By Riya Chinni
The newest addition to Carmel’s Merchant’s Square is BASH, an event venue that is part of the 828 venue management company. BASH features a rustic chic venue with an open-floor layout and wood floors.
According to Lauren Allan, event sales manager for BASH, the most important component of BASH as well as 828 venues is flexibility for the client.
“The whole concept is based around flexibility being brought back to the client and the vendors,” Allan said. “We also have a completely open vendor policy and we do 24-hour venue rentals, so the client gets the event venue the day of their rental at 10 a.m. and they have it until 10 a.m. the following day.”
The venue at 1235 Keystone Way S. has been open for a few months and has run several events, such as networking programs, sweet 16 birthday parties and a comedy show. Allan said the variety of events shows how the venue can cater to any client.
The decision to open BASH in Carmel was inspired by the success of Industry, an 828 venue in Indianapolis. Allan said Industry booked events one to two years out and experienced tremendous growth very quickly.
Allan said BASH, which has a maximum capacity of 325 guests, will help bring a more modern feel to Merchant’s Square.
“I actually grew up in Carmel, so I’m pretty excited to see a new life brought to the area,” she said. “Merchant’s Square has gone under a lot of changes and renovations in the past 10 to 15 years, and it’s really been revitalized into something a lot more modern. I think BASH being there is only going to further that growth. I think it’s going to be amazing.”