Toolbox - Meetings & Events

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