Guide to Planning Corporate Events in Indianapolis
Planning a corporate event in Indianapolis can feel overwhelming. Between choosing the right venue, finding reliable caterers, and making sure the entertainment keeps everyone engaged, there are a lot of details to juggle.
Over the years, Mac Events has had the privilege of DJing for companies across the city, from intimate holiday parties to large-scale galas. Along the way, we’ve built strong relationships with some of Indianapolis’s best venues, caterers, and event planners.
In this guide, we’re sharing our go-to recommendations to help make your next corporate event seamless and memorable. Whether you’re hosting a team celebration, a client appreciation dinner, or an annual holiday party, these trusted Indianapolis vendors will set the stage for a successful event.
Choosing the Right Venue
Your venue sets the tone for the entire event, so it’s important to choose carefully. The right space not only creates the atmosphere you want but also ensures your event runs smoothly behind the scenes. When evaluating venues for a corporate event in Indianapolis, here are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Capacity: Make sure the space can comfortably accommodate your expected guest count, whether it’s 50 people for a workshop or 300 for a gala.
Amenities: Think about the type of event you’re hosting. Do you need AV equipment, breakout rooms, or catering on-site? Does the venue provide tables and chairs, or will you need to rent them?
Flexibility: Some venues allow you to bring in your own vendors, while others require you to choose from a preferred list. Make sure their policies align with your vision.
Logistics: Pay close attention to details like rental windows, parking availability, accessibility, and whether insurance is required.
Contracts & Costs: Understand what’s included in the price, what’s extra, and what the cancellation or rescheduling policies look like.
By considering these elements up front, you can avoid surprises later. Here are a few of our favorite Indianapolis-area venues we’ve worked with over the years.
The Wilds
Located just a short drive outside Indianapolis in Bloomington, The Wilds combines modern amenities with breathtaking views of Yellowwood Forest and the rolling hills of Brown County. While it’s well-known as a wedding venue, The Wilds is also a versatile choice for corporate gatherings of up to 200 guests.
What makes this space stand out is the balance of elegance and convenience. The venue offers private access for your event, on-site staff focused on hospitality, and complete set-up and tear-down services so you can enjoy the day without stress. Inside, guests can enjoy handcrafted farmhouse tables, floor-to-ceiling windows, a chic bar, and a cozy double-sided fireplace. Step outside and you’ll find a covered pavilion, cocktail patio, and fire pits, which are perfect for networking and socializing in a relaxed setting.
The Wilds delivers a luxury experience for both planners and attendees. It’s an ideal backdrop for company parties, retreats, or client appreciation events.
Garment Factory Events
In the heart of historic Downtown Franklin, just south of Indianapolis, Garment Factory Events offers a professional and versatile space for corporate gatherings of all sizes. This full-service venue features three distinct meeting rooms that can accommodate everything from seminars and trade shows to networking receptions and team-building programs.
What sets Garment Factory apart is its blend of historic character and modern amenities. Guests benefit from on-site catering packages, a full-service bar, and advanced audio/visual capabilities that make presentations exceptional. With ample nearby parking and an experienced events team to guide the process, planning feels stress-free from start to finish.
Industry
For those looking for a modern, flexible space in downtown Indianapolis, Industry delivers. Known for its exposed brick walls, market lighting, and abundant natural light, the venue combines industrial charm with the amenities you need to host everything from product launches and workshops to team-building events and galas.
With seating for up to 300 guests and flexible rental windows—including hourly, full-day, or multi-day options—Industry makes it easy to tailor the space to the type of event you’re planning. Their open vendor policy gives you the freedom to bring in your favorite caterers, planners, and DJs, or lean on their team for trusted recommendations.
The venue also includes thoughtful amenities like farmhouse tables and chairs, cocktail tables, a private client suite, and concierge support from booking to event day. Whether you’re planning a formal conference or a creative networking reception, Industry provides a versatile setting where Indianapolis companies can truly make their vision come to life.
Finding the Right Catering
Great food and drink can make or break a corporate event. The right caterer not only provides delicious menus but also ensures smooth service that keeps your event running smoothly. When evaluating catering options, here are some key things to consider:
Menu Variety: Look for caterers who can handle different meal types (breakfast, boxed lunches, buffets, plated dinners) and offer flexibility for dietary needs.
Service Style: Do you need full-service staff for a formal gala, or is a drop-off buffet more appropriate? Understanding what’s included helps you plan.
Customization: Some caterers stick to set menus, while others will design something around your vision. Make sure they can align with the tone of your event.
Bar & Beverage Options: If your event includes cocktails or networking, ask about bar packages and licensing.
Logistics & Policies: Ask about delivery fees, staffing minimums, contracts, deposits, and insurance so there are no surprises.
Keeping these considerations in mind ensures your guests are well-fed, without the headaches or stress of poor planning. Here are some of our top recommendations for Indianapolis corporate catering.
Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering
Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering is a full-service Indianapolis caterer known for pairing locally sourced ingredients with attentive service. Their team of experienced event designers works closely with clients to build menus that fit the occasion, whether it’s a breakfast meeting, a boxed lunch for a seminar, or a multi-course dinner for a gala.
Their offerings include everything from farm-fresh breakfast spreads and creative boxed lunches to hearty buffets and chef-manned stations. Highlights include locally farmed chicken entrees, Norwegian salmon, vegan specialties like roasted portobello mushroom, and themed buffets such as street taqueria or ramen bowls. Desserts and bar packages round out the experience, making Jacquie’s a one-stop shop for both food and beverage.
Beyond the menu, Jacquie’s provides staffing, rentals, and decor options, ensuring your event is supported from setup to clean-up. Their emphasis on professionalism, quality, and customization has made them a go-to caterer for Indianapolis corporate events of all sizes.
Sweet & Savory Catering
Sweet & Savory Catering has built a reputation as a trusted partner for Indianapolis corporate events, offering menus that range from casual boxed lunches to elevated plated dinners. Whether you’re hosting a conference or team celebration, the Sweet & Savory Catering team specializes in creating custom menus that fit the tone and purpose of your event.
They offer both full-service catering, ideal for conferences, networking events, and celebrations, as well as drop-off options for more casual occasions, such as team lunches, training sessions, or employee appreciation gatherings. Menu choices span passed and stationary hors d’oeuvres, buffet or stationed dinners, plated meals, and boxed breakfasts or lunches. This flexibility makes Sweet & Savory a strong fit for companies that need a catering partner that can adapt to different event types throughout the year.
Sweet & Savory is also a catering partner of Industry, one of our favorite event venues.
With their emphasis on customization, service, and quality, Sweet & Savory Catering ensures that food is not just a detail but a highlight of your corporate event.
City Barbeque and Catering
If you’re looking for something more relaxed, City Barbeque brings over 25 years of catering experience to Indianapolis corporate events. Known for their smoked meats, hearty sides, and friendly service, City BBQ is a go-to option for meetings, team celebrations, and outdoor gatherings where great food sets the tone.
Their menu offers flexibility to match the style of your event. Choose from boxed meals with sandwiches and sides for quick company lunches, or go big with buffets featuring pulled pork, brisket, turkey, or even a whole smoked hog. Interactive stations—like loaded mac & cheese bars, nacho bars, and make-your-own s’mores—add a fun element that gets guests engaged.
Service levels range from simple delivery and setup to City Signature full service, where their team takes care of everything from setup to cleanup, making it stress-free for planners. With classic sides like cornbread, mac & cheese, baked beans, and banana pudding for dessert, City BBQ delivers incredibly satisfying comfort food.
Exciting Entertainment
Music and entertainment play a significant role in energizing a corporate event. A great DJ knows how to strike the right balance of keeping things professional when needed while also creating moments of connection and fun for your guests. When choosing a DJ for your corporate event, here are some things to consider:
Experience: Corporate events require a different skillset than weddings or club gigs. Look for a DJ who understands pacing, timing, and professionalism in a business setting.
Flexibility: Can they adapt to different parts of the evening, like background music during networking, upbeat playlists for team celebrations, or announcements throughout the program?
Equipment: A reliable DJ will provide high-quality sound equipment, microphones, and lighting that match the size and style of your venue.
Professionalism: Your DJ will be interacting with both guests and vendors, so you’ll want someone who’s polished, personable, and easy to work with.
Customization: The best DJs will tailor their music selections to your company’s culture, your event theme, and your guests’ preferences.
Mac Events
When it comes to corporate entertainment in Indianapolis, our team at Mac Events is the clear choice. With years of experience DJing everything from holiday parties to black-tie galas, our team knows how to create the right atmosphere for any occasion. Our collective ability to read a room, keep energy levels balanced, and seamlessly transition between event moments makes us a trusted partner for countless businesses in the area.
We provide professional-grade equipment, customizable playlists, and a polished presence that elevates the entire experience. Beyond spinning music, we coordinate with planners, caterers, and venues to ensure smooth transitions throughout the evening. Whether you need background music for networking, a lively dance floor, or professional announcements, we deliver with ease.
With a reputation built on professionalism, consistency, and creating memorable experiences, our team isn’t just a group of DJs, but entertainment partners who make Indianapolis corporate events shine.
Bringing It All Together
Planning a corporate event in Indianapolis comes down to making the right choices: a venue that fits your vision, a caterer that delivers a delicious meal, and entertainment that keeps guests engaged. With so many details to consider, it's helpful to have trusted partners who are familiar with the local event scene.
If you’re ready to make your next company party, gala, or celebration one to remember, reach out to Mac Events today. Together, we’ll create a corporate event your team will love.
