The Pain Point & The Promise
Does the thought of planning another predictable office party fill you with dread? You know the drill: the same bland banquet hall, the same awkward small talk, and the same lack of genuine engagement. For today’s dynamic businesses, the pressure is on to host corporate events that actually inspire, motivate, and reward your team. You need an environment that actively encourages interaction and fun.
Break free from the ordinary. The solution is simple: host your next group event at a bar arcade.
Emporium Arcade Bar, the pioneer that blends Classic Gaming with modern Nightlife, offers a unique, high-energy environment built for unforgettable social experiences. We’ve redefined what a corporate gathering can be by replacing stuffy networking with competitive fun, and dull dinners with craft cocktails and hundreds of classic games.
This practical guide walks you through every step to turn your next office party, client appreciation night, or team-building session into a legendary, morale-boosting corporate event.
Step 1: Define Your Event Vibe—It’s More Than Just a Party
A great corporate event starts with a clear goal. The beauty of a bar arcade venue lies in its ability to seamlessly accommodate almost any objective, ensuring maximum engagement without forcing it.
- Team Building that Works: True team bonding happens when guards are down and fun is the focus. Challenge your employees to a chaotic, collaborative round of Air Hockey, a nostalgic Skeeball contest, or a classic NBA Jam tournament. Friendly competition fosters natural communication, breaks down departmental silos, and leaves attendees feeling energized rather than obligated.
- Client Appreciation Nights: Skip the formal dinner. A lively, interactive group event at a bar arcade is perfect for networking. It offers a memorable, relaxed backdrop that shows your clients you value their business and their time.
- Holiday & Milestone Celebrations: Whether you’re celebrating a major company anniversary or hosting the annual holiday bash, Emporium provides the ultimate setting. It’s a dynamic, large-scale venue designed for celebration, ensuring your staff feels truly rewarded.
Step 2: Choosing Your Space—Flexibility for Any Group Event Size
One of Emporium’s biggest strengths is the flexibility to accommodate groups of almost any size. Our experienced event planners will help you select the ideal option for your budget and attendee count.
- Free Table Reservations (Casual Groups): For smaller teams or impromptu after-work happy hours (e.g., up to 30 people), we offer complimentary table reservations. This is a low-commitment option that still guarantees you a gathering space.
- Semi-Private Space Rentals: Ideal for mid-sized corporate events (e.g., 50-150 people) that need a dedicated, reserved area. Depending on the location (like Chicago or New Orleans), options may include a lower balcony area, a separate lounge, or dedicated party zones. This space grants you proximity to the action while offering exclusive access.
- Full Venue Buyout (The Ultimate Event): For large-scale group events (up to 900+ guests), a venue buyout offers exclusivity and control. You can customize the lighting, audio, and branding, providing your guests with a truly unique and immersive experience where the entire bar arcade is yours.
Step 3: Level Up the Fun with Interactive Entertainment & Activities
Hosting an event at a bar arcade isn’t just about having games—it’s about using them to create organized, engaging activities.
- Host a Game Tournament: Tournaments are excellent icebreakers. Work with our team to set up a bracket challenge using a classic title (like Ms. Pac-Man) or a pinball machine. The competitive energy is infectious and gives attendees a clear focus beyond just drinking.
- Custom Scavenger Hunts: Design a team-based challenge where groups must find specific games, take photos, or achieve high scores. This utilizes the entire venue and promotes internal team collaboration.
- Customize the Vibe: Emporium features full in-house AV systems, allowing you to control the atmosphere. Show branded videos on the big screens, customize a playlist, or hire a local DJ to match the mood of your corporate event perfectly.
Step 4: Simplify Logistics with Custom Packages
Planning can be stressful, but our dedicated events team is here to make the process as effortless as possible. We simplify the two most complex elements of any party: drinks and food.
The Drink Package Advantage
We offer tiered drink packages to fit any budget and crowd size for your group event:
- Cash Bar & Group Tab: Simple options for groups where guests pay for their own drinks, or the host sets an easily managed budget.
- Drink Tickets: A popular, managed option where the host pre-purchases a set number of drinks per guest.
- Open Bar Wristbands: The all-inclusive choice for seamless, significant corporate events. We offer tiered 2-, 3-, or 4-hour packages with different levels (Basic, Premium) to ensure maximum fun without exceeding your budget.
The Food Freedom: Catering Made Easy
Unlike most venues, Emporium does not have a kitchen. This isn’t a limitation—it’s a massive benefit!
You are free to bring outside catering, giving you total control over the menu, dietary restrictions, and budget. From high-end culinary catering to simple taco bars or a pizza delivery, the choice is entirely yours.
Game Token Options
To ensure everyone gets involved, we recommend providing game tokens to encourage participation. The most popular option for significant corporate events is the Unlimited Play Pass (often around $20 per person), which grants guests unlimited access to all games for the duration of the party.
The Emporium Advantage: Pioneers of the Bar Arcade Scene
When you choose Emporium, you aren’t just booking a venue; you are partnering with the original experts in this niche. We are the pioneers of the arcade-bar scene, meaning we know how to deliver a flawless blend of nostalgia and modern nightlife.
- A Massive, Meticulously Maintained Collection: We take pride in our extensive library of games. Our in-house expert technicians ensure our hundreds of classic arcade and pinball machines are always running perfectly, guaranteeing non-stop action for your guests.
- The Atmosphere is the Event: Our retro-inspired decor, neon lights, and high-energy music create an infectious atmosphere that’s sure to get you moving. It’s truly the ultimate “adult playground” designed to spread fun and nostalgia.
- Local Flavor, National Authority: With multiple locations in major markets like Chicago, San Francisco, and New Orleans, we bring national authority while maintaining a distinct local flavor in each venue.
Ready to Level Up Your Next Corporate Event?
Stop settling for bland, forgettable corporate events. Choose a venue that offers genuine fun, fosters team connection, and simplifies the planning process. Emporium Arcade Bar consistently delivers an interactive and unique group event experience every time.
Ready to start planning your legendary party? Visit our Group Bookings page today to learn more about rates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are outside food and drinks allowed?
A: Outside food catering is always welcome—you have complete freedom! However, outside drinks (alcohol or non-alcoholic) are not permitted, as we operate a full-service bar with craft beer and cocktails.
Q: Is Emporium kid-friendly for family day events?
A: No. Emporium Arcade Bar is strictly a 21+ venue at all times. This ensures a true adult nightlife atmosphere, which is essential for maximizing the success of corporate events and other adult-focused group events.
Q: How far in advance do I need to book a complete venue buyout? A: We recommend booking full venue buyouts and large corporate events at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for high-demand months like October, November, and December (holiday parties).