Greenwood’s Newest Premier Event Venue
Writer / Suzanne Huntzinger
Photographer / Amy Payne
Everyone loves an excuse to throw a great party, and now there’s a new reason. Just off I-65 at the Greenwood exit, welcoming visitors into town, The Nest Event Center, just opened November 2017.
In just six short months, they’ve already held several big events, including their grand opening to showcase their vendors and the newly renovated space. They’ve hosted events for groups as small as eight and as large as 550. They’ve hosted a corporate holiday party, a large trade show, numerous workshops and seminars, luncheons, concerts, business meetings, and their first wedding was held May 19.
The Nest is in the home formerly occupied by Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria and was completely remodeled to accommodate hosting a variety of events. Lindel and Kristee Anderson bought the space and turned it into a phenomenal spot for weddings, birthday parties, corporate meetings or celebrations, conferences and other special events. Making the whole event planning process easier, the Nest has a group of vendor partners who they can recommend to make your event a success. The list includes several caterers (including Jonathan Byrd’s catering), bakeries, photographers, florists, and graphic designers for invitations.
“We offer several options to meet all tastes and budgets,” Kristee says.
The Anderson’s and their staff of talented event planning professionals make The Nest an easy choice for a party, and so does the facility itself. One of the great features of The Nest that sets the venue apart from others is its versatility.
“Our main ballroom can divide into smaller spaces for multiple events. Our foyer can also be used to host eventsas well,” Kristee says.
“Our wall-sized environmental projectors have become a really popular feature with our clients. We have used them for presentations, live twitter feeds, home photos & videos or for anything our clients ask.”
As simple as The Nest makes event planning, becoming the event center’s proprietors wasn’t in the original plan for the Andersons. The couple moved to Indiana from Houston in 1995 to work at Indiana Bible College, an outreach of Calvary Tabernacle. Lindel has served for 23 years as Dean of Worship Studies and Minister of Music. Kristee has been involved with hospitality and event planning since she arrived in Indianapolis.
“I’ve had lots of unique opportunities to serve as an event coordinator,” she says. “My role at Calvary Tabernacle has been directing weddings and receptions as well as more than 100 bridal showers, baby showers and anniversary parties. I’ve also had to coordinate the college’s annual music conference and dozens of banquets and private parties.”
The Anderson’s hands were full with their work at the Indiana Bible College, but they didn’t realize how full their hands were about to get. When developer and longtime family friend, Randy Faulkner, reached out to the Andersons to gauge their interest in being a part of his latest building renovation, they couldn’t pass it up.
“The renovation of Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria and transformation to The Nest came at the perfect time for my family,” Kristee says.
“I have always been a part of a family business. My parents started a business in Houston which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. My brother became acting president of the business when my father passed away in 2010. In keeping with the entrepreneurial spirit of my family, it was an easy decision to take on a business of my own and go full throttle into this endeavor.”
Like Kristee, Lindel has found his niche at The Nest.
“Anyone that knows my husband knows his love for people and fellowship, and what we are doing here at the Nest is right up his alley,” Kristee says.
“We both enjoy serving other people and look forward to many years of service to the Greenwood and surrounding communities. We hope to capture the client’s vision and work together to design life’s celebrations.”
Taking on The Nest has been a seamless transition for the Andersons, but they’re still adjusting to the new, busy schedule.
“We’re managing it together as a family,” Kristee says. “My niece, Macy Shrum, has been here helping me since we opened in November, and she’s been a wonderful asset to The Nest. When we have late-night events followed by early morning events, we just all jump in together and get it done. I am so thankful for my wonderful family.”
Follow The Nest on Instagram & Facebook for photos, updates and more information on upcoming events, like the series of gospel concerts once a month, a popular Jonathan Byrd’s tradition.
To plan your next event at The Nest, contact Kristee Anderson at 844-401-NEST, or email her at kristee@thenestevents.com. The Nest is located at 400 Byrd Way in Greenwood.
