10.09.2008 — As San Francisco drivers turn off Highway 101 onto the James Lick Skyway to head over the Bay Bridge, they can turn to the right and see some of what makes up Showplace Square.

Also known as San Francisco's Design District, Showplace Square is a world-renowned locale for all things home design — from furnishings and flooring to lighting and, you guessed it, custom electronics.

Entertaining Spaces, an integration company owned by Adam Zolot, was well aware of the district's reputation when he and his business partner, Julie Ingle, decided to settle into a brand new building in the heart of Showplace Square.

"The showroom has been up and running for a year and a half now," Ingle says.

The space includes a media lounge, with a built-in wet bar, plasmas on the wall and what Ingle calls "a modern seating vignette." But it doesn't have the typical showroom feel.

"It has a sort of 'clubby' lounge," Ingle explains. "We're trying to recreate an ambiance that a user might have in their home."

Ingle and Zolot dubbed their showroom The Entertaining Space, and it is not like most custom electronics show spaces.

Of course it does include the latest in home technology. And, yes, it was designed to sell high-end equipment. The thing that makes The Entertaining Space unique is its accessibility.

Private Screening & Event Space

The Entertaining Space is what Ingle calls "an auxiliary business."

The space is rented out for private functions. Available for events are a 12- to 14-seat cinema and a modern lounge with wet bar (capacity: 50 people).

"We do a lot of team building events, off-site events," Ingle says, noting that Silicon Valley provides a steady stream of interested tech companies. "I'm doing an event for a gaming company."

She adds that the space is ideal for "everything where media is the message," such as Oscar parties, Wii parties and sporting events. "The Golden State Warriors will watch games here," she says.

Still, The Entertaining Space isn't available to just anyone. "I'm pretty selective," Ingle explains. "We have a well-heeled clientele." She adds, "We have a pretty tight contract."

Indeed, The Entertaining Space is not likely to be the place for Little Billy's kindergarten graduation celebration. "I won't do kids' parties or anything where people might do damage or cause wear and tear," she says.

Tech Speaks for Itself

With The Entertaining Space, Entertaining Spaces is able to demonstrate both its integrated functionality and its design aesthetic to its guests.

"It's a marketing tool," Ingle explains. "Usually one of us is working the events."

She explains, "Inevitably, clients are curious about the technology. That conversational topic is a way to launch into the topic of Entertaining Spaces."

For Ingle, every hosted function is a marketing opportunity. Entertaining Spaces has literature and other materials on hand at events. They provide answers to curious clients.

Still, that doesn't mean that Entertaining Spaces is dropping its calling card into every visitor's lap. "We don't do a full-court marketing push," Ingle explains.

"The technology speaks for itself."