The list of great off-site venues for group events in Nebraska is as sprawling as its prairies and as high as its tallgrass. There are many interesting options to choose from throughout the state, including popular tourist attractions that have impressive meeting spaces, and equally impactful stand-alone venues. A world-class museum, a lakeside meeting hall and a furniture factory turned event venue are a few ideas in the following lineup of possibilities for planners to consider. 

With a recent surge of growth, the cities of Southwest Michigan are ready to host more groups and events. New-builds and property restorations are drawing locals and visitors alike back to the downtown neighborhoods. Recently opened hotels have added to room counts, with more properties expected to debut later this year and early next, and convention center and venue projects are adding even more meeting square footage to this region.

Planners have many teambuilding opportunities to choose from throughout Southern Ohio, including several that showcase the unique attributes of each destination. Groups can tap into Cincinnati’s brewing and baseball heritage, participate in the arts in Columbus and explore Dayton’s aviation history. Following are details about those and some other standout ideas, including ziplining above Warren County’s wilderness, for groups interested in adding a team-bonding activity to the meeting agenda.

Music of every genre, including rock, classical and jazz, is represented throughout Northern Ohio, where groups can easily include an activity or off-site gathering that incorporates a musical element. From Cleveland’s distinguished Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to music performances staged at Bowling Green State University’s new Wolfe Center for the Arts, the region’s music scene will be a hit with groups that would like to enhance the meeting with a melodic experience.

Activities that promote health and well-being have become an important part of meetings, and Ohio honors that trend with a wide variety of venues and events to keep attendees at their best. From salsa dancing in Cincinnati’s Fountain Square to hiking in Columbus or learning to sail in Cleveland, the Buckeye State knows how to make any group fit and relaxed.

The accolades are building. Dubbed by Thrillist earlier this year as “One of the Coolest Cities in America that Doesn’t Even Know It Yet” and “The best surprise in the Midwest,” by ESPN writer Myron Medcalf, Wichita, Kansas, is making its presence known.

The southwest region of Missouri has a secret: its three main towns, Springfield, Joplin and Branson, have a rich and diverse mix of art and entertainment venues. History takes the main stage in Springfield and Joplin with outlaws and Route 66, while Branson goes beyond its well-known country shows with venues dedicated to jazz, swing, classical and more.

Neighbors Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, home to CenturyLink Center Omaha and Mid-America Center, as well as a great variety of group-friendly hotels, also offer an intriguing lineup of venues for off-site receptions and banquets.

Planners have a variety of teambuilding experiences to choose from in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, each of which can cater to a group’s makeup and interests.

Reflective of the end-game excitement of this year’s Super Bowl LII was the preparation and execution of the big game’s hosts: Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington and surrounds. The 10-day fete highlighted some of the region’s most intriguing off-site venues, scenery, breweries, restaurants and more.