The development of videoconferencing and other communication technologies have given business executives a choice. They are no longer obligated to have face-to-face meetings with remote employees, customers, or potential clients. But face-to-face meetings are better than virtual meetings in three situations, according to a report called The Future of Meetings: The Case for Face-to-Face by Christine Duffy and Mary Beth McEuen. If a company needs to capture attention, inspire a positive emotional climate, or build human networks and relationships, in-person meetings are the best choice.

"Do not underestimate the power of inspiration and positive emotional climate as a real currency of business," according to Duffy and McEuen. "When you want to energize and inspire, face-to-face is best." They also recommend face-to-face meetings when a company needs to "power up human networks" or plans to initiate a new or different relationship, culture, strategy, or product.

The undeniable value of meeting in person makes the venue for the meeting a critical component in its success. One of the benefits of a Hacienda location is having a wealth of meeting facilities nearby. Whatever your business needs, there is a facility in the City of Pleasanton or Tri-Valley that will support the success of your business meeting, conference, or other event.

Convenient Options

The Hacienda community has many choices for traditional meeting facilities. Such facilities make meetings practically painless by providing the types of services and amenities so important for events. High-speed internet access, sophisticated audio and video services, access to business services such as printers and projectors, along with the possibility of in-house or outside catering make off-site meetings much easier.

Nearby hotels with modern meeting facilities and services include The Four Points by Sheraton hotel, Hyatt House, and Marriott Courtyard. The Rosewood Commons Conference Center is also an option. It offers meeting rooms and an auditorium that can accommodate small to large events as well as on-site catering and additional services. Each of these venues have ample parking and are experienced in serving business needs.

Those looking for somewhat less conventional venues also have appealing options. While some may think of the Alameda County Fairgrounds only during the annual fair, it is busy every month of the year. Ten buildings and eight picnic areas are included on the property, and a staff of experienced event coordinators and event operations members support the success of more than 300 events annually. These events range from corporate meetings to private weddings to world-famous extravaganzas such as the annual Scottish Highland Gathering & Games. The venue offers ample parking and on-site catering is available.

Less Traditional Venues

Livermore Valley wineries are famously inviting environments for tastings, tours, and memorable meals. Many of them also provide delightful venues for corporate events. Pleasanton's Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery and the Palm are two examples. Elliston Vineyards in Sunol and Garre Winery in Livermore are among other local wineries that host business meetings.

Hacienda's Goal Line Productions is primarily a video production company but also hosts events. It has a commercial kitchen and the company's 7,000-square-foot soundstage features a two-wall cyclorama. A cyclorama is the curved wall used to create seamless backgrounds for advertising, entertainment, and art. It is a key element for film and broadcast production as well as an endlessly adaptable resource for creating a custom ambiance for corporate events.

The Lichen Bark Picnic Area at Del Valle Regional Park is a great location for a company picnic, team-building event, or other activity. The outdoor venue has a maximum capacity of 300. It offers 17 picnic tables that are 10-feet long, a 10-foot serving table, two six-foot barbeques, and a drinking fountain. The partially shady site is close to restrooms and parking. Lichen Bark features a large lawn located on the west side of the lake, which is only 10 miles south of Livermore.

The historic Dunsmuir Hellman Estate is an East Bay gem built in 1899. The venue features a 37-room Neoclassical Revival mansion set upon 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The Dunsmuir Hellman mansion has been designated a National Historic Site by the United States Department of the Interior and both the Mansion and the Carriage House have been designated Historic Landmarks by the City of Oakland. It offers both traditional and contemporary meeting spaces as well as outdoor spaces for private and corporate events.

While the venue chosen for a meeting is important to its success, other factors are important as well. A meeting's leader should start off strong by being positive and energetic, set a clear intention for the meeting, and set clear outcomes, according to Katy Trost, a leadership and performance coach who writes for Forbes.

"Before getting into details, discussions, and brainstorming, make sure to get crystal clear on your desired outcome and the purpose of the meeting," notes Trost. "Share the agenda with everyone involved to speed up the process and avoid distractions. Additionally, propose a clear outline of the amount of time you're planning to spend on each topic. Don't forget to incorporate enough space for questions at the end."

Of course, there are many ways to run a successful meeting and many places to hold them. One of the benefits of being part of the Hacienda community is the ease of finding outside meeting venues close to Hacienda. Thanks to the development's central location, it is also easy to get back to the office after an offsite meeting is over.

For more information about local business meeting and event facilities, please visit www.hacienda.org/amenities-business/facilities.

For more information about Hacienda amenities, please visit www.hacienda.org/po-amenities/amenities.

For more information about events at Livermore Valley wineries, please visit www.lvwine.org/plan-your-event.php.

For more information about Goal Line Productions, please visit www.goalline.com.

For more information about Lichen Bark at Del Valle Regional Park, please visit www.ebparks.org/activities/picnics/del_valle_picnic_areas.htm#LichenBark.

For more information about the Dunsmuir Hellman Estate, please visit www.dunsmuirhellman.com.