Hosting a Corporate Event in Erie, PA?
Hosting a company party or corporate meeting in Erie, PA is a powerful way to elevate your brand, reward your team, and impress clients in a setting that feels both exclusive and relaxed. The Brig Cigar Lounge in downtown Erie is the ideal backdrop for that experience.
Why Host Your Company Event at The Brig Cigar Lounge?
The Brig Cigar Lounge combines the comfort of a private club with the energy of downtown Erie, making it a standout choice for corporate gatherings. The atmosphere encourages real conversation, connection, and relationship‑building in a way traditional banquet halls rarely do.
Professional yet relaxed vibe
Plush seating, warm lighting, and curated decor make The Brig feel upscale without being stuffy.
Perfect for leadership retreats, client appreciation nights, team celebrations, or end‑of‑year company mixers.
Designed for connection
The layout naturally encourages small‑group conversations instead of everyone shouting over loud music.
Ideal for networking, one‑on‑ones, or hosting VIP guests in a more intimate environment.
Ready to plan a more memorable company event? Reach out to The Brig Cigar Lounge to discuss availability and corporate event options for your Erie‑based team.
How to Plan a Company Event at The Brig
A successful company event at The Brig starts with clear goals and simple planning. Think through what you want the night to accomplish—celebration, networking, strategy, or client entertainment—and build from there.
Define your event type
Internal: team appreciation, promotions, holiday parties, project completion celebrations.
External: client dinners, prospect meet‑and‑greets, partner appreciation nights.
Build an event flow that fits the space
Welcome & check‑in with a signature cocktail or mocktail.
Opening remarks from leadership (keep it short and upbeat).
Unstructured time for cigars, conversation, and casual networking.
Coordinate food and drinks
Work with local caterers or nearby restaurants for small plates, heavy appetizers, or grazing boards that pair well with cigars.
Plan a drink menu (spirits, wine, and non‑alcoholic options) that matches your company’s culture and guest preferences.
Once you know your guest count and preferred date, contact The Brig Cigar Lounge to start customizing your corporate event package.
Making Cigars a Memorable (and Inclusive) Experience
Cigars can transform a standard work event into something special, especially when guided by a lounge that understands both seasoned smokers and curious first‑timers.
Curate a simple cigar menu
Offer a small selection: mild, medium, and fuller‑bodied options, plus shorter cigars for those who want to try the experience without a long time commitment.
Ask staff at The Brig to recommend approachable cigars for beginners and a few premium options for enthusiasts.
Add a “cigar 101” element
Have a brief introduction to cigar cutting, lighting, and etiquette at the beginning of the night.
Encourage questions so employees and clients feel comfortable participating, even if they’ve never smoked a cigar before.
Be mindful of non‑smokers
Clearly communicate that the event is in a cigar lounge so guests can make informed choices.
Provide plenty of non‑smoke‑centric seating and highlight that attending doesn’t require actually smoking.
When you inquire with The Brig Cigar Lounge, ask about suggested cigar lineups for corporate groups and how they can help welcome first‑time cigar guests.
Best Practices for Company Events at The Brig
A polished corporate event is all about details: communication, structure, and respect for your guests’ time and preferences.
Set expectations early
Include dress code, start/end times, and cigar‑friendly details in your invitations or internal announcements.
Let guests know whether significant others or clients are invited.
Respect company policies
Align cigar and alcohol offerings with HR guidelines and your company’s culture.
Make it clear that participation in cigars and drinks is optional and that professionalism still applies.
Focus on relationship‑building
Encourage leadership to circulate and spend time with employees and key clients.
Keep speeches short and sincere; let most of the night belong to organic conversation.
FAQs About Hosting a Company Event at The Brig Cigar Lounge
Q: Is a cigar lounge appropriate for a professional company event?
A: Yes—when thoughtfully planned, it feels elevated and intentional. A venue like The Brig offers a refined setting that’s ideal for adults‑only professional gatherings, especially for leadership teams, client events, and end‑of‑year celebrations.
Q: Do all attendees have to smoke cigars?
A: Not at all. Many guests attend solely for the atmosphere, conversation, and networking. Cigars are an option, not a requirement, and the event can be designed to make non‑smokers feel just as comfortable and included.
Q: How far in advance should we book?
A: For popular dates—especially Thursdays and Fridays during the holiday season or fiscal year end—aim to book at least 4–8 weeks in advance. For off‑peak dates or smaller groups, The Brig may have more flexibility, but earlier is always better.
Q: Can we bring in our own food and drinks?
A: Many cigar lounges partner with local caterers or allow outside food; drink policies can vary. When you contact The Brig, ask specifically about catering options, BYOB or bar service, and any per‑person minimums or rental fees.
Q: What types of companies host events at The Brig?
A: Professional services firms, small businesses, sales teams, executives, and client‑facing organizations are all great fits. Any company that values relationship‑driven business and wants to offer something more special than a standard restaurant dinner can benefit from hosting at The Brig.
Q: How do we get started?
A: Decide on your goal, rough guest count, and preferred dates, then reach out directly to The Brig Cigar Lounge to check availability and discuss event details. From there, you can finalize your cigar lineup, food plan, and event schedule.
