Host Your Perfect Event At The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center This Season
The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is known for some of the best equestrian sports in the world, but many Wellington residents may not know about the variety of venues and entertainment options available there.
Corporations and sponsors that have a presence during the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Global Dressage Festival have the opportunity to host guests during the winter season. PBIEC can host events at seven venues: the Wellington Club, the Gallery, the Suites, the Tiki Hut, the Tiki Hut at the Global Dressage Festival, the Main Pavilion at the Global Dressage Festival and the Special Events Pavilion.
Led by PBIEC Director of Catering Patti Miele, the facility aims to make any event extraordinary, for any occasion, size or theme. A full catering menu is offered, and expert staff ensures a successful event.
Miele oversees a staff of more than 60 employees for catering and events at PBIEC. With a background in hospitality, she has been a part of the team for six years. Miele was also recently named director of catering at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, recently purchased by Wellington Equestrian Partners, the owners of PBIEC. Additional hospitality opportunities at the beautiful IPC venue round out a full portfolio of facilities, which also includes the Wanderers Club.
“My favorite part of working at PBIEC is putting together so many different events and finding new ways to make them exciting, fun and memorable,” Miele said. “We have a large and varied group of clients, and I enjoy getting to know them and making their events special.”
The largest event venue on the main WEF grounds, the Special Events Pavilion, can serve up to 500 people and combines the best of both worlds, with beautiful décor and an al fresco setting. Exclusive private functions can host large events, and the pavilion is divided into “the Suites” on Saturday nights, which give a special VIP experience to smaller groups of up to 22 people. The Special Events Pavilion has hosted such events as charity functions, a toy drive and luncheon, and a children’s lip sync contest concert with celebrity judges Lyle Lovett and Gloria Gaynor.
Two beautiful tents with floor-to-ceiling glass line the north side of the International Arena, with seating for 140 people or cocktail-style settings for up to 250 people. The Wellington Club is the perfect setting for private events, small dinner receptions, galas and full-scale celebrations. Award-winning culinary creations and beverage service is offered through White Horse Catering.
“Many of our high-level sponsors use the opportunity to host guests or customers in a special event at the Wellington Club,” Miele said. “It’s a unique setting with grand prix show jumping happening in the background.”
The Gallery has panoramic views with modern décor that perfectly suits cocktail receptions or smaller, seated groups. Connecting the two tents is a covered outdoor area called “Central Park,” where guests can enjoy fresh air and hear the hoofbeats of horses galloping past. The Gallery transforms into a nightclub following the Saturday Night Lights events, so bring your dancing shoes!
A laid-back atmosphere and a ringside view makes the Tiki Hut one of the hottest seats in the house. The open-air, two-level bar and restaurant is for those who love a fun time and want to loudly cheer for their favorites in the ring.
A second Tiki Hut on the grounds of the Global Dressage Festival, located on South Shore Blvd., has stunning views overlooking the grass derby field and is used for special events on the WEF schedule.
“It’s perfect for a casual outing with friends, corporate lunches and more,” Miele explained.
Also located on the Global Dressage Festival grounds, the Main Pavilion borders the long side of the Global Arena and can serve up to 600 people cocktail-style for special events. Large dinners and charity fundraisers have been staged there.
“We have had ballroom dancing, horse auctions and media events in the pavilion,” Miele said. “We even have served a giant pan of paella for hundreds of people.”
No matter where you choose to host your event at PBIEC, one thing is consistent: the service. On-site catering, a florist, sculptures, photographers, videographers, music, content lighting, wi-fi, valet parking, security, specialty linens and a creative department all are on hand to help make your event perfect.
Directional signage will guide guests to the correct place, podiums and sound systems are available, and spaces are open day and night. Even special enhancements like fireworks and theatrical entertainment can be arranged.
“We are open to any kind of idea,” Miele said. “We want to offer a stellar event and have people enjoy their time at PBIEC.”
In addition to venues and catering, there are also many dining options and food vendors for spectators who come to the show grounds. Those also fall under Miele’s purview.
On Saturday nights, food vendors open up and offer an array of culinary delights, including wood-fired pizza and crepes, along with crowd favorites kettle corn and corn dogs, and more.
On-site restaurants include Tito’s Tacos, the Tiki Hut, the Oasis Café and White Horse Fashion Cuisine, which are open to anyone at the show grounds.
White Horse Fashion Cuisine, located on Equestrian Club Drive, is owned by well-known restaurateur Juan Gando and chef Dustin Parfitt. There is a casual weekday buffet where you will see riders in boots and breeches, and an adjacent fine dining room has a formal menu and a fabulous wine list. Daily happy hours and signature cocktails make it a must-see place to visit with friends and family.
While many come to watch top horses and riders jumping, many more return thanks to the outstanding service and events found at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
For more information, visit www.pbiec.com and click on “Hospitality.”
