“Those attending banquets or conferences here are immediately struck by the majesty of the province as they ascend toward the mountaintop, the lights of the city and the endless horizon of the Lower Mainland unfolding beneath them. [Grouse Mountain's] meeting spaces are each a perfect confluence of Vancouver's sophistication and British Columbia's natural splendor.”
— Jenny Alexander, catering sales manager

SITE: Paramount Studios

ADDRESS: 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038

PHONE: 323/956-8583

WEB SITE: www.paramountstudiogroup.com

VISUALS & VIBE: All part of Hollywood's oldest working movie studio, the historic Bronson Gate entrance space (500 to 1,000 capacity), intimate Valentino Park (100 seated capacity) and ultra-urban New York Street (10,000 reception capacity) are just a few of the fresh-air event areas provided by Paramount.

SPECIAL SPACE: The studios' New York Street back lot is housed on five acres and represents signature New York City features including brownstone buildings, the financial district, SoHo and the Upper East Side. Stunt shows are available, and snow, steam and rain can be conjured up as part of event environments.

WHO'S HERE: The lot has hosted PETA, Viacom and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, among many others.

“Each year, [as part of] the Taurus World Stunt Awards, they throw an amazing party on New York Street. This past year, one of the most impressive stunts happened when they took part of our New York Street façade and rigged it to look like the entire façade was falling. Needless to say, it got everyone's attention!”
— Kenneth Heidt, executive director of events and food & beverage

SITE: Pier 60 and The Lighthouse

ADDRESS: Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, Suite 300, 23rd Street at the Hudson River, New York, NY 10011

PHONE: 212/336-6144

WEB SITE: www.piersixty.com

VISUALS & VIBE: Located on the water at the tip of historic Pier 61, The Lighthouse — with reception capacity of 800 and seated capacity of 400 (350 with dancing) — offers wrought iron railings and period lanterns, along with panoramic views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty. Culinary notable Abigail Kirsch is the site's exclusive caterer.

SPECIAL SPACE: A fine-weather phenom, The Lighthouse's 2,400-square-foot all-season terrace, with motorized glass wall, transforms into outdoor event space at the touch of a button.

WHO'S HERE: Recent clients include Vibe magazine, Tommy Hilfiger and the American Cancer Society.

“When a planner comes to The Lighthouse, they enjoy the ease of one-stop shopping. We own all of our own equipment and can provide an extensive list of recommended vendors for entertainment, decor and production. And the planner will enjoy exclusivity — we only host one event at a time.”
— Michael Warren, director of catering