Houston has many businesses and is known as an oil refining center with many companies related to the oil and gas industry, as well as others, located in the area. For many successful businesses, business events are a part of the job, and many are hosted by third party event venues. Business events can cover many different functions, from small out-of-office work functions to seminars to large business holiday parties.

Since business events can have many functions and sizes, event venues in Houston need to have space that can support any type of event. For small work luncheons and presentations, a smaller facility might be necessary, and presentation infrastructure, such as projectors, sound systems, computer hookups, and Internet access. Larger business functions, such as holiday parties and employee or customer appreciation banquets will generally require a larger venue. A large ballroom or banquet hall would be more suited to these types of large events. The interior of the facility is just as important. A more Spartan setting is suitable for events that do not need any flashy decoration, such as seminars or other presentations. A more luxurious setting would be more appropriate for a business party or gala where elegance is expected from both the ballroom and the guests. There could be a dance floor for businesspeople and their guests to dance the night away and enjoy the evening, and a DJ playing music that suits the taste of the guests. All in all, a business party will end up being a more elegant evening than a simple seminar.

Different business events require different levels of service from the event venues. For business functions, such as seminars or other events, simple, lighter food is preferred over more complicated dishes. Simple settings can be setup in the banquet hall that is hosting the business event, and staff can serve buffet style to save on costs. Simpler drinks are typically needed, and alcohol is almost certainly not present at a working event, such as a seminar or other business presentation. For a more festive business event, more flashy and sophisticated planning is needed. The food will be more upscale and could even be served at the tables instead of a buffet style meal. Hors d'oeuvres could be served at the event, require more staff present from the event venue. Frequently, the business parties or other special events will have bars for guests to enjoy a drink with their evening. These can be open bars fronted by the business or cash bars where guests pay their way.