Our Team
It might not appear so, but a lot of work goes into pulling off seamless events. There’s curating the food and drink menu, picking the right décor, arranging the furniture, scheduling entertainment, coordinating service, and so much more. One slip-up can derail the guest experience.
With decades of experience throwing events of all types and sizes in Houston and faraway locales, there’s nobody better to have on your side than The Ballroom at Bayou Place team. We host the most talked-about events by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Craig Howard
PARTNER AND EVENT MANAGER
If you’re in the events space, you know Craig Howard. A Houston native with over 40 years of event-managing experience, he’s worked with the biggest entertainment and hospitality brands. Examples include The Ritz Carlton and Cirque du Soleil. The NFL has trusted Craig to direct events at four Super Bowls.
Kirksey Gregg
PARTNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
If there’s an events industry renaissance man, it’s Kirksey Gregg. He’s an award-winning florist, décor designer, and furnishing rental company owner. What started as a childhood passion for floral arrangements has turned into a career that’s taken him worldwide. Kirksey has held virtually every floral design industry office, including president of the country’s largest state florist association. This devotion to the floral industry led to an induction into the American Academy of Floriculture.
Lisa Scarborough
PARTNER AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
When push comes to shove, Lisa Scarborough is an operations manager you want in your corner. With experience in everything from event planning and contracts to crew supervision and education, she ensures things fall into place for you.
Laurie De La Cruz
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
With 20 years experience in both finance and the events industry, Laurie expertly supports the team. Her problem solving skills and knack for understanding details helps us put on the best events possible.
Casey Luquette
EVENT COORDINATOR
As event coordinator, Casey keeps The Ballroom at Bayou Place running optimally. From meeting with clients to processes and invoicing, she handles it all. Her excellent communication and customer service skills help to build strong relationships with our clients.
Our Teamwork, Your Success
It’s an exciting time to throw an event. The problem is it’s a challenging sea many see, but few navigate successfully. Our team puts together occasions unlike any other in the hospitality industry. Reach out today to learn why people talk about us.
Craig and his staff seem to always go above and beyond. We recently had our Innaugral L’Affaire Du Monde Fashion show and Craig was amazing in his efforts and attention to detail. We are committed to using this venue for our upcoming events. The service and space are priceless. On behalf of our staff and the guests who attended: Thank you and your staff for treating us as family.
Wow! We felt instantly like we had a family of support! Thank you a MILLION times to the moon and back for such a great event and for your tremendous generosity! I sincerely value our relationship and hope to continue our partnership in the future.
Craig, let me say again how tremendous you and the rest of the staff are. It certainly shows that you understand the challenges that go along with putting on a major event. These last two years have been so much easier since working with you and your professional team.
I don’t even know where to begin about last night. Everything went off without a hitch, the venue was beautiful, and the whole process was so incredibly smooth. Thank you. Truly, from the very depths of my heart, thank you for every bit of work you poured into this gala for us, and for adjusting to all the little changes and nuances that had to be made. As the person who had to carry the majority of this event solo, you made all nerves, and anxiety just disappear, because I knew you had it all covered. I couldn’t have done this without you. And there’s no way that I would have ever wanted to. I really appreciate you both, you were a true joy to work with!
Look no further! This space is phenomenal— a large open concept space to do anything and everything you always envisioned for your one of a kind event, plain carpet(can’t stand floral carpet), beautiful infinity chairs, gorgeous draping, mesmerizing downtown views from the wrap-around, oversized balconies! Craig and Stephanie were the icing on the cake! They are VERY ACCOMMODATING, so helpful and just simply amazing sweet people! Always willing to help with open arms and super quick with responses. We miss them and hope to work with them again in the future!
What an evening! What an Event! Craig and The Ballroom’s staff are fantastic. They made the biggest night of my presidency one of the most memorable in our history. Working on an official thank you… but you have my eternal gratitude for creating the night of my dreams.
Let’s Start Planning Your Event
Designed with the guest experience in mind, The Ballroom is expertly equipped to host large corporate functions, dream weddings and other social events, but is equally capable of catering to the details of the most intimate gatherings. Please reach out to discuss your next event with us!