A productive team gathering needs more than a room with tables. It needs space to think, room to move, and a setting that helps people step out of their regular work rhythm. At Old Bethany Venue, teams can gather inside a bright white barn, use indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day, and enjoy a peaceful Central Texas setting that supports focus, connection, and clear conversation.
Old Bethany Venue supports productive team gatherings by combining a bright indoor barn, outdoor gathering areas, flexible tables and chairs, food service support, lodging options, and a peaceful Central Texas setting. Teams can meet, break into smaller conversations, step outside between sessions, and stay focused without feeling confined to a standard meeting room.
The venue sits on a 100-acre property in Lorena, Texas, with Texas oak trees, open fields, scattered trees, and natural beauty around the venue. The rural setting is a big reason companies consider Old Bethany for corporate retreats and team gatherings. It gives your group a true change of scenery while keeping the location practical. We are about 20 minutes from Waco, a little over an hour from Austin, and centrally located between Austin and Dallas on the I35 corridor, with easy access off Interstate 35.
A Central Texas Setting for Focused Team Gatherings
Corporate teams often need a place where they can focus, dream and plan, bond and connect, and experience nature without losing the structure of a productive event. Our wedding venue gives groups a balance through large indoor spaces, outdoor gathering areas, practical setup options, and a peaceful property that feels different from a standard meeting room.
The Grand Room Keeps Your Group Connected
The Grand Room is the main gathering space inside Old Bethany Venue. It offers 3,600 square feet inside our 6,500 square foot air-conditioned white barn. The room features 35-foot ceilings, an all-white interior, large windows, five sets of French doors, and a large wall of windows that brings in natural light. For a team gathering, that kind of space matters because people do not feel boxed in. They can sit together for a shared session, move into smaller conversations, and still feel connected to the main flow of the event.
Two large dimmable chandeliers help the room shift from a daytime work session to a meal, reception, company dinner, or more relaxed group time. The balcony overlooking the Grand Room adds another visual layer and helps the barn feel open from the moment guests walk in.
Indoor and Outdoor Areas Help the Day Feel Less Rigid
Old Bethany gives teams both indoor and outdoor event space. Along with the Grand Room, the venue includes a foyer, covered patio, The Turf Lawn, and outdoor areas across the 100-acre property. The Turf Lawn measures 30 feet by 80 feet and has string lights overhead. The covered patio measures 15 feet by 100 feet, giving teams another place to gather close to the barn.
These spaces help planners create a more natural flow for the day. Your group can meet indoors for the main program, use the covered patio for conversation, gather on The Turf Lawn for activities, and step outside between sessions to experience nature. The schedule does not need to feel complicated. Sometimes, a few minutes outside in a peaceful setting helps a team reset and return with more focus.
Tables, Chairs, and Setup Details Support the Room Plan
The venue rental includes 40 tables total, with 20 round 60-inch tables and 20 rectangular 8-foot tables. The venue also includes 350 indoor cross-back chairs and 350 outdoor white garden chairs. Linens are available as an add-on. For a team gathering, these pieces help shape the day. Round tables can support group discussion. Rectangle tables can work well for materials, sign-in, meals, presentations, or a more structured setup.
Since corporate events can look different from one group to the next, setup needs should be discussed before booking. Optional setup is available as an add-on, and the best next step is to request the pricing guide or contact us with the type of gathering you are planning.
The Spacious Prep Kitchen Supports Food Service
The venue includes a spacious prep kitchen with a stand-up warmer, commercial refrigerator, triple sink, ice maker, and stainless steel prep tables. For a corporate event or team gathering, this gives food service a clear prep area instead of forcing catering activity into the guest space.
Old Bethany also has great relationships with excellent caterers, which gives planners a helpful starting point for meals, snacks, company dinners, or hosted gatherings. Food service can be a major part of the day, and having both a functional prep space and strong catering relationships helps teams plan with more confidence. Outside alcohol is allowed, but a licensed TABC bartender must be hired to serve it. This is important to know early, especially when the gathering includes a reception, dinner, or social hour after the main program.
Event Support Can Be Planned Around Your Needs
Corporate retreats can vary a lot from one company to the next. Some teams need a simple meeting setup, while others need help with flow, vendors, meals, activities, or a longer retreat schedule. Event coordinators can be hired to help your day run even more smoothly. This support can help with event flow, vendor check-ins, timeline movement, and overall organization, depending on the coordination option selected.
Security requirements, cleanup, setup needs, vendor plans, and alcohol service should also be discussed before the event. That clarity helps your team avoid surprises and plan the day around the right details.
The Location Works Well for Central Texas and North Texas Groups
Old Bethany is well-positioned for Central Texas and North Texas groups. The venue is about 20 minutes from Waco, a little over an hour from Austin, and centrally located between Austin and Dallas on the I35 corridor. That location works well when team members are coming from more than one city. Your guests can step into a peaceful retreat-style environment without losing the practical access that matters for a work gathering. Hotel meeting rooms can feel enclosed and formal.
Nearby Lodging Can Help Teams Stay Connected
We also offer on-site and nearby lodging options for guests and event parties. Bethany House sleeps 12 and is about 200 yards from the venue. Bethany Lodge sleeps 10 and is located next door. Wolf Creek Farm offers space for larger groups, with a main house, barndominium, pool, volleyball court, spacious back porch, and fire pit.
For a team gathering, lodging can be helpful when the plan includes extra time for arrival, informal conversation, evening meals, or a longer retreat format. It gives key people a place to stay close to the venue and helps the group stay connected beyond the main meeting schedule.
Plan the Details That Are Not Automatic
A productive event also depends on knowing what needs to be planned separately. We do not have a required vendor list, and a preferred vendor list is available after booking.
Clients are responsible for cleanup, and a cleaning service is available as an add-on. Walkthroughs are available by appointment only. Alcohol service requires a licensed TABC bartender. Set up needs, vendor details, food service, and event support should be confirmed based on your event plan. These details help avoid surprises. They also make it easier to decide what your team can manage internally and what you may want to add through available venue options.
Conclusion
When you are planning a team gathering, the right setting can change the way people show up. At Old Bethany Venue, the Grand Room, covered patio, the Turf Lawn, large windows, spacious prep kitchen, lodging options, and 100-acre setting work together to give your group room to meet, talk, eat, reset, and reconnect.
To start planning a corporate retreat or team gathering in Central Texas, request the pricing guide or contact us to check availability and ask questions. We would love to hear what kind of gathering you have in mind.
FAQs
Can Old Bethany Venue host corporate retreats or team gatherings?
Yes. Old Bethany hosts corporate retreats, team gatherings, company meetings, planning sessions, and other corporate events in a peaceful Central Texas setting.
What indoor space is available for a team gathering?
Old Bethany includes 6,500 square feet of indoor space and a 3,600 square foot Grand Room with 35-foot ceilings, an all-white interior, large windows, five sets of French doors, and two large dimmable chandeliers.
Are outdoor areas available for a corporate gathering?
Yes. Teams can use the covered patio, the Turf Lawn, and the surrounding 100-acre property with Texas oak trees, open fields, and scattered trees.
Are tables and chairs included?
Yes. The venue includes 40 tables, 350 indoor cross-back chairs, and 350 outdoor white garden chairs. Linens are available as an add-on.
Can we include food and beverage service?
Yes. The venue includes a spacious prep kitchen, and we have great relationships with excellent caterers. Outside alcohol is allowed, but a licensed TABC bartender must be hired to serve it.
How do we start planning or get pricing information?
You can request the pricing guide or contact us to check availability, ask questions, and start planning your corporate retreat or team gathering.