Westerville is conveniently located off Interstates 71 and 270, as well as State Route 161, and offers a variety of unique and flexible meeting spaces that are perfect to host an event for any occasion.

Ann Hollins has been in the event industry for more than 20 years and currently operates her business, Events Outlined, out of Westerville. Ann served as director of catering at the Renaissance Columbus-Westerville when it opened, is actively involved in Meeting Planners International (MPI) Ohio Chapter and Techsytalk, and was named 2020-2021 MPI Ohio Planner of the Year. All that to say, it’s clear she knows what she’s talking about!

We recently sat down with Ann to get her thoughts on planning an event in Westerville. Here’s what she had to say:

Why should someone consider planning an event in Westerville?

Westerville is an extremely accessible, safe, and welcoming community that offers a variety of event spaces, outdoor activities, local restaurants, a signature hotel that makes you feel like a local, and a nationally recognized university. All these provide event planners (professional or amateur) with many options for creating a successful event experience.

What type of events do you think Westerville is best suited to host? This could include size, type of celebration, etc.

Westerville offers event locations to host all types of events, including association conferences, corporate retreats and meetings, weddings, and social events. Group sizes can range from 10 – 500, and often 500+ depending on the type of event, though I would say 100-400 is the sweet spot for most of the venues in the area.

What do you find surprises your clients most often about Westerville?

Most of my clients are often surprised by the array of unique experiences and options Westerville offers! Not to mention the ease of access and walkability of Uptown Westerville’s local shops and restaurants, parks with indoor and outdoor event space, a university with diverse event hosting options, and local activities and restaurants with options for all ages that are family- and business-friendly.

As someone who brings people to this community from all over the world, what are you most excited for in the coming months?

I am excited to work, play and host events at the new COhatch Westerville and North High Brewery, currently being built on the former Armory site on State Street, just steps from Uptown Westerville. The most recent news about the High Bank Distillery opening in the former post office Uptown is also incredibly exciting for Westerville.

I imagine bringing a corporate group to the Renaissance Westerville and planning off-property evening activities in Uptown Westerville with a dine- and shop-around that includes both of these locations.

Taking existing buildings with a rich history and transforming them into attractions with first-class reputations in Columbus and beyond is a big win for Westerville and the visitors we look forward to hosting.

What are some misconceptions about planning an event in Westerville?

I think people often think bigger or busier hubs are the places to be. In a place like Westerville, you will find the same convenient access for those traveling in with more unique local restaurants, event venues, outdoor activities, and hotels, making the overall experience more memorable and rewarding for your guests and attendees.

If someone is interested in hosting an event in Westerville but is unsure where to start, what do you recommend?

When unfamiliar with a city or area, the best place to start is to contact your local convention and visitors bureau, in this case, Visit Westerville. The staff is in tune with all the options that will cater to your particular event needs.

Many people are familiar with some of our neighboring attractions, like Top Golf, but Visit Westerville knows everything local and can share unique ideas for off-site activities, tours, dine-arounds, etc. They can also share any local community events happening while you are visiting that your attendees may enjoy and provide you with many resources to ensure your attendees have a great experience.

Ann also shared with us that due to Westerville being a dry town until 2004 thanks to the city’s long history with Prohibition, the creation of the event industry in the community was delayed. Don’t worry; we have plenty of options now for those who like to imbibe, but if that has been keeping you from considering hosting an event in Westerville, allow us to re-introduce ourselves now.

You can connect with Ann, Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Events Outlined, here, and follow her work on Instagram at @EventsOutlined.

Post by: Lexi Sweet