WOMPA is the coolest! I rented two spaces at WOMPA -- the terrace and the machine shop -- for a large corporate event and we had an excellent time. The terrace looks over the machine shop and gives a gorgeous view of downtown Tulsa -- the machine shop gives "industrial meets ballroom" vibes. These two spaces are lovely in the daytime but at night with the lights, these are even more unique and beautiful.
The only thing that could have made our experience better was clearer communication earlier in our planning process with regards to services that WOMPA would provide by default. In the end, thanks to my many checklists and the help of our caterers and the WOMPA staff, I was able to mitigate the issues that would otherwise have occurred due to this lack of clarity. I provided some feedback to our contact at WOMPA about this earlier today.
The neighborhood that WOMPA is in is what we in Washington, DC call "up-and-coming:" In 10 years it will be fully gentrified and full of Starbucks' -- today, that is not the case. Should you have out-of-town folks attending your event at WOMPA, you might consider organizing group transportation. Otherwise, do let your guests know that the drive in is "scenic" (looks like many of the other abandoned-warehouse-laden-neighborhoods on the outskirts of Detroit, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, etc.) but, despite this, WOMPA itself is breathtaking. WOMPA is quite easy to find and has great signage.
Those services that WOMPA did provide were provided beautifully. The staff made themselves known and remained present (without hovering) so I felt very supported during my event. They also provided several (4?) signs for our guests in the parking and arrival areas which was very helpful -- WOMPA is on a large campus so clear directions are needed.
I hired a member of WOMPA to act as a concierge during our event -- any host who would like to be able to try to relax during their event, should consider doing the same. Our concierge was able receive guests as they arrived, assist with pacing of dinner service, gave some brief tours of WOMPA, and took pressure off of me to answer basic guest questions.
For catering, we used Chef's Touch catering -- I left them a glowing review as well, just give them a Google. Chef's Touch is the caterer that is affiliated with WOMPA and whose kitchen is located on premises.
We also hired musicians for our event, Drive Duo who are managed by Box Entertainment -- the atmosphere provided by their music plus this gorgeous venue was exactly what we were looking for. They had plenty of space and sounded great in the Machine Shop.
I was also able to walk about with another WOMPA member to see some of their other facilities including art studio spaces, film studio spaces, co-working areas, test kitchens, a salon, and more -- anyone in Tulsa who needs one of these spaces should absolutely consider WOMPA. Not only is it quite aesthetically pleasing but the co-working and studio spaces are priced like a subscription service so that you aren't roped in to a long-term lease.
The campus is fully fenced with locking gates -- we were provided a code for our guests to use in case they had a need -- and there is security on premises at all times.
I can't wait to come...
Read moreWompa as a Wedding Venue
While the venue itself is undoubtedly stunning, I regret to say that the overall experience, particularly with our assigned coordinator KT, left much to be desired.
Initially, our interactions were exclusively with Brooskey, who was truly amazing in her assistance. However, upon arriving for our rehearsal, we were surprised to be introduced to KT, whom we hadn't met before. This transition was unexpected, as we had anticipated Brooskey as our "day of" contact.
The rehearsal itself was disheartening. Despite having a file folder, KT appeared unaware of the spaces we had rented. This lack of familiarity extended to the Machine Shop, where KT questioned, in a condescending tone, whether we had even rented the space, despite having added it to our arrangements a month prior.
Throughout the rehearsal, KT's negative demeanor became increasingly apparent. She made comments about the weather, insinuating that our wedding day would be marred by unfavorable conditions. This pessimistic attitude was distressing, especially given the already heightened nerves of the young couple.
Communication breakdowns continued as we discussed the designated spaces for the groom and groomsmen. Despite our previous discussions with Brooskey, KT seemed unaware of the agreed-upon arrangements. Furthermore, when we referred to our contract, she dismissed it as "old" and no longer valid.
The day of the wedding was equally challenging. KT's presence was minimal, and the one interaction I had with her was unhelpful and lacked any semblance of empathy. Moreover, the promised parking attendants and assistance in navigating the venue were nowhere to be found, resulting in confusion among our guests.
Unfortunately, the negative aspects extended beyond coordination issues. A family member tripped and broke her elbow in the den area, leading to an early departure and considerable distress.
Additionally, the automated follow-up requesting feedback the next morning felt impersonal and lacked a human touch, further adding to the overall dissatisfaction.
When attempting to address these concerns, KT's response was dismissive. When I left a message for management with a Victoria KT called me back. She insisted on "qualifying" my grievances before passing along my meeting request, creating an unnecessary barrier to communication. Her assertion that she was the sole point of contact for Wompa Events only added to the frustration as I know she is not.
In summary, while the venue itself is undoubtedly beautiful, our experience was marred by poor communication and a lack of professionalism from KT. I hope that by sharing our experience, improvements can be made to ensure that future events at Wompa are seamless and...
Read moreWompa, a newly established co-working space nestled in an old Tulsa factory, is nothing short of breathtaking. Steeped in history and emanating the spirit of its creator, Charles Page, this stunning venue has been masterfully renovated to offer professionals an inspiring and highly functional environment for all their work needs.
As you step into Wompa, you're immediately struck by the sheer magnificence of its interiors. The designers have skillfully combined the old with the new, preserving the integrity of the factory's architecture while infusing it with modern elements. The high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and large windows create an ambiance that is both spacious and inviting.
The vast open spaces in Wompa are truly a photographer's dream, with dozens, if not hundreds, of potential spots for photo shoots. Whether you're a content creator, a photographer, or a videographer, this co-working space provides ample opportunities to capture the perfect shot.
In addition to its visual appeal, Wompa offers an array of amenities tailored to the needs of today's professionals. The Grind All Access membership is a particularly enticing option, granting you unlimited access to Wompa's various workspaces, private meeting rooms, and state-of-the-art facilities. High-speed internet, printing services, and a well-stocked kitchen are just a few of the many perks that come with membership.
Wompa's commitment to cultivating a sense of community is evident in the events and workshops they organize for their members. From networking events to skill-sharing sessions, Wompa provides numerous opportunities for professionals to collaborate, learn, and grow together. I highly...
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