A meeting in an unusual setting can spark creative thinking, boost morale and create a productive atmosphere.

With its mix of urban and rural destinations, the western U.S. has a wealth of new or recently renovated options for meeting venues that make inspiring settings. Here is a sampling of some of the west’s unique new off-site meeting venues.

Vancouver, British Columbia
Granville Island, a picturesque island just minutes from downtown Vancouver, offers planners many opportunities for creativity, says Diane Butt, general manager of Edible Canada, a marketplace showcasing the food and wine of British Columbia.

Edible Canada recently opened a private, glass-walled dining room with a demonstration kitchen, audiovisual capabilities and long communal tables. An in-house culinary team creates multicourse menus and a sommelier creates pairings of food with local wines and spirits.

The space holds seated groups up to 24 and standing receptions for up to 35. Buyouts of the adjoining bistro are possible: The total indoor space holds up to 75 people for a seated function and 100 people for a standing reception. There is also an adjoining 102-seat outdoor patio.

“We’ve done meetings in the private dining space that have been very successful,” Butt says. “As the group wraps up the meeting our chef does a cooking demonstration and everyone gets to taste. We definitely have gone outside of the box.”

Within a short walk is Improv Centre, which opened in late 2010 and can host meetings and events. The theater, home to the improv group Vancouver TheatreSports League, seats up to 186 with a mixture of traditional seating and cabaret tables and chairs. The adjoining bar and lounge, overlooking the island’s marina, also can be used.