MPINCC April 2022 Key Note Feature

A conversation with Pam Kanjanamarakul Perez, CSEP, Manager, Venue Sales with Chase Center 

1) How are you helping customers to rethink a traditionally indoor event into your unique and/or outdoor spaces? What is the smallest group event you can take on?  And the largest? How many unique meeting spaces does your venue offer?

It is so amazing to work for Chase Center, a world-class venue, as we have over 14 different event spaces.  Moreover, in Thrive City, we have a massive outdoor plaza with two different entrances that can be utilized independently or combined to create a unique event experience.  The smallest space can host 45 guests and of course a full arena can hold up to 18,000 guests depending on the configuration and stage set up.  The possibilities are endless.  We like to get on calls with Clients to understand your event flow, budget and talk through the best options that will utilize all of our spaces.

2) What are some benefits you’ve seen with hosting more corporate events at your venue? How are you coming up with ways to repurpose your existing spaces for new uses? What new challenges has this presented you and your team with?

Besides filling in empty dates that concerts, basketball games and other sporting events do not take, corporate events allow our service teams to work on unique programs and event set ups they normally don’t get to create.  Our service teams are able to create meeting breakouts within our club spaces that usually do not get activated in those ways. 

We also have opportunities on game and concert days.  Clients have been utilizing our private event space located on the 9th floor. With an open floor plan, floor to ceiling windows and private outdoor terrace, the space is perfect as it overlooks the city skyline and bay. Clients will book the space for a full day of meetings and then end it with hosting guests at a game or concert in one of our premium suites, courtside lounges or theater boxes. It is a great built-in entertainment option for clients.

3) Are your customers having to rethink the way they structure their agendas to work with the new spaces?

Our large videoboard in the West Plaza and our centerhung scoreboard inside the arena is a huge digital asset and focal point for clients. They are always trying to find ways to incorporate this into their event.  And of course, finding ways to incorporate the Golden State Warriors and basketball into their events.  We had one holiday party that did a raffle at their event and the winners were taken down to the basketball court for free throws and special photo opportunities.  At a different all-day meeting, the client ended the day with a behind the scenes arena tour that ended up on the basketball court with free throws and photos with our championship trophies.

4) Is there a creative way you’re handling meal service & breaks?

We had a 450 person gala seated event on the arena floor.  The client shifted to a pre-dinner event time for their program and wanted a shortened program without interruptions during the awards.  Our creative in-house catering team produced beautiful pre-set hors d’oeuvre boxes at each place setting that allowed guests to enjoy the awards, a glass of wine and their food while watching the awards. With our multiple club spaces, clients have options to start their meeting in one club and then move over to another club or bring guests outside to our beautiful West Plaza for food service, refreshments or breaks.  This gives guests a glimpse into the other areas of the arena.

5) How does the inclusion of this new type of business impact your sporting events, or vice versa?

We work closely with our basketball operations team as well as our content & programming (concert scheduling) to look into the future of popular months and how to balance all the different types of requests coming in.  This keeps us all busy and we are excited to have various type of programming here. Keeps everyone busy and on our toes.

6) What would you like people to know who might be on the fence about considering a non-traditional venue such as yours?

Don’t let the size of the arena intimidate you.  We have many smaller clubs and private event spaces to work with.  We also have our downtown Oakland Facility – Warriors Basketball Academy – that is set up for corporate teambuilding and activations. When you book with Chase Center we have a large team of client-focused event members here to help create a seamless event for You.  We are able to hand-hold a client, who may not have worked with a venue of our size before.  The more we know and understand your event details and production timeline, the better we can assist with creating a unique conference, meeting or event for you.