One of the biggest trends for 2023 is holding festivals and other large events indoors. And now that the COVID-19 pandemic is waning, more and more people are open to being indoors.
So why are indoor events and festivals becoming so popular? There are several very good reasons.
Climate
Yes, South Florida weather is lovely pretty much year ‘round. But let’s be honest: It can get pretty steamy here at times, we regularly experience afternoon thunderstorms . . . and then there are the insects. All part of nature, sure, but hardly a welcome addition to any gathering.
Convenience
With an indoor location, you have ready access to existing restroom facilities, electrical outlets, and—depending on the facility—kitchen and parking amenities.
Shelter
Outdoor venues require shelter for guests. This means a tent, which can get very pricey depending on the size of your guest list.
Sustainability
It turns out that travel accounts for 73 percent of the carbon footprint of any event, according to a University of British Columbia (UBC) study. And since outdoor festivals tend to be held far from major transportation hubs and are thus accessible only by car, urban venues indoors can cut down on environmental impact.
Privacy
An indoor festival allows you to remain true to the spirit of the event, without interference from outside forces. For example, last fall a Tennessee lawmaker’s complaint forced organizers of the Jackson Pride Committee to switch venues for its traditional drag show from the city’s public park to the indoor civic center.
Safety
Sadly, these days we have to worry about keeping attendees safe from unexpected occurrences. An indoor venue is the ideal place to maintain control over uninvited guests, and to provide security for attendees.
Control
When you hold an event outdoors, you are subject to the strictures of local ordinances, whether regarding noise or a curfew.
With an indoor event, it’s easier to keep a handle on such issues; noise stays largely inside the facility, or is at least muffled, and closing time is up to the facility rather than the time limit on the event permit.
Speaking of curfews, the Historic Alfred I. duPont Building in downtown Miami has none, so your guests can party to their hearts’ content till the wee hours of the morning.
And how better to contain noise than within the solid walls of a 1920s bank vault?