10 Best Corporate Event Venues In San Diego


Business man dressed for San Diego corporate event

It seems like there are a million details that contribute to planning the perfect corporate event. Depending on the type of event, there can be so many small moving parts, working with catering, attendee list management and communication with guests, and more. It’s also true, however, that there is nothing more essential to an event’s success or failure than the venue.

Specific event spaces excel beyond the others for a variety of reasons. Some locations may offer better capacity, while others provide a great environment and services. 

Finding the best space for your event might sound intimidating in a new city, but that’s why we have put together this guide for San Diego meeting venues worth considering for your next corporate event.

Related: Sparks Gallery Corporate Venue

Sparks Gallery

If you’re looking for an original, elegant, and exciting location to host your next San Diego corporate event, look no further than Sparks Gallery. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter District in downtown San Diego, Sparks Gallery is an art gallery specializing in the work of local contemporary southern California artists. It is also a mid-size event venue. 

Host your next event while being surrounded by original artwork, and creative activations by local artists who can paint or perform live for each event. The space’s original 1920s architectural style is a tribute to the historic building. The event space is a 4500 square foot ground floor, a 1500 square foot mezzanine, and a 500 square foot exterior patio. The guest capacity generously allows for up to 350 guests on a rolling basis but can give a small-sized group of guests an intimate space to meet in the front of the space alone. 

Sparks Gallery offers a central kitchen, temperature control, sound system, and numerous other services. It also provides staffing in the form of a gallery event coordinator and security. Sparks Gallery offers a refined, well-run, comfortable, and contemporary event space.

The Prado at Balboa Park

The Prado Restaurant, Balboa Park

Perhaps you need an event space that is just a bit larger. Like Sparks Gallery, The Prado at Balboa Park has elegant historical elements and maybe your company’s next stop. The building boasts a total of 22,000 square feet between indoor and outdoor spaces and a maximum guest capacity of 2,500. Originally built for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915 and 1916, the building has been carefully maintained and restored, keeping its Spanish, Mexican, and Moroccan architectural elements in pristine condition. This rental offers on-site professional staff and the option to have your event catered from the Prado restaurant.

When you host your event at Prado at Balboa Park, you can be assured that the staff will take care of all your needs. Its historic charm seamlessly blends into a contemporary elegance to create a memorable backdrop for all of your company’s events. Take your event catering to the next level when you select this location. The Prado at Balboa Park provides an on-site professional staff with the option to have your event catered from the Prado restaurant. Your attendees can be treated to award-winning service, including a synchronized team. All of the tables feature full-length linens, with porcelain china settings and gold Chiavari chairs. When you want an elegant atmosphere for your next event, make sure to choose the Prado at Balboa Park.

Fleet Science Center

Reuben Fleet Science Center

For those who love science, and prefer the Balboa Park area, the Fleet Science Center offers a fun and educational take on your next event. You can rent part or all of this San Diego venue. Hold your banquet amid interactive exhibits, or let your team explore the entire museum. The Fleet Science Center features more than 30,000 square feet of space and an event capacity of over 1,000 guests. This venue makes it easy to customize your event to your exact needs because of its plethora of exhibits.

For outdoor receptions, treat your guests to a spectacular view of Balboa Park’s Bea Evenson Fountain. The multi-level facility provides plenty of space for cocktail receptions, corporate events, awards banquets, or sit-down dinners. In addition to that, the Fleet Science Center also offers a separate meeting space that is ideal for board meetings, guest lectures, group presentations, and luncheons. 

From hors d’oeuvres to formal dinners, the Fleet Science Center works with an exclusive list of caterers. These professionals are familiar with the challenges of service in a unique museum environment. They have high standards of service that can meet all of your requirements for an event.

Related: Sparks Gallery Exhibitions

Hilton Hotel Gaslamp

Hilton Hotel Gaslamp

The Hilton Gaslamp is a nationally and regionally recognized hotel. Locals and visitors know of its intimate and innovative design. This stunning hotel sits as the gateway to the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. Within steps from the vibrant downtown of San Diego, large teams who have a lot to accomplish would benefit from The Hilton Hotel’s traditionally-hosted corporate event space. The Hilton Gaslamp has all the amenities one would expect from the popular Hilton Hotel. Also, it offers 8,978 square feet of event space. Its most significant single space is 3,500 square feet. It has eight meeting rooms and 286 guest rooms. This allows the host a variety of styles for their events. It’s also directly across from the San Diego Convention Center.

Since it is within walking distance from the two buildings, this is the perfect choice for daytime events at the Center with an evening reception at the Gaslamp. This hotel features over 13 event spaces, including many that feature an outdoor terrace view of the Convention Center. No matter what room you secure for the event, your guests can expect an entertaining time.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Kimpton Hotel Palomar

If you want to have an event at a boutique hotel, choose this chic option. The Kimpton Hotel Palomar has the hotel environment some corporate teams need but has a hidden surprise. These spaces are the ideal backdrop for a fantastic event, from the Pool Deck Lounge to a posh penthouse. This beautiful hotel combines both traditional and non-traditional meeting spaces. They even have an art-filled meeting room that can break up the monotony of meeting after meeting. 

Along with that, the event team is headed by the hotel’s chef, who will cater to your every need, including creating amazing appetizers to delicious desserts. When you need to wine and dine your attendees, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar offers a rewarding corporate event experience.

Are you looking for an elegant, artistic space to host your next corporate event in San Diego? Check out Sparks Gallery’s corporate event packages.

Manchester Grand Hyatt

Manchester Grand Hyatt

Located near the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Convention Center, you have endless options for a unique event at this venue. The Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel is an excellent option for your next large corporate event. It’s a massive hotel with 1,628 sleeping rooms, and the largest event space is 34,000 square feet. It offers a great deal of customizability with both indoor and outdoor spaces.

You can take your next event from ordinary to extraordinary with the hotel’s state-of-the-art venues and exquisite catering options. Choose from four ballrooms, breakout spaces, and premium meeting areas. After a long day, your guests can relax at the onsite salon and spa, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or settle down by the rooftop pools.  Along with that, the Manchester Grand Hyatt offers private dining rooms, conference suites, and outdoor spaces – many with fire pits that overlook the Pacific Ocean. No matter what venue you select, the Manchester Grand Hyatt offers beautiful views of the ocean and the city. This hotel has a lot to provide for more significant corporate events.

The New Children’s Museum

New Children’s Museum

Special events don’t have a one-size-fits-all atmosphere. Break out of the ordinary with a unique venue. The New Children’s Museum offers something a little more playful and imaginative. The 50,000 square foot building is also located in San Diego’s heart and features many options for hosting a meeting. This architecturally-renowned urban venue is the perfect place for corporate meetings and other special events.

Many of the event venues span over all three levels of the interactive museum – complete with garden views, expensive gallery spaces, outdoor terraces, and open studios. You can reserve the large park across from the museum for those larger occasions. This outdoor space makes a great addition to your next event. The venue can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and partners with some of San Diego’s finest event professionals. You can have outstanding service for all of the event’s beverage, catering, and other needs with these professional services.

San Diego Convention Center

San Diego Convention Center

If you want to have an incredible panoramic view of the San Diego Bay while enjoying five-star service, make sure to choose this exceptional venue. The San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) is perfect for substantial corporate events. The venue is located in the vibrant downtown and within walking distance from world-class hotels. 

Located on the waterfront, the Convention Center features more than 2.6 million square feet. Its main exhibit hall is half a million square feet. It hosts up to 72 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and the Sails Pavilion, a 90,000 square foot glass-enclosed space. 

That space allows your space to take advantage of an industry-standard trade show floor. If you want to soak in some of that beautiful year-round sunshine in San Diego, the 184,514 square feet space is a fantastic option. If you are worried about choosing a “green” venue, the San Diego Convention Center has a LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The convention center allows for a large amount of customization and accommodates a considerable number of people, which will give your event the options and space it requires.

Hard Rock Hotel Gaslamp

Hard Rock Hotel Gaslamp

One of the best options is the fourth-floor pool lounge. This space is a stylish open oasis that evolves from an elegant daytime space with direct elevator access, fire pits, private cabanas, and built-in heaters. Along with the magnificent views, your events can have a dedicated bar with signature cocktails and a live DJ. This rooftop space is recognized as one of the best spots in San Diego. 

If you want a larger venue, the main event rooms can host over 500 people. The space includes acoustic panels, several branding areas for branding, state-of-the-art audio, and colored lights that allow you to take control of the venue space. This largest meeting space is 9,170 square feet, offering you a unique place for your next corporate event.

BASSMNT

Bassmnt Club

There is no shortage of unique venues throughout San Diego. However, if you want something out of the ordinary, consider a venue that doesn’t have that traditional corporate atmosphere. With the raw and edgy feel of the BASSMNT, this venue will take your event to the next level.

This venue is located in the hip Gaslamp District. BASSMNT offers event space that can accommodate 20 to 1,000 people. All of the rooms are fully equipped with high-tech audio and visual equipment. These spaces can transform from a professional conference space to a rocking nightclub. There are three rooms for your next corporate event. Along with that, the BASSMNT is only a few minutes from the San Diego Convention Center, which makes this spot the go-to location for a daytime conference or after-hours networking event.

There are several corporate packages available for your guests. Many of these packages include a live event DJ, photographer, and event staffing. If you want to treat your guests to a little noshing, many of these options feature appetizers and snacks with service from a professional staff. Some of the higher-priced packages also include unlimited beverages.

San Diego Meeting Venues: Final Thoughts

Knowing precisely the size your San Diego meeting venues need can help you pick the perfect place to host your event.  Site visits are an excellent way to begin. Visiting the space either in person or virtually will give you a snapshot of what the space can accommodate. When in doubt, call the venue to see what their scalability can be if your guest list may fluctuate depending on ticket sales or RSVPs. 

For unique corporate event space, Sparks Gallery provides excellent service and an area that hosts some of the amazing art made by local artists. Sparks Gallery will make your corporate event one for the books!