For association and corporate meeting planners. 2013 SuperBook contains coveted annual Prime Site and Top Destination Awards, Spotlights on New York City after Sandy, and Branson, Missouri, a small meetings Hot List, ROI Perspectives from a series of industry professionals, the 2013 directory of meeting facilities, and more...
Models of CRISIS MANAGEMENT How two New York City meeting facilities weathered Superstorm Sandy 48 2013 PRIME SITE & TOP DESTINATION AWARDS 60 BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 152 Madison Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10016 Facilities Destinations Facilities Destinations For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners & 2013 TM SuperBook Hot List: 5 Small Market Venues 23 Are You ROI Savvy? 36 Alan Steel President and CEO, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Nicole La Valette Director of Sales and Marketing, Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
Transcript
Models of Crisis ManageMentHow two New York Citymeeting facilities weathered Superstorm Sandy48
2013 Prime Site & toP DeStination awarDS 60BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.152 Madison Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10016FacilitiesDestinations
FacilitiesDestinations
For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners
&
2013
TM
SuperBook
Hot List: 5 Small Market Venues 23
Are You ROI Savvy? 36 alan steel
President and CeO, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
nicole La Valette Director of sales and Marketing,ritz-Carlton new York, Battery Park
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2013 Awards of Excellence Prime Site & Top Destination Winners: The Best of The Best ...............60 2014 Awards of Excellence Ballot... ..........................................................10
2013 F&D Meeting Hotel Prime Site Awards Ballot... ..........................138 Upfront ....................................................................................................8-22 Convention Center Watch, Destination Watch, Hotel Watch, Leading Edge: Troy Thorn, Al Hutchinson
Columns Looking Ahead.............................................................................................2 Caffin’s Corner..............................................................................................4 Viewpoint .....................................................................................................4 Meeting Perspectives: A Meeting ‘Fit’ for Today’s Attendees, by Sarah Vining, Marketing Manager, The National Conference Center ..........................32 Total Experience = Attendance, by Mickey Schaefer, President, Mickey Schaefer & Associates, LLC .......................................34 Tradeshow Perspectives: Exhibitor Do’s and Don’ts, by Deborah Shapiro, Specialty Foods Category Manager and Buyer, BI-LO Holdings ..........36 Business Perspectives: Test Your ROI IQ, by Jack J. Phillips, Chairman, ROI Institute, Inc. .......................................................................................38 Planner Perspectives: Getting Smart About Sports Incentives, by Robert Tuchman, President, Goviva .........................................................................................................42Hot List ........................................................................................................23 Small Market VenuesF&D International ................................................................................44-47 Tradeshow Watch, Germany, Singapore, Leading Edge: Eduardo ChailloNew York Spotlight Hurricane Sandy in Hindsight ...................................................................48 The Roosevelt Revisited ............................................................................52State-of-the-Industry / Spotlight Interview ............................................54 Behind the Scenes at ASAE University with Anne Blouin, Chief Learning Officer, ASAE
Destination Spotlight ................................................................................56 Branson Builds Its Brand
Directory: F&D Sites & Cities ..................................................................73 A-Z Index ..................................................................................................72 Ad Index .................................................................................................151
Facilities & Destinations is published three times a year by Bedrock Communications, Inc., 152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016. Telephone: (212) 532-4150. Fax: (212) 213-6382.
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Bedrock Communications, Inc., 152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016. Printed in U.S.A.
Cover ad space is available by contacting a Facilities & Destinations advertising account executive at 212-532-4150.
MEMBERS OF:
ON THE COVERAlan Steel, President and CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and Nicole La Valette, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park, were
both major players in making sure that NYC meetings and shows scheduled for the weeks following Hurricane Sandy went on as scheduled.
At the end of January, an article from Wyoming’s Casper Journal caught my eye. In particular, I noticed a photo of a city council member wearing a Dr. Pepper T-shirt while council was in session. Wondering, in jest, if this could be the start of a new
trend in municipal governmental fashion, I forwarded the article to New York City Councilman James Oddo, who wittily replied, “I need to visit Wyoming!”
While the article’s topic seemed fairly routine for the industry — the Casper City Council was considering a $50 million land purchase to help stimulate the creation of a hotel and conference center — there was a very instructive controversy underlying that bit of news.
The Casper Journal detailed a debate between Casper Councilman Craig Hedquist and his colleagues, outlining the positive and negative aspects of building a large meeting facility with taxpayer funding. Hedquist did not favor the idea, taking a dollars and “sense” approach.
Opposing the taxpayer-funded conference center, Hedquist opined that “It is absolutely mind-boggling to me that we think people [the City of Casper] who don’t do development professionally … can go do something that developers are not going to ...” He asserted that developers would build the conference center “if there’s actually money to be made at it.” Citing his work with real estate developers, Hedquist stated that “I’ve seen good ones and bad ones, and I don’t see any of the ones that I consider very good, beating to go down there and do what we’re proposing to do as a city with tax dollars.”
While trying to maintain neutrality, Councilwoman Kenyne Schlager cited the need for quality meeting space, noting that she had been a meeting planner for about three years, and during that period “there was not really a venue here [in Casper] that we felt would be what our clients would want. When we did give them options, they were not satisfied. … I am not necessarily advocating that we have to have a conference center, but actually having planned conferences, it would’ve made my life a lot easier.”
In favor of the project was Councilman Paul Meyer, who declared that municipal leaders were elected “to provide that stimulus that makes good things happen [when the] private [sector] can’t step up … it takes the vision of the leaders of the city to stimulate the directions that some cities want to take.”
While Casper’s meetings and business tourism economy may not be as robust as that of major metropolises, the city council members’ positions echo a debate on the national stage described a little more than a year ago in the Wall Street Journal. Regarding the trend to build ever-larger convention centers with tax dollars, Steven Malanga opened his article with a sarcastic quip: “For two decades, America’s convention center business has been declining, resulting in a nationwide surplus of empty meeting facilities, struggling convention halls and vacant hotel rooms. How have governments responded to this glut? By building more convention centers.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Clear Thinking in Wyoming
FacilitiesDestinations
FacilitiesDestinations
For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners
& TM
SuperBook
– David KornChief Operating Officer, Facilities Media Group
Cover Photograph of Alan Steele by Stephen de Jesus Frias/Javits Center
With our tenured and knowledgeable staff, the Minneapolis Convention Center can exponentially expand the power of your next face-to-face event. As the gateway to the city of Minneapolis, we’ve dedicated our 1.6 million square feet to all the little things that make bonds last long after the meetings and sporting events end. Minneapolis.org/MCC
I t ’s not a conventIon center. I t ’s a rel atIonshIp buIldIng.
Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook4
Caffin’s
20 years of exCellenCe
orner
T he 2013 Facilities & Destinations (F&D) SuperBook — our biggest publication ever — marks the 20th anniversary of F&D’s Prime Site and
Top Destination Awards. I have been here since their inception, and it is very gratifying to see our Awards of Excellence gain prominence in the meetings industry and draw more nominations each year.
Association and corporate meeting planners
I am enthused to join Facilities Media Group as Editorial Director, beginning with a very substantial edition of F&D SuperBook. Among the many highlights in this
issue is a column by renowned ROI expert Jack Phillips designed to enlighten meeting planners on just how well they understand business-value metrics. Looking back on my 15 years of covering meetings industry developments, one of the standout trends in recent times — especially post-recession — is the emphasis on demonstrating ROI for meetings and events. Phillips’ five-stage methodology has become something of an industry standard, endorsed by organizations such as MPI and PCMA.
The focus on business value is in fact more than a trend; it is part what has been dubbed the “new normal” for the meetings industry. Even incentive programs, a tried-and-true means of bolstering sales, are increasingly seen as opportunities to add still more ROI once qualifiers are on the trip. As Robert Tuchman, president of incentive firm Goviva, stresses in his column, sports incentive trips in particular are perfect for bonding and teambuilding, since attendees are already in that “team” frame of mind.
As I am collaborating with seasoned team members here at Facilities Media Group, I expect a very strong return on my editorial efforts going forward. Thus far this year, we have broadened our international coverage and maintained robust virtual communication with
designated the venues and cities listed in our 2013 Awards of Excellence section (see page 60) as featuring superior service, staffs, technological capabilities, food & beverage, accessibility, and just overall quality.
Part II of our Awards of Excellence arrives later this year in the 2013-2014 F&D Planner Guide issue, which will include our 2013 Meeting Hotel Prime Site Awards. Planners, please take the time to cast your vote either with the ballot on page 138, or at www.facilitiesonline.com.
In between, look for our 2013 F&D Mid-Market Review issue later this summer. See you at the shows.
– Michael CaffinAssociate Publisher, Facilities Media Group
readers through our Website, Twitter feed and monthly e-newsletters.
Overall, there is good news to report. Respondents to MPI’s February 2013 Business Barometer indicated significant meeting budget increases, and more respondents said they are seeing attendance growth compared to results from two months earlier. Indeed, the travel industry in general appears to be on the upswing: The U.S. Travel Association predicts growth in business travel this year, and in January, PwC US forecasted a bump in lodging demand and RevPAR recovery, coupled with restrained supply growth. The expected upshot is a significant boost in U.S. hotel occupancy in 2013, which means planners will need to be especially well-informed and prepared for their site selection and venue negotiation process.
With that challenge in mind, my primary aim is to help make Facilities & Destinations an even more valuable resource by combining our traditional property news coverage with more in-depth interviews with industry leaders, such as the ASAE’s Anne Blouin and the Mexico Tourism Board’s Eduardo Chaillo in this issue.
Enjoy the new SuperBook. I look forward to your comments.
– George SeliEditorial Director, Facilities Media Group
CorrectionIn the Destination Spotlight on Los Cabos featured in the 2012-2013 F&D Planner Guide, Divorce Beach was incorrectly referred to as Playa de Amore. The correct Spanish translation is Playa del Amor.
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8 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
UpFront Convention Center Watch
In what the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is calling its “great improvisation,” The Great Hall debuted Jan. 25, just in time for NFL events surrounding Super Bowl XLVII. The 60,300-sq.-ft., column-free ballroom, now the Crescent City’s largest, is complemented by several other new spaces that comprise the $52 million project, which renovated the former Hall A and La Louisiane Ballroom over two years. These include a 25,400-sq.-ft. pre-function area, the 4,600-sq.-ft. Rivergate Room, a 4,660-sq.-ft. junior ballroom, a 3,420-sq.-ft. rooftop terrace, a 980-sq.-ft. indoor balcony and a 5,700-sq.-ft. executive club lounge. In addition, a new pedestrian plaza provides a grand sense of arrival to all attendees and serves as a more seamless connection to New Orleans’s downtown hotels. Among The Great Hall’s great features are an energy-efficient LED lighting system, offering nearly unlimited color combinations; a unique layered ceiling concept that cascades down the wall; and the ability to transition from an intimate setting to a more open-room environment with the click of a mouse.
9Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
In more recent news, The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority voted to extend its contract with Centerplate for hospitality services for the Convention Center. Centerplate took over the food service operation in July 2011 for an initial seven years, but every year that Centerplate meets established performance thresholds, another year is added to the end of the contract. Melvin Rodrigue, Chairman of the Authority and General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Galatoire’s Restaurant, said, “New Orleans restaurants stand at the forefront of world-class dining, and that must be reflected in our convention center as well. Centerplate has the ability to deliver that reputation to all of our convention guests.”
The Great Hall pre-function area.
Leading Edge: Troy ThornExecutive Director Vicksburg Convention Center and Vicksburg Auditorium Vicksburg, MS
Troy Thorn, an industry veteran with over 20 years of destination and venue management experience, has been the Executive Director for the Vicksburg
Convention Center and Vicksburg Auditorium since December 2011. Prior to his present position, he served as second-in-command to the City of Dallas’ Director of Convention & Event Services. The VenuWorks-managed Vicksburg Convention Center offers over 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 17,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall.
State of Vicksburg’s meetings business: I believe it is trending very favorably. Sales are going up, and that’s a good sign that people are spending again, although cautiously. Our meetings clientele is mostly state associations, and we’re working on enhancing our corporate portfolio. We’re particularly looking to attract any corporations that are invested in STEM [science, technology, engineering, mathematics] due to the core of engineers that have a large presence in our community.
Why the Vicksburg Convention Center stands out: What
I think is probably our most significant advantage is that our cooking is done through a local F&B provider, Palmertree Catering, so groups get an authentic Mississippi-Delta culinary experience at our venue.
Sales philosophy: Currently we have one full-time salesperson, but we emphasize to our staff that every one of us is a salesperson. And what I have done since coming to the community is basically recruit our community leaders as sales ambassadors for the Vicksburg Convention Center. We invite them to provide us with leads as well as join us when we do presentations to close a piece of business.
Most memorable event: Probably the conference that stands out the most is a recent state convention for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. One of the things our local officials wanted to see us do is reach out to the SMERF market, particularly fraternities and sororities, and we have done that. This fiscal year we have one fraternity and three sororities state events on our books.
What’s new in town: This year, Vicksburg is celebrating the centennial of the Siege of Vicksburg, and that is a huge event for our community. A major program is taking place April through June, including parades, concerts and historical presentations. It’s especially attractive for attendees who are Civil War buffs.
10 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
The Albuquerque Convention Center breaks ground on a $20 million renovation project. (L-r): Lewis Dawley, General Manager of the convention center; Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry; and Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO Dale Lockett.
Global Spectrum, manager of the Saint Charles Convention Center, reports that it has exceeded its 2012 budget by $141,374. This is the eighth consecutive year since opening in 2005 that Global Spectrum has surpassed budget expectations at the venue, and the second year in a row the company has operated in the black, with a net profit of $60,420. "We recognize this success was achieved during one of the most difficult economic times in the industry. That in and of itself speaks loudly as it relates to the consummate professionals at both Global Spectrum and the CVB,” commented David Leezer, director of economic development & tourism for the City of St. Charles, MO.
Convention Center Watch
UpFront
Facilities Destinations&Awards of Excellence BALLOT
Fill Out Form & Mail, Email or Fax Your Vote:Facilities & Destinations
152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016Fax: (212) 213-6382; Email: [email protected]
Name of Nominee ______________________________________
Please consider the following criteria when voting:
Attractiveness & Functionality of Meeting VenueSize & Quality of Meeting SpaceTechnological CapabilitiesQuality of StaffFood & Beverage OptionsLighting, Acoustics, & Internet AccessOther Meeting/Event Support ServicesAmenitiesRecreational ActivitiesDining & Entertainment OptionsLodging Quality Accessibility to AirportEase of Travel within Destination
INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE) • NHL FANFAIR™ • 2011 TELECOM LAUREAT AWARDS • ALGONQUIN COLLEGE CONVOCATION • OTTAWA BUSINESS JOURNAL – OTTAWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAYORS BREAKFAST • OCC GRAND OPENING • BOMBARDIER GALA • NHL FANFAIR • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW • OTTAWA TOURISM GALA AWARDS • PCL CONSTRUCTORS HOLIDAY PARTY • CANADIAN TIRE SNOW SUIT FUND GALA • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • 2012 JUNO GALA AWARDS & DINNER • TIM HORTON’S REGIONAL MEETING • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA • SEXAPALOOZA 2012 • OTTAWA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL • TRAVEL AND VACATION SHOW • ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY • 2011 PCL OPERATIONS CONFERENCE • CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY • CCA NATIONAL CONFERENCE • 2011 CIPMM NATIONAL WORKSHOP • PHOTONICS NORTH 2011 • INFORMATION PHOTONICS 2011 • THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND 2011 • CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA 32E CONGRÈS ANNUEL DE L’AJEFO - JUSTICE EN FRANÇAIS AU COEUR DES GÉNÉRATIONS ! • INTERNATIONAL WIND AND RADAR FORUM - EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED • WOMEN’S WORLDS 2011 • SERRA’S 69TH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION • SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON TURBULENCE AND SHEAR FLOW PHENOMENA (TSFP-7) • 32ND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOSTATISTICS • OTF 2011 ANNUAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ MEETING • 2011 RIM CANADA CONFERENCE - CAPITAL CONNEXIONS • INVESTORS GROUP 2011 APEX SUMMIT • CSGNA 2011 NAVIGATING “LE CANAL” IN THE CAPITAL • CANADIAN STROKE CONGRESS • PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL REPORTING CONFERENCE • OPPI 2011 PLANNING CONFERENCE • GTEC • ESRI CANADA USER CONFERENCE - OTTAWA • 2011 CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE CONGRESS • 2011 NATD • CADSI SECURETECH • STATISTICS CANADA SYMPOSIUM • 17TH ANNUAL WOUND CARE CONFERENCE • EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION • 2011 RPIC REAL PROPERTY NATIONAL WORKSHOP • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA - PD WEEK 2011 • ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA • TIM HORTONS REGIONAL MEETING • NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA - CANADIAN FOREST SERVICE • LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA • CANNEXUS12 • NORTHERN LIGHTS 2012 • MANNING NETWORKING CONFERENCE 2012 • HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION OF CANADA - ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW • CBC RADIO - PRIX DE LECTURES • THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND 2011 • WOMEN’S WORLD 2011 • 32ND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOSTATISTICS • CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA • SCOTIABANK NHL FANFAIR - FESTIVAL DES PARTISANS DE LA LNH 2012 • INVESTORS GROUP 2011 APEX SUMMIT • LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA 2011RIM CANADA CONFERENCE - CAPITAL CONNEXIONS • EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL DHADKAN’S 9TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT • 17TH ANNUAL WOUND CARE CONFERENCE • RECOGNITION OF ENTRY TO THE EX GROUP – GALA • NORTHERN LIGHTS 2012 • INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE) • NHL FANFAIR™ • 2011 TELECOM LAUREAT AWARDS • ALGONQUIN COLLEGE CONVOCATION • OTTAWA BUSINESS JOURNAL – OTTAWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAYORS BREAKFAST • OCC GRAND OPENING • BOMBARDIER GALA • NHL FANFAIR • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW • OTTAWA TOURISM GALA AWARDS • PCL CONSTRUCTORS HOLIDAY PARTY • CANADIAN TIRE SNOW SUIT FUND GALA • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • 2012 JUNO GALA AWARDS & DINNER • TIM HORTON’S REGIONAL MEETING • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA • SEXAPALOOZA 2012 • OTTAWA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL • TRAVEL AND VACATION SHOW • ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY • 2011 PCL OPERATIONS CONFERENCE • CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY • CCA NATIONAL CONFERENCE • 2011 CIPMM NATIONAL WORKSHOP • PHOTONICS NORTH 2011 • INFORMATION PHOTONICS 2011 • THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND 2011 • CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA 32E CONGRÈS ANNUEL DE L’AJEFO - JUSTICE EN FRANÇAIS AU COEUR DES GÉNÉRATIONS ! • INTERNATIONAL WIND AND RADAR FORUM - EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED • WOMEN’S WORLDS 2011 • SERRA’S 69TH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION • SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON TURBULENCE AND SHEAR FLOW PHENOMENA (TSFP-7) • 32ND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOSTATISTICS • OTF 2011 ANNUAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ MEETING • 2011 RIM CANADA CONFERENCE - CAPITAL CONNEXIONS • INVESTORS GROUP 2011 APEX SUMMIT • CSGNA 2011 NAVIGATING “LE CANAL” IN THE CAPITAL • CANADIAN STROKE CONGRESS • PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL REPORTING CONFERENCE • OPPI 2011 PLANNING CONFERENCE • GTEC • ESRI CANADA USER CONFERENCE - OTTAWA • 2011 CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE CONGRESS • 2011 NATD • CADSI SECURETECH • STATISTICS CANADA SYMPOSIUM • 17TH ANNUAL WOUND CARE CONFERENCE • EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION • 2011 RPIC REAL PROPERTY NATIONAL WORKSHOP • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA - PD WEEK 2011 • ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA • TIM HORTONS REGIONAL MEETING • NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA - CANADIAN FOREST SERVICE • LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA • CANNEXUS12 • NORTHERN LIGHTS 2012 • MANNING NETWORKING CONFERENCE 2012 • HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION OF CANADA - ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW • CBC RADIO - PRIX DE LECTURES • THE OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND 2011 • WOMEN’S WORLD 2011 • 32ND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOSTATISTICS • CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA • SCOTIABANK NHL FANFAIR - FESTIVAL DES PARTISANS DE LA LNH 2012 • INVESTORS GROUP 2011 APEX SUMMIT • LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA 2011RIM CANADA CONFERENCE - CAPITAL CONNEXIONS • EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL DHADKAN’S 9TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT • 17TH ANNUAL WOUND CARE CONFERENCE • RECOGNITION OF ENTRY TO THE EX GROUP – GALA • NORTHERN LIGHTS 2012 • INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE) • NHL FANFAIR™ • 2011 TELECOM LAUREAT AWARDS • ALGONQUIN COLLEGE CONVOCATION • OTTAWA (IEEE) • NHL FANFAIR™ • 2011 TELECOM LAUREAT AWARDS • ALGONQUIN COLLEGE CONVOCATION • OTTAWA BUSINESS JOURNAL – OTTAWA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAYORS BREAKFAST • OCC GRAND OPENING • BOMBARDIER GALA • NHL FANFAIR • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW • OTTAWA TOURISM GALA AWARDS • PCL CONSTRUCTORS HOLIDAY PARTY • CANADIAN TIRE SNOW SUIT FUND GALA • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • OTTAWA TOURISM GALA AWARDS • PCL CONSTRUCTORS HOLIDAY PARTY • CANADIAN TIRE SNOW SUIT FUND GALA • OTTAWA GATINEAU INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW • 2012 JUNO GALA AWARDS & DINNER • TIM HORTON’S REGIONAL MEETING • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF CANADA • SEXAPALOOZA 2012 • OTTAWA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL • TRAVEL AND VACATION SHOW • ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY • 2011 PCL OPERATIONS CONFERENCE • CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY • CCA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
SOME GREAT NAMES HAVE
ALREADY MET HERE.
TIME TO ADD YOURSSince opening its doors in spring 2011, the Ottawa Convention Centre
has hosted hundreds of great organizations and high-profi le events. Find out what they already know about the features and advantages of Canada’s Meeting Place by visiting online. Better yet, contact us
for a personal tour and a bid on one of your future events.
The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB) and National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) celebrated the grand opening of the Anaheim Convention Center’s Grand Plaza in January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a who’s who in the music and convention industries. Legendary musician and music producer Randy Jackson and Latin Grammy-nominated jazz artist Bernie Williams participated in the ribbon cutting, which also served as the opening of the 2013 NAMM Show.
The industry-only NAMM Show is the first tradeshow to fully utilize the new 100,000-sq.-ft. Grand Plaza event space, where groups can take advantage of the Southern California climate and dine al fresco, listen to concerts or attend receptions and exhibitions. The Grand Plaza enhances the open, campus-like space surrounding the Anaheim Convention Center and flows between the Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott hotels. The area also features a special Transit Plaza for efficient transportation flow.
Interspersed throughout the Grand Plaza are 60 Valencia orange trees that represent
Convention Center WatchUpFront
On Jan. 24, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, City of Anaheim officials and members of NAMM marked the grand opening of the Anaheim Convention Center’s Grand Plaza, and the start of the 2013 NAMM Show. (L-r): City of Anaheim Council Member Jordan Brandman, Council Member Kris Murray, NAMM Executive Committee Secretary Robin Walenta, Council Member Gail Eastman, City of Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait, NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, Latin Grammy-nominated jazz artist Bernie Williams, Council Member Lucille Kring, legendary musician and music producer Randy Jackson and NAMM Chairman of the Board Kevin Cranley.
The new 100,000-sq.-ft. Grand Plaza at the Anaheim Convention Center is a uniquely Southern California outdoor environment that can be utilized year-round for a wide variety of events, meetings and gatherings.
Anaheim
/Orange C
ounty Visitor & C
onvention Bureau (2)
the destination’s early agricultural history. In addition, there are 151 palm trees, California-style landscaping and ample seating throughout. There is also a special colorful light show staged each evening (every 30 minutes) that includes a multi-color Ocean Fountain show and twinkling “River Walk” lights.
Providing event planners with an inside look at the Grand Plaza, the AOCVCB has designed a special microsite (anaheimoc.org/GrandPlaza/index.php).
Brand New Cleveland Convention Center...
That’s sustainably underground...Who knew?
Opening
July 2013
Convention Center Entrance
Cleveland has been named the fourth most walkable city by PCMA’s Convene Magazine. Who Knew? To learn more visit ClevelandMeetings.com.
14 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
On Feb. 5, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved the creation of the Moscone Expansion District (MED), which will provide the majority of funding for the expansion of the City’s convention center. Hotel assessments from the MED will provide two thirds of the funding for costs of the expansion project, estimated at $500 million. The other third will come from a continuation of funding from the City’s General Fund. The expansion of Moscone Center will add approximately 350,000 to 400,000 sq. ft. to the convention center, including 80,000 or more sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit, essential for attracting larger conventions.
“San Francisco has already lost meetings representing $2.057 billion in direct spending as a result of space limitations for meetings with dates between 2010 and 2019. The existing three-building configuration of Moscone Center is effectively filled to capacity,” explained Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association. “Therefore, it is impossible to significantly grow the San Francisco convention market without providing additional meeting and exhibit space – especially contiguous exhibition space.”
The planned expansion of Moscone Center will create 3,424 long-term jobs and induce $713 million in direct spending in the first seven years after expansion’s anticipated 2018 opening. Construction is anticipated to begin November 2014. Visit www.moscone.com for more information.
The grand opening celebration for Nashville’s Music City Center will take place May 19-20. Construction on the $585 million facility began in January 2010 and will be completed on April 30. Music City Center totals 2.1 million sq. ft., which includes the 57,500-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom seating 6,000 people and an 1,800-space parking garage. Green features include solar panels and a green roof; the building is on track to receive LEED Silver certification. Due to its larger size, the Music City Center will be able to host 75 percent of conventions in the country, compared to the 25 percent that can currently be accommodated at the Nashville Convention Center. At press time, the pre-opening sales effort for the Music City Center has the total room nights booked for the facility at 829,574 and the number of individual meetings at 101, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.
UpFront Convention Center Watch
300 N. Thomas St. ▼ Downtown Athens, GAwww.ClassicCenter.com ▼ 706.208.0900
Accommodations for 6,000 people and 300 boothsNewly built 8,000 sq. ft. atrium and 56,000 sq. ft. grand hall
Award-winning customer service ▼ Walking distance to 1,500 hotel roomsA short drive from the Atlanta airport
New and modern spaces pairedwith restored historical structures
Northeast Georgia’s
Premier Convention & Performing Arts Center
Be impressed
16 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Destination WatchUpFront
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) recently unveiled its plan for the Las Vegas Global Business District, an overarching vision for the Las Vegas Convention Center and the surrounding area. The plan includes the following goals:
• Renovating the convention center and creating a convention district campus. The project includes building additional exhibit space, meeting rooms and general session space; upgrading technology; adding new food and beverage outlets; and creating a grand concourse connector with more lobby space. This will be the first major expansion of the 54-year-old Las Vegas Convention Center in more than a decade.
• Creating an international business center by leveraging and expanding the World Trade Center designation. By creating a dedicated World Trade Center facility, the LVCVA plans to expand international business opportunities and increase market share by attracting more meetings and conventions to the destination.
• Building a centralized transportation hub that will improve connectivity in the resort corridor.
In late February, the LVCVA approved the first phase of a $2.5 billion overhaul of the Convention Center that includes the new World Trade Center building and transportation center.
The project is justified by the city's current level of tourism and group business. Las Vegas welcomed a record 39.7 million visitors in 2012, approximately a half-million more visitors than the previous high of 39.2 million set in 2007. Meetings and tradeshow business has also been growing, with 4.9 million delegates attending a convention, tradeshow or meeting in 2012, reflecting a 1.6 percent increase over last year. This is the highest convention attendance in four years. A different metric is equally impressive: The city hosted 21,615 meetings, tradeshows or conventions in 2012, up 13.6 percent from the 2011 total of 19,029. The 2012 total is the highest number of meetings and conventions held in Las Vegas since 2008.
FLEXIBLE.ACCESSIBLE.AFFORDABLE.COMFORTABLE.INCREDIBLE.Meetings planners love Little Rock. (And so do the people who attend them.)With hundreds of thousands of square feet of newly-upgraded meeting
and exhibit space in a variety of locations throughout the city, Little Rock
also offers your groups world-class attractions, the best New South cuisine,
and cozy accommodations – along with that famous southern charm.
Discover all of Little Rock’s charms at LittleRock.com
or call 1-800-844-4781
BIG DAM BRIDGE ANDARKANSAS RIVER TRAIL
CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER
THE RIVER MARKETAND RIVERFRONT PARK
OLDSTATE HOUSE MUSEUM
LITTLE ROCKCENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
18 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Leading Edge: Al HutchinsonDestination WatchUpFront
Vice President of Convention Sales & Marketing Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau Virginia Beach, VA
Al Hutchinson joined the Virginia Beach CVB in 2003. He is a 2012 NAACP Trailblazer Award recipient from the Virginia Beach branch of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and chairs the ASAE’s Industry Partner Alliance.
State of the CVB’s Meetings Business: I think there’s still some recovery happening in the meetings industry; it’s not back to pre-2008 levels. The hospitality industry is typically a lag industry, and we’re going to track a little slower than the overall economy. Still, we’re attracting new clients to Virginia Beach. In February we hosted the BankTravel Conference, with about 400 tour operators representing the banking industry, and this October we will host the Air Medical Transport Conference.
What Planners Look for in a CVB Sales Representative: The customer now is looking for a sales rep to take a more consultant approach, compared to just a sales approach. They
want the salesperson to really understand their business, their challenges and the trends in their particular industry before they even have a conversation. Those that approach it as a consultant are those who will probably win more business than they lose. It becomes more of a relationship sell.
Most Memorable Event: The National Forum for Black Public Administrators had their national convention here April of last year. That was significant for us because it was the first time they had met in our destination, and we had attempted to attract them here a couple of times before. And April is our off-season, so that’s the time we really try to attract group business. We as a city had to host their opening night event, and we did a private concert in our Sandler Center, which is 1,300-seat venue. It was a great lift for our destination.
What’s New in Virginia Beach: Our newest hotel is called Oceanaire, which opened this past June with 163 rooms and about 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. It’s a very nice, eclectic, high-tech type of property. And the owner of that hotel has also opened a $70 million public/private, mixed-use development called 31Ocean, with retail stores and restaurants. So this is the first time in the resort area that we’ve created a very walkable, pedestrian-friendly community, just a block away from the ocean.
(L-r): Atlanta Hall Management Chairman Steve Robinson, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO William Pate, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and Atlanta Hall Management CEO John Stephenson gather to announce the Jan. 28 groundbreaking for the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The 95,000-sq.-ft. facility will open for the kickoff of the 2014 football season.
Rhode IslandConvention Center
Lots of ChoicesOne Decision
From Mozart to Monster Trucks, basketball to business meetings, the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex has the flexibility to make your next convention or special event one to remember. Our experienced staff will work with you to choose the facilities and services that best fit your objectives. There are lots of options but only one decision – book your next event at the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex.
401.456.0200 | [email protected] | GoProvidence.comThe Dunk and Convention Center are managed by SMG and The Vets by PFM.
Photo: Steven Schwartz
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau
20 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Hotel Watch Caesars Entertainment properties in both Nevada and California saw major developments in February. Harrah’s Rincon Resort & Casino in Valley Center, CA (just outside San Diego) launched a $150 million expansion project. Nearly doubling the size of the resort, the project will include a new 21-story hotel tower adding 400 guestrooms, scheduled to open in the spring of 2014, and a new 23,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, slated to be completed at the end of this year. The expanded resort will house 1,065 guestrooms and suites, and over 50,000 sq. ft. of gross function space. And in Las Vegas, the world’s first Nobu Hotel Restaurant and Lounge debuted at Caesars Palace in early February. The 181-room property’s namesake restaurant spans 12,775 sq. ft. and seats up to 327 attendees.
UpFront
In January, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) accepted Miami’s renowned Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a 2012 F&D Meeting Hotel Prime Site Award winner, as its newest member. The legendary 650-acre resort, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is undergoing an extensive $200 million renovation facilitated by the Trump Hotel Collection, which purchased the property last June. The property will remain fully operational throughout the renovation, which is expected to conclude next year. ALHI, with its established Global Sales Organization (GSO) sales force throughout North America, now provides authorized and dedicated GSO services and sales support to corporations, associations and independent planners interested in conducting an event at the resort. Doral Golf Resort & Spa becomes ALHI’s fifth member hotel in the Miami area, joining The Biltmore in Coral Gables, the InterContinental Miami on the shore of Biscayne Bay, the Fontainebleau on Miami Beach and the recently renovated Loews Miami Beach Hotel, located in South Beach.
Doral Golf Resort & Spa features 693 guestrooms across 10 lodges, more than 90,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, and five world-class championship golf courses, including the TPC Blue Monster, one of the most famous golf courses in the world and home to the PGA Tour for over 50 years. Additional offerings include a 48,000-sq.-ft. spa with 33 treatment rooms, six restaurants and a highly regarded golf school.
21Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Hotel Watch
Bellagio recently completed a $40 million remodel of all 928 guestrooms and suites in its Spa Tower, a project that began last August and concludes the hotel’s redesign of all 3,387 Resort Rooms. The newly remodeled Resort Rooms incorporate environmentally responsible elements such as energy-efficient lighting and organic carpeting primarily made from wool. Additionally, Bellagio introduced three new 2,500-sq.-ft. Executive Parlor Suites each featuring a billiards lounge and a separate high-tech home theater living area.
Last month, Dow Hotel Company (DHC) unveiled the renovation of the Hilton Long Island Huntington in Melville, NY, during grand reopening ceremonies. The 303-room hotel, owned in a joint venture between DHC and Prudential, underwent a $16 million makeover that included upgrading hotel rooms, corridors and public spaces, as well as creating a new lobby, new restaurant and a steakhouse scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2013. The hotel offers 26,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
The grand reopening festivities, hosted by DHC Vice President of Operations Dave Fincannon and Hilton Hotels Vice President Gary Steffen, included a presentation by the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials, and a cash donation from the Hilton to Newsday Charities to help at-risk children and families
UpFront
(L-r): Robert Levy, Senior Vice President, Dow Hotel Company; Gary Steffen, Vice President Global Brand Performance, Hilton Worldwide; Ellen Ruane, General Manager, Hilton Long Island; Paul Fleishman, Vice President Public Affairs, Newsday; Jo-Ann Raia, Huntington Town Clerk; Susan Berlant and Mark Cuthbertson, Huntington council representatives; and Nassau County legislator Carrie Solages join Hilton Long Island Employee of the Year Kathleen Sabella (holding scissors) to cut the grand opening money ribbon adorned with cash donations for Newsday Charities.
on Long Island, many of whom are still recovering from the after-effects of Hurricane Sandy. The Hilton also announced plans to donate 100 room nights to be used by local organizations providing Sandy relief.
22 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, a 2012 F&D Meeting Hotel Prime Site Award winner, recently joined Associated Luxury Hotels International. ALHI, with its established Global Sales Organization (GSO) and sales force throughout North America, now provides authorized and dedicated GSO services and sales support to the meetings industry for the AAA Four-Diamond hotel, which features 1,500 guestrooms and suites and over 445,000 sq. ft. of function space. To commemorate the occasion, ALHI’s President and CEO David Gabri (right) presented a plaque to Rosen Shingle Creek’s General Manager Dan Giordano (left) and Vice President of Sales & Marketing Leslie Menichini.
Hotel WatchUpFront
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida has completed its latest phase of renovations and enhancements. This $5 million phase includes the opening of a new 5,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (pictured) that features panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the completed renovation of the resort’s 317 guestrooms.
Huntsville/Madison County AlabamaConvention & Visitors Bureau
170,000+ sq. ft. of flexible convention space 8,000 seat arena 1,950 seat concert hall 500 seat playhouse
500+ restaurants 7,000+ hotel rooms 10 direct flight cities Central southeast location
Our space will inspire you.
23
F & DHotL i s t
2 IndIanapolIs, In
Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
1 BurlIngton, Vt
5 WIllIamsBurg, Va
3 Colorado sprIngs, Co
4 VIrgIn gorda, BrItIsh VIrgIn Islands
status: HotCategory: smaLL market VenuesFyi: smaLL meeting Venues make a big impaCt on groups wHen tHey are upsCaLe, impeCCabLy serViCeD anD brimming witH unique CHaraCter. From tHe HeartLanD oF ameriCa to tHe Caribbean, Here is a sampLing oF tHese FaCiLities.
1] Hotel VermontBurlington, Vt
www.hotelvt.comThe 125-room Hotel Vermont will open this spring on Cherry Street in the heart of Burlington, between Waterfront Park and Church Street Marketplace. Function spaces include four meeting rooms, two of which offer 1,100 sq. ft. of space and water views; an outdoor terrace with an open hearth, affording views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks; 2,000 sq. ft. of green roof space; and the 7,500-sq.-ft. Harbor Terrace. Promises an “authentic Vermont experience.”
2] indiana roof Ballroom
indianapolis, inwww.indianaroof.comConveniently located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, this historic space was built in 1927 above the
5] tHe WilliamsBurg Winery and
Wedmore placeWilliamsBurg, Vawww.williamsburgwinery.com www.wedmoreplace.comLocated minutes from Historic Williamsburg on 300 acres of farmland known as Wessex Hundred, The Williamsburg Winery is accompanied by a 28-room European-style hotel, Wedmore Place, which offers 1,100 sq. ft. of meeting space. The destination welcomes groups of up to 280 attendees to numerous meeting and reception venues supplementing Wessex Hall, including a terrace, tavern, wine bar, two boardrooms, a courtyard and pool area.
4] Villa aquamareVirgin gorda,
BritisH Virgin islandswww.villaaquamare.comVilla Aquamare, set on the scenic Western coast of Virgin Gorda at Mahoe Bay along half a mile of pristine beach, consists of three 8,000-sq.-ft., five-bedroom private villas. Villa Aquamare is now offering Corporate Retreats in Paradise, aimed at small corporate groups. Each villa boasts a spacious living room and dining room area, opening on to multiple terraces, offering multiple choices for group meetings and breakouts.
3] tHe rancH at emerald Valley
colorado springs, cowww.broadmoor.com/ranchIn August, The Broadmoor, a 2012 F&D Meeting Hotel Prime Site Award winner, will be opening The Ranch at Emerald Valley, just eight miles west of the hotel. Encircled by the Pike National Forest, The Ranch is an upscale retreat featuring 10 cabins sleeping 34 guests between them. Each offers beautifully appointed rooms highlighted by wood-burning fireplaces. The Ranch will be open to guests May through October.
Indiana Repertory Theatre and houses an 8,700-sq.-ft. circular dance floor ringed with facades of stucco buildings for an ambience evoking the courtyard of a Spanish village. The 15,700-sq.-ft. Ballroom accommodates from 50 to 1,500 attendees for a reception under its 40-ft.-high starry ceiling. Other capacities include: banquet, 940; theater, 1,150; and classroom, 600. Small corporate groups can utilize the facility’s 1,200-sq.-ft. boardroom.
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Book With Us Today!Exceptional
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Global Spectrum focuses on establishing a lasting partnership with our venue owners and event organizers. When you book with Global Spectrum you can be assured of the same personalizedservice, innovative ideas and solutions, and professional staff at each and every venue.
Global Spectrum Convention Centers
WEST REGION• Arizona, Glendale, University of Phoenix Stadium Exhibit Hall• British Columbia, Penticton, Penticton Trade & Convention Center• Colorado, Loveland, First National Bank Exhibition Building• Colorado, Pueblo, Pueblo Convention Center• New Mexico, Clovis, Clovis Civic Center• New Mexico, Las Cruces, Las Cruces Convention Center• Utah, Provo, Utah Valley Convention Center• Washington, Everett, Edward D. Hansen Conference Center
MIDWEST REGION• Indiana, South Bend, Century Center• Iowa, Des Moines, Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center• Iowa, Des Moines, Hy-Vee Hall• Kansas, Overland Park, Overland Park Convention Center• Missouri, St. Charles, Saint Charles Convention Center• Ohio, Cincinnati, Duke Energy Convention Center• Ohio, Cleveland, Gerald H. Gordon Conference Pavilion, Cleveland State University
EAST REGION• Maine, Bangor, Cross Insurance Center • Massachusetts, Springfi eld, MassMutual Center• New York, Niagara Falls, Conference Center Niagara Falls• Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
SOUTH REGION• Florida, Miami Beach , Miami Beach Convention Center• Florida, Palm Beach, Palm Beach County Convention Center• North Carolina, Durham, Durham Convention Center• Kentucky, Owensboro, Owensboro Convention Center• Oklahoma, Enid, Enid Event Center • Texas, Corpus Christi, Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center• Texas, Corpus Christi (Robstown), Richard M. Borchard Exhibition Complex• Virginia, Richmond, Greater Richmond Convention Center• Virginia, Roanoke, Roanoke Special Events Center
Congratulations to the following buildings that were named Prime Site Award Winners:★ Century Center
★ Greater Richmond Convention Center
★ Saint Charles Convention Center
★ Miami Beach Convention Center
★ Iowa Events Center
★ Duke Energy Convention Center
★ Las Cruces Convention Center
★ Overland Park Convention Center
★ Palm Beach County Convention Center
12GSM070.indd 1 4/4/13 10:24 AM
Book With Us Today!Exceptional
SuccessfulExceptional
SuccessfulVenues
Events
Exceptional
Successfulfor
Exceptional
Global Spectrum focuses on establishing a lasting partnership with our venue owners and event organizers. When you book with Global Spectrum you can be assured of the same personalizedservice, innovative ideas and solutions, and professional staff at each and every venue.
Global Spectrum Convention Centers
WEST REGION• Arizona, Glendale, University of Phoenix Stadium Exhibit Hall• British Columbia, Penticton, Penticton Trade & Convention Center• Colorado, Loveland, First National Bank Exhibition Building• Colorado, Pueblo, Pueblo Convention Center• New Mexico, Clovis, Clovis Civic Center• New Mexico, Las Cruces, Las Cruces Convention Center• Utah, Provo, Utah Valley Convention Center• Washington, Everett, Edward D. Hansen Conference Center
MIDWEST REGION• Indiana, South Bend, Century Center• Iowa, Des Moines, Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center• Iowa, Des Moines, Hy-Vee Hall• Kansas, Overland Park, Overland Park Convention Center• Missouri, St. Charles, Saint Charles Convention Center• Ohio, Cincinnati, Duke Energy Convention Center• Ohio, Cleveland, Gerald H. Gordon Conference Pavilion, Cleveland State University
EAST REGION• Maine, Bangor, Cross Insurance Center • Massachusetts, Springfi eld, MassMutual Center• New York, Niagara Falls, Conference Center Niagara Falls• Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
SOUTH REGION• Florida, Miami Beach , Miami Beach Convention Center• Florida, Palm Beach, Palm Beach County Convention Center• North Carolina, Durham, Durham Convention Center• Kentucky, Owensboro, Owensboro Convention Center• Oklahoma, Enid, Enid Event Center • Texas, Corpus Christi, Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center• Texas, Corpus Christi (Robstown), Richard M. Borchard Exhibition Complex• Virginia, Richmond, Greater Richmond Convention Center• Virginia, Roanoke, Roanoke Special Events Center
Congratulations to the following buildings that were named Prime Site Award Winners:★ Century Center
★ Greater Richmond Convention Center
★ Saint Charles Convention Center
★ Miami Beach Convention Center
★ Iowa Events Center
★ Duke Energy Convention Center
★ Las Cruces Convention Center
★ Overland Park Convention Center
★ Palm Beach County Convention Center
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Exhibit Hall: 502,000 sq. ft
Ballroom: 75,500 sq. ft.encompasses 4 separate spaces
Breakouts: 70
Meeting Space: 127,000 sq. ft.
Hotel Rooms: 3,000 walk-able
Airport: Miami International is #1 in US for International Freight and #2 for International Passengers
LOCATION...LOCATION...LOCATION Spanning four city blocks of palm tree lined streets and located in the heart of the electrifying and historic South Beach/Art Deco District, the Miami Beach Convention Center is truly an event planner’s paradise. With white sandy beaches and warm ocean waters just a few blocks away, terrifi c Lincoln Road shopping, award-winning restaurants and an exciting nightlife scene, Miami Beach is the choice for your next meeting, convention or tradeshow!
Saint CharlesConvention Center St. Charles, MO
Exhibit Hall: 35,700 sq. ft.
Grand Ballroom: 16,200 sq. ft.
Breakouts: 17
Total Rentable Space: 85,000 sq. ft.
Attached Hotel: 296 rooms
Parking: 1,200 complimentary
“Our 1249 attendees agree that the St. Charles Convention Center (SCCC) was a fabulous place to meet and we received tremendous accolades. This proves that when committed and experienced staff join forces, and are supported by their executives, a meeting planner can accomplish great things for their group. The convenient way your facility is laid out and the seamless connection with Embassy Suites was the reason we chose SCCC. However, your service and your people are the reasons we’d return again and again.”
Inspired by the magnifi cence of Niagara Falls, The Conference & Event Center combines 116,000-square-feet of versatile state-of-the-art indoor meeting and event space with vibrant outdoor activities. The facility is designed to provide meeting professionals with a technologically advanced, sensibly priced venue for their most important meetings and events.
richmondcenter.com
Greater RichmondConvention CenterRichmond, VA
Exhibit Hall: 178,159 sq. ft. Ballroom: 30,550 sq. ft. Meeting/Banquet Rooms: 36258 Fixed-Seat Lecture Hall & 1540 covered parking spots adjacent to the center Hotel Rooms: 650 Adjacent to the center & thousands more nearby
With 700,000 square feet of impressive interior space, the Greater Richmond Convention Center is the largest meeting and exposition facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Affordability, fl exibility and exceptional customer service make it the perfect location for government and corporate events, conventions, trade shows, consumer shows, galas, sporting events and more.
12GSM070.indd 2 4/4/13 10:25 AM
Exhibit Hall: 502,000 sq. ft
Ballroom: 75,500 sq. ft.encompasses 4 separate spaces
Breakouts: 70
Meeting Space: 127,000 sq. ft.
Hotel Rooms: 3,000 walk-able
Airport: Miami International is #1 in US for International Freight and #2 for International Passengers
LOCATION...LOCATION...LOCATION Spanning four city blocks of palm tree lined streets and located in the heart of the electrifying and historic South Beach/Art Deco District, the Miami Beach Convention Center is truly an event planner’s paradise. With white sandy beaches and warm ocean waters just a few blocks away, terrifi c Lincoln Road shopping, award-winning restaurants and an exciting nightlife scene, Miami Beach is the choice for your next meeting, convention or tradeshow!
Saint CharlesConvention Center St. Charles, MO
Exhibit Hall: 35,700 sq. ft.
Grand Ballroom: 16,200 sq. ft.
Breakouts: 17
Total Rentable Space: 85,000 sq. ft.
Attached Hotel: 296 rooms
Parking: 1,200 complimentary
“Our 1249 attendees agree that the St. Charles Convention Center (SCCC) was a fabulous place to meet and we received tremendous accolades. This proves that when committed and experienced staff join forces, and are supported by their executives, a meeting planner can accomplish great things for their group. The convenient way your facility is laid out and the seamless connection with Embassy Suites was the reason we chose SCCC. However, your service and your people are the reasons we’d return again and again.”
Inspired by the magnifi cence of Niagara Falls, The Conference & Event Center combines 116,000-square-feet of versatile state-of-the-art indoor meeting and event space with vibrant outdoor activities. The facility is designed to provide meeting professionals with a technologically advanced, sensibly priced venue for their most important meetings and events.
richmondcenter.com
Greater RichmondConvention CenterRichmond, VA
Exhibit Hall: 178,159 sq. ft. Ballroom: 30,550 sq. ft. Meeting/Banquet Rooms: 36258 Fixed-Seat Lecture Hall & 1540 covered parking spots adjacent to the center Hotel Rooms: 650 Adjacent to the center & thousands more nearby
With 700,000 square feet of impressive interior space, the Greater Richmond Convention Center is the largest meeting and exposition facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Affordability, fl exibility and exceptional customer service make it the perfect location for government and corporate events, conventions, trade shows, consumer shows, galas, sporting events and more.
12GSM070.indd 2 4/4/13 10:25 AM
Exhibit Hall: 45,000 sq. ft.
Ballroom: Two 13,000 sq. ft.
Total Meeting Space: 92,000 sq. ft. (includes both ballrooms)
Breakouts: 14
Hotel Rooms: 270 rooms located within one block. Over 1,100 within 5 mile radius
Western Kentucky’s newest, premier meeting space - the Owensboro Convention Center - is a full-service meeting facility nestled in vibrant Daviess County, Kentucky, overlooking the scenic Ohio River in historic downtown Owensboro. The multi-purpose center boasts 92,000 sq. ft. of meeting space consisting of a 44,000+ sq. ft. exhibition hall, and 48,000+ sq. ft. of additional ballroom and meeting space. The new events center plans to open in December 2013.
BIG on southern hospitality, bluegrass music and barbecue, Owensboro, Kentucky, is going BIG on its new multi-purpose convention center. Located on the scenic banks of the Ohio River and in Kentucky’s Festival City, the new Owensboro Convention Center is just one part of an exciting revitalization occurring in downtown Owensboro.
Owensboro has long been known for its world famous barbecue; barbecue so good, people travel from all over the world to attend the International Bar-B-Q Festival held every year in May. Owensboro is also home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which showcases the rich music heritage of the region. Every year, thousands of people attend two of Owensboro’s larger music events, ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival and the Big O Music Fest, both headlining major music stars. ROMP was just awarded the 2012 Event of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association and continues to attract top talent each year.
If sports are more of your thing, then Owensboro is the place for
you. Owensboro has outstanding sports complexes, which host numerous tournaments and national championships every year. Sports Illustrated has named Owensboro a Top 50 Sports Town in the United States. It is the birthplace of many professional sports fi gures, most notably, 3-time NASCAR champion - Darrell Waltrip, 2006 MotoGP champion - Nicky Hayden and former NBA basketball player - Rex Chapman.
Not only is Owensboro a thriving and progressive city, its central location is ideal for hosting any kind of event. Located just over 100 miles southwest of Louisville, Kentucky, 130 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee, and only 40 miles southeast of Evansville, Indiana, Owensboro’s access to major interstates and airports makes for an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
With the title of Kentucky’s Festival City and with the numerous events occurring each year, the new convention center is a highly anticipated addition to this prosperous and thriving community. The state-of-the-art facility is currently under construction and on schedule to open January 2014. It will boast 92,994 square-feet of fl exible spaces, which includes a 44,000+ square-foot exhibition hall and 32,000+ square-feet of meeting and ballroom spaces. The facility will also provide complete in-house services, including all the amenities planners expect and need for a positive experience.
The venue is situated among picturesque landscaping including: iconic water fountains, a signature waterfall, an outdoor children’s spray park and playground, beautiful stone walkways
and open spaces for planned gatherings. With the addition of a new 150-room Hampton Inn and Suites and a 120-room Holiday Inn adjacent to the center, Owensboro will have great accommodations for convention and event attendees. Attendees will also be in walking distance to a variety of local restaurants, bars, entertainment and shopping options.
The Owensboro Convention Center is managed by Global Spectrum, which is a worldwide leader in venue management, with over 100+ other public assembly facilities around the world. Nearly 20 million people attended events held at Global Spectrum venues last year. “We will be able to pull from our vast resources of knowledge and expertise to make each event a successful and pleasurable experience,” said Dean Dennis, General Manager and Vice President, Global Spectrum.
No matter what type or size of event you are planning, it is sure to be a BIG time success in Owensboro, Kentucky.
THE BIG O GOES BIG TIME
12GSM070.indd 3 4/4/13 10:25 AM
Exhibit Hall: 45,000 sq. ft.
Ballroom: Two 13,000 sq. ft.
Total Meeting Space: 92,000 sq. ft. (includes both ballrooms)
Breakouts: 14
Hotel Rooms: 270 rooms located within one block. Over 1,100 within 5 mile radius
Western Kentucky’s newest, premier meeting space - the Owensboro Convention Center - is a full-service meeting facility nestled in vibrant Daviess County, Kentucky, overlooking the scenic Ohio River in historic downtown Owensboro. The multi-purpose center boasts 92,000 sq. ft. of meeting space consisting of a 44,000+ sq. ft. exhibition hall, and 48,000+ sq. ft. of additional ballroom and meeting space. The new events center plans to open in December 2013.
BIG on southern hospitality, bluegrass music and barbecue, Owensboro, Kentucky, is going BIG on its new multi-purpose convention center. Located on the scenic banks of the Ohio River and in Kentucky’s Festival City, the new Owensboro Convention Center is just one part of an exciting revitalization occurring in downtown Owensboro.
Owensboro has long been known for its world famous barbecue; barbecue so good, people travel from all over the world to attend the International Bar-B-Q Festival held every year in May. Owensboro is also home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which showcases the rich music heritage of the region. Every year, thousands of people attend two of Owensboro’s larger music events, ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival and the Big O Music Fest, both headlining major music stars. ROMP was just awarded the 2012 Event of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association and continues to attract top talent each year.
If sports are more of your thing, then Owensboro is the place for
you. Owensboro has outstanding sports complexes, which host numerous tournaments and national championships every year. Sports Illustrated has named Owensboro a Top 50 Sports Town in the United States. It is the birthplace of many professional sports fi gures, most notably, 3-time NASCAR champion - Darrell Waltrip, 2006 MotoGP champion - Nicky Hayden and former NBA basketball player - Rex Chapman.
Not only is Owensboro a thriving and progressive city, its central location is ideal for hosting any kind of event. Located just over 100 miles southwest of Louisville, Kentucky, 130 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee, and only 40 miles southeast of Evansville, Indiana, Owensboro’s access to major interstates and airports makes for an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
With the title of Kentucky’s Festival City and with the numerous events occurring each year, the new convention center is a highly anticipated addition to this prosperous and thriving community. The state-of-the-art facility is currently under construction and on schedule to open January 2014. It will boast 92,994 square-feet of fl exible spaces, which includes a 44,000+ square-foot exhibition hall and 32,000+ square-feet of meeting and ballroom spaces. The facility will also provide complete in-house services, including all the amenities planners expect and need for a positive experience.
The venue is situated among picturesque landscaping including: iconic water fountains, a signature waterfall, an outdoor children’s spray park and playground, beautiful stone walkways
and open spaces for planned gatherings. With the addition of a new 150-room Hampton Inn and Suites and a 120-room Holiday Inn adjacent to the center, Owensboro will have great accommodations for convention and event attendees. Attendees will also be in walking distance to a variety of local restaurants, bars, entertainment and shopping options.
The Owensboro Convention Center is managed by Global Spectrum, which is a worldwide leader in venue management, with over 100+ other public assembly facilities around the world. Nearly 20 million people attended events held at Global Spectrum venues last year. “We will be able to pull from our vast resources of knowledge and expertise to make each event a successful and pleasurable experience,” said Dean Dennis, General Manager and Vice President, Global Spectrum.
No matter what type or size of event you are planning, it is sure to be a BIG time success in Owensboro, Kentucky.
MassMutual CenterConvention Center & Arena Springfield, MA
Ideally located at the gateway of New England, Springfield, Massachusetts is situated in the center of it all. To help reach more attendees, Springfield is at the crossroads of two major interstate highways and Bradley International Airport, is just 20 minutes from the MassMutual Center. Before, during and after events, attendees have unlimited opportunities to discover a rich array of historical sites, cultural attractions and entertainment choices.
Facilitiesonline.com
FacilitiesFacilities2011 DIRECTORY152 Madison Avenue, Room 802 New York, NY 10016
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SuperBook For Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers & Special Event Planners
Facilities & event ManageMent Special Section: Page 79
iaVM Show Gallery: Page 86
Prime Site awardsBest of the Best – top north american entertainment & event Venues as voted on by our readers.Page 24
New Look! More Venues! Facilities DirectoryPages 35-77
Upfrontconcert watch, event watch, leading edge Managers Page 8
Jim McCue:creating Must See events SMG entertainment V.p. on Meeting audience expectations in today’s MarketPage 20
Hot List 5 west arenasPage 34
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Event ManagementBuyer’sGuideBuyer’s Guide For Public Assembly
Participants have to be content in their meeting environment. The more you’re able to cater to their needs, the better your chances of a successful outcome. At almost every
meeting, there are a group of participants who are conscious about what they eat and maintain their fitness regime during the extent of their stay. In previous years, planners would make special requests to the hotel for smaller portions and customized outdoor activities. Now, it’s easier to find hotels and conference centers that cater to lifestyle factors.
A survey distributed by Destination Hotels & Resorts to more than 380 meeting planners last fall asked planners to comment on new trends, tools and resources in the meetings industry. The results revealed five important focal points; two of the five were fitness and health centric. In fact, more than 78 percent of the planners who participated in the survey said culinary offerings are an important part of venue selection. And 30 percent considered it “extremely important.” More specifically, meeting planners want complete meeting packages (CMPs) that focus on health and nutrition as well as specialized dietary offerings.
“Having a variety to accommodate everyone is important,” says Amanda Abel, National Sales Manager for Nonprofit Groups at Washington, DC’s National 4-H Youth Conference Center. “Planners want a mix to satisfy both crowds; hot entrees for the ‘meat and
potatoes’ crowd, and a salad bar with an abundance of healthy toppings for the nutrition-minded. And, planners appreciate not having to choose from a set menu.”
Flexibility of food is important. Nicole Morrison, Sales Manager for Religious Groups at the youth conference center, explains: “Groups will choose us over hotels because of our variety in food options. Guests
can enjoy a vegetarian dish without accruing additional costs or making a special request to the chef.” An annual focus group organized by the International Association of Conference Centers continues to prove that planners rank “food flexibility” at hotels, such as catering to special dietary needs, as a top 10 priority. For two consecutive years planners ranked it as “most important.” Yet a health-conscience hotel isn’t the only prerequisite.
The FiTness AspecT oF MeeTings Hotel fitness centers have been vanilla for too long; now, hotels are changing to meet the demands of guests who want to stay on track with working out. When Starwood Hotels launched a gym makeover at its Westin Hotels in 2010, the company brought the term “fitness-minded” to a new level.
The WestinWORKOUT ® program, the result of a $37 million global investment, reinforces the brand’s commitment to promote an active lifestyle. Through a partnership with New Balance, the hotel now offers a program called RunWESTIN™. Runners can run as a group and choose from three- and five-mile routes. Westin celebrated the global launch of the New Balance
Meeting Perspectives
A Meeting ‘Fit’ For todAy’s Attendees
P l a n n e r s a n d v e n u e s i n c r e a s i n g ly c a t e r t o h e a lt h y l i f e s t y l e s
By Sarah Vining
“We don’t say ‘no’ to a group — if you can think it, we’ll do it. We have 2,000 bikes and 10 miles of beach.”
—Jake feary, director of outdoor Programs, Kiawah island golf and resort
Gear lending program in November 2012, so guests can travel light and order New Balance workout gear and shoes from the hotel.
Planners also recognize the value in a breath of fresh air for their participants. There’s a requisite for groups to take a break, leave the meeting room and do something active. When religious leaders contact Morrison at National 4-H Youth Conference Center, she says they’re interested in the outdoor space. These groups want a retreat center where members can run or take a brisk walk together. The property is located on 12 acres, which is unique in the Washington, DC area, and features an outdoor basketball court and sand volleyball. Access to these areas is complimentary for groups, which is a plus.
AcTive TeAMbuilding oF “greATesT inTeresT” Planners participating in the Destination Hotels & Resorts survey were asked to comment on teambuilding trends. More than half (54 percent) of planners said adventure/active teambuilding is of greatest interest. This further supports the claim that planners are more focused on keeping participants active and energized.
For more adventurous teambuilding, hotels and resorts are
creating novel recreational group activities. At Kiawah Island Golf and Resort on Kiawah Island in South Carolina, Jake Feary, Director of Outdoor Programs, explains, “We don’t say ‘no’ to a group — if you can think it, we’ll do it. We have 2,000 bikes and 10 miles of beach.” The resort’s most popular tour is “The Island Sampler,” which features a series of recreational activities. The group starts by kayaking down the inlet, then takes beach hike and finishes with a bike ride back to the resort. The tour is a total of three hours, but Feary says groups are interested in being active outdoors and sharing more than a work conversation together.
To design a meeting that produces successful outcomes, a planner must consider lifestyle factors. People want to maintain the same lives on the road and at meetings as they do at home. After all, we’re all creatures of habit, and that includes diet and exercise.
Sarah Vining is the Marketing Manager for National 4-H Youth Conference Center, a premier youth hotel and conference center near Washington, DC. Her inspiration for this article was derived from a month traveling on the road, a weekend at a Westin, and 4-H’s healthy living mission.
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The huge screens, hung for all to see at PCMA’s January annual meeting, focused
attendees on three words — The Experience Matters.
That’s our collective new reality. Savvy meeting professionals and facility managers who “get it” understand they’re operating in a new social-media, consumer-driven society where satisfaction with the experience “beyond the walls” of the meeting or event matters — and it matters a lot.
The “If you build it, they will come” days are over in terms of attendance promotion. Today’s attendees (translated: consumers) are discerning travelers who may not be drawn by the meeting’s content or activities alone. They research what the destination is all about and often make their “Do I want to go?” decision based on what they see and learn online. Bottom line, they want to be reasonably assured that their total experience will likely be worth the trade-off of taking time away from home and letting work pile up.
This new thinking of shaping the total experience is certainly welcomed from the meeting professional’s perspective. With shrinking sponsorship dollars and dwindling hosted receptions and dinners, attendees are often left to entertain themselves, while the planner hopes they’ll have a positive experience while they’re “out and about.” As these thousands of attendees explore the destination on their own, it opens up new opportunities for destinations to shine — or not.
That’s why destination leaders are breaking down silos and working together — across industry sectors — to ensure a positive experience. This effort includes all of the players throughout the community, from the mayor’s office to the taxi driver to the citizen on the street. Such collaboration is taking place in many cities, including Greater Columbus. “Our five-year aspirational plan, called
Destination Columbus, is designed to align our destination’s leaders and stakeholders around an Enhanced Visitor Experience as one of five key objectives
through 2017,” said Brian Ross, CTA, President and CEO of Experience Columbus, the region’s largest CVB.
For other examples, one can look at Indianapolis, Baltimore, Kansas City and Anaheim as destinations whose leaders followed a vision to shape the experience. Indy’s 25-year plan kept its community laser-focused on a downtown transformation that’s the envy of many destinations today. Baltimore’s resurgence of its Inner Harbor, Kansas City’s new downtown entertainment district, and Anaheim’s street-scaping and resort reinvention are all prime examples of executing a vision that enhances the
Meeting Perspectives
Total Exper ience = Attendance
Savvy planners and facility managers take a holistic approach to their events
By Mickey Schaefer, FASAE, CAE
“In a new social-media, consumer-driven society, satisfaction with the experience ‘beyond the walls’ of the meeting or event matters — and it matters a lot.”
overall destination “product” in the eyes of the consumer.
This vision is rooted in trailblazing facility managers and design architects who no longer look at facilities as bricks and mortar, but rather in the context of a “spirit of place” that supports “people connectivity.” An example is the design of the Phoenix Convention Center by Kansas City-based Populous, Inc., which was inspired by the Arizona desert’s red-rock spires — subtly immersing attendees into the destination’s uniqueness.
Populous’ annual think tank, Imagine That, fuels dialogue between planners, building managers, CVB CEOs, and architects. In the fall of 2012, the group unanimously chose Community Integration & Experience as their No. 1 topic. Populous’ Senior Principal, Todd C. Voth, AIA, LEED® AP, is leading the pack. “Convention center design is no longer just about the building, it’s about delivering a memorably great experience for guests — an experience that also includes creating a convention center district that integrates the best of the community’s unique
attributes, including hospitality, entertainment, retail and cultural activities,” he explains.
This new thinking is refreshing. Because, let’s face it, in our “word-of-thumb” society, attendees who get “beyond the walls” will surely tweet and text their experiences, underscoring the need to strengthen the working relationship between the meeting professional, facility manager and civic leaders.
After all, it’s our mutual objective to turn these thousands of attendees into raving fans who are key to increased attendance, enhanced visitor spending, and positive word-of-thumb for the event and the destination — all as a result of collaborating beyond the walls.
A longtime industry leader, Mickey Schaefer owns a trio of companies specializing in positive experiences through Customer Advisory Board facilitation; the Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) frontline education program; and The EXPERIENCE Institute’s Experience-Dedicated™ Destination standards and best practices.
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36 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade
T he never-ending supply of product samples is one of the perks of being a food buyer. However, during the three times a year that I attend food trade shows, there are occasions I wish my market was non-edible goods.
While it is really exciting to be presented with thousands of booths showcasing the latest delicacies, the food buyer likely begins to see the task the same way that a lone accountant views a stack of receipts during tax season: A lot of booths to get through and only one stomach.
That is why I enter a tradeshow with a game plan, as most experienced buyers do. Generally, I will be looking for two or three items or genres of food. To convince me to look at something else, the exhibitor will need to “wow” me from the start. Here are four tips on what to do and what not to do when exhibiting at a tradeshow.
1. Wear your brand, look unified. When three or more people manning a booth wear the same shirt, it is eye catching. Uniforms also effectively demonstrate unity and give the impression of an organized team that knows its product. Time is very precious to buyers with a multitude of booths to peruse, and they are more likely to stop where they think information can be quickly obtained. It is also much easier to locate a person to talk to when the consumer can immediately spot who is at the booth to sell versus who is visiting.
2. Put some thought into your giveaway. A giveaway is a key item at your booth, and it should be more than a simple branded pen if it is to entice attendees. Yet care must be taken to ensure that they learn about
your product in the course of picking up the item. With this in mind, keep the giveaway off the front table. This will prevent people from coming by and taking the product without stopping to talk to you. If your
giveaway is attractive enough, people will come to your booth and wait patiently through your pitch during the time it takes you to get them their cell-phone stand or iPad raffle form.
I recall that a company promoting financial services products offered a particularly clever giveaway. Company representatives throughout the trade show floor distributed ATM cards that when scanned at their booth could reward the holder with up to $10. Nearly every person came to the booth to see if they had won. For the card to be redeemed, cardholders were required to present their badge to be scanned. During the 30 seconds it took to process the ATM card and obtain contact details, face-to-face communication was made to describe the product and generate further interest.
A less-involved giveaway strategy is to hand out bottled water with your company name/logo and booth number. Trade show attendees often forget to get a drink the few times they pass the refreshment stand, and your booth will be viewed as an oasis in a desert. As a plus, when other attendees see your booth number and name on someone else’s water, it increases the chances that they will come by to get one.
3. Have more than one point person and a traffic manager. Nothing is more frustrating than being drawn to a booth by one person and then being told to wait for
Trade Show Perspectives
ExHibitor Do’s anD Don’ts
T i p s f o r a T T r a c T i n g p r o s p e c T i v e b u y e r sw h i l e a v o i d i n g T h e “ g r a z e r s ”
By Deborah Shapiro
“here is the bottom line: if you are not excited about your product, i won’t be.”
37Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade Show Perspectives Trade
the person who actually knows about the product. Every person at your booth should know enough about the product to give the entire pitch. It is also helpful if booth attendants can help weed out the “grazers,” i.e., people who come for the food or give-away only, but then stand around making casual conversation while preventing contact with the real buyers. Have someone act as a traffic manager, moving these people politely to the side. Should you find yourself talking to a grazer, try to end the conversation swiftly and look for the next person attempting to get your attention.
4. be excited about and pay attention to your exhibit. Here is the bottom line: If you are not excited about your product, I won’t be. In the days of smart-phones and tablets, I have passed over many booths where the attendant was happily looking down at or talking on his phone. Make eye contact with me, talk to me, tell me
about your give-away… You have five seconds of me walking by to get my attention, and your “I feel like pizza tonight” text might have lost you your next sale. If you are hiring people to man your booth, make sure they are attentive and enthusiastic.
You have spent a lot of time, energy and money on your display booth. Make every second count
while you are on the tradeshow floor. If you follow these tips you might actually “wow” me enough to stop by your booth unexpectedly and buy your product.
Deborah Shapiro is a Specialty Foods Category Manager and Buyer at BI-LO Holdings, a supermarket chain with approximately 700 stores in the southeast. She has been working in the food industry for over six years and before that focused on product marketing at CitiStreet, LLC.
“nothing is more frustrating than being drawn to a booth by one person and then being told to wait for the person who actually knows about the product . . . ”
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38 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
The recession has brought radical changes to the meetings and events industry. With the cuts in spending for meetings and events and their value coming into question, there is more scrutiny than ever before. In the 2011 global survey of chief
marketing officers conducted by IBM, 63 percent of CMOs said that ROI will be the metric that matters by 2015, surpassing customer satisfaction, brand and new accounts. Executives, sponsors, clients and others who fund meetings all want a stronger demonstration of business value. Otherwise, funding may diminish. The challenge, then, is to connect more meetings and events to business value, particularly those corporate meetings that are designed to add business value, and major association meetings that need
Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business ViewpointsBusiness Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business ViewpointsBusiness Viewpoints
TesT Your roI IQBe ready when skepticism arises about the
business value of your meetingsBy Jack J. Phillips, Ph.D.
to provide value to their participants. From either perspective, the event must be linked to key improvement measures of productivity, quality, output, time and efficiency. This article provides a simple quiz to test your knowledge in one of the most critical areas of today’s meetings industry.
Types of DaTa Some progress has been made on ROI measurement, but much still needs to be done. For the most part, the industry has adopted
a set of data that is accepted to reflect the outcomes for meetings, listed in the table on the facing page. Think about all of the meetings and events organized by you and your team. As an exercise, enter your current status, indicating the percentage of meetings evaluated at this level each year.
Continued on page 40
39Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business ViewpointsBusiness Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints
MeasureMents in the Meeting and events Field
Level Measurement Category Current Best Comments status* practice* about status
0 inputs/indicators 100% This is being Measures inputs into meetings and events accomplished including number of meetings, attendees, now. audience, costs and efficiencies.
1 reaction 100% Needs more focus Measure reaction to, and satisfaction with, on content and the experience, ambiance, contents and perceived value. value of meeting.
2 learning 80- Must use simple Measures what participants learned in the 90% learning measures. meeting — information, knowledge, skills and contacts (take-aways from the meeting).
3 application 15- Needs more Measures progress after the meeting — the use 25% follow-up. of information, knowledge, skills and contacts.
4 impact 10% This is the Measures changes in business impact variables connection to such as output, quality, time and cost linked business impact. to the meeting.
5 rOi 5% The ultimate Compares the monetary benefits of the evaluation. business impact measures to the costs of the meeting.
*Percent of meetings and events evaluated at this level.
40 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business ViewpointsBusiness Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints
issues aBOut the Business value OF Meetings and events
1. A positive reaction to a meeting or event will usually translate into business value from that meeting.
2. The business value of a meeting or event begins with alignment of the meeting or event with the business need.
3. If participants have great take-aways from the meeting (what they have learned), business value should follow.
4. Most meetings and events should have objectives defining desired participant actions after the meeting.
5. If the meeting and event is designed to drive business value, then it is essential to have business objectives provided to participants.
6. When participants completely understand why follow-up data is needed, they will usually respond appropriately.
7. Motivational speakers at meetings cannot drive business results.
8. It is not possible to forecast the business value of a meeting before it is conducted.
9. If participants are motivated to take action after the meeting, they will usually drive business value.
10. Most meetings and events should be evaluated at the business impact or ROI level.
11. The best time to think about business evaluation of a meeting or event is after it has been conducted.
12. Until your clients ask about business value and ROI, there is no need to focus on results at these impact and ROI levels.
These levels show a progression of data as participants react to a meeting, learn new information or skills, use those skills and information in their work or life situations, and consequently impact their world or others around them. When monetary value is placed on these impacts and is compared to the cost of the meeting or event, the financial ROI is developed. ROI can be assessed from the corporate perspective, the individual participant’s perspective, the sponsor’s perspective or the exhibitor’s
perspective. Dozens of case studies are now available representing all of these different perspectives.
Take The TesT Now, spend a few minutes and take the test. Below is a list of statements about the value of meetings and events and how the different levels relate. Check either Usually True or Usually False. Be careful, this could be a little tricky.
Issues Usually True Usually false
Continued from page 38
41Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business ViewpointsBusiness Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints Business Viewpoints
InTerpreTaTIon Here are the answers and the interpretations.
1. Usually False. Positive reactions do not correlate with business value. There are too many other issues
between a reaction and a business value. The positive reaction could be based on the experience in the meeting or event and not the content. Business values come from content.
2. Usually True. To ensure that business value, the first step is to ensure the meeting is connected to the
business. A classic example is a sales meeting being clearly connected to the sales goal, indicating the sales that should be increased after the meeting is conducted as participants apply what was learned from the meeting.
3. Usually False. Participants often have take-aways from meetings, but they rarely
use them to deliver business value. The take-away is what a participant has learned, and research has shown that a participant must take action on what was learned within three weeks; otherwise it is lost, misfiled or forgotten, and it is not likely to translate into business value.
4. Usually True. It is important for meeting organizers and planners
to define specific actions desired as participants leave the meeting. This eliminates the mystery of what should be accomplished and provides the focus necessary to achieve the business results.
5. Usually True. A meeting designed to drive business value should have business objectives. The objectives
clearly define the impact measures that should change or improve if the participants apply what they have learned on the job. Without these objectives it is often unclear what is expected of them and the consequences of their actions, the impact measures.
6. Usually True. When participants fully understand why you need data and what you will do with it, they are
generally willing to provide it to you. This is an area that needs some work, but it is not extremely difficult to collect the data. It takes discipline, determination and clever techniques to get it sometimes.
7. Usually False. Motivational speakers can drive business results, if those speakers have a call to action with an
impact attached to it. The best sales motivational speakers often drive sales goals. Other motivational speakers can
influence performance from individuals. The key is that the speaker must move from offering entertainment to offering very important content, while creating a strong desire to take action that can lead to important impact measures.
8. Usually False. It is possible to forecast the value of meetings, and it is being accomplished in many
settings. The key is to identify the business measures up front; involve a variety of expert stakeholders, including the participants; and forecast the impact measure that will improve as a result of the meeting. Although this process is difficult and sometimes not as credible as desired, it can be done and will provide powerful data.
9. Usually False. Unfortunately, motivation to take action doesn’t necessarily mean action will be taken. There
are significant barriers for participants to take action. They have good intentions, are often motivated and make a list — but they don’t follow up. Research has shown that up to 90 percent of meeting participants will never do anything with what has been learned, even when they are learning important take-aways. This is a tremendous challenge, but the planner can try to remove the barriers to application.
10. Usually False. Only a few meetings should be taken
to this level. Meetings that are very strategic, important and expensive, including those that will attract the interest of potential funders, are taken to the ROI level. Usually about 5 percent of meetings are evaluated at the ROI level, as a best practice.
11. Usually False. The time to think about the business value of the meeting is at the conception of the
meeting, so the meeting can be aligned appropriately with the business measures, and expectations can be set in the form of application and impact objectives. In addition, participants’ understanding of what must be achieved can be developed before they come, increasing the potential for business value.
12. Usually False. Once a client or key funder asks for ROI or impact measurement, it is usually too
late to begin the process. It will take some time to get procedures in place, to change some bad habits, and to ensure the proper alignment for the meeting to add to business value.
so how DID yoU sCore?
In the 2011 Global Survey of chief marketing officers conducted by IBM, 63 percent of CMOs said that ROI will be the metric that matters by 2015, surpassing customer satisfaction, brand and new accounts.
We all know that a travel incentive should be enticing enough to get employees ramped up or to make clients want to leave their comfortable couch.
The mere mention of a big-time sporting event – whether it’s the Super Bowl, The Masters or the World Cup – often does the trick. These are once-in-a-lifetime, “bucket list” experiences for many people. With that said, planners must remember that creating the draw is only the first step in developing an incentive that achieves several business objectives, one of which is to enhance relationships among the participants. A planner who sets up an environment that encourages networking has an eye on the long-term growth of the host company, not just on delivering a great trip.
Making the most of “face time” via events such as incentive trips is especially important these days. With the advent of texting and social media, face time with employees and clients has been decreasing year after year. The problem is that only actual time spent with someone – not virtual time – builds a quality relationship. Employees naturally want to work with colleagues they like, and clients want to buy from people they like, know and trust. Face time helps to build those types of connections. Virtual communications can “open the door,” but at that point people need to spend time together.
Fortunately, the typical sports incentive program affords
ample time for participants to interact in an enjoyable format. Most of these trips are three- or four-day excursions where the main sporting event only takes up a few hours. It’s relatively easy to fill the balance of the time with celebrity speakers and activities such as city tours, but of course that’s no guarantee that camaraderie will develop among the participants. The good news is that sports incentives have a built-in element of excitement. Attendees are coming together in a team atmosphere. Planners can take advantage of that energy to help foster new relationships and camaraderie.
One way to do that is to incorporate sports-themed mini-events within the program. For example, if it’s a Final Four college basketball incentive, there are bound to be participants with rooting interests. Consider staging a mini fantasy basketball camp with a couple of former NCAA stars, many
of whom can be brought in for a private event at a fee of about $5,000. A fantasy camp will create a fun atmosphere that allows participants to team-build and relationship-build through time on the court. Another option is a golf tournament, which is especially viable since most incentive programs take place in warm-weather locales. Select a nice private course that is a draw in itself, feature a few celebrity athletes among the golfers, and clients are sure to sign up to be part of a foursome. Golf is a great event since it allows clients and employees to get to know each other with plenty of time in a relaxed environment.
Although planners can’t necessarily control who will be on an incentive trip, they have a great deal of control over the
Planner Perspectives
Getting Smar t About Spor ts Incentives
Capitalize on “face time” in addition to “game time” and score a bigger ROI
By Robert Tuchman
“Sports incentives have a built-in element of excitement. Planners can take advantage of that energy to help foster new relationships and camaraderie among attendees.”
attendee experience. A sports incentive certainly ensures a memorable experience, but the main sporting event should be viewed in the context of a larger program with many opportunities for activities that support the goal of developing business relationships among the participants. Whatever the outcome of the “big game,” quality face time is always a win for attendees and the host company.
Robert Tuchman is President of Goviva, a company that creates “once in a lifetime” incentive experiences around sports, entertainment, wellness, culinary and lifestyle events. In 1997, Tuchman founded TSE Sports & Entertainment, which was sold to private equity firm Pfingsten Partners in 2006 and renamed Premiere Global Sports. As part of Premiere Global Sports, Tuchman helped to acquire several
other companies, forming one of the largest sports-specific hospitality and event companies in the United States. He is the author of 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live and Young Guns: The Fearless Entrepreneur’s Guide to Chasing Your Dreams and Breaking Out on Your Own.
Robert Tuchman with tennis legend and Goviva client Jennifer Capriati.
For more information about the Kansas City Convention Center, please call 816-513-5000 or visit
www.kcconvention.com
44 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
AIMEAIME (Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo) was held Feb. 26-27 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia. The event kicked off with “Melbourne LIVE” at the city’s trendy new wining and dining area, South Wharf Promenade. In addition, The Globe Restaurant featured food provided by sponsors India Tourism and Philippine Department of Tourism, and a “Malaysia Spice Market” was set up for attendees to explore.
Plenty of food for thought was also available at AIME 2013, which saw the debut of the new education program AIME Knowledge, held in partnership with many industry associations such as the International Special Events Society (ISES), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Timely session topics included Business Travel and Carbon Pricing, and Mobile 101 - Current Landscape and What Makes It Unique. AIME 2013 also featured the fourth annual Saxton Ultimate Event Experience, in which 10 high-profile presenters spoke to an audience of more
Trade Show Watch
than 1,400 attendees.AIME has won the prestigious “Exhibition of
the Year” award at the Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) National Awards for the past three years. Meeting industry professionals interested in the Asia-Pacific region can look forward to AIME 2014, taking place Feb. 18 and 19.
IMEX FrankfurtThis year’s IMEX Frankfurt, May 21-23, looks promising given the success of the 2012 event, which drew more than 3,500 exhibitors representing 157 countries, about 4,000 hosted buyers from 70 countries, and more than 4,500 visitors from 90 countries. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will again partner with IMEX to host buyers at IMEX 2013, which will be held at the Messe Frankfurt Congress Centre.
Along with cutting-edge education centers on the show floor such as the App Bar and Sustainability Hub, IMEX Frankfurt will offer a series of free educational seminars on key business subjects, held each day in
Meeting Industry Events Overseas
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted the award-winning Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, Feb. 26-27.
45Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
both English and German. Exclusively Corporate @IMEX, beginning on May 19, convenes corporate meeting planners at the Hotel Villa Kennedy for an educational and networking program. May 20 is Association Day, featuring engaging topics such as Virtualizing and Hybridizing Your Event, Entering New Markets: Brazil, and Marketing Like Lady Gaga. IMEX week officially begins with Site Nite Europe, where an expected 400-plus industry professionals and their clients will network and show their support of the Site International Foundation. The event is modeled after Site Nite North America, which was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas last year. This year, IMEX America will be held Oct. 15-17 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian and The Palazzo.
EIBTMBarcelona will welcome approximately 15,000 industry professionals when EIBTM 2013 is held in the city Nov. 19-21. EIBTM 2012 marked 25 years and saw the largest Hosted Buyer program to date, the first EIBTM Hybrid Conference streamed globally, more than 110 education sessions and the launch of the EIBTM Forum, where the EIBTM Lifetime Achievement Award is presented. The Forum will be held this year on Nov. 18 at Palau de Congressos, Barcelona City Centre, and is open to all those attending the exhibition. Last year’s inaugural Forum featured speaker Barbara Kellerman, a lecturer in public leadership at Harvard University, ranked by Forbes.com as one of the “Top 50 Business Thinkers.”
Visitor pre-registration will open in June. EIBTM’s American counterpart, AIBTM, takes place at Chicago’s McCormick Place, June 11-13.
Leading Edge: Eduardo ChailloExecutive Director for the Meetings and Incentive Industries Mexico Tourism Board Washington, DC
Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, has served for the last three years as the Executive Director for the Meetings and Incentive Industries for the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) in its Washington, DC office.
Chaillo was formerly Regional Director of the MTB’s Midwest marketing office in Chicago, and prior to that role served as Executive Director of the Mexico Convention Bureau.
Current state of group business to Mexico: Association and corporate international meetings to Mexico are growing. However, as with any other destination so dependent on the U.S. economic situation, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were difficult, specifically in the corporate meeting numbers. The association market has been more resilient to economic circumstances, so it has been stable through these past years.
Mexico’s niche MICE markets: Related to the industries that have been growing in Mexico, meetings in the aerospace, automotive and energy sectors will be easily attracted to our
country, as well as all kinds of medical and pharmaceutical congresses, not only because of the great medical associations we do have in Mexico, but also because of the potential for medical tourism connected with changes in healthcare in the U.S. In the incentive world, we expect Mexico’s role in the American corporate market to increase due to the facts that (1) we are close but exotic enough to represent a good award; (2) direct air connections have improved for all destinations in Mexico; and (3) great luxury hotel brands have been selecting Mexico for new properties for the next 10 years.
Memorable Mexico meetings: Twice we hosted the SITE international Conference (1998 and 2004), and I have to say that I still receive great comments about memories of the Merida event, the coordination with local authorities from Yucatan, the “extra mile” performance of all suppliers and the Mexican culture content we were able to deliver. Also, we hosted the last edition of MPI’s PEC, which was called Meet Different, in Cancun in 2010. And again, I think the experience of the attendees and the all-inclusive model we were able to present, along with the participation of all regions in Mexico in the final night, were amazing. Lastly, we hosted, and will again this year, the PCMA Partnership Summit.
46 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
In February, the German Convention Bureau (GCB) presented the first-ever Meeting Experts Green Awards at the greenmeetings and events conference in Darmstadt, Germany. The awards will be presented every two years at the greenmeetings and events conference and honor sustainability achievements by organizations in Germany’s meetings and events industry.
The winners were: • The Hannover Congress Centrum — Best Energy Management/Conservation of Resources; • ICCA Green Traffic Project at Congress Center Leipzig — Best Sustainable Event; • The Bregenz Festival House — Best
The Hannover Congress Centrum receives the Meeting Expert Green Award for Best Energy Management/Conservation of Resources. (L-r): Carlo Kertess, Director, Catering and Event Management, Hannover Congress Centrum; Gunther Tiersch, Meteorologist for German public TV station ZDF; Joachim Koenig, President, European Association of Event Centers, and Managing Director, Hannover Congress Centrum; and Lutz Wohlers, Director, Facility Management, Hannover Congress Centrum.
Sustainable Location; • artlogic Crewpool — Best Human Resources Management; and • BESONDERE ORTE Umweltforum Berlin GmbH —Best Sustainable Company.
The GCB also announced that the next greenmeetings and events conference (Feb. 8-10, 2015) will take place at Messe Frankfurt’s new Kap Europa congress center, which has been designed for optimum sustainability throughout its lifecycle. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2014, Kap Europa will offer a hall accommodating 1,000 attendees, a configurable hall for 600 attendees and 12 additional conference rooms over four event levels.
Germany
47Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) recently renewed its agreement with the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS). The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and SACEOS, representing Singapore’s leading exhibition organizers as well as the suppliers of facilities and services, are both partners with IAEE. The partnerships entail ongoing information-sharing on all products, services, meetings and events between the organizations. IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA, said, “I am very proud that IAEE has extended its agreement with SACEOS. This collaboration underscores a key objective of IAEE’s strategic mission
of continuing to engage international organizations and members to create paths for members to succeed on a global basis.”
In related news, the STB has appointed Tara Barnes as the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Manager. Barnes will be based out of the STB’s New York office. Prior to joining
the organization, she spent several years at Horst Schulze’s West Paces Hotel Group, where she assisted in the opening of The Setai Fifth Avenue. Most recently, Barnes served as the Conference Services Manager of Sheraton Eatontown Hotel, in New Jersey.
Singapore
Clear Thinking in WyomingContinued from page 2
Continued on page 152
So How DiD You Score? A score of 10-12 reflects excellent knowledge of business alignment. Your meetings and events should be adding business value. You are a leader in this level of accountability.
A score of 7-9 is above average, but there is some room for improvement. You are making progress with this process, but fine-tuning is needed. It is recommended that you pursue more detailed information about the business value of meetings.
A score of 4-6 suggests that much improvement is needed. The business value of meetings is a mystery and your meetings and events are probably not delivering value for your clients.
A score of 3 or less suggests almost no understanding of the business value connection.
Continued from page 41TesT Your roI IQ
Business Viewpoints
Reflecting Hedquist’s opposition to government involvement in areas they are unfamiliar with, Malanga cited how well-intentioned Baltimore “built a $300 million city-owned hotel (the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel) to boost the fortunes of the city’s struggling convention center. Having opened in 2008, the hotel lost $11 million in 2010.” The article notes other major municipally funded projects that appear to have been built upon idealism and hope, and statistically, seem to be underachieving.
“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics,” said Mark Twain, and we are all aware that numbers can present a different story than the one Malanga drafted. Moreover, it is certainly indisputable, as Councilwoman Schlager stated, that there are times when new and larger facilities are needed. Still, for the sake of the meetings industry, let’s hope that fiscally responsible leadership is exercised and prudence outweighs sentiment when attempting to stimulate local economies through convention center development.
This column and links to the articles referenced can be viewed online at facililitiesonline.com/blog
48 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
from any hurricane, and on Sunday, Oct. 28, both received evacuation orders from Mayor Bloomberg. At least there was a precedent: The facilities had to comply with mandatory evacuation due to Hurricane Irene in August 2011. Fortunately as well, both the Ritz-Carlton and the Javits had on staff hospitality industry professionals with experience dealing with hurricanes in the Caribbean. Nicole La Valette, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Ritz-Carlton, had worked for the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, while Sanchez had a background with the Puerto Rico Convention Center as well as several Caribbean hotels.
While these Zone A properties faced similar circumstances prior to the crisis, Sandy resulted in different challenges for each. Javits sustained significantly more water damage than the Ritz-Carlton and had to address a serious flooding issue on Monday, Oct. 29, just prior to the Tuesday move-in for the New York City Marathon Expo. But Javits’ evacuation effort was not major: “The JA Special Delivery jewelry show was closed early on Sunday, and that was the one significant interruption we had in our business,” notes Alan Steel, president and CEO of the convention center. “It really wasn’t too difficult to evacuate
It’s been over fIve months sInce superstorm sandy struck the northeastern unIted states, but for the staffs two of Manhattan’s prime meeting facilities – the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park – the memories from late October are still quite vivid. “At first, I thought we weren’t getting much heavy winds and rain in the Midtown Manhattan area on the West Side,” recalls Kenneth Sanchez, Vice President of Facilities Management at the Javits, whose team of about 65 technical staff was onsite during the crisis. “But as the Hudson River started to elevate, transformers began exploding in New Jersey, and we could see the sparks across the river. We realized something bad was coming our way. A couple of minutes later the surge from the river hit over the West Side Highway and into our property. We had about half a foot of water in the lower areas of the convention center and seven feet in the more in-depth areas, such as the loading dock area and where all the MEP [mechanical, electrical, plumbing] components of the property were.”
As occupants of the city’s “Zone A,” both the Javits and the Ritz-Carlton are considered under flooding risk
Two New York City Meeting Facilities Reflect on Their Crisis Management Approach By George Seli
Hurricane Sandy in HindSigHt
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Manhattan’s West Side
Destination Spotlight
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49Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
because they already had provisions as far as the normal show setup for security, so they were able to move the valuable merchandise into the security areas and we closed the building, obviously. And once the storm had passed through, we began to clear up and they were able to come back in and move out at a more leisurely pace.”
On the other hand, the 298-room Ritz-Carlton had a major project in relocating guests, including a large publishing group that had started checking in on Saturday, not to mention
a legal trial group that had established its “war room” at the hotel. Ritz-Carlton staff were able to make arrangements to transport the trial group, along with “all of our transient guests who wanted to continue their stay in the city, to our sister property, the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park,” La Valette recounts. The publishing group was relocated to a sister property within the Marriott brand in Times Square, the Marriott Marquis. The relocation was no easy feat, since the New York City Marathon was scheduled to take place in the coming week and room availability was
relatively low. “We worked with many of our sister properties, but also our competitors, to find homes for those guests,” she adds. “In terms of group room nights, we relocated well over 2,500, so it was a lot of business that we had on the books that we had to move. And we found homes for all of them so they could have their meetings as planned.”
Hurricane Sandy in HindSigHt
Some of the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park’s function rooms afford panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. But the proximity to the water posed a serious hazard to the hotel during Hurricane Sandy.
“We relocated well over 2,500 group room nights, so it was a lot of business that we had on the books that we had to move. And we found homes for all of them so they could have their meetings as planned.”
–Nicole La Valette, Director of Sales and Marketing, Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
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50 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
that were talking to our clients,” Steel says. “We had several events that were postponing or considering postponing. So there was a lot of work to be done in the building, but there was also a lot of work to be done with our clients.” These included Customer Engagement Technology World, Ad Tech, and International Hotel Motel Restaurant Show, all scheduled to move in
the week of Nov. 5. The top-of-mind client was of course the Marathon Expo, which was preparing to move in that Tuesday, the day after the storm struck. The 20,000 runners slated to race would be picking up their numbers at the Expo, as they always did in years past. Steel describes the stress that was put on his team: “This was at a time when the mayor was very determined to proceed with the Marathon and use it as a way of demonstrating New York City’s resilience. (The subsequent decision to cancel the Marathon came when the full extent of the damage was realized.) The firm conviction that it was necessary to hold the Marathon meant it was necessary to hold the Marathon Expo. So there was pressure to make sure we could deliver what they needed.”
Javits did just that, and the Expo opened on time that Thursday, essentially three days after the hurricane, and ran its full duration despite the Marathon’s cancellation. Of course, it helped that the Expo was held in an upper-level hall that was not inundated. But utilities were still a major issue, since most of the center’s MEP components are on the ground floor and consequently were under water. “One of the things that we prevented from happening were short circuits because we de-energized the entire building,” says Sanchez. “And all the moveable critical components
After those “homes” were found, the Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park continued its service to its relocated guests. “Our meeting and special events team worked very closely with their counterparts at different properties to make sure the groups were set up for success, and we communicated all of their needs [to the new hotel] so the clients didn’t have to repeat themselves,” La Valette continues. “We even went to visit our groups while they were having their events at our competitor or sister properties.” These measures, it should be noted, went well beyond the hotel’s obligations under the contract clause known as “force majeure,” which certainly applied in the case of Sandy. “Our obligation under force majeure is just to release the client from the contract and refund the money. And technically you could say at that point ‘good luck,’” she explains. “We don’t do that at Ritz-Carlton, so we really went above and beyond to try and find multiple lodging options for our groups, and we negotiated on their behalf to get them to honor the same rates, same menus, and so on.”
The Javits staff also maintained robust communication with their clients throughout the crisis. “My role was to draw together the various elements that we needed to act and react to what was happening, to liaise between the departments
“The firm conviction that it was necessary to hold the New York City Marathon meant it was necessary to hold the Marathon Expo. So there was pressure to make sure we could deliver what they needed.”
–Alan Steel, president and CEO, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
A Level 1 meeting room at the Javits Convention Center just after Sandy (below) and the same room as it appears today. A team of more than 60 technical staff members along with out-of-state remediation companies restored the damaged areas in less than 10 days after the storm hit.
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51Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
we moved up to higher floors. But still you have things you can’t move, such as elevators and escalators. We have about 30 of those and they obviously got inundated.” A strategic move by Sanchez speeded the recovery process. “One of my biggest challenges was identifying resources, vendors, contractors and remediation companies within the state because everybody else was going to be requiring the same services in the city and everywhere else where we had these incidents,” he explains. “So I took a different approach and I went out of state for resources at the beginning, [contacting remediation companies] from Florida and as far as Colorado. A few days later, our local vendors and contractors and our staff joined hands with these major remediation companies from out of state, and we just had an enormous amount of resources within the building.” The Level 1 floors were dried, electrical boxes removed, dried out, tested and put back in place. Water-soaked carpet was ripped up and replaced. Water-damaged plasterboard was removed, rooms were decontaminated, and plasterboard reinstalled and repainted. “We were back up and running within 10 days or less,” Sanchez says.
Seeking resources out of state “was one of the smartest moves” during the crisis, Steel comments. “Ken had a very proactive approach. He had only been with us a few weeks when this occurred, but we gave him a ‘battlefield promotion’ to VP [from director of facilities management] during the storm. We felt it was one of those reactions that demonstrated the kind of leadership we’re looking for at Javits, where a solution to a problem is created before the problem has become overwhelming.”
The Ritz-Carlton’s engineering and loss prevention staff was also very proactive and began preparations on the Friday before the storm hit, boarding up windows and external doors. They even took measures to divert water with sand bags and plastic sheeting that kept basement flooding to a minimum, which was the only damage the property sustained. “We were extremely lucky, considering that we’re literally across the road from the harbor,” La Valette says. The hotel’s sales and special events team worked out of the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park since the Battery Park hotel eventually lost power. “The power was officially switched back on the Monday after we reopened, Nov. 19. We reopened the property for one week under generator power, Nov. 12-19,” she explains. The idea was to begin welcoming guests to the hotel only when full electricity and services were restored.
“The biggest lesson for me was that you can protect your own assets, but you can’t control what happens to the electricity,” says La Valette, “since the transformers that were affected are under the street outside the building. We did move our server to a higher floor, and our telephone switch to the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park.”
Preserving communication systems is clearly critical during any crisis. “Overall, we learned that the most important thing we could do was to ensure we had a communication system, digitally and over the
phone, which would allow us to talk to each other constantly and ensure we were always able to be on
top of the crisis rather than trying to react to it,” Steel comments. “We are now looking at our entrance points for Internet access and phone communications, making sure we have multiple points so that if water comes in we don’t lose each other. We’re also looking at the Javits building structurally during our renovation to see what other [crisis-management improvements] we need to make. For example, we learned that from the west side of the building where we have some emergency exits to 12th Avenue and the Hudson River, we need to install flood doors in order to prevent inundation of a similar kind if there’s another experience like this.” Sanchez adds, “We’re also looking to have fuller emergency power and to relocate our main substations up to a higher level to avoid them being flooded.”
Like New York City itself, the Javits Convention Center is taking Hurricane Sandy “as an educational experience,” Steel says in sum. “I thought we were well prepared for it. But it’s an opportunity to make sure that if and when anything like this happens again, we’re even better prepared for it.”
“I went out of state for resources, [contacting remediation companies] from Florida and as far as Colorado. A few days later . . . we just had an enormous amount of resources within the building.”
–Kenneth Sanchez, Vice President of Facilities Management, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
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52 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
In the evening, above Grand Central Terminal’s signature clock, a map of the heavens lights up the ceiling of the main concourse. Among the numerous “stars,” some shine brighter than others. Yet each star, despite the differing levels of luminescence, is integral to its
constellation and is unique in its own right. A similar theme resonates when visiting
New York City’s hotels. Throughout the years, via literature and film, certain hotels have become thought of as stars shining brighter than others. But a closer look will reveal more subtly brilliant hotels that are a key part of the city’s cultural and historical constellation. One such star is the Roosevelt Hotel.
When I walked into the Roosevelt Hotel’s bustling lobby on a busy Saturday night, the setting took me on a wonderful ride through history, leaving me wanting to learn more about the hotel’s past. The marble columns and floors, carpets and couches, balcony seating areas and chandeliers were reminders of the elegance that was a signature of New York City before the Great Depression. My morning tour of the hotel would provide me with my history lesson, I surmised. However, I was mistaken, as the learning was just about to begin.
Upon arriving at my room, 1527, I was flattered to have received one of the hotel’s 33 suites — the Governor’s Suite — for this assignment. After taking a look around at the spacious, newly refurbished quarters, I was impressed by the classic décor in the living room, dining room, as well in the
two bedrooms. Were my stay longer than two nights, I might have made more use of the kitchenette, but clearly the suite provided all the amenities to make a business traveler feel at home.
Momentarily, I considered that my children would have enjoyed accompanying me on this assignment, making full use of the large-screen televisions. But transitioning to work mode, I looked forward to a break from my home environment, and set out to discover the significance of the suite’s being named for a
governor. (See “A Rich Sense of History,” facing page.) Having satisfied my curiosity regarding the hotel’s
past, I awoke ready to learn about what the facility has to offer today’s meeting planners. Starting from the lobby, I accompanied Ramon Illobre, the Roosevelt’s Assistant Director of Front Office, for a tour of some of the 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting spaces available at the 1,025-room hotel.
We started our tour at the Madison Club Lounge, situated directly off of the lobby. With a 31-ft.-long mahogany bar, the lounge seemed like a great spot for groups
More than a meeting hotel, the ‘Grand Dame of Madison Avenue’ is a portal to Old New York
The marble columns and floors, carpets and couches, balcony seating areas and chandeliers were reminders of the elegance that was a signature of New York City before the Great Depression.
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53Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
(Left): Exterior and lobby.(Above): Dining room in one of hotel’s 33 suites. (Right): The Grand Ballroom set for banquet seating (top) and theater-style seating (bottom). (Far right): The mad46 club.
to gather after the conclusion of the day’s meetings. Adjacent to the lounge is the hotel’s newly added Billiards Room, which provides a relaxed setting for smaller groups to discuss business. The Roosevelt recently added seasonal space, the mad46 club. Located atop the hotel’s 19th floor, the new function space provides an outdoor setting with stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline.
Overlooking the lobby were two great spaces, the Palm and Terrace Rooms. Both rooms are unique from an architectural standpoint, with 23-ft.-high ceilings and arching windows. The smaller of the two, the Palm Room (3,038 sq. ft.) is accessible via a staircase from the lobby, and is encircled by stately marble pillars. The space is ideal for smaller groups of 100 for a banquet or 200 attendees for a reception. The Terrace Room (4,168 sq. ft.) accommodates banquet-style seating for 320, theater seating for 450 and a reception for 500. We observed the room setup for theater seating, and the high ceilings gave the room a more spacious feel than other hotel meeting spaces with similar dimensions.
Surveying some of the 19 breakout rooms on the hotel’s second level and four on the mezzanine level, it was clear that there is plenty of flexible meeting space at the Roosevelt for classroom and theater-style meeting setups. In addition to the breakout rooms, the mezzanine level includes the Grand Ballroom, surrounded by balconies and boasting a 27-ft. ceiling, arched windows and ornate chandeliers. Once again I was struck by the architecture of an era gone by, and felt as if time had stood still. Perfect for banquets of 550 participants, receptions of 800 as well as weddings, the setting is one that attendees will not soon forget. While there are larger spaces in Manhattan than the Roosevelt’s Grand Ballroom, there are few that are grander.
—David Korn with editorial assistance from Rosa Laufer.
A Rich SeNSe Of hiStORYDuring our walkthrough of the Roosevelt Hotel, Ramon Illobre, the Assistant Director of Front Office, remarked that one factor distinguishing the facility from other upscale properties in New York City is its rich sense of history. He noted that the Roosevelt Hotel ...
• was the first hotel with televisions in each room.
• had air-conditioned rooms before many of Manhattan’s upscale hotels, and during summer months, guests would leave other hotels to come to the Roosevelt.
• was built during Prohibition and thus was unable to have bars, so it opened an arcade for shopping on its lower level.
• has a tunnel — although no longer used — that connects it to Grand Central Terminal.
• housed New York’s three-term governor Thomas Dewey. The Governor’s Suite, named to commemorate Dewey’s New York City residence, was used to conduct official business in the city, including his unsuccessful presidential bid against President Truman.
• was held in high esteem by onetime owner Conrad Hilton, founder of the eponymous hotel chain. While he owned other facilities in Manhattan including the Waldorf-Astoria and The Plaza, the Roosevelt remained Hilton’s New York City residence.
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54 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
In Conversation With . . .
Anne BlouinChief leArning offiCer
ASAe – The CenTer for ASSoCiATion leAderShip
Behind the Scenes at ASAE University:Keeping the content fresh and the format engaging
By George Seli
A SAE launched its new Certificate Program in Association Management last July, but the organization is still
“really excited about it,” notes Anne Blouin, CAE. “It’s a five-course, five-day program that would give anybody a really solid foundation in association management.” The topics covered: essentials of association management, volunteer management, membership development, communication and public relations, and leadership. “And we’re licensing that content. We’re training the facilitators, and they can offer the content in their region, whether it’s the Middle East, China, Korea or the U.S. It’s a new business for us, the licensing business.”
A very familiar business for Blouin is the development and marketing of educational offerings to the association profession. She leads ASAE University, which offers a comprehensive curriculum targeted to a variety of association executives and business partners. “We deliver programs face-to-face and online for all levels and areas of the profession, from finance to membership development,” she explains. And that includes meeting and exposition planners, which comprise about 5 percent of ASAE’s more than 21,000 association executives and industry partners representing 10,000 organizations across the United States and in nearly 50 countries around the world.
Blouin, who holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Development from George Washington University, recently discussed the inner workings of ASAE’s educational strategy with Facilities & Destinations, and how that strategy is evolving.
How do you determine your membership’s educational needs?We have 13 special-interest groups focused on the functional areas of association management. We have a meetings
and expositions section, in addition to professional development, technology, finance, marketing and so on. Those sections are very instrumental in helping us identify and plan the content for our programs. They’re the content experts. And for our larger programs, it’s based on a call for proposals (CFP). Anybody can submit a proposal, so we cast the net wider, not just limiting it to our membership. And we can identify trends through the CFP process. A few years ago we never saw anything on mobile. Early on we were seeing social media topics, then ROI for social media, and now it’s all about mobile. Our Technology
Conference [Dec. 4-5 in Washington, DC] will cover mobile, cloud computing, e-learning — the whole gamut. [Information on those trends] is all coming through the CFP process. It’s a great tool.
What kind of content do you offer specifically for association meeting planners?We have a variety of
conferences where we cover content for meeting planners. During our Springtime Expo, our large hospitality tradeshow, we offer 8-10 different sessions for meeting planners. Negotiating is usually one topic, as well as contracts and international meetings. That’s one piece, and at our annual meeting we offer a track of programming called The Business of Meetings, which are sessions geared toward more senior meeting planners. Then we have something called Hotel Operations Program, which is offered at hotels and gives the participants (limited to 15-
State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry
“We’re looking at new
ways to offer the content
to accommodate different
learning styles. Some
people want the USA Today
version of learning, others
the Harvard Business Review version.”
many of your members?I think we are really a model and a fishbowl; our members like to learn from us. We’re always trying to model things that our members can take back to their organizations.
How has attendance trended at your conventions?I would say we’re holding our own [this year], and last year saw record growth.
Have you hosted any speakers lately that have really made an impact?Because it was an election year we had Karl Rove and James Carville last August for the annual meeting. At the Great Ideas Conference in March, Sally Hogshead, author of Fascinate, had attendees take a Fascination Advantage Test, to see how you “fascinate” others. I’m also excited about the two speakers we have confirmed for this year’s annual meeting [Aug. 3-6 in Atlanta]: Susan Cain, the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, which is on the [New York Times] bestseller list, and Dan Heath, co-author of Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work, which will be a bestseller. I think the content will really resonate with the audience.
20) the opportunity to go backstage, so to speak, and learn the ins and outs of working in a hotel. And that’s for the entry-level meeting planner. And then we do a two-day certificate program and that’s also called The Business of Meetings, which again is senior level.
What is your approach to online education?Our online education consists of two formats: we have two-week-long programs and six-week-long programs; they are facilitated self-study. Many associations are still offering Webinars, but we’ve moved away from that model. We’re developing a video strategy now. And we’re looking at revamping our online offerings. They’ve served us well these seven or eight years, but it’s time to change and we’ve hired a new manager of online education who is looking at what platforms are out there.
How do you avoid content overlap between online courses and the sessions offered at the face-to-face conventions?We pretty much keep the audiences different. The online programs, especially our six-week-long programs, focus more on entry-level staff, which does not come to the annual meeting. The meeting is really designed for the more seasoned executives. And we don’t do face-to-face sessions on topics such as customer service and advisory skills, which is the content we cover in two-week online programs. So we do pay attention to make sure that we’re not overlapping.
How has the structure of the educational sessions at your face-to-face meetings evolved? Are you offering more or fewer concurrent sessions than in the past? Are the sessions longer or shorter?We used to have 28-30 concurrent sessions but we’ve dropped it to about 18 now because our members were saying they had too many choices, it was overwhelming. And we are always trying to introduce new learning formats. For instance, at our recent Great Ideas Conference [March 10-12 at the Broadmoor] we had Snap Learning Spots, which are 30-minute sessions combined with a variety of activities that take place on the spot or in the room, which were sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Commission. So Vancouver had a bicycle where you pedal to make your smoothie. Montreal brought in a chef. We’ve also introduced Ignite, which are five-minute sessions. We have Deep Dive sessions, which are longer. We have Conversations That Matter, for people who really want to talk about a topic that’s top of mind. So we’re looking at new ways to offer the content to accommodate different learning styles. Some people want the USA Today version of learning, others the Harvard Business Review version.
Do you feel that mixed educational approach will influence
“We are really a
model and a fishbowl; our
members like to learn from
us. We’re always trying
to model things that our
members can take back to
their organizations.”
State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the Industry State of the
Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
The Facilities Media GroupFacilities & Destinations SuperBook
The current group business trend shows that efforts to promote Branson as a meeting destination have been successful. Derbins says group bookings are “very strong. We have bookings all the way to 2018 right now. We moved 20,000 group room nights off the books because of the tornado, and just about every one of those groups has rebooked with us. We have many multi-year deals with groups.”
The Hilton Branson Convention Center had a rebirth of sorts in September 2012 when it began welcoming guests for the first time since the tornado caused extensive damage to the property in February of that year. “We were there when they had just reopened the hotel a month before, and everything was back on track,” says Vicki Farmer, IOM, CAE, Executive Director of Little Rock-based Arkansas Optometric Association, which brought more than 100 attendees to Branson for its fall convention in 2012. “The nice thing about our location,” Derbins comments, “is that we do we get significant state association business from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as from St. Louis. Little Rock, Tulsa and Kansas City are all three hours away, and St. Louis is about four hours away.” The city became even more
A longtime vacation spot in the Ozark Mountains, Branson heralded its entrance into the meetings market with the 2007 opening of the Branson Convention Center (BCC), located in Branson Landing, a $420 million shopping and dining area along Lake Taneycomo. Complementing the BCC,
two upscale hotels also debuted in 2007: the 294-room Hilton Branson Convention Center and the 242-room Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. Prior to that watershed year, Branson was certainly a draw, but mainly to tourists who reveled in the town’s live shows, dining and shopping, not to mention mountain-view golf and some of the country’s best fishing. “Before the convention center was built there weren’t really any hotels downtown of a quality nature,” confirms Bill Derbins, General Manager of the Hiltons of Branson. “The Hilton Branson Convention Center is AAA Four Diamond rated, and the two hotels have been in the top 10 in overall service with the Hiltons of America for the last four years. So we’ve got a quality product here, and the main goal has been getting the news out to the meetings industry. We still do a lot of fam trips, because many planners haven’t been here in 10 years and then they come in and say, ‘We didn’t realize you had such a facility.’”
BrAnson Builds its BrAndBrAnson Builds its BrAndBrAnson Builds its BrAndBrAnson Builds its BrAnd
accessible with the 2009 debut of the Branson Airport, served by Frontier Airlines and AirTran Airways. And this March, Southwest launched daily, non-stop service from Houston-Hobby, Dallas-Love Field and Chicago-Midway, as well as Saturday-only flights from Orlando. The scenic drive from Branson Airport to the BCC area is just 15 minutes.
The Arkansas Optometric Association is an example of Branson’s reliable meetings clientele, which includes several state associations and religious groups. But the town is also making inroads into the corporate meetings market. “Pharmaceutical groups are starting to come here with small meetings, and State Farm is a wonderful customer of ours,” Derbins says. Incentive programs, he adds, are “just starting to kick off now,” after some effort to attract them. And the advantage that these groups have in Branson is the more personalized attention and small-town hospitality they receive, Derbins says.
The BCC is certainly accommodates larger groups, however, with 220,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including two exhibit halls totaling 50,000 sq. ft., adjoined to a 23,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. One unique feature that Derbins cites is what the convention center staff call “bird lights.” “They’re shaped rather like birds and have LED lights in
BrAnson Builds its BrAndBrAnson Builds its BrAndBrAnson Builds its BrAndBrAnson Builds its BrAnd
Over the last five years, MissOuri’s tOurist getaway has develOped a Meetings-
friendly side
By GeorGe Seli
“if you have a convention coming to town and you need over 300 rooms, we can do the overflow at the Promenade and you are only dealing with one person to book both hotels plus all the meeting space.”
–Bill derbins, General Manager of the Hiltons of Branson
(L-r): Branson Landing, a shopping and dining complex bordering Lake Taneycomo; the Hilton Branson Convention Center.
had a Casino Night in the convention center’s atrium area, arranged by a local vendor sourced through the CVB.”
Overall, Branson has retained its character as a vacation destination while strengthening its meetings infrastructure, reflecting a balance that has been achieved at much larger cities such as Las Vegas and Orlando. “It’s a family-friendly destination,” Farmer says. “Our attendees like to bring their families and make it a mini-vacation.”
them so you can change the color of the ceiling to your preference. We can also program them to songs. For groups who want the National Anthem playing, we program them to red, white and blue, and you see ‘bombs’ bursting in air that turn red.” Groups working with the Hilton-managed BCC and one (or both) of the accompanying Hilton hotels interface with one sales representative, Derbins adds. “If you have a convention coming to town and you need over 300 rooms, we can do the overflow at the Promenade and you are only dealing with one person to book both hotels plus all the meeting space.”
The Arkansas Optometric Association group stayed at the Hilton Branson Convention Center and met at the BCC. “Even though we are a small group, the way our education sessions are set up we needed multiple meeting rooms and we still had an exhibit hall,” says Farmer. “I did like that the convention center was far enough away from the hotel that it was quiet for educational seminars, but not too far of a walk, so people could still go back and forth between session times.” Also accessible were multiple recreational options. “Being at the convention center, we were close enough to so many venues and activities that we did not schedule any group events over the three-day program because attendees were doing things on their own,” Farmer says. In addition to dining and shopping at Branson Landing, “some went ziplining, some to Silver Dollar City [theme park], some took nature walks. We also
“the Branson Convention Center was “close enough to so many venues and activities that we did not schedule any group events over the three-day program because attendees were doing things on their own.”
–Vicki Farmer, Executive director, Arkansas optometric Association
The Showboat Branson Belle, on Table Rock Lake near Branson., offers exciting onboard performances (inset).
titanic MuseuM: This two-story museum is shaped like the Titanic itself, but built half-scale to the original. Attendees can explore 400 pre-discovery artifacts in 20 galleries.to your plans. The venue caters to meeting groups of up to 450 attendees by arranging convention tie-ins, teambuilding events, award presentations and more. www.titanicbranson.com
new shanghai theatre: The Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus is sure to dazzle attendees. The troupe was awarded the key to the City of Branson in 1999. www.acrobatsofchina.com
the Oak ridge BOys theatre: Apart from its namesake act, 2013 will see Bill Cosby, Charlie Daniels and Johnny Mathis perform in one of Branson’s most popular theaters. www.oakridgeboystheatre.com
BransOn scenic railway: located in old downtown Branson, the railway takes guests on a 40-mile trip through the backwoods of the ozark foothills. www.bransontrain.com
tOwn square: At the heart of Branson landing is a vibrant Town Square, which can be reserved for private, outdoor group functions of up to 5,000 attendees. The
courtyard is accented by $7.5 million fountains, built by the same makers as the Bellagio Fountains in las Vegas.
stOne hill winery in BransOn: Missouri’s oldest and most awarded winery is a 12,000-sq.-ft. facility that has been welcoming
wine enthusiasts since 1986. www.stonehillwinery.com
BransOn creek gOlf cluB: The town offers more than 200 holes of golf, and Branson Creek Golf Club’s 7,000-yard, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course is a standout. www.bransoncreekgolf.com
BransOn Zipline and canOpy tOurs: located in Wolfe Creek Preserve just north of Branson, this eco-adventure facility has three rustic function spaces: the observation Deck; the Xplorer Balcony, suitable for groups of 25-45; and Prospector Pavilion, an Amish-style timber-frame structure with table seating for 50. www.bransonzipline.com
2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence
60 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Winners Will be among the top players in a rebounding meetings economy
2013Facilities& Destinations
Awards of Excellence
have made their event a success. As a result, our Awards of Excellence continue to enjoy cachet in the meetings industry.”
Annually, Facilities & Destinations readers vote for their favorite sites and cities via ballots available in F&D print publications, including the
SuperBook, Planner Guide and Mid-Market Review, and at Facilitiesonline.com. Ballots
are received throughout the year, and the list of award winners appears in the F&D SuperBook issue. The Prime Site Award is given out in three categories: Convention Centers, Conference Centers, and Hotels & Resorts. The Top Destination Award is given to
convention & visitors bureaus or similar entities that promote
meeting destinations. While group spending may be trending up, planners overall are still operating within tighter budgets as a lingering impact of the
recession. They must make cost-conscious site choices
that best fit the objectives of their event, and peer testimonials
on CVBs, convention centers, hotels and resorts are an invaluable resource. Effectively, the Awards of Excellence are the kind of testimonials planners need. “We enable peer-to-peer communication concerning site selection, the most crucial part of the planning process,” Caffin concludes.
ccording to the Global Business Travel Association’s first-quarter
Business Travel Index (BTI) Outlook for the United States, group spending is now expected to increase 6 percent to $115.9 billion, up from the 5.2 percent growth forecast in the fourth quarter of 2012. This is encouraging news, and the venues and destinations that would be on the receiving end of that added spending are those that meeting planners currently favor. A variety of criteria come into play, including accessibility, marketability, quality meeting spaces, customer service, entertainment options and much more. Our 2013 Facilities & Destinations Prime Site and Top Destination Award winners excel in all these areas; indeed, they are all Awards of Excellence winners. And they can look forward with confidence to benefitting from the increased group spending predicted by the GBTA.
The reason for that confidence is simple. The winners excel according to the barometer that matters the most: planner input. “Our readers are always excited to have their voice heard, and in fact, it’s their commendation that is most relevant when it comes to selecting the ‘best of the best,’” says Michael Caffin, Associate Publisher, Facilities Media Group. “Planners vote for a facility or destination based on qualities they have experienced firsthand, qualities that
A
From the street…
…to the wide open spaces–the extraordinary is just steps away! Pittsburgh was named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world’s top 20 great places to visit in 2012. Plan your visit today and bring your colleagues later!
1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 565-6000 www.pittsburghcc.com | www.greenfirst.us
62Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence
Northeast
Prime site award wiNNers
Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA
Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA
DCU Center, Worcester, MA
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ
Oncenter/Nicolas J. Pirro Convention Center, Syracuse, NY
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI
Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ
toP destiNatioN award wiNNers
Atlantic City CVA, Atlantic City, NJ
Greater Boston CVB, Boston, MA
Greater Hartford CVB, Hartford, CT
Philadelphia CVB, Philadelphia, PA
Visit Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Providence/Warwick CVB, Providence, RI
Valley Forge CVB, Valley Forge, PA
mid-atlaNtic
Prime site award wiNNers
Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, WV
Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, VA
Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, MD
Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Prime Site Award-winning Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ. (See listing page 73.)
Prime Site Award-winning Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA. (See listing page 117.)
Prime Site Award-winning Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL. (See listing page 88.)
64Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence
toP destiNatioN award wiNNers
Events D.C., Washington, DC
Visit Norfolk, Norfolk, VA
Ocean City CVB, Ocean City, MD
Richmond CVB, Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach CVB, Virginia Beach, VA
Greater Wilmington CVB, Wilmington, DE
southeast
Prime site award wiNNers
Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL
Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, MS
Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, TN
Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL
Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL
New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, FL
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, FL
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, FL
Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, Savannah, GA
TD Convention Center, Greenville, SC
Vicksburg Convention Center, Vicksburg, MS
toP destiNatioN award wiNNers
Visit Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA
Chattanooga Area CVB, Chattanooga, TN
Greater Ft. Lauderdale CVB, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jackson CVB, Jackson, MS
Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation, Knoxville, TN
Prime Site Award-winning Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH. (See listing page 99.)
Prime Site Award-winning Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO. (See listing page 117.)
Prime Site Award-winning Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT. (See listing page 73.)
66Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
For centuries, Connecticut has been a haven for
revolutionary thinkers. A place of great history, beauty
and energy that attracts leaders, cultivates courageous
ideas and inspires bold deeds. Where better than in its
heart - at the epicenter of the largest population base
in the country - to purposefully create a destination for
people to meet. It’s not merely a convention center,
but a convention kingdom. And you are royalty.
To explore your kingdom, call 860.249.6000 or visit ctconventions.com
AND THIS IS YOUR KINGDOM.
540,000 sq. feet of space1600 hotel rooms
Retail & dining complex30 acres of riverfront parks
40 – three and four-star restaurantsInteractive science center
250 registered historic sitesWithin a 2-hour drive of 23 million people Beaches, mountains, casinos, museums,
theaters, golf courses...
YOU RULE.
Little Rock CVB, Little Rock, AR
Louisville CVB, Louisville, KY
Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB, Biloxi, MS
Nashville CVB, Nashville, TN
New Orleans CVB, New Orleans, LA
Visit Savannah, Savannah, GA
midwest
Prime site award wiNNers
Bridge View Center, Ottumwa, IA
Century Center, South Bend, IN
Clay County Events Center, Spencer, IA
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
Delta Center, Milwaukee, WI
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN
Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, IA
Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO
Kansas Expocentre, Topeka, KS
Magouirk Conference Center, Dodge City, KS
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison, WI
Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS
RiverCenter, Davenport, IA
Saint Charles Convention Center, Saint Charles, MO
Saint Paul RiverCentre, Saint Paul, MN
Sanford Center, Bemidji, MN
SeaGate Convention Centre, Toledo, OH
Swiftel Center, Brookings, SD
Tinley Park Convention Center, Tinley Park, IL
Prime Site Award-winning Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO. (See listing page 102.)
Prime Site Award-winning Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN. (See listing page 102.)
Prime Site Award-winning Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. (See listing page 92.)
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
For centuries, Connecticut has been a haven for
revolutionary thinkers. A place of great history, beauty
and energy that attracts leaders, cultivates courageous
ideas and inspires bold deeds. Where better than in its
heart - at the epicenter of the largest population base
in the country - to purposefully create a destination for
people to meet. It’s not merely a convention center,
but a convention kingdom. And you are royalty.
To explore your kingdom, call 860.249.6000 or visit ctconventions.com
AND THIS IS YOUR KINGDOM.
540,000 sq. feet of space1600 hotel rooms
Retail & dining complex30 acres of riverfront parks
40 – three and four-star restaurantsInteractive science center
250 registered historic sitesWithin a 2-hour drive of 23 million people Beaches, mountains, casinos, museums,
theaters, golf courses...
YOU RULE.
Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence
Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ
Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA
Prime Site Award-winning Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. (See listing page 124.)
Prime Site Award-winning Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA. (See listing page 82.)
Prime Site Award-winning Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ. (See listing page 132.)
68
70 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
2013 Facilities& Destinations Awards of Excellence
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA
Tulsa Convention Center, Tulsa, OK
Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA
toP destiNatioN award wiNNers
Albuquerque CVB, Albuquerque, NM
Amarillo CVC/Chamber of Commerce, Amarillo, TX
Anaheim/Orange County VCB, Anaheim, CA
Austin CVB, Austin, TX
Boise CVB, Boise, ID
Colorado Springs CVB, Colorado Springs, CO
Visit Denver, Denver, CO
Fort Worth CVB, Fort Worth, TX
Greater Houston CVB, Houston, TX
Las Vegas CVA, Las Vegas, NV
Oklahoma City CVB, Oklahoma City, OK
Omaha CVB, Omaha, NE
Greater Phoenix CVB, Phoenix, AZ
Sacramento CVB, Sacramento, CA
San Antonio CVB, San Antonio, TX
Seattle CVB, Seattle, WA
Spokane Regional CVB, Spokane, WA
Metro Tucson CVB, Tucson, AZ
Puerto rico
Prime site award wiNNers
Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan, PR
toP destiNatioN award wiNNers
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, San Juan, PR
caNada
Prime site award wiNNers
Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Palais des congres de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
TELUS Convention Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Top Destination Award-winning Providence, RI. (See listing page 82.)
Top Destination Award-winning Richmond, VA. (See listing page 86.)
Top Destination Award-winning Savannah, GA. (See listing page 92.)
Two Unique Facilities.
Convention Center.
And Historic Theatre.
Working Together.
Art Deco Meeting Industrial.
100,000 Plus Square Feet.
Two Banquet/Exhibit Halls.
10 Breakout Rooms.
Executive Board Room.
Theatre Seating for 2,400.
Midwest Amenities.
Metropolitan Service.
Discover what
first class service
and attention to detail
really means at the unique entity known
as the RiverCenter/Adler Theatre
in Downtown Davenport, Iowa.
ITTAKES
TWO
ITTAKES
TWO
www.riverctr.comwww.adlertheatre.com
72 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
NortheastAtlantic City CVA ..........................................73Greater Boston CVB .....................................73Connecticut Convention Center .................73David L. Lawrence Convention Center .......73Jacob Javits Convention Center .................73MassMutual Center ......................................73Meadowlands Exposition Center ................82The Conference & Event Center
Niagara Falls ...............................................82Pennsylvania Convention Center ................82Providence Warwick CVB .............................82Rhode Island Convention Center ................82Rochester Riverside Convention Center .....82
Convention Center .....................................86Greater Richmond Convention Center .......86Washington Hilton ........................................86
SoutheastBirmingham-Jefferson Convention
Complex ......................................................88The Classic Center ........................................88Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB ......................88Hilton Atlanta ................................................88Hilton New Orleans Riverside ......................88Huntsville/Madison County CVB .................88Miami Beach Convention Center ................92Mobile Convention Center ..........................92Music City Center .........................................92New Orleans Ernest N. Morial
Convention Center .....................................92Orange County Convention Center ............92Owensboro Convention Center ..................92Visit Savannah ...............................................92Vicksburg Convention Center .....................92
MidwestAkron/Summit CVB/
John. S. Knight Center ...............................99Bridge View Center ......................................99Clay County Events Center ..........................99
Positively Cleveland ......................................99Greater Columbus Convention Center .......99Delta Center ..................................................99Greater Des Moines CVB ...........................102Indiana Convention Center .......................102Kansas City Convention Center .................102Kansas Expocentre .....................................102Little Rock CVB ...........................................102Magouirk Conference Center/
United Wireless .........................................102Meet Minneapolis .......................................102Monona Terrace Convention Center ........102RiverCenter .................................................106Saint Charles Convention Center ..............106The Sanford Center ....................................106SeaGate Convention Centre .....................106Swiftel Center ..............................................106Tinley Park Convention Center .................106
WestAmarillo CVC ...............................................117Anaheim/Orange County CVB ..................117Austin Convention Center .........................117Colorado Convention Center ....................117Colorado Springs CVB ...............................117Cox Convention Center .............................117Fairplex ........................................................124Hawaii Convention Center .........................124Hurst Conference Center ...........................124Oklahoma City CVB ....................................124Oregon Convention Center .......................124Palm Springs Convention Center ..............124Phoenix Convention Center ......................132Sacramento Convention Center ................132San Diego Convention Center ..................132Three Rivers Convention Center ...............132Metropolitan Tucson CVB ..........................132
Canada & CaribbeanCalgary TELUS Convention Centre ...........144The International Centre ............................144Ottawa Convention Centre ........................144Montego Bay Convention Centre .............144Puerto Rico Convention Center ................144Sheraton Puerto Rico .................................144
L i s t i n g s A - Z
73Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
The
Nor
thea
st ConnecticutMassachusetts Maine new Hampshire new Jerseynew YorkPennsylvania Rhode island Vermont
Atlantic City Convention CenterAtlantic City, NJ 08401, (609) 449-7136; (888) 222-3683Fax: (609) 345-3685www.atlanticcitynj.com • meetinac.com
Vice President, Convention Sales: Gary Musich Your Northeast Business Address
A year-round destination with all the amenities you expect from a premiere resort; 20,000 first-class hotel rooms (8,000 committable), top entertainment, golf, shop-ping, world-class dining and 11 casinos. The Atlantic City Convention Center is a bright, modern facility accommodating meetings and expos of all sizes, four contigu-ous exhibit halls (486,600 sq. ft.); 32,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space; 109,100 total sq. ft. meeting space/45 meeting rooms including a 29,400-sq.-ft. ballroom; free WiFi; voice/data communications; green facility – single-roof solar systems, and aggressive recycling and energy-savings programs.
Director of Sales & Marketing: Michelle Hughes“The Spotlight’s On The NEW Connecticut Convention Center”
The views are stunning, the space is immense, and the ease of booking an event is superior. 205,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space, dramatic riverfront setting, accessible to 23+ million people within a 2-1/2 hour drive; 19 meeting rooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 180,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space/140,000-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall; 3,200-seat ballroom; attached to 409-room Marriott Hotel; 700 rooms (downtown); 6,500 rooms (within 30 miles). Attractions: The Old State House; Wadsworth Atheneum; Mystic Seaport & Marinelife Aquarium; Foxwoods Resort Casino; Mohegan Sun Resort; Essex Valley Railroad.
ConneCtiCut
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David L. Lawrence Convention Center1000 Ft. Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 325-6174; Fax: (412) 565-6104www.pittsburghcc.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Debbie SmuckerBuilt Green. Working Green. Every Day!
In downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district, within steps of theaters, cinemas, galleries, restaurants and 2,500 hotel rooms, just across the bridge from PNC Park & Heinz Field, the environmentally smart, SMG-managed, 1.5 million-sq.-ft. facility features 313,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 37 loading docks, 53 meeting rooms, a 31,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, two 250-seat theaters. The building’s dynamic architectural design offers breathtak-ing views, open terraces, suspended roof structure. Technology: 1Gb circuit with DS3 backup, fiber optic backbone network, multi-mode fiber, CAT6 (copper) cabling, video conferencing, wireless Internet access.
PennSylvania
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Jacob K. Javits Convention Center655 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001(212) 216-2335; Fax: (212) 216-2588www.javitscenter.com
VP Sales & Marketing: Doreen GuerinMarketplace for the World
New York City, the cultural, finance, fashion, publishing and entertainment capital of the world – 17,000+ restaurants – 87,000+ hotel rooms citywide; glass-enclosed structure located along the Hudson, stretching five city blocks/divisible into 10 self-contained halls; new expansion of a column-free exhibit hall increases the total gross square footage of exhibition space to 840,000; 53 multipurpose meeting rooms; 30,000+ sq. ft. in the Special Events Hall; 80,000 sq. ft. in Javits Center North; main exhibit hall: 410,000 sq. ft.; Wi-Fi available throughout building.
new york
MassMutual Center 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103(413) 787-6610; Fax: (413) 787-6645www.massmutualcenter.comDirector of Sales: Monique Messier At the Center of it All, is the Center for it AllStanding in the heart of Western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, the MassMutual Center is the region’s most diverse meeting and special event venue. The facility boasts over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space including a 40,000-sq.-ft. flexible exhibit hall, nine fully functional meeting rooms totaling 24,500 sq. ft., a 15,000-sq.-ft. elegant ballroom, eight breakout rooms, spacious pre-function areas, an 8,000-seat arena and a theater that accommodates 3,600 attendees. The MassMutual Center is steps away from 900 hotel rooms. Nearby attractions include Yankee Candle Village, Six Flags New England, The Springfield Museums and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
maSSaChuSettS
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Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau2 Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA 02116(617) 867-8242; (888) SEE-BOSTON; Fax: (617) 424-7664 E-Mail: [email protected]
Vice President, Convention Services & Sales: Beth StehleyBoston. The Place to Meet.
History, great dining, nightlife, shopping, championship sports, vibrant cultural community. Boston Convention & Exhibition Center: 516,000 sq. ft./160,000 sq. ft. meeting space; Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center Boston: 120,000 sq. ft. contiguous exhibit space, 7,000 theatre-style seating, two 5,000-sq.-ft. ballrooms; Waterfront Collection: 1,500+ hotel rooms, 50+ breakout rooms, 400,000 sq. ft. meeting space; John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center: 175,000+ sq. ft. exhibit space, 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 41 meeting rooms.
With new resorts, a new marketing campaign and new Tourism District initiatives, Atlantic City, NJ, is your “must do” East Coast destination for meetings, conventions and tradeshows. Largely untouched by superstorm
Sandy, Atlantic City’s resorts, Boardwalk and amenities are ready to welcome groups of all sizes.
Atlantic City Convention CenterThe Atlantic City Convention Center remains the centerpiece of the meetings market in Atlantic City. The bright, modern building offers 486,600 sq. ft. of contiguous expo space, easily dividable for multiple functions. The 45 meeting rooms range from 700 to 11,880 sq. ft. and offer voice/data connections throughout.
An in-house catering staff can handle everything from a continental breakfast or a box lunch to a gala banquet, and the onsite UPS Business Center can handle all of your shipping, fax services, color or black-and-white printing and many other needs.
There’s also free basic Wi-Fi, an in-house audio-video staff, easy load-in and move-out from 29 loading docks and 1,400 onsite parking spaces. It’s a short walk from several of the city’s first-class resorts, and the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel is linked by a covered bridge.
The Atlantic City Alliance has established a $1 million incentive program to attract groups and meetings in 2013. Information is available at http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/!userfiles/pdfs/AC-meetings-incentive.pdf.
Accommodating ResortsWhen it comes to staying in Atlantic City, we’re very accommodating with 20,000 first-class guestrooms (up to 8,000 committable on peak nights), and there’s always something new to see or do.
The city’s newest resort, Revel, offers nearly 1,900 first-class guestrooms, a 70,000-sq.-ft. event center and plenty of resort amenities. The former Trump Marina Hotel Casino is now the Golden Nugget, with all-new restaurants, spa, shopping, meeting rooms and guestrooms.
AtlAntic city convention centerAtlantic City’s resorts also offer excellent facilities for small and large
meetings and conventions. You’ll find boardrooms with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, small and large showrooms and theaters, intimate meeting rooms, breakout rooms, ballrooms and more.
Innovative SpacesThere are plenty of innovative spaces for receptions and dinners, too. One Atlantic offers a blank canvas to design any kind of special event with ocean and Boardwalk views, while the Atlantic City Aquarium at Gardner’s Basin gives you a unique setting among marine life. The city’s famous nightclubs provide a fun atmosphere with a beat to match in settings ranging from high-tech to inviting poolside terraces, while the city’s many restaurants can provide anything from a family-style to gourmet experience.
New Attractions Blend with Old FavoritesThe Atlantic City Tourism District was created last year, embarking on a five-year plan to enhance the city’s tourism offerings. The Atlantic City Alliance helped further those plans with “Artlantic,” an installation of art parks throughout the city. The Alliance also created “Duality,” a 3-D laser light and sound show projected several times every night on the famous Boardwalk Hall façade, which has received rave reviews.
This summer, the city’s first casino, Resorts, will feature a new, $35 million venue with a 400-seat Margaritaville Café, beachside LandShark Bar & Grill and Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar.
The famous Steel Pier is phasing in a three-part, $102 million renovation project that will include a museum, 2,000-seat ballroom, new rides, restaurants and nightclubs, plus an enclosure enabling it to stay open nearly year-round.
Bass Pro Shops plans to break ground this spring on one of their outdoor sports mega-stores at Tanger Outlets, The Walk. The 70,000-sq.-ft. store is slated to open the end of 2013 or early 2014.
Surf schools and surf bars are popular summer activities as well, and shopping is popular year-round in the retail outlets, indoor shopping plazas and shopping piers. Of course, strolling the historic Boardwalk, golf, top entertainment, spas and casino gaming are perennially popular.
aT l a N T i c c i T Y – a “ M u s T D o ” M e e T i N g D e s T i N aT i o N
NICE TRY SANDY, BUT WE’RE BACK STRONGER THAN EVER!
For information about booking your next event, contact our sales team at 1.888.222.3683 or visit us at meetinac.com
The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority is proud to be accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of the Destination Marketing Association International.
accva_focus.indd 1 12/17/2012 11:34:56 AM
76 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
2 Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA 02116 • Phone: (617) 867-8242/(888) SEE-BOSTON Fax: (617) 424-7664
Boston is The PLACE to Meet. From the downtown core to the outlying neighborhoods, Boston is a city of intriguing diversity, and a world center for education, technology and life sciences. With a mix of colonial
charm and urban sophistication, the city is rich in history with great dining and nightlife, extraordinary shopping, championship professional and college sports teams, and a vibrant arts and cultural community, making it a dynamic meeting and convention destination.
Meeting FacilitiesThe Boston Convention & Exhibition Center features 516,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 84 meeting rooms with 160,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 40,020-sq.-ft. ballroom.
The Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center Boston offers 120,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, theater-style seating for 7,000 and two 5,000-sq.-ft. ballrooms with water views. It is also part of the Waterfront Collection, an alliance between the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center, the Renaissance Boston Waterfront and the Westin Boston Waterfront.
In the Back Bay, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center offers more than 175,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, a 4,000-seat auditorium and 41 meeting rooms. It is part of 3-2-1 Connect, a meeting solution offering an interconnected complex of three hotels (Westin Copley, Boston Marriott Copley Place and the Sheraton Boston), two upscale shopping destinations, and the Hynes Convention Center.
Convention/Guest Hotel RoomsThe Greater Boston area has more than 150 hotels and 30,000 rooms with more opening each year.
GreAter Boston convention & visitors BureAu
T h e N o r T h e a s T / M a s s a c h u s e T T s
Distance to nearest airportLocated just three miles from the city, Logan International Airport currently offers domestic service to 79 destinations and international service to 36 destinations, with more than 1,500 flights a day arriving and departing from the airport.
Destination Features & Nearby AttractionsBoston is known as America’s Walking City, but when you can’t get around by foot, the city is easily accessible by the “T”, Boston’s public transportation system.
Boston has a variety of unique attractions for special events, including: Boston Symphony Orchestra, John F. Kennedy Library & Museum, Fenway Park, Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, which has expanded by almost 50 percent, and many other unique attractions.
TechnologyThe free BostonUSA App allows meeting attendees to search “what to do” while in Boston, as well as purchase advance tickets to many of Boston’s great tours, cruises, excursions, museums, the Boston Red Sox and more, using their handheld devices. It also includes a GPS “Map It” function to help users get to events after they’ve found and booked them.
Greater Boston CVBThe award-winning Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau makes it easy for meeting professionals to meet in the Greater Boston area. The GBCVB staff can assist planners with: complimentary RFPs for all of your meeting needs; site inspection assistance; attendance-building promotions, including participating in your convention one year prior; destination collateral; housing services; and a concierge and restaurant services desk during your convention.
In the heart of a vibrant downtown in the midst of a renaissance. In the middle of a historic city at the epicenter of the largest population base in the country. There lies a destination purposefully built for meetings and conventions,
neatly tucked within a region renowned for its natural beauty, history and charm. It’s not merely a convention center, but a convention kingdom! The Connecticut Convention Center is the Northeast’s newest, most ideal location for tradeshows, conventions, business meetings or any occasion that demands a dramatic riverfront setting. The Connecticut Convention Center overlooks the beautiful Connecticut River at Adriaen’s Landing, Hartford’s exciting riverfront district.
Adriaen’s Landing is home to many new attractions for the Capital City. The anchor of this rapidly developing area is the beautiful 540,000-sq.-ft. Connecticut Convention Center. With over 140,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, a 40,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, the Connecticut Convention Center is the largest convention facility between New York and Boston. The venue also features exceptional demographics and highway access at the crossroads of New England, where Interstates 84 and 91 meet. With a prominent visual presence on Hartford’s historic skyline, the Center’s 110-ft. glass atrium dramatically rises 10 stories above a grand public plaza and a tree-lined riverfront esplanade.
The Connecticut Convention Center has been constructed to spare no detail in making every function accommodating. From offering award-winning food and beverage service led by our in-house executive chef and culinary team, state-of-the-art rigging, wiring and WiFi to flexible spaces, abundant pre-function areas and ample onsite sheltered parking, the facility has taken every facet of hosting an event into consideration.
That includes the attached AAA Four Diamond, 409-room, Marriott Hartford Downtown hotel, which offers an additional 13,500 sq. ft. of meeting space.
connecticut convention centerWith first-rate accommodations at numerous hotels (up
to 1,600 hotel rooms within Hartford and 6,500 rooms within a 15-mile radius) and unparalleled service, Hartford truly is your kingdom! The expanded Bradley International Airport is conveniently located 15 miles away. Located midway between Boston and New York and easily accessible by rail, bus or car, the Greater Hartford area is a convenient destination for groups.
Go green on New England’s first eco-friendly bio-diesel bus, the Star Shuttle, a free, public transportation service for simple access throughout the city. Also offered is the Bradley Flyer, a convenient, economical mode of transportation from the Bradley International Airport to our Capitol City.
Other attractions to check out at the Adriaen’s Landing District include a 3-D movie theater and fun, interactive and educational games at the Connecticut Science Center, attached by foot bridge to the Convention Center. The development of the dining and entertainment portion of Adriaen’s Landing is known as Front Street, a nostalgic reference to the bustling riverfront thoroughfare that existed in the late 1800s through the 1950s.
With local culture and history around every corner, as well as celebrated attractions for every interest, the Connecticut Convention Center is the ultimate backdrop for mixing business with pleasure. The Mark Twain House & Museum and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center take visitors on a journey back in time. The Hartford Stage and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts will entertain you, while the Connecticut Whale or UCONN athletics will have you on your feet, cheering. Downtown offers enough shops and boutiques to help you find the perfect souvenir. Afterward, stop by one of the tempting restaurants or cafes that line our city streets. With more than 40 three- and four-star restaurants offering all types of cuisine, there is definitely a taste to satisfy any appetite. With historic roots, Hartford has a lot of culture and history to offer its visitors … come see all that we have to offer!
78 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Secaucus, NJ • (201) 330-7773 • www.mecexpo.com
With great facilities, nearby sports, plenty of shopping, low hotel rates and the Big Apple only minutes away—why wouldn’t you meet here?
Almost any size or any type of group will find the perfect accommodations and hospitality at the SMG-managed Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ. For instance, the Meadowlands is only minutes from New York City, the Capital of the World; and, it is in relative proximity to three major international airports.
Then there are five major hotels within walking distance of the facility with fabulous room rates that are about one-third less than New York City’s rates. Finally, rounding out its appeal, are a stadium, an arena and even a racetrack three miles away as well as movie theaters and dozens of restaurants.
Located in the Harmon Meadow Complex of the Secaucus community, the Meadowlands Expo Center also offers great demographics and it maintains a group-friendly facility with liberal work regulations. This cuts red tape, has added value on planning budgets, and allows planners to hand-carry merchandise and set up their own displays.
Vital StatsFor groups that range from 5,000 at a banquet to a tradeshow with almost 400 exhibit booths, the Meadowlands Exposition Center offers:➤ 61,000 sq. ft. of contiguous, dedicated exhibit space with 20-ft. ceilings➤ Accommodations for 336 large exhibit booths or 392 standard booths➤ Two drive-in doors and four loading docks on street level for easy access➤ Seating for up to 6,000 attendees, concert or theater-style➤ Catering for up to 5,000 people➤ Large, all-purpose lobby for registration, receptions or additional exhibit space➤ 6,000 free parking spaces➤ Five carpeted meeting rooms totaling 3,578 sq. ft.
Technological CapabilitiesTechnological capabilities at the Center include T1, ISDN, Internet and satellite uplink support. Teleconferencing and simulcasting to other locations are also available. And, on the exhibit floor, the electricity is “flown from the air.” Also of note is a newly designed Web site that informs the public about upcoming events at the
MeaDoWlaNDs expo ceNTer also offers greaT DeMographics aND iT MaiNTaiNs a group-frieNDlY faciliTY WiTh liberal Work regulaTioNs.
meAdowlAnds exposition centercenter. This Web site features the latest technology allowing the user to access a virtual tour of the facility and gain more specifics about the building, services and the surrounding area.
Professional ServiceOnsite is a professional staff to work one-on-one with planners with special needs and budgets. Plus, there are event coordinators, in-house decorators and other support personnel to make any event a flawless event.For food and beverage, the Meadowlands has also renovated and restructured their operations to better suit the individual needs of each event held at the facility. There are also three food concession stands, all of which also have been recently renovated.
Hotel PartnersFive national chain hotels are within walking distance of the Meadowlands Exposition Center. Together they total approximately 1,000 guestrooms and there are another 1,500 rooms in the nearby area. Some of the major properties include: Holiday Inn • Embassy Suites • Hampton Inn • Hyatt • Courtyard by Marriott.
Things to See & DoDuring freetime hours, meeting attendees can enjoy some 40 restaurants and a wide range of shopping opportunities—including the Secaucus Outlet Center with over 100 shops and the equally popular Jersey Gardens Mega Mall. More than that, the Meadowlands is three miles from New MetLife Stadium Stadium, IZOD Center and the Meadowlands Racetrack; and who would miss out on a short trip to the Big Apple, only minutes away. All in all, this is one of few facilities in the country that has the world’s greatest city at its feet.
TransportationPart of the Meadowlands’ attraction to meeting planners is that it can be easily reached by three international airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark International Airport. And, only 12 minutes from the facility is the Teterboro Jetport. For driving enthusiasts, Newark is also in proximity to major interstates including the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. Also, both the New York and New Jersey transit system schedule stops right at the door.
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80 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T h e N o r T h e a s T / p e N N s Y lV a N i a
1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (214) 418-4700 1-855-MEET-PHL www.MeetPHL.com
Host a record-breaking meeting or convention in Philadelphia, rated Travel + Leisure’s #1 city for culture in 2012 and treat your attendees to
the complete package. Seated in the heart of Center City, the impressive Pennsylvania Convention Center is an architectural beauty that houses a stunning modern art collection and is central to the city’s most exciting attractions. The LEED-certified Convention Center features one million sq.-ft. of saleable space, the ability to host two major tradeshows simultaneously, 82 meeting rooms, the largest contiguous exhibit space in the Northeast, two stunning ballrooms and a soaring Grand Hall that lives in a historic train shed. There’s always room for you to host your next meeting or event in Philadelphia, where award-winning staff members make sure the small details are never missed in the big picture.
The best our city has to offer is just steps from the Convention Center. Just across Broad Street is the gateway to Museum Mile, which begins with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and continues down to the Barnes Foundation, one of the finest private collections of Post-Impressionist, early French Modern and African sculpture art in the world. For those looking to sample Philadelphia’s local flavors, you can head directly into Reading Terminal Market, a gastro-hub with dozens of local merchants, conveniently connected to the Center. Just a few blocks more will take you into the heart of the historic district, where you can explore our country’s diverse heritage by touring the many sites along Independence Mall, from the Liberty Bell to the President’s House.
There are more than 11,000 hotel rooms in Philadelphia, ranging from concept boutique hotels to world-renowned brands that guarantee a comfortable stay.
Planning and facilitating your event will be a breeze as well. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (PHLCVB) Philadelphia Sports Congress, Multicultural Affairs Congress and Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences Congress can help planners increase attendance and grow sponsorship opportunities. Each Congress works seamlessly within the PHLCVB to provide access to industry experts and speakers, and connect conventions with off-site networks, venues and regional attractions. The PHLCVB also assists with services like customized convention microsites, targeted e-marketing campaigns and smart incentives to raise attendance
pennsylvAniA convention center
without raising expenses.In the place where our nation was founded, Philadelphia is a truly
visionary city with an entrepreneurial spirit. Between our historic blocks and skyscrapers, a modern Renaissance is taking place. Our eclectic and always impressive dining scene has garnered global attention; festivals like The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, the Roots Picnic and Jay-Z’s Made in America are just a few examples of the talent and creative spirit bursting from our streets. And, we’re a proudly green city. Philadelphia is home to Fairmount Park (the largest urban park in the world), 205 miles of bicycle lanes and two riverfronts brimming with activity. Enjoy tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, unforgettable history, and nightlife that includes speakeasy-era cocktail bars, rustic pubs, salsa dancing, kitschy bowling lounges and local breweries. As one of the most walkable cities in America, with distinct neighborhoods that are full of charm, all our city has to offer is right at your doorstep.
Getting here couldn’t be any easier. Our sophisticated transportation network links Philadelphia International Airport, which services 30 airlines, offering nearly 620 daily departures to 125 cities, including 36 international destinations, and Amtrak’s 30th Street Station directly to the Convention Center and downtown – all through easy-to-access regional rail and subway lines. In fact, the airport is a mere 25 minutes from Center City. Philadelphia continues to write a vibrant story, and we want your event to be a part of it.
—Salvatore J. Chiarelli, Former Director of Meetings and Events, Risk & Insurance Management Society, Inc.
www.MEETPHL.com or 1.855.MEET.PHL
VALUABLE TIME & MONEY.
THE SPACE AT THE EXPANDEDPENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER
ALLOWED FOR MORE CREATIVITY
& AN EASIER SET-UP,SAVING MY TEAM
With 1 million square feet of usable space, the newly expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of the country’s premier meeting facilit ies. And to complete the package, we’ve put it in the heart of the country’s most dynamic, walkable and historic downtown.
@discoverPHL
facebook.com/discoverPHL
82 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T h e N o r T h e a s T
GO TO M.ISSUU.COM ON YOUR I-PAD OR MOBILE DEVICE TO GET STARTED
Regional General Manager: Robin Cuneo Everything you need, exactly where you want it. Your cost effective alternative to NYC
With an outstanding location five miles outside Manhattan, the Meadowlands Exposition Center is accessible to public transportation and major highways and only minutes from Newark Liberty Airport. 61,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition space; five seminar rooms. 65,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibition space, including five meeting rooms; theater seating: 6,000. Internet, Wifi, and all audio/visual needs; onsite decorator. Catering for up to 5,000. 1,500+ hotel rooms. Free park-ing. Attractions: MetLife Stadium, IZOD Center, Meadowlands Racetrack, Secaucus Outlet Center, 25+ restaurants, 16 movie screens, health club.
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Pennsylvania Convention Center1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107(215) 418-4700www.meetphl.comSenior Vice President, Convention Division: Julie Coker The Complete PackageThe LEED-certified Pennsylvania Convention Center features one million sq. ft. of sale-able space, the ability to host two major tradeshows simultaneously, 82 meeting rooms, 528,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, two ballrooms (including the 55,408-sq.-ft. Terrace Ballroom) and a Grand Hall housed in the historic Reading Railroad train shed. More than 9,000 hotel rooms are within a 15-minute walk of the center, whose North Broad Street entrance connects to the Avenue of the Arts and Museum Mile. Nearby are the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, Franklin Institute, and other major cultural institutions.
PennSylvania
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau 10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 456-0200www.GoProvidence.comVice President of Sales & Services: Kristin McGrath, CDME
Providence, RI is known for stellar restaurants, rich history, natural beauty and stunning architecture. The city’s compact downtown area makes it an extremely walkable city, with the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), hotels, restaurants, and eclectic shopping all within blocks of each other. Attractions include Bank of America Skating Center, Culinary Arts Museum at JWU, Providence Performing Arts Center, RI Philharmonic, WaterFire Providence, and more. T.F. Green Airport is 10 miles from the RICC, which offers 167,000 sq. ft. of function space, including 137,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 23 meeting rooms. Within one mile of the RICC are 2,200 hotel rooms.
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Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment ComplexOne Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903Phone: (401) 458-6000; Fax: (401) 458-6500www.riconvention.comSenior Director of Sales and Marketing: John J. McGinn, CEM Complex includes Rhode Island Convention Center, 13,000-seat Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1,900-seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium; conveniently located in the heart of downtown Providence. Convention Center: 137,000 sq. ft. total meeting/exhibit space; main exhibit hall: 100,000 contiguous sq. ft.; 23 meeting rooms and pre-function space; 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; accommodates groups 10-5,000; 5,500 hotel rooms in the Greater Providence area, with 2,200 within one mile of Complex. Attractions: Culinary Arts Museum at JWU, Museum of Art at the RI School of Design, Providence Bruins (AHL Affiliate of Boston Bruins), Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence Place Mall, RI Philharmonic.
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Rochester Riverside Convention Center123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14564(585) 232-7200; Fax: (585) 232-1510www.rrcc.comExecutive Director: Joseph A. Floreano, CFE“Do it better at the Rochester Riverside where you and your event are always the center of our attention!”
Convenient upstate N.Y. location, scenic Genesee River setting. 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibition space; 22 meeting rooms; 10,028-sq.-ft. ballroom; 49,275-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall; 5,000-seat theater; dedicated Internet connection over fiber optics; wireless access throughout facility; 1,100+ hotel rooms in a trio of major hotels con-nect venue, surrounded by several entertainment districts with restaurants, cafés, pubs, dance clubs, music halls, theaters. Rochester offers planners a compact convention district and New York State’s only one-stop convention facility.
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The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303(716) 278-2100; Fax: (716) 278-0008www.ccnfny.com Sales Director: Melissa Gearhart
Inspired by the magnificence of Niagara Falls, The Conference & Event Center’s 116,000 sq. ft. of versatile, state-of-the-art indoor function space includes a 32,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 10,500-sq.-ft. ballroom, 17 breakout rooms and a 49-seat theater. Complemented by 2,000 walkable hotel rooms, the IACC-certified facility is designed to provide meeting professionals with a technologically advanced, sensibly priced venue. Nearby attractions include Niagara Falls State Park, the Seneca Niagara Casino and the international Rainbow Bridge to Canada. The facility offers a myriad of customized convention, meeting and banquet options.
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83Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T h e N o r T h e a s T / r h o D e i s l a N D
10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI 02903 • (401) 456-0200 • www.GoProvidence.com
Providence, RI, dubbed the Creative Capital, has been celebrated for its stellar dining, and eclectic arts and culture scene. Travel + Leisure readers recently voted Providence one of America’s Favorite Cities, ranking the city No. 1 in the
U.S. for food, drink and restaurants.As home to the world’s largest culinary educator, Johnson &
Wales University, Providence reaps the rewards of having many of the school’s graduates demonstrate their culinary talents in local restaurants. The city’s Federal Hill neighborhood offers a taste of Italy right here in Rhode Island, and features more than 100 restaurants, shopping boutiques and late-night destinations.
For museum lovers, the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design houses more than 80,000 works ranging from Greek sculpture and French Impressionist paintings to contemporary multimedia art.
WaterFire, a multi-sensory art installation, is Providence’s signature event, and has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence combines aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music to create a truly singular experience. WaterFire is typically scheduled on Saturdays from May through October.
In the heart of downtown lies the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex – comprised of the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets). The RICC consists of a 100,000-contiguous-sq.-ft. exhibition hall, a 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 23 meeting rooms, and the Rotunda Room, which provides spectacular views of the city. The Complex is conveniently located within one mile of 2,200 hotel rooms, and a total of 5,500 rooms are available in the Greater Providence area.
providence wArwick convention & visitors BureAu Ample meeting space, hotel rooms and entertainment options
are all within easy reach of the RICC. At one end, it’s connected via skybridge to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the area’s premier events arena. At its other end, the RICC is attached to the 564-room Omni Providence, and Providence Place, a downtown mall offering more than 170 shopping, dining and entertainment options.
The 13,000-seat “Dunk” is home to the AHL Providence Bruins and the Big East Providence College Friars, and hosts sporting events, major concerts, family shows and tradeshows. The Dunk features 31,000 sq. ft. of arena space, a ceiling height of 90 ft., a 25,000-sq.-ft. concourse, a 12,000-sq.-ft. lobby, two party suites, two loges, five renovated meeting/hospitality rooms and more.
The Vets, a 1,900-seat theater, is a historic performing arts venue that boasts flawless acoustics, a breathtaking proscenium stage, and now, following a multi-million dollar renovation, a backstage that will leave performers feeling pampered. The Vets is also available for elegant corporate events, speaking engagements and more.
Nearby Warwick, RI features miles of scenic coastline and additional hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment choices. The city’s T.F. Green Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown Providence. The airport’s eco-friendly InterLink hub conveniently houses a rental car facility, public transportation options, and rail service to Providence, Boston and beyond.
The staff at the award-winning Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau is eager to work with planners to create a successful event. Whether attendees are exploring exhibit space at a tradeshow or a gallery opening, or meeting in or stepping out on a ballroom floor, they can meet with a new perspective . . . in Rhode Island.
p r o V i D e N c e , r i – T h e c r e aT i V e c a p i Ta l
Conveniently located in the heart of Rochester, NY, the Rochester Riverside Convention Center enjoys a scenic setting on the Genesee River with outdoor patios and balconies providing wonderful views. It also offers the convenience of enclosed
walkway connections to large hotels and parking garages.
Technological Features Located in a community known around the world for its high-tech expertise, the Rochester Riverside gets high marks for handling all types of technology needs. The Riverside Convention Center has upgraded to a dedicated Internet connection over fiber optics to meet all of the growing number of technical requirements our customers have. This service is available wireless throughout the facility and is scalable from 5 MB o 1 GB.
Other Features“We routinely offer services not found at most other convention centers,” says Executive Director Joseph A. Floreano, CFE. “One example is our in-house food and beverage operation, including two pastry chefs. In addition, our Riverside Productions and Riverside Catering divisions can even assist groups utilizing space in other places throughout the region. Basically, we are New York State’s only one-stop convention facility.” With Rochester’s 12 colleges and universities, world-famous corporations, and growing number of high-tech firms, there are also plenty of local speakers and other resources available from this combination of educational, business and research expertise. Personalized service and a can-do attitude are additional features that meeting planners really appreciate. According to Dr. Steven E. Schopp, Executive Administrator of the New York State School Music Association, “What I most enjoy about working with the Rochester Riverside Convention Center—aside from a general professionalism that is the rule rather than the exception—is the friendly, positive attitude of staff at every level. These are people I like to work with and that, combined with a first-class facility, makes the Riverside an outstanding convention venue.”
Hotel RoomsMore than 1,100 rooms in a trio of major hotels connect with the Rochester
NeW York sTaTe’s oNlY oNe-sTop coNVeNTioN faciliTY
rochester riverside convention center
Riverside Convention Center to create a compact convention district in the center of the city. There is a 362-room Rochester Plaza; 465-room Radisson, which just completed a $6 million renovation of its facility; and a 336-room Hyatt Regency. Delegates also enjoy the convenience of walking between hotels and the Convention Center in minutes using the enclosed skywalk system or scenic riverside walkway.
Pier 45Experience the eclectic atmosphere of Pier 45. Rochester Riverside’s newest dining experience, located on the city’s spectacular waterfront along the shores of Lake Ontario.You’ll find everything from a light tapas-style menu to a full dinner service, large-scale gourmet desserts, a fully stocked custom bar and an inviting veranda that accommodates both planned events and impromptu get-togethers.
Nearby Attractions Several entertainment districts surround the Rochester Riverside with restaurants, cafés, coffee houses, pubs, dance clubs, music halls, theaters and more. Rochester also boasts numerous museums, including the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography & Film, the Susan B. Anthony House and the acclaimed Strong National Museum of Play.
Destination FeaturesRochester is the northern gateway to the magnificent Finger Lakes region with its rolling hills, lush valleys and 11 namesake lakes. It is also a region becoming famous for its more than 100 vineyards, excellent wines and numerous “wine trails.” With the recent addition of the New York Wine and Culinary Center in nearby Canandaigua, the wineries and farmer’s markets of the Finger Lakes region offer delegates meeting in Rochester wonderful day trip options for pre- or post-conference enjoyment. Distance to AirportThe Greater Rochester International Airport — 150 flights daily — is an easy, stress-free, 10-minute drive from the Rochester Riverside Convention Center’s front door.
® I LOVE NEW YORK logo is a registered trademark/service mark of the NYS Dept. of Economic Development, used with permission.
RRCC GRVA Ad full 012310:RRCC GRVA Ad 022109 1/26/10 5:34 PM Page 1
86 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
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Delaware Maryland VirginiaWest Virginia Washington, D.C.
visitnorfolktoday.com 1-800-368-3097
Norfolk is a vibrant port city full of fantastic meeting venues, fun things to do and fascinating things to see. With its rich history, great weather, distinctive dining and nightlife, and an easy-to-reach coastal Virginia location, Norfolk is the perfect destination for your next meeting. Discover all the details at visitnorfolktoday.com.
Dynamic. Diverse. Distinct.
VisitNorfolk 232 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510(757) 664-6620 / (800) 368-3097; Fax: (757) 622-3663www.visitnorfolktoday.comVice President of Sales and Marketing: Donna Allen
Located in the heart of the Virginia waterfront, this compact meetings destination features hotels and convention facilities suited for any need. Norfolk has a sparkling waterfront dotted with trendy restaurants, arts districts, museums, attractions and shopping. Getting around is easy with Virginia’s first light rail system, The Tide. The city offers 5,400 rooms and 500,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space including Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, Norfolk Plaza, Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, the Norfolk Scope and more. Attractions: MacArthur Center Mall, Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, Hermitage Foundation Museum, Norfolk Tides AAA Baseball, and Virginia Zoological Park.
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Roland E. Powell Convention Center4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842(800) 626-2326; Fax: (410) 289-0058www.ococean.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: R. Frederick Wise, CHAE
Ocean City, Maryland offers some of the world’s best golf courses, a free beach, seasonal festivals, and fishing. Its con-temporary convention center is currently expanding to 214,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibition space with 25 meeting rooms including two executive boardrooms; a 45,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall (76,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space); a 30,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom with 35-ft. ceilings and panoramic bay-views; wireless Internet; 1,000+ free parking spaces. Ocean City Information & Welcome Center on site; catering and beverage services; 9,500 hotel rooms and 29,000 rentable con-dos. Located 28 miles from Salisbury-Ocean City Airport.
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Washington Hilton1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20009(202) 483-3000; Fax: (202) 232-0438 www.washingtonhilton.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Juan Garcia
Legendary Meeting Hotel opened in 1965. 110,000 sq. ft. flexible function space – 43 meeting rooms; 35,815-sq.-ft. International Ballroom (seats 4,150 theater style); 30,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall. Digital wayfinding and events signage with touch capabilities throughout hotel; onsite AV specialist. Ballroom features 48-ft. hydraulic stage and nearly 100 installed rigging points. Wireless and wired HSIA, data, voice and visual transmission in all meeting rooms; DS3 bandwidth speed; 1,070 guest rooms, including 47 suites. Has served as the backdrop to politi-cal conferences, monumental meetings and memorable events – including an official presidential Inaugural Ball every four years since 1969.
waShington, DC
Greater Richmond Convention Center403 North Third Street, Richmond, VA 23219(804) 783-7300; Fax: (804) 225-0508www.richmondcenter.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Lori Coyne Where Virginia Meets the WorldThe Greater Richmond Convention Center is Virginia’s largest meeting and exhibition facility. The contemporary facility features 178,159 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space; a 30,550-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom; 50,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space; a 258-seat, auditorium-style lecture hall; a 13,000-sq.-ft., glassed-in, showroom-style main registration lobby; and 1,540 parking spaces in two decks attached to the facility. There are 650 hotel rooms adjacent to the center with thousands more nearby. Local attractions include King’s Dominion Amusement Park, Richmond International Raceway, The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, The National Theater and the Virginia State Capitol.
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87Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
GO FROM BOARDROOM TO BOARDWALK.
Ocean City, MD's Roland E. Powell Convention Center is the perfect site for your conference or convention and now offers even more options for your next event.
FOR BOOKING INQUIRIES AND INFORMATION:
1-800-OC-OCEAN ococean.com
• 214,000 sq. feet of fl exible space
• New 1,200-seat performing arts center, coming Winter 2015
• 25 meeting rooms
• Expanded exhibit space, including a renovated ballroom
• Beautiful panoramic bay views
Ocean City, MD is just a short drive from most major East Coast cities and offers a variety of accommodations including 9,500 hotel rooms and 25,000 rentable condos.
And after your event is over, be sure to enjoy OC's 10 miles of free beach, three-mile boardwalk, 17 championship golf courses, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and more!
Especially when that beach is in Ocean City, Maryland. Ocean City, MD is “The East Coast’s Number One Family Resort,” with waves of activities and events. With 10 miles
of white sand and waves, a three-mile boardwalk, nightlife, 17 championship golf courses, restaurants, shopping and more, there’s no end to the fun when the meetings are over.
And in addition to our great beach, Ocean City’s Roland E. Powell Convention Center is getting even better. The center is currently expanding to add 14,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, as well as renovating and expanding the Grand Ballroom by 18,000 sq. ft. and offering 25 meeting rooms, giving you more options for your next conference, as well as beautiful panoramic bay views. The expansion will be complete this fall and the well-equipped
rolAnd e. powell convention center
convention center will be fully functional in the meantime. The center also features on-site food and beverage service
along with full-service catering by Centerplate, a veteran convention staff, free WiFi service throughout the center, and free parking for more than 1,000 cars and buses.
Ocean City offers business travelers a choice of accommodations, including 9,500 hotel rooms and more than 29,000 rentable condos; of these 4,850 are year-round committable rooms.
Every season offers a reason to make your next meeting a vacation. So plan your next convention in Ocean City, where you’ll find everything you want — whether you’re in meetings or on the beach. For more information, contact the Ocean City Convention Center’s sales team at (410) 289-2800 or (800) OC-OCEAN or visit ococean.com.
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88 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
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Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard NorthBirmingham, AL 35203(205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438www.bjcc.orgDirector of Sales and Marketing: Susette Hunter
Alabama’s largest convention facility, one of the best values in the South, offers 220,000 sq. ft. meeting/exhibition space including a 111,000-sq.-ft. main exhibition hall, 174,000 sq. ft. meet-ing space, 74 meeting rooms, 15,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 18,000-seat arena, 2,800-seat concert hall. 3,800-sq.-ft. broadcast studio – live TV capabilities, satellite uplink capabilities. Medical Forum: 10-story tower features high-tech meeting rooms, fully-equipped demonstration lab. 1,000 hotel rooms nearby. Attractions: Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, award-winning Robert Trent Jones Golf trail courses.
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The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316(954) 765-5900; Fax: (954) 763-9551www.ftlauderdalecc.comAssistant General Manager: Terry KucaPremier Oceanside Convention Center Located In The Venice of America
Just five minutes from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. 600,000-sq.ft. –349,514 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space; 32 meeting rooms; 3 ballrooms – 30,000-sq.-ft. Grand Floridian,Ballroom, 20,000-sq.-ft. Floridian Ballroom, 10,000-sq.-ft. Palm Ballroom; 250,486 sq. ft. exhibit space, 64,887-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall; 15,000-seat theater; wifi; web-casting; CAT 5; on-site kitchen; Breezin’ Java/Cyber Café; 33,000 hotel rooms! Attractions: 23 miles of Blue Wave beaches, Arts & Entertainment district; 4,000+ restaurants; 60+ golf courses, International Swimming Hall of Fame, Sawgrass Mills Mall.
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Hilton Atlanta255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303(404) 222-2872; Fax: (404) 221-6368www. hiltonatlantadowntown.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Edd Karlan The Jewel of the SouthPremier convention, 1,242-room hotel in downtown Atlanta, ideal location that offers the perfect setting for and a gateway to the city’s rejuvenated downtown scene. 119,000 sq. ft. of flexible function/meeting space, including 55 meeting rooms, 18,500-sq.-ft. ballroom, 41,000-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall, 1,900-seat theater. 100MB of total bandwidth in hotel. “Smart-Flo” meeting space. Enclosed bridge access to two hotels offering over 3,000 rooms. Nearby Attractions: Georgia Aquarium, GWCC, World of Coke, Fox Theatre, Phillips Arena, Turner Field, Georgia Dome. 100 award-winning restaurants in downtown. 11 miles to airport.
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Hilton New Orleans RiversideTwo Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130(504) 556-3700; Fax: (504) 556-3788www.neworleansriversidehotel.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Eric Janecke We measure distance in footsteps, not cab fare!Nestled along the Mississippi River‚ New Orleans is an exceptional meeting destination that blends multi-cultural traditions, music, culinary perfection, festivals and spirit. The Hilton Sales Complex is comprised of three unique properties within walking distance of the New Orleans Convention Center. The largest hotel in the complex, Hilton New Orleans Riverside – a “city within a city” – offers 1‚622 guestrooms including 74 suites, 122‚000+ sq. ft. of function space, 38 meeting rooms, a 27,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. Features: Advanced audio-visual technology, videoconferencing services, seamless connectivity with the convention center, BoardEZ™ kiosk.
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Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau500 Church Street, Suite One, Huntsville, AL 35801(256) 551-2230; (800) 843-0468, Fax: (256) 551-2324huntsville.org, facebook.com/huntsvilleCVBVice President of Conventions: Yvonne Boyington Huntsville, Alabama – Rocket City, USAHuntsville’s new and newly remodeled hotels as well as major improvements to the Von Braun Center emphasize its dedication to the success of your next meeting. The Von Braun Center (170,000+ sq. ft. meeting/exhibition space, 22 breakout rooms; 23,184-sq.-ft. ballroom; 100,800-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; 1,953-seat Mark C. Smith Concert Hall ) has completed a $30 million renovation to the 8,000+ seat Propst Arena. It’s surrounded by 700+ hotel rooms; over 7,000 citywide. Local attractions include the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden and Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail-Hampton Cove.
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The Classic Center300 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601(706) 208-0900www.classiccenter.comDirector of Sales: Maureen Baker Be ImpressedThe Classic Center convention center and performing arts theater in vibrant downtown Athens completed its new $24 million expansion in February 2013. The expansion doubled the size of the center’s exhibit hall to 56,000 sq. ft. and included construction of a new 8,000-sq.-ft. atrium. The center can now accommodate groups of up to 6,000. Overall func-tion space of 110,590 sq. ft. includes a 55,610-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall and a 17,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. The theater seats 2,100. With 2,443 hotel rooms citywide, Atlanta is home to the Georgia Museum of Art, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 55 restaurants, and 40 taverns and nightclubs.
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89Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
One S. Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 • (251) 208-2100; Fax: (251) 208-2150 • mobileconventions.com
The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center anchors a lively downtown offering world-class accommodations, lush parks and squares, retail shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries. The 300,000-sq.-ft. Center
offers 18 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and two exhibit halls totaling 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. Winner of numerous architectural awards, the Center takes full advantage of its superb waterfront setting with terraces and riverwalks, while the prefunction area’s expansive windows afford magnificent views of passing ships on the Mobile River.
The Center has also mastered the requirements of accessibility, flexibility and liberally placed amenities to accommodate a variety of conventions, meetings, trade and consumer shows. From service-corridor access to conveniently located registration lobbies, the state-of-the-art facility offers all services necessary to ensure the success of every event. Within walking distance are six hotels that offer more than 1,100 sleeping rooms, including the AAA Four Diamond, 363-room Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, which is connected via SkyWalk to the Convention Center. Accommodations include reasonably priced hotel chains, a historic inn, a bed & breakfast and a modern high-rise. Three regional airports service the Mobile Bay area: Mobile Regional Airport, Pensacola Regional Airport and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. All three airports are within driving distance of the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.
Mobile Bay is home to numerous one-of-a-kind attractions for guests to discover, including Alabama’s top rated USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park and the Gulf Coast Exploreum and IMAX Theater. The beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Alligator Alley, 5 Rivers: Delta Resource Center, Hank Aaron Stadium, Civil War Trail, Oakleigh Historic
Arthur r. outlAw moBile convention centerDistrict and several museums are also favorites to our visitors. In addition, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf Coast opened last fall. Attendees can now enjoy more than 90 exhibits dedicated to the Gulf Coast’s rich maritime traditions. Guests can also play on several award-winning golf courses.
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2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438 • www.bjcc.org
and Ballroom. The complex also includes a large center
piazza used for outdoor events.
The Exhibition Halls cover 220,000 sq. ft. of generous
space for presenting expansive tradeshows and
exhibitions. For smaller tradeshows or exhibitions, the
halls are divisible into seven different configurations.
The Convention Complex also offers full catering
service for any size group. The onsite caterer offers
everything from casual box lunches to elaborate cocktail
receptions and formal dinners.
Two skywalks and an interior corridor stretching over
1,000 feet connect the BJCC exhibition halls, meeting
•ToTal ExhibiTion SpacE = 220,000 Sq. fT. wiTh 20-30 fT. cEilingS•numbEr of mEETing roomS = 90•largEST ballroom = 15,552 Sq. fT. •banquET SEaTing capaciTy = 8,800 SEaTS•EvEnT SpacE = 2,800-SEaT concErT hall, 1,000-SEaT ThEaTEr and 18,000-SEaT arEna
BirminGhAm-JeFFerson convention complex
rooms and arena with the adjacent 757-room Sheraton
Birmingham Hotel. Alongside the Sheraton is the
all-new Westin Birmingham Hotel, complete with 294
rooms which connect to the Sheraton via skywalk. These
luxury hotels combine to offer a total of 1,051 rooms
and provide convenient access for patrons attending
conventions, meetings or events.
The BJCC is in the final phase of completing the new
Uptown Entertainment District which includes the now-
open Todd English Pub. Other exciting attractions will
be Octane, a premier coffee shop and full service bar, as
well as Texas de Brazil, an upscale steakhouse.
The BJCC offers videoconferencing, satellite
teleconferencing, in-house Ethernet cabling for event use,
microwave and satellite connectivity, wireless access to
an exhibitor network, as well as a fully staffed, broadcast-
quality studio with pre- and post- production capabilities.
N
ALABAMA’S LARGEST AND MOST DYNAMIC MEETING FACILITY the Birmingham-JeffersonConvention Complex offers 220,000 square feet of exhibition space and 90 meeting rooms, allthat can adapt to just the size you need. And for convenience and ease, we’re located in theheart of Birmingham, ten minutes from the airport with easy interstate access.
See the new and improved BJCC. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is in the finalphase of completing the new Uptown Entertainment District, including the 294 room Westin Hotelthat opened in February, 2013.that opened in February, 2013.
For more information about the BJCC visit us online.
Owensboro Convention Center501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301(270) 687-8800; Fax: (270) 687-8395www.owensboro-conventioncenter.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Laura A. Alexander
The Owensboro Convention Center is a new, state-of-the-art, multipurpose meeting facility located on the banks of the Ohio River. The facility boasts 92,000 sq. ft. of usable space consisting of a 44,000-plus-sq.-ft. exhibition hall, and over 48,000 sq. ft. of additional ballroom and meeting spaces. The center will also feature a large outside space that overlooks the Ohio River. There are 270 rooms located within one block and more than 1,100 rooms within a five-mile radius. Attendees can explore the International Bluegrass Music Museum, the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens.
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New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 19107(504) 582-3023 • www.mccno.comDirector of Sales: Keith Levey Any Meeting, Any SizeLocated within walking distance of the Warehouse/Arts District and the historic French Quarter, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center houses 140 meeting rooms located directly above 1.1 million sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, a 4,000-seat confer-ence auditorium/theater, two ballrooms, three restaurants and a VIP dining suite. The 60,300-sq.-ft., column-free Great Hall, with 25,400 sq. ft. of pre-function space, debuted in January. Additional features of The Great Hall include the 4,660-sq.-ft. Rivergate Room, complete with a 4,400-sq.-ft. rooftop terrace and indoor balcony, and a 5,700-sq.-ft. Mosaic Room. The Louis Armstrong International Airport is just 14 miles away.
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Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 14303(305) 673-7311; Fax: (305) 673-7435www.MiamiBeachConvention.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Ileana Garcia
Spanning four city blocks of palm tree-lined streets and located in the heart of the electrifying and historic South Beach/Art Deco District, the Miami Beach Convention Center is truly an event planner’s paradise. With white sandy beaches just a few blocks away, terrific Lincoln Road shopping, award-winning restaurants and an exciting nightlife scene, the Convention Center is the choice for your next meeting, convention or tradeshow. Function space includes 502,000 sq. ft. of total exhibit space split into four halls, a 21,252-sq.-ft. ballroom, 70 breakout rooms and a 430-seat theater. The Convention Center is surrounded by 3,000 walkable hotel rooms and is just 11 miles from Miami International Airport.
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Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center One South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602(251) 208-2001www.mobileconventions.comDirector Sales & Marketing: Cheryl Ann Gee Service, Style, SuccessWinner of numerous architectural awards, the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center takes full advantage of its waterfront setting with outdoor terraces, riverwalks and expansive riverfront windows affording panoramic views from pre-function areas. The facility offers 319,000 sq. ft. of function space, including a 100,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall, 15,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 18 breakout rooms. Mobile Bay is home to numerous unique attractions such as USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, the Gulf Coast Exploreum, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Civil War Trail and more.
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Music City CenterC/O Nashville Convention Center Authority413 5th Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37203(615) 742-2002; Fax: (615) 742-2014www.nashvillemusiccitycenter.comExecutive Director: Charles Starks
Opening May 2013, this 1.2 million-sq.-ft. building right in the heart of downtown Nashville. 90,000 sq. ft. meeting space; 60 meeting rooms; 57,500-sq.-ft. ballroom, 350,000-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall, whose space and acoustic designing will allow it to double as a concert hall. Attached Omni Nashville Hotel features 800 rooms and suites and an additional 80,000 sq. ft. meeting/event space. Hotel will connect to the Country Music Hall of Fame, who will operate an 800-seat theater adjacent to the hotel’s meeting space. Attractions: Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium.
The nation’s second-largest convention facility, featuring seven million sq. ft. of combined meeting and public space in two remarkable facilities. 74 meeting rooms, 235 breakout rooms; 62,182-sq.-ft. multi-purpose room; 2,643-seat Chapin Theater and a 160-seat lecture hall. 2.1 million sq. ft. of exhibition space, 1.1 million sq. ft. of which is contiguous; two 92,000-sq.-ft. general assembly areas; three full-service restaurants; eight food courts; and three business centers. Surrounded by 115,000 hotel rooms.
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Visit Savannah101 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401(877) SAVANNAH/(912) 644-6424; Fax: (912) 644-6499www.SavannahMeetings.com www.SavannahVisit.comVP Business Development & Services: Jeff Hewitt Savannah is a convention city capable of hosting large, high-level meetings, conventions and special events. Welcome to Savannah, est. 1733, waiting to charm you with tree-filled squares and perfectly preserved historic buildings. Savannah has the capacity to accommodate large groups in its convention, exhibit and meeting facilities, the largest being the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. Total event space: 330,000 sq. ft.; exhibit space: 100,000 sq. ft.; ballroom: 25,000 sq. ft.; pre-function space: 6,600 sq. ft.; meetings rooms: 13; 14,000 hotel rooms citywide.
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Vicksburg Convention Center & Auditorium1600 Mulberry St (Convention Center)901 Monroe St. (Auditorium) Vicksburg, MS 39180(601) 630-2929; (866) VCCMEET; Fax: (601) 630-2910www.vicksburgevents.comSales and Marketing Manager: Erin Powell
In Vicksburg, Mississippi you’ll find Southern hospitality in its most authentic form. A city that harbors U.S. history at some of its most poignant turns. Vicksburg Convention Center & Auditorium, a two-level complex built with flexibility, functionality and ergo-nomics in mind, offers spacious exhibit halls, cozy meeting rooms and everything in between; 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, includes a 17,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 2,400-seat theater. Entire facility is equipped with WiFi, all meeting rooms have audio visual equipment pre-set and ready-to-use; 2,345 hotel rooms nearby.
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93Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
new orleAns ernest n. moriAl convention center
900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130 • (504) 582-3000; Fax: (504) 582-3032 • www.mccno.com
In perfect harmony with her timeless charms, New Orleans’s next great improvisation – The Great Hall – debuted in January. The Crescent City’s long-revered New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention
Center now features a 60,300-sq.-ft. divisible Great Hall, a 25,400-sq.-ft. multi-use pre-function space and hotel-like appointments throughout.
The impressive 1.1 million-sq.-ft. Center, which so perfectly complements the city’s walkable hotel packages, is now more attractive than ever to groups large and small. Additional features of note include a 4,660-sq.-ft. junior ballroom, complete with a 3,420-sq.-ft. rooftop terrace, a 980-sq.-ft. indoor balcony and a 5,700-sq.-ft. executive club lounge. The Center also has 140 meeting rooms located directly above the 11 exhibit halls and a 4,000-seat theater. There is easy access for move-in with generous loading docks and adjacent truck marshaling facilities.
The ballroom expansion project is the latest in a series of $140 million in upgrades to the facility since 2006. The Center – the sixth-largest convention center in the nation – boasts a 1 gigabyte fiber optic Internet backbone that is 100 percent redundant, providing meeting planners with unlimited technological opportunities to extend programming to attendees and exhibitors.
The Center’s vast lobby features comfortable furniture groupings in over 150,000 sq. ft. of space for registration, information kiosks and sponsor banners.
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Attendees will enjoy learning the origins of unique New Orleans words via an interactive QR code on the “Word Wall.” The lobby’s decorative banners feature iconic New Orleans images of art, music, food, history and architecture, and purple-coated “Fleur de Lis Ambassadors” greet attendees at every entrance.
Digital, flat-panel audio/video information systems are strategically placed throughout the main lobby, meeting room levels and in pre-function areas. In addition, key card access and fully integrated, digital signage system with screens were implemented in all 140 meeting rooms and throughout public space.
The Center offers a full menu of cost-effective, onsite services and equipment to assist in planning and executing your event. The highly qualified and experienced production team offers a full menu of integrated services for all of your lighting, audio, video and rigging needs in-house or to support your selected contractor. In addition, a full-service UPS Store provides show management, attendees and exhibitors a full range of services under a nationally recognized brand.
The Center’s food service contractor, Centerplate, is committed to providing the essence of the New Orleans food experience, which befits a city that is known for exceptional food and dining experiences. Centerplate operates three onsite restaurants featuring live local music and menus of iconic Louisiana dishes by award-winning chef Donald Link.
aNY MeeTiNg, aNY size
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West Concourse - 9800 International Drive
South Concourse - 9899 International Drive
North Concourse - 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
ORLANDO’S ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER UNLOCKS THE SECRET TO MEETING SUCCESSIt’s simple: superb hospitality, flawless service and total convenience. These elements define the attendee experience, affecting how they feel, how well they’re able to network and how they perceive the event as a whole. If any one of them falls short, so does the event.
One venue that recognizes this reality is Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Here, tropical ambiance and colossal space (seven million sq. ft. in two buildings, connected by an open-air pedestrian walkway) are just the beginning. The OCCC also offers an outstanding level of service — one that has cemented the Center’s position among the world’s premier meeting and tradeshow destinations.
OCCC’s SERVICESOCCC’s broad offering of show management and exhibitor services, ranging from catering to telecommunications, is considered one of the finest in the convention industry, and contributes to the Center’s reputation as one of the best places in the country to hold a meeting.
The Center’s marketing executives and sales managers are dedicated to providing clients with an experience that is flawless from beginning to end. For every size and type of event, these seasoned professionals provide solutions that exceed everyone’s expectations, and will ensure that your needs are communicated efficiently during the client servicing process.
OCCC’s event managers are certified meeting professionals with the highest level of industry experience. They will assist show managers with planning the logistical details of their convention, tradeshow or special event. Serving as the main conduit for OCCC communication and information – before, during and after the show — these dedicated team members ensure the most complete, productive and enjoyable experience for both show planners and attendees.
For the optimum exhibitor experience, OCCC show managers and exhibitors turn to the Center’s exhibitor services department. Individual exhibitor service representatives assigned to every OCCC event will ensure total satisfaction. Beyond the services
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offered on the show floor, this team can provide custom Web pages hosted by the OCCC, bonus amenities for your Top 20 exhibitors, and coordination of pre-event meetings. For maximum convenience, the OCCC’s exhibitor mobile connection brings the capabilities of a service desk directly to the show floor, where roaming EMC representatives will respond to exhibitor requests on the spot, so they never have to leave their booths for assistance.
OCCC’s GOLD KEY PARTNERSThe OCCC is also proud to be the only convention center in the country to partner with one of the world’s most famous theme parks — Universal Orlando Resort®.
With offices right onsite, Universal Orlando Resort® is always available to help show management and their exhibitors plan dynamic entertainment and events. From theme park tickets to private events at theme parks, plus entertainment and networking opportunities at a variety of amazing onsite venues, OCCC’s Gold Key Partner will help make any Orlando meeting experience unforgettable.
NEW CONNECTIONSOrlando, Florida, a city already renowned for its world-class hospitality, entertainment and business offerings, has added to its appeal with a number of new developments in the Orange County Convention Center area.
The following hotels now add 2,150 more hotel rooms to Orlando, bringing the overall room inventory to over 115,000, making this center of hospitality more welcoming than ever.
Hilton Hotels:The beautiful new 1,400-room Hilton Orlando is connected to
the Center’s South Concourse by a pedestrian sky bridge.Peabody Hotels:The Peabody Orlando just added a 32-story, 750-room guest
tower connecting the hotel with the Center’s North/South and West Concourse.
Rosen Hotels and Resorts:The Rosen Centre has recently connected to the OCCC via a
new pedestrian sky bridge, making it even more convenient to access the Center’s West Concourse.
Partnering for Excellence
On-site Service Partners
Centerplate – Catering and Specialty Services
FedEx Office – Business Centers and Mobility Services
SmartCity – Telecommunications and Internet Services
LMG – Audio Visual Services
Bags – Baggage Airline Guest Services
On-site Gold Key Partner
Universal Orlando® Resort
To discover what the Orange County Convention Center can do for you, call the OCCC’s Sales Department at 1-800-345-9845 or email [email protected].
www.occc.net
P.O. Box 691509 • Orlando, Florida 32869-1509
Phone: 407-685-9800 • Toll Free: 1-800-345-9845
The Center of Hospitality, where it’s all about your experience!
free
mobileapp http:/ /gettag.mobitag
Scanwiththe
Orange County Convention Center
-5412 F&D Facility Ad NewEmail.indd 1 2/15/12 9:58 AM
Partnering for Excellence
On-site Service Partners
Centerplate – Catering and Specialty Services
FedEx Office – Business Centers and Mobility Services
SmartCity – Telecommunications and Internet Services
LMG – Audio Visual Services
Bags – Baggage Airline Guest Services
On-site Gold Key Partner
Universal Orlando® Resort
To discover what the Orange County Convention Center can do for you, call the OCCC’s Sales Department at 1-800-345-9845 or email [email protected].
www.occc.net
P.O. Box 691509 • Orlando, Florida 32869-1509
Phone: 407-685-9800 • Toll Free: 1-800-345-9845
The Center of Hospitality, where it’s all about your experience!
free
mobileapp http:/ /gettag.mobitag
Scanwiththe
Orange County Convention Center
-5412 F&D Facility Ad NewEmail.indd 1 2/15/12 9:58 AM
96 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
101 East Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401 • 1 (877) SAVANNAH; (912) 644-6416; Fax: (912) 644-6499 • www.SavannahMeetings.com
Savannah’s Historic Meetings District Offers Southern Hospitality through SavannahMeetings.com
Let Savannah delight your meeting attendees. With many cultural attractions, numerous Coastal Cuisine restaurants, elegant accommodations and unique boutiques within blocks of great meeting venues, Savannah entertains those who are
in search of history, architecture and adventure. SavannahMeetings.com also showcases Savannah as a leading convention city capable of hosting large, high-level meetings, conventions and special events. The site makes research and submitting an RFP an easy and painless operation for busy planners. It also features links to special promotions and offers a tool kit for event organizers that includes a virtual meeting planner guide, interactive floor plans for the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and testimonials from many of the industry’s top professionals who have had successful meetings in Savannah. Jeff Hewitt, vice president of business development for Visit Savannah, describes it well, “Savannah is making herself known as a gracious hostess for groups of all sizes. Like any proper Southern lady, it’s all about anticipating your guest’s needs and providing solutions before they’re needed. Our Website delivers Savannah’s best!”
Savannah Meetings Facts:• Rooms Citywide: approximately 14,975 • Rooms in Historic Meetings District: approximately 4,340• Rooms Committable for Meetings: approximately 1,600
AttractionsSavannah has many boutiques, galleries and specialty shops in Historic Meetings District, as well as many other attractions to explore. These include 22 squares, walking tours, trolley tours, the SCAD Museum of Art, Jepson Center for the Arts, The Telfair Museum of Art, Juliette Gordon Low (Founder of the Girl Scouts) Birthplace, Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, City Market, River Street, Forsyth Park, many live music venues and numerous golf courses to enjoy.
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Convention FacilitiesOn beautiful Savannah Harbor, The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center blends the best of the old and new to offer a modern venue for your next convention, meeting or special event. This waterfront, 330,000-sq.-ft. facility features 100,000 sq. ft. of prime exhibit space and 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, including 21 meeting rooms, four executive board rooms, a 25,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom and a state-of-the-art, 400-seat auditorium. Additional meeting facilities include the Coastal Georgia Center and the Savannah Civic Center.
Convention HotelsThere are many Savannah convention hotels in the area, such as the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa (403 rooms), Savannah Marriott Riverfront (383 rooms), Hyatt Regency Savannah (347 rooms) and the Hilton Savannah DeSoto (246 rooms). There are nearly 4,500 available hotel rooms at various hotels in the Historic Meetings District and more than 14,000 total hotel rooms in Savannah and the surrounding counties.
Destination Services The Destination Services staff is here to make your life easier and ensure that your meeting is a success. The staff can handle all of the details from booking your audio visual systems and catering services to planning itineraries. Services also include offsite venue tours, site visits to accommodations, attractions, restaurants and tour sites, familiarization tours and more.
Whatever your needs, Savannah can handle all of the details with our local tourism professionals. Host your meeting here to experience why Savannah is known for her hospitality and service. For additional information, visit us at www.SavannahMeetings.com or call 1.877.Savannah. To plan your meeting in Savannah today, contact Jeff Hewitt, vice president of business development at Visit Savannah, at (912) 644-6416 or at [email protected].
Name:
Age:
Seeking:
About me:
Savannah
280 years old
Convention attendees of all ages
Not to brag, but I’ve been told I’m incredibly beautiful, warm, and have that old Southern charm.
I have access to over 3,000 committable hotel rooms and 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space, but I also know all the best places to eat and have fun! :)
t John S. Knight Center77 East Mill Street, Akron, OH 44308(330) 374-8900 / (800) 245-4254; Fax: (330) 374-8971www.johnsknightcenter.orgVP of Sales: Dirk Breiding The Center of All America® City
Akron – set among the rolling hills of the Old Connecticut Western Reserve and along the shores of the Ohio and Erie Canalway. The John S. Knight Center is downtown Akron’s showcase for great events. State-of-the-art video conferencing and streaming systems, onsite skilled support/service staff, full-service catering; 16 meeting rooms; 12,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 30,000-sq.-ft. exhibition hall (41,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space); 12,000 sq. ft. of banquet space; an additional 12,600 sq. ft. of meeting space; 22,000-sq.-ft. lobby, high-lighted by distinctive glass rotunda and spiral staircase; two hotels – 339 rooms – within 1 1⁄2 blocks; 5,400 county-wide.
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Bridge View Center102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501(641) 684-7000www.bridgeviewcenter.comExecutive Director: Larry Gawronski Where Great Events Create Lifetime ExperiencesLocated along the banks of the Des Moines River, the 92,000-sq.-ft. Bridge View Center fea-tures a 30,000-sq.-ft. multi-purpose exposition hall, five breakout rooms totaling 7,000 sq. ft. and a 665-seat theater. Bridge View Center offers pipe, drape, tables, skirts and linens for up to 120 tradeshow booths; plentiful free, onsite parking; and a riverfront plaza just outside the atrium-style lobby. Approximately 500 convention/guest hotel rooms are available; just across the river lies downtown Ottumwa with a variety of quality hotel accommodations. Nearby attractions include the Beach Ottumwa, America Gothic House, Wapello County Museum, Antique Air Museum and Wapello County Trails.
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Clay County Regional Events Center800 West 18th Street, Spencer, IA 51301-3156(712) 580-3000; Fax: (712) 580-3003www.SpencerEvents.comGeneral Manager: Scott Hallgren
Delivering Outstanding ExperiencesSpencer, Iowa . . . delivering outstanding experiences in a small-town location! Each September we’re home to the World’s Greatest County Fair. The Clay County Regional Events Center offers full-service facilities — 7,600-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, divisible into six meeting rooms, and a 24,000-sq.-ft. arena/exhibit hall (130 10 ft.-by-10 ft. booths, seats 2,500; 31,580 sq. ft. total exhibit space); wireless Internet throughout. AV equipment located onsite, including LCD projector, wireless mics, screens, CD player; in-house lighting package featuring special up-lighting, decorative lights, and other special effects or impact lighting. 249 hotel rooms nearby.
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Positively Cleveland334 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114(800) 321-1001www.clevelandmeetings.netSenior VP of Convention Sales & Services: Mike Burns
With more than $2 billion in new developments including three new hotel properties and a $465 million convention center facility, Cleveland is a premier meeting and convention destination where affordability, accessibility and first-class facilities meet. The LEED Silver-certified Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center will open July 2013. The 750,000-sq.-ft. Convention Center features a 225,928-sq.-ft. exhibit hall and 93,000 sq. ft. of meeting space across 35 meeting rooms, including a 32,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom. More than 3,000 rooms are located downtown. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is just 12 miles away. Attractions: Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, PlayhouseSquare, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
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Greater Columbus Convention Center400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215(614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241, Fax: (614) 827-2659www.columbusconventions.comA Perfect Destination: From the Inside Out.The SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is located in the heart of the Columbus High Five entertainment area, within 550 miles of two-thirds of the U.S. population. Exhibitor-friendly facility welcomes 2.5 million+ annually to the country’s 15th largest city. 1.7 million-sq.-ft. venue offers four contiguous exhibit halls (410,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space), 65 meeting rooms, three ballrooms – including 74,000-sq.-ft. Battelle Grand, the largest multipurpose ballroom in Ohio. Onsite Food Court & Shops, ARAMARK catering, The UPS Store & Business Center. 2,950 committable hotel rooms downtown; 23,952 citywide. Dozens of restau-rants, bars, theaters and galleries within walking distance.
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Delta Center400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203(414) 908-6001; Fax: (414) 908-6010www.wcd.orgDirector of Sales & Marketing: Trace Goudreau [email protected] Milwaukee – easy-to-get-to, easy-to-navigate, visitor-friendly meetings destination known for its hospitality and beautiful Lake Michigan location. The Delta Center, home to the $1.4-million Burke Family Collection of integrated and commissioned art, features 32 meeting rooms, a 37,506-sq.-ft. ballroom, 189,695 sq. ft. of total exhibit space; 4,100-seat Milwaukee Theatre and 12,700-seat U.S. Cellular Arena. Ballroom equipped with built-in rigging points and high-amperage power sources, complete Wi-Fi, audio-visual, satellite, video conferenc-ing and remote network capability throughout facility. 1,543 hotel rooms connected by skywalk; 3,359 in downtown area; 15,000+ in immediate metro area.
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Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau400 Locust Street, Suite 265, Des Moines, IA 50309(800) 451-2625; (515) 286-4960; (515) 244-9757www.SeeDesMoines.comDirector of Sales: Margie Marble Visit Des MoinesMeeting facilities in Greater Des Moines include the Iowa Events Center which features a new convention facility – 226,000 sq. ft., 37 meeting rooms, 28,730-sq.-ft. ballroom, 8,737-seat arena. The Iowa State Fairgrounds offers 14 onsite venues including the Varied Industries Building with 110,400 sq. ft. of space and the new 65,000-sq.-ft Jacobson Exhibition Center. Numerous additional venues offer unique settings for small or large groups. 2,900,000+ sq. ft. citywide. 10,000+ hotel rooms citywide. Attractions: Civic Center, Blank Park Zoo, Adventure Bay Water Park, Iowa Speedway.
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Kansas City Convention Center 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105(800) 821-7060; Fax: (816) 513-5001www.kcconvention.comDirector of Sales: Gemma Zook An energetic city forged by a rich history, Kansas City has a central location, is highly affordable and is brimming with eclectic cuisine, swinging jazz, one-of-a-kind museums, a thriving arts scene and fantastic shopping. 1 million-sq.-ft. Kansas City Convention Center accommodates everything from mid-sized meetings to city-wide conventions – 388,800-sq.-ft. column-free exhibit space, 142,000 sq. ft. meeting space, 46,484-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art Grand Ballroom, 48 meeting rooms. Arena houses 7,316 permanent seats, 2,405 seats on risers plus capacity for 1,000 theater-style on main floor. 946 guestrooms nearby; 3,500 downtown hotel rooms, 26,000 citywide.
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Monona Terrace Convention CenterOne John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703(608) 261-4100; Fax: (608) 261-4049Sales/Event Services Manager: Laura Cornell, CMPwww.mononaterrace.comWhere business and inspiration meet.
Located in heart of Madison’s vibrant downtown on the shore of Lake Monona. Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, spectacular five-level structure features public promenades, meeting rooms with striking lake views, extensive rooftop gardens and the attached 240-room Hilton Madison (1,000+ rooms within walking distance); 250,000-sq.-ft., including 85,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space; 23 meeting rooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall; 5,540-sq.-ft., 320-seat Lecture Hall; 14,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. The 68,000-sq.-ft. of rooftop gardens available for events. Wireless access throughout – Internet 2 access; business center, gift shop, art/exhibit area and expansive areas for registration/information needs.
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Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau426 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 370-3224; Fax: (501) 374-2255www.littlerock.comVP Marketing and Communications: John Mayner
A capital city with a national airport, Little Rock offers non-stop or one-stop service from most of the U.S. and many international cities, as well as more than 9,000 hotel rooms citywide. Its Statehouse Convention Center Ballroom offers nearly 83,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and the 18,362-sq.-ft. Wally Allen Ballroom. The downtown River Market entertainment district is adjacent to the Convention Center. What is more, Little Rock CVB’s Convention Services department has recently teamed-up with Marketing and Communications to assist meeting planners with attendance stimulation through customized, technologically cutting-edge strategies.
The premier entertainment, exhibition and conven-tion facility in northeast Kansas offers a convenient, central location and friendly, Midwestern hospitality; 210,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space – 44,500-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 27,000 sq. ft. of meet-ing space – 15 meeting rooms, 11,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; Wi-Fi, digital video boards, in-house live video production, state-of-the-art sound; six loading docks, three drive-in entrances. Capital City of Kansas offers a variety of entertainment options; historical architecture and museums, spacious parks, lake, gardens, Lake Shawnee gardens/golf/boating/swimming; Great Overland Train Station. 75 percent of U.S. population capable of reaching facility in just a one-day drive; destination of choice for budget-conscious conventions and tradeshows.
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Indiana Convention Center100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46225(641) 684-7000www.ICCLOS.comDirector of Sales and Marketing: Linda Addaman
The Indiana Convention Center is surrounded by 7,100 hotel rooms by major brands such as Marriott, Westin, Hyatt, Hilton and Conrad. The walkable downtown is in proximity to more than 200 restaurants and clubs, as well as such points of interest as the State Capitol, Union Station, Circle Centre Mall, Victory Field and Bankers Life Fieldhouse. A recent $275 million expansion of the Center nearly doubled its size to offer 566,600 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space in 11 halls, as well as 71 meeting rooms, 49 loading docks and three ballrooms. Connected to the center is Lucas Oil Stadium, offering an additional 183,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 12 meeting rooms.
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Meet Minneapolis250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55401(800) 445-7412www.minneapolis.orgSenior Vice President of Destination Sales & Services: Leslie Wright Minneapolis, City by NatureMinneapolis, the perfect blend of urban chic and natural beauty, offers approximately 7,000 hotel rooms in the downtown area and the Minneapolis Convention Center, with 632,461 sq. ft. in overall function space. The MCC houses 475,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 87 meet-ing rooms, a 28,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and a 55,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, as well as a 3,433-fixed-seat auditorium. Committed to sustainability, the MCC has largest photovoltaic solar array in the Upper Midwest. Nearby attractions include Mall of America, The Guthrie Theater, Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
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United Wireless Arena/Magouirk Conference Center4100 West Comanche, Dodge City, KS 67801(620) 371-7390www.unitedwirelessarena.comExecutive Director: Ralph Nall
Built in one of the Wild West’s most historic areas, the United Wireless Arena and Magouirk Conference Center along with Boot Hill Casino are bringing history into the future. The facility offers a 6,800-sq.-ft. ballroom, 50,000 sq. ft. of total exhibit space, a 30,000-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall, eight breakout rooms and 4,000 arena seats. The Magouirk Conference Center is equipped with state-of-the-art audio, video and WiFi. Total of 1,000 convention hotel rooms, including the 108-room New Hampton Inn & Suites in walking distance. Nearby attractions include Boot Hill Casino, Horse Thief Reservoir, Dodge City Raceway Park, Dodge City Days Events & Dodge City Roundup Rodeo.
Cleveland is a vibrant lakeside city located within 500 miles of 43 percent of the U.S. population. With more than $2 billion in new developments including four new hotel properties and a $465 million convention center facility set to open July
2013, Cleveland is growing as a premier meeting and convention destination.
Easily accessible, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) offers more than 240 daily departures to more than 70 nonstop destinations across the U.S. to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. CLE is a Midwest hub for United Airlines and is located 12 miles from downtown Cleveland. If flying is not an option, Cleveland is situated at the intersection of three major interstate highways, namely I-90, I-77 and I-71, and along the Ohio Turnpike (I-80).
Meeting planners will be thrilled to discover that Cleveland has some of the best competitive pricing and lower hotel costs than most major U.S. cities, while boasting a wide variety of well-recognized hotel brands with more than 3,000 rooms located downtown and 2,100 rooms available near CLE.
Want to meet where you stay? Cleveland’s hotel properties also accommodate meetings and conventions with most hotels featuring anywhere from 10,000-90,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. This makes Cleveland the perfect host city for both small and large meetings.
Hosting a meeting, convention or event in Cleveland offers attendees a wide range of attractions and restaurants to explore during downtime. Since Cleveland is a well-known walkable city,
Positively Clevelandattendees can venture outside their hotel rooms and discover a safe, friendly and fun destination. Whether it’s rolling the dice at Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, taking a stroll down music memory lane at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum or hitting the town at one of Cleveland’s many entertainment districts, there is something for every attendee to enjoy.
Cleveland Convention CenterCleveland offers meeting planners sustainability with a brand-new LEED Silver-certified Convention Center opening July 2013. As part of a $465 million one-million-sq.-ft. development project, the largest in downtown Cleveland’s history, the 750,000-sq.-ft. Convention Center is located 30 feet underground and features a 225,928-sq.-ft. exhibit hall.
Not only can the exhibit hall floor hold 1,000 tradeshow booths measuring 10 ft.-by-10 ft., but the space is divisible into three separate areas capable of hosting multiple events at once, while providing free wireless connectivity, 17 covered truck doors and three full-size drive-in doors for easy assembly of booths or event setup.
Located at the most northern point of the Convention Center is a column-free, 32,193-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom featuring a captivating view of Cleveland’s lakefront attractions including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The Grand Ballroom is divisible into three separate areas for multiple event usage including 16 flexible meeting rooms totaling 22,263 sq. ft.
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400 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241 Fax: (614) 827-2659 • www.columbusconventions.com
SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is located in Ohio’s capital city. The Midwest facility originally opened
in 1993 and has been renovated and expanded so that the massive complex bears a stunning footprint of 1.7 million sq. ft. with 410,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. Architecturally, the center is an extraordinary play of color, angles, concrete and glass designed by Peter Eisenman. Located in a multicultural metropolis, the city itself reveals a patchwork of interesting neighborhoods that can range from the artistic to the academic sides of life, with area restaurants and attractions reflecting a dynamic diversity. The majority of the nation’s population is within a day’s drive or a one-hour flight of the facility, making the complex the ideal site for trade shows, conventions, seminars, meetings and consumer shows. Meeting planners also appreciate the fact that the facility is exhibitor friendly and easily accessible from its local airport and nearby interstate highways and is surrounded by brand name, meeting-style hotels. Columbus was named the second-most affordable trade show destination in the country.
Exhibit/Meeting Space: Battelle Grand is a magnificent 74,000-sq.-ft. multipurpose ballroom that is the biggest in Ohio and one of the largest in the Midwest. The $40-million renovation includes 50,000 sq. ft. on the main floor of Battelle Grand and 24,000 on the mezzanine; floor-to-ceiling windows with city views; divisible into 5 configurations; LED “fi n” ceiling lighting with 65,000 color combination options. A Center Lounge, the upscale 36 on the Boulevard window-lined meeting room, additional meeting space, escalators and elevators were part of the project. Battelle Grand: Main level totals 50,000 sq. ft., accommodating 219 tradeshow booths and 2,290 for banquets. Battelle Grand Mezzanine: Measuring 24,000 sq. ft., the mezzanine accommodates 105 tradeshow booths and 980 for banquets.• Hall C: Single level totaling 98,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 8,000 seats and accommodations for 530 booths. • Hall D: Single level totaling 118,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 8,000 seats and accommodations for 630 booths. (Halls C&D are flexible and may be combined.)• Hall E: Single level totaling 57,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and
GReateR ColUMBUsConvention CenteR
accommodations for 302 booths. • Hall F: Single level totaling 56,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and accommodations for 206 booths. (Halls E&F are flexible and may be combined.) Halls C, D, E and F can be combined for a total of 336,000 sq. ft.. In addition, the Columbus facility includes the Grand Ballroom and Terrace Ballroom encompassing 40,000 sq. ft. and 65 meeting rooms that are fully carpeted and equipped with acoustical wall treatments, individual temperature controls, and sound and lighting controls, new wooden doors, magnetic lock systems and digital meeting room signage.
Special Services: As expansive as this multi-purpose convention center is in space, so it is in the number of business and convention services it offers. A brief list of such helpful services includes: registrar services; party decorators; equipment and furniture rentals; exhibit and display rentals; audio-visual equipment and support staff; banners and signage technology. In addition, the high-tech center includes an in-house location of The UPS Store and Business Center.
Food & Beverage: The exclusive food and beverage provider at the convention center offers customized menus and catered events for all size groups including served meals for more than 5,000 guests. The Food Court & Shops retail area offers quick-service menu options.
Hotel Info & Parking: The Greater Columbus Convention Center is connected directly to five hotels by covered walkway. It is also surrounded by a dozen or more first class hotels that include such familiar names as Renaissance, Crowne Plaza, Westin, Sheraton, Hilton and others. Hotel inventory of rooms within walking distance of the convention center totals nearly 3,800. The 532-room full-service Hilton Columbus Downtown hotel across from the Convention Center opened in October, and its presence qualifies Columbus to bid on more than 900 more national events. There are more than 25,932 hotel rooms citywide. The expansion of the Vine Street garage brings parking capacity at the Convention Center to more than 3,370 vehicles, with parking for an additional 10,000 cars throughout the downtown area.
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RiverCenter/Adler Theatre136 E. Third StreetDavenport, IA 52801(563) 326-8500; Fax: (563) 326-8505www.riverctr.comDirector of Sales: Kaye Tilton, CMP
. . . The Center of Exceptional Events.Experience the light and industrial feel of the RiverCenter and the appeal of the historic Art Deco Adler Theatre. 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space includes 12 meeting rooms, a 33,400-sq.-ft. ballroom, 46,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, executive boardroom, and a 2,400-seat theater. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment; entire facility wireless ready. Personalized event coordination, in-house catering. 351 hotel rooms attached via sky-walk. Davenport is part of the The Quad Cities, an affordable Midwest destination. Attractions include River Music Experience, Figge Art Museum, Bucktown Center for the Arts.
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SeaGate Convention Centre401 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604(419) 255-3300www.toledo-seagate.comDirector of Sales: Carol DuPuis Where Fun and Function MeetWorld-class convention and meeting facility located – only 20 minutes from the airport – in vibrant Downtown Toledo. 375,000-sq.-ft. facility with 75,000 sq. ft. column-free exhibit space, divisible into three 25,000-sq.-ft. halls; 25 fully appointed meeting rooms; 20,000 sq. ft. pre-function space provide for ease of movement and expansion for larger crowds; 9,000-seat theater. 400 hotel rooms attached, 7,000 citywide. Hosts 500+ annual events including over 50 conventions, tradeshows, concerts and other entertainment events. Attractions: Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Walleye, Huntington Center, Imagination Station, Toledo Art Museum. Toledo is conveniently located at the crossroads of I-75 and I-80/90.
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Swiftel Center824 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006(605) 692-7539; Fax: (605) 697-6393www.swiftelcenter.comExecutive Director: Tom Richter The Center of AttentionMulti-purpose facility – configurations range from 4,300 basketball, 5,600 end-stage concert (reserved), 7,000 end-stage concert (festival); 15,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, divisible into four rooms; 6 dressing rooms; full-service in-house catering and concessions. Staging – StageRight Stage – 40’x60’/Adjust height from 4’x6’; House sound system is a BOSE Quality System center hung powered by Crown Amplification throughout the facility. Full rigging grid and Daktronics Galaxy Message Center. In-house marketing department is full-service agency, offers wide variety of services, specializes in creating customized marketing campaigns for events serves tri-state region – South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa.
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Tinley Park Convention Center18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477(708) 895-8200; (888) 895-3211; Fax: (708) 895-8288www.meetchicagosouthland.comDirector of Sales: Mary Patchin
Chicago Southland’s largest multi-purpose meet-ing and convention facility completed a major expansion/renovation in fall 2011; now features: 58,100 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space and an additional 12,350 sq. ft. of divisible meeting space. Accommodates 6,000 theater-style seating. Wi-Fi throughout; state-of-the-art audio/visual. Expansion included: Upgraded lighting, business center, 30-ft. high waterfalls in lobby, 1,400 free parking spaces, breakout rooms, storage space, loading docks. 202 rooms in headquarter hotel, 668 nearby. Attractions: Downtown Chicago, First Midwest Bank Ampthitheatre, Odyssey Fun World, Riverboat Casinos, Chicagoland Speedway, TOYOTA PARK and Balmoral Park Race Track.
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Sanford Center1111 Event Center Drive, Bemidji, MN 56601(218) 441-4000www.thesanfordcenter.netExecutive Director: Curtis Webb It IS the region’s PREMIER event space!Founded in 2010, the Sanford Center is an 185,000-sq.-ft., 5,500-seat multipurpose facility with 30,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. The George W. Neilson Convention Center features 45,000 sq. ft. of total function space, including a 10,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, a 1,000-seat theater and 4,000 sq. ft. of breakout space. The Lakeview Rooms and spacious foyer offer panoramic views of Lake Bemidji’s south shoreline. The Center features building-wide WiFi, networking speed to accommodate videoconferencing and an in-house Event Design group. Nearby attractions include Headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park, Lake Bemidji State Park, Chippewa National Forest and Bemidji Sculpture Walk.
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St. Charles Convention Center One Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, MO 63303(636) 669-3000; Toll Free (877) 896-7222; Fax: (636) 669-3001www.stcharlesconventioncenter.comDirector of Sales & Marketing: Bill Nicely
The St. Charles Convention Center is an exceptional venue for your next successful event. The facility’s 154,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space encompasses a Grand Ballroom, Junior Ballroom and 17 breakout rooms. Total exhibit space of 76,533 sq. ft. includes a 27,600-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall that expands to 35,700 sq. ft. A new wireless network can simul-taneously accommodate over 2,000 devices. The Center is attached to a 296-room Embassy Suites; 578 hotel rooms are within walking distance and 1,422 within five minutes. Local attractions include Historic Main Street shopping and dining, Anheuser Busch Brewery, Six Flags Amusement Park, Ameristar Casino and Hollywood Casino.
thE FaCilitiES MEDia GrouPEssential Planning tools
&Facilities
DestinationsTM
107Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T h e M i d w e s T / w i s c o n s i n
70 Facilities & DestinationsThe Midwest
Milwaukee’s Midwest Airlines Center continues to hone the leadingedge of the convention center industry with outstanding service, flexi-ble, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown Milwaukee,now nationally recognized as a fun, friendly and exciting destinationin itself.
Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District (WCD), theMidwest Airlines Center faces Wisconsin Avenue, the city’s “Main Street,”and is within steps of leading hotels, retail establishments, attractions, din-ing, nightclubs, and transportation. It is even connected via skywalk to twomajor hotels—the Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the Hilton Milwaukee CityCenter. Adjacent neighbors also owned by WCD include the 12,700-seat U.S.Cellular Arena and The Milwaukee Theatre, which opened in 2003 as a new,4,087-seat theatrical and assembly venue, built in the shell of the historicMilwaukee Auditorium. Both offer excellent options for general sessions,entertainment and other functions tied to Midwest Airlines Center conventions.
MEETING & EXHIBIT SPACE The Midwest Airlines Center’s 188,695-gross-square-foot (gsf) exhibit hall is divisible into four halls of 31,000 or63,000 gsf, with 90-foot minimum spans between pillars. In addition, 39,360gsf of meeting space can be divided into 28 breakouts or as few as six meet-ing/banquet rooms from 5,200 to 8,300 gsf each. A luxurious, 37,500-gsfballroom is divisible into four smaller rooms and equipped like a concert hallfor corporate theater and banquet entertainment. Abundant, well-appointedpre-function areas on all levels serve excellently for receptions, breaks,showcase exhibits and even full-service dining. Power, data and phone con-nections are plentiful everywhere.
HOTEL INVENTORY The Midwest Airlines Center is linked by skywalk totwo first-class convention hotels: the 484-room Hyatt Regency-Milwaukeeand the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee City Center, which also boasts an indoor waterpark. Seven other hotels are within three blocks or connected by skywalk. Milwaukee has about 3,000 rooms downtown and over 12,000 citywide.
ATTRACTIONS Milwaukee is emerging as a topconvention and tourist destination. Downtown isalive with museums, dining, nightlife, prome-nades, public art, and the new Harley DavidsonMuseum opening in Summer 2008; theMilwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion,designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, hasbecome a world-renowned symbol of the city;Miller Park is among the most breathtaking, fan-friendly baseball parks anywhere; and these gemsare set among a glittering array of parks, trails,golf courses and lake vistas.
FOOD & BEVERAGE Levy Restaurants, WCD’scatering and concessions partner, receives consis-tent praise from banquet and meeting planners.Efficient service is facilitated by the center’s
design, but more important are high standards and creativity derived fromMilwaukee’s traditions of hospitality and excellence combined with Levy’swell-known committment to a memorable dining experience everywhere theyoperate.
TECHNOLOGY Ranked among the world’s “technologically elite” conventioncenters, the Midwest Airlines Center can outperform almost any externalnetwork or ISP connected to it. A skilled, flexible IT staff provides tech userscustomized, in-show LANs, high-speed connections to corporate WANs, anda wide range of phone and video services. AV provider United Visual offersstate-of-the-art projection, sound, lighting and more.
ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and get around in!User-friendly General Mitchell International Airport, serving 14 airlines andsome 90 cities, is only eight miles from downtown, and O’Hare is just anhour-and-a-half car trip. The newly renovated Amtrak station is just a fewblocks away, and the city enjoys a safe and very walkable downtown.
M I D W E S T A I R L I N E S C E N T E R
Milwaukee is emerging as a top convention and tourist destination.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin(414) 908-6000 • www.wcd.org
MIDWEST AIRLINES CENTER
Accessible,Affordable &
Hospitable
The MidwestAirlinesCenter facesWisconsinAvenue, the city’s“Main Street.”
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Milwaukee, WI • (414) 908-6000 • www.deltacenter.com
Milwaukee’s Delta Center continues to hone the leading edge of the convention center industry with outstanding service, flexible, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown
Milwaukee, now nationally recognized as a fun, friendly and exciting destination in itself.
Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District (WCD), the Delta Center faces Wisconsin Avenue, the city’s “Main Street,” and is within steps of leading hotels, retail establishments, attractions, dining, nightclubs, and transportation. It is even connected via skywalk to two major hotels—the Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. Adjacent neighbors also owned by WCD include the 12,700-seat U.S. Cellular Arena and The Milwaukee Theatre, which opened in 2003 as a new, 4,087-seat theatrical and assembly venue, built in the shell of the historic Milwaukee Auditorium. Both are excellent for convention functions, and all three venues are “green” equipped and operated to minimize environmental impacts.
MEETING & EXHIBIT SPACE: The Delta Center’s 188,695-gross-sq.-ft. (gsf) exhibit hall is divisible into four halls of 31,000 or 63,000 gsf, with 90-ft. minimum spans between pillars. In addition, 39,360 gsf of meeting space can be divided into 28 breakouts or as few as six meeting/banquet rooms from 5,200 to 8,300 gsf each. A luxurious, 37,500 gsf ballroom is divisible into four smaller rooms and equipped like a concert hall for corporate theater and banquet entertainment. Abundant, well-appointed pre-function areas on all levels serve excellently for receptions, breaks, showcase exhibits and even full-service dining. Power, data and phone connections are plentiful everywhere.
HOTEL INVENTORY: The Delta Center is linked by skywalk to two first-class convention hotels: the 484-room Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee City Center. Seven other hotels are within three blocks or connected by skywalk. Milwaukee has about
The deLTA cenTer fAces wisconsin Avenue,The ciTy’s “MAin sTreeT.”
delta CenteR3,590 rooms downtown and nearly 15,000 citywide.
ATTRACTIONS: Milwaukee is emerging as a top convention and tourist destination, alive with museums, dining, culture, nightlife, promenades and public art. Recent highlights: the Harley Davidson Museum; the newly-renovated Mitchell Park Domes; Discovery World; the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava, now a world-renowned symbol of the city; and Miller Park, among the most fan-friendly baseball parks anywhere. These gems are set among a glittering array of parks, trails, golf courses and lake vistas.
FOOD & BEVERAGE: Levy Restaurants, WCD’s catering and concessions partner, receives consistent praise from banquet and meeting planners. Efficient service is facilitated by the center’s design, but more important are high standards and creativity derived from Milwaukee’s traditions of hospitality and excellence combined with Levy’s well-known commitment to a memorable dining experience everywhere they operate.
TECHNOLOGY: Ranked among the world’s “technologically elite” convention centers, the Delta Center can outperform almost any external network or ISP connected to it. A skilled, flexible IT staff provides tech users customized, in-show LANs, high-speed connections to corporate WANs, and a wide range of phone and video services. AV provider United Visual offers state-of-the-art projection, sound, lighting and more.
ACCESSIBILITY: Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and get around in! User-friendly General Mitchell International Airport, with a dozen airlines offering non-stop service to over 50 cities, is only eight miles from downtown and O’Hare is just an hour-and-a-half car trip. The newly renovated Amtrak station is just a few blocks away, and the city enjoys a safe and very walkable downtown.
70 Facilities & DestinationsThe Midwest
Milwaukee’s Midwest Airlines Center continues to hone the leadingedge of the convention center industry with outstanding service, flexi-ble, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown Milwaukee,now nationally recognized as a fun, friendly and exciting destinationin itself.
Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District (WCD), theMidwest Airlines Center faces Wisconsin Avenue, the city’s “Main Street,”and is within steps of leading hotels, retail establishments, attractions, din-ing, nightclubs, and transportation. It is even connected via skywalk to twomajor hotels—the Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the Hilton Milwaukee CityCenter. Adjacent neighbors also owned by WCD include the 12,700-seat U.S.Cellular Arena and The Milwaukee Theatre, which opened in 2003 as a new,4,087-seat theatrical and assembly venue, built in the shell of the historicMilwaukee Auditorium. Both offer excellent options for general sessions,entertainment and other functions tied to Midwest Airlines Center conventions.
MEETING & EXHIBIT SPACE The Midwest Airlines Center’s 188,695-gross-square-foot (gsf) exhibit hall is divisible into four halls of 31,000 or63,000 gsf, with 90-foot minimum spans between pillars. In addition, 39,360gsf of meeting space can be divided into 28 breakouts or as few as six meet-ing/banquet rooms from 5,200 to 8,300 gsf each. A luxurious, 37,500-gsfballroom is divisible into four smaller rooms and equipped like a concert hallfor corporate theater and banquet entertainment. Abundant, well-appointedpre-function areas on all levels serve excellently for receptions, breaks,showcase exhibits and even full-service dining. Power, data and phone con-nections are plentiful everywhere.
HOTEL INVENTORY The Midwest Airlines Center is linked by skywalk totwo first-class convention hotels: the 484-room Hyatt Regency-Milwaukeeand the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee City Center, which also boasts an indoor waterpark. Seven other hotels are within three blocks or connected by skywalk. Milwaukee has about 3,000 rooms downtown and over 12,000 citywide.
ATTRACTIONS Milwaukee is emerging as a topconvention and tourist destination. Downtown isalive with museums, dining, nightlife, prome-nades, public art, and the new Harley DavidsonMuseum opening in Summer 2008; theMilwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion,designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, hasbecome a world-renowned symbol of the city;Miller Park is among the most breathtaking, fan-friendly baseball parks anywhere; and these gemsare set among a glittering array of parks, trails,golf courses and lake vistas.
FOOD & BEVERAGE Levy Restaurants, WCD’scatering and concessions partner, receives consis-tent praise from banquet and meeting planners.Efficient service is facilitated by the center’s
design, but more important are high standards and creativity derived fromMilwaukee’s traditions of hospitality and excellence combined with Levy’swell-known committment to a memorable dining experience everywhere theyoperate.
TECHNOLOGY Ranked among the world’s “technologically elite” conventioncenters, the Midwest Airlines Center can outperform almost any externalnetwork or ISP connected to it. A skilled, flexible IT staff provides tech userscustomized, in-show LANs, high-speed connections to corporate WANs, anda wide range of phone and video services. AV provider United Visual offersstate-of-the-art projection, sound, lighting and more.
ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and get around in!User-friendly General Mitchell International Airport, serving 14 airlines andsome 90 cities, is only eight miles from downtown, and O’Hare is just anhour-and-a-half car trip. The newly renovated Amtrak station is just a fewblocks away, and the city enjoys a safe and very walkable downtown.
M I D W E S T A I R L I N E S C E N T E R
Milwaukee is emerging as a top convention and tourist destination.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin(414) 908-6000 • www.wcd.org
MIDWEST AIRLINES CENTER
Accessible,Affordable &
Hospitable
The MidwestAirlinesCenter facesWisconsinAvenue, the city’s“Main Street.”
“
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108 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T h e M i d w e s T / i o w A
400 Locust Street, Suite 265, Des Moines, IA 50309
Catch Des Moines. Breathtaking venues. Thai chicken pizza. An artful vibe, sculpture and live jazz music. Everything you expect to find in a city. Big box stores. Boutique gems. Des
Moines is a city where you can do it all.Catch the “suite” spot. The Iowa Events Center’s trio meeting
and event spaces is perfection for any group. Hy-Vee Hall connected to the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center boasts the state’s largest ballroom, 150,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 37 meeting rooms—suited for anything from conventions and tradeshows to sporting events. Connected via skywalk is Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center, a 17,100-seat venue for sports action, entertainment and other unique ventures.
Catch four miles of climate control. Downtown Des Moines’ network of skywalk links hotels and restaurants to various meeting and entertainment destinations. Stroll the skywalk from the luxurious and intimate Suites of 800 Locust Hotel & Spa to a world-renowned restaurant to a Broadway show at the Des Moines Civic Center.
Stay at the Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown. Then browse local Historic East Village shops in the open air. Host a group outing on the Principal RiverWalk, open June 2013. The 1.2-mile loop is linked to Gray’s Lake, a center for 300 miles of trails winding throughout Central Iowa. Also connected are landscaped public spaces, public art and other points of interest such as the Long Look Garden, Brenton Skating Plaza and the Hub Spot.
Des Moines is thrilling entertainment. Catch live horse-racing, big name shows, casino gaming and event space within one property. Prairie Meadows has everything you need from luxurious rooms to catering and entertainment—and anything in between! Catch rollercoaster waves at Adventureland amusement and water park, equipped with private gazebos and intimate cabanas. Keep it casual with a catered picnic lunch. Or grab a bite at the nearby, world famous Jethro’s BBQ ‘n Jake’s Smokehouse Steaks. Try your fortune with the Adam Emmenecker Challenge as seen on the Travel Channel’s Man v Food. Then experience Iowa’s outdoor legacies at Bass Pro Shops for afternoon amusement.
With a little free time, head to the Western suburbs. Prime shopping. Department stores. Vintage finds. Browse the charming railroad district of Historic Valley Junction. Peruse street-front shops
GReateR des Moines Convention and visitoRs BUReaU
within West Glen Town Center. Hit up both local loves and national chains at Valley West Mall and Jordan Creek Town Center.
Des Moines is delicacies. Local flavor. Meat and potatoes. The
Chicken Spiedini at Latin King—an Iowa best-kept secret. A juicy porterhouse steak at 801 Chophouse, cooked to perfection. The biggest cinnamon roll you could ever imagine—catered in from the Machine Shed. Assemble the crowd and sample the citrusy and piney Des Moines India Pale Ale, plus other craft beers at Confluence Brewing Company.
Catch triple-A lineups. A ballgame April through September with the Iowa Cubs, Des Moines’ minor league baseball affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Arena football March through July with the Iowa Barnstormers. Or a race weekend June through September at Iowa Speedway, including two NASCAR Nationwide weekends. Host your event overlooking the action—each with its own one-of-a-kind view. Or catch a behind-the-scenes tour for an unforgettable experience.
cATchdes Moines
Prairie Meadows Hotel
Iowa Events Center
The “suite” spot is where the perfectly sized venue exceeds expectations. Where flexible exhibit space meets quick access around the city. It’s where once business is done for the day, you’ll enjoy a city full of things to do by night. Amazing food. Live music. An artistic culture. Unexpected discoveries. All within walking distance. That’s why when you’re planning your next event, catch the “suite” spot otherwise known as Greater Des Moines.
catchdesmoines.com • (800) 451-2625
CATCHTHE SUITESPOT
110 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T h e M i d w e s T / i n d i A n A
100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46225 • (641) 684-7000 • www.ICCLOS.com
With $3 billion in new tourism-related infrastructure, Indianapolis offers a world-class destination for major conventions, meetings and events. Its centerpiece
is the Indiana Convention Center (ICC), which recently underwent a $275 million expansion that nearly doubled its size to 566,600 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space in 11 halls. Also available are 71 meeting rooms, three ballrooms and 49 loading docks. Connected to the ICC is Lucas Oil Stadium, offering an additional 183,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 12 meeting rooms, a retractable roof, and seating for 63,000. Whether your event is a reception, a convention or a tradeshow, the ICC is the ideal venue for an unforgettable experience.
The ICC is located in the heart of downtown, and over half of the city’s nearly 7,100 hotel rooms are within six blocks of the facility, many connected by climate-controlled walkways. The city’s hotel portfolio includes upscale brands such as Marriott, Westin, Hyatt, Hilton and Conrad, with the largest property
indiAnApoLis offers A worLd-cLAss desTinATion for MAjor convenTions, MeeTings And evenTs
indiana Convention CenteRbeing the 1,005-room JW Marriott Indianapolis with 104,227 sq. ft. of meeting space. A short walk from any of the downtown hotels is White River State Park, where attendees can spend their free time.
Indianapolis’ walkable downtown is accessible to more than 200 restaurants and clubs. Also in proximity are the State Capitol, Union Station, Circle Centre Mall, Victory Field, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and, of course, Lucas Oil Stadium, home field for the Indianapolis Colts and site of the 2012 Super Bowl. “The Racing Capital of the World” is also home to the 101-year-old Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its Hall of Fame Museum, both National Historic Landmarks. Basketball is another traditional sport here, and the legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse is the site of the 1954 “Milan Miracle” that inspired the basketball film Hoosiers. Two downtown landmarks, Monument Circle and Indiana War Memorial Plaza, are among America’s great urban spaces, and the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument houses the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum.
T h e M i d w e s T / M i s s o u r i
301 West 13th Street, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64105 • (816) 513-5000; Fax: (816) 513-5001 • www.kcconvention.com
W ith a creative energy all its own, Kansas City is anything but business as usual. It’s a convention destination where friendly people, affordable prices and a central
location are a given. Where creativity can be found around every corner. A place with a spirited personality and a genuine heart that’s a breath of fresh air. We’d like you to meet Kansas City. To friends, it’s just KC.
Great meetings happen at the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities. The eight-square-block convention and special events facility can accommodate every need with 388,800 sq.-ft. of column-free exhibit space on one floor; 48 state-of-the-art meeting rooms; a 2,400-seat fine arts theater;
Kansas City Convention & enteRtainMent FaCilities
an arena that seats more than 10,700 people and a unique outdoor festival plaza. And not only is it all in one location, the complex is connected to major downtown hotels and parking by skywalks and underground walkways.
Encompassing more than 800,000 sq. ft., the Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities can serve all your meeting needs under one roof. One of America’s largest green ballrooms – the 46,484-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom – is certified LEED silver, boasting waterless plumbing, energy-efficient heating and cooling, and one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world. That’s enough to make other cities turn green with envy.
111Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
• One of the nation’s largest eco-friendly ballrooms at 46,484 sq. ft.
• Features one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world.
the GRand BallRooM
112 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Markham and Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72201 • (501) 376-4781; (800) 844-4781 • www.littlerock.com
La Petite Roche, French for Little Rock, is the name given the destination on the bank of the Arkansas River by early explorers and riverboat captains. A capital city with a national airport,
Little Rock offers more than 9,000 citywide hotel rooms complemented by Southern hospitality and charm, as well as a national airport. The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is completing Phase I of its 2020 Vision Plan, with $67 million in terminal renovations, this year.
In January, renovations were completed at the 18,362-sq.-ft. Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center, which houses 83,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and the 2,609-seat Robinson Center Music Hall and Performance Theater. The SCC has also recently augmented its mobile broadband coverage. The center is complemented by the attached 418-room Peabody Little Rock (40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space), and the nearby 287-room Doubletree Hotel (40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space) and 220-room Wyndham Riverfront Hotel (over 14,500 sq. ft. of meeting space). Groups can also look forward to a new 100-room Residence Inn by Marriott opening this June in downtown Little Rock (219 River Market Avenue), as well as improved capacities on highways I-630/I-430 by 2014, for those driving into town. What is more, planners
A Mid-Tier ciTy ThAT offers ATTendees Much in The wAy of free-TiMe AcTiviTies
little RoCK CvB
working with the Little Rock CVB will soon be able to utilize the CVB’s latest customized attendance-building strategies based on Internet and digital technologies.
These are among the diverse new developments in Little Rock, a mid-tier city that offers attendees much in the way of free-time activities. The River Market District, adjacent to the SCC, is replete with dining and entertainment options, includes the state’s largest outdoor farmers’ market and an indoor market where shopkeepers offer everything from gourmet coffee to fresh sushi. Arkansas’s River Trail, a 15-mile loop connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock via three pedestrian bridges, winds through Riverfront Park, home to the city’s namesake “La Petite Roche” Plaza, the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, Ottenheimer Hall, Bill E. Clark Wetlands and the William J. Clinton Presidential Park & Bridge. Just a short distance from the River Market is the area of restored 19th-century homes around MacArthur Park and the governor’s mansion known as the Quapaw Quarter. Attendees in search of trendy eateries and boutiques can visit The Heights. Cultural attractions in the city include Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Audubon Nature Center and MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History.
T h e M i d w e s T / A r k A n s A s
For Information On Upcoming Events Or Magouirk Conference Center, Visit Us At
Talents such as Miranda Lambert, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Mercy Me
Concerts
Such as Barnum and Bailey Circus and Sesame StreetFamily Shows
Laugh till you cry… Ron White and Jeff DunhamComedians
Including Hockey, Wrestling and Basketball tournamentsSporting Events
Features 6800 Sq. Ft. for meetings, banquets, conferences and conventions.
Adjacent t o Boo t H i l l Ca s i no and Hampton Inn & Su i t e s
Equiped with state of the art audio, video and WI-FI. Full service kitchen and Executive Chef.
www.unitedwirelessarena.com Or Call 620-371-7390
E N T E R T A I N I N G S O U T H W E S TE N T E R T A I N I N G S O U T H W E S TT H E
Two premier facilities in One location, the United Wireless Arena is a Sports and Entertainment complex boasting over 5,000 seats, in a u-shaped arena which has accommodated concerts, dirt events such as Championship Bull Riding and Monster Trucks, trade shows, conferences, hockey, basketball and the list goes on. The Arena has 2 LED screens and full circle ribbon board. Club level offers 90 loge seats and 13 Suites a Club bar and elevator.
Dodge City, KS
114 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(800) 445-7412 • www.minneapolis.org
Minneapolis: City by Nature
Step outside your hotel and kayak the Mississippi River. Walk out of a theater and into a park. Minneapolis isn’t your normal metropolis; it’s the City by Nature. Minneapolis is a perfect blend of urban chic and natural beauty, creating a city where outdoor fun
is minutes from your hotel. Rent a bike at one of the many Nice Ride stations and conquer “The
Most Bike-Friendly City” on two wheels. Have some fun on the water in our Chain of Lakes, or walk to places like St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge to see beauty normally reserved for postcards. And, when the snow drops and the water ices over, strap on some skis or ice skates and glide around our winter wonderland.
After exploring the nature in Minneapolis, you’ll still find the dynamic vibe of a thriving metropolis. Minneapolis is home to restaurants known nationally, with James Beard award-winners cooking up a wide variety of remarkable cuisine.
Complement that dinner with a show at one of our many renowned theaters, boasting everything from Broadway-quality shows to up-and-coming underground productions. Shop around at our fashionable stores, and enjoy tax-free shopping on all apparel. When the day is done, relax and unwind in our wide array of accommodations downtown, enjoying high-class amenities without the high price.
No matter the season, no matter the weather, Minneapolis has enough outdoor and indoor adventure to keep you busy day after day. We’re the perfect blend of nature and city; we’re the City by Nature.
Meet MinneaPolis
Minneapolis Convention CenterIf you’re ready for a meeting experience where the level of service matches the class of the building, then log on to www.minneapolis.org/mcc to see how the Minneapolis Convention Center is ready to give you the meeting you deserve.
We’ve got world-class catering and the most up-to-date services available, and what makes us truly stand out is our service. It’s because we’re not just a convention center, we’re a relationship building.
When you step through the doors of the Minneapolis Convention Center, you’re greeted by name. And, you can rest assured that every single staff member is ready and willing to help. When you’re looking for services, we remember what you liked last time you came and have that
exact experience ready for you again.The smart aesthetics and advanced technical tools at the
Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) immediately put you at ease. Designed to meet your business needs, the MCC is home to a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 475,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 87 meeting rooms and both a 28,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and a 55,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.
What We Do For YouMeet Minneapolis provides a full range of meeting services. We do everything we can to ensure you have a successful meeting – from registration to meeting conclusion. As a 12-time Gold Service Award winner, as well as awards in our marketing and sales departments, we have a world-class staff that makes sure this award-winning top-notch service is provided to each and every person that contacts us. Look what we can do for you:
• Destination Services: Bringing in key businesses, our staff provides assistance with housing, registration, event planning and promotion.
• Housing Services: Our staff will coordinate your hotel reservation process from beginning to end so you can handle the rest of your event.
• Publicity and Marketing: The award-winning in-house marketing team will help connect you to the media AND enhance your Web presence.
T h e M i d w e s T / M i n n e s o TA
check ouT www.MinneApoLis.org To see why your nexT evenT shouLd be in MinneApoLis.
Madison, Wisconsin: An Inspiring Place for Smart Meetings.
Madison, Wisconsin, combines exceptional facilities with the intellectual and emotional capital needed for meeting success. Home to the renowned University of Wisconsin–
Madison, the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright, the insight of Aldo Leopold and a majestic Capitol built upon an isthmus alive with cultural arts, engaging intellectual pursuits and a wealth of recreational opportunities, Madison is the place for smart meetings.
Monona Terrace, a crown jewel of Madison’s cultural isthmus, is the first convention center in the nation to be LEED-EB-certified at the Silver Level by the U.S. Green Building Council. To earn its Silver certification, the Convention Center invested in initiatives to increase recycling rates, utilize green cleaning products, and adopt clean energy use and conservation. The facility purchases 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. Monona Terrace has become a symbol of sustainability for the community of Madison and an inspiration to all those who choose to visit the city.
AccommodationsMore than 8,000 hotel rooms are available to groups in Madison,
with 1,000 rooms within walking distance of the Monona Terrace® Convention Center. Accommodation styles run the gamut from first-class convention hotels, such as the 240-room Hilton Madison (the headquarters hotel for the convention center), to limited-
Monona teRRaCe Convention CenteR
service hotels and budget-conscious lodging. Bed and breakfasts are another attractive choice in Madison, and several provide services and amenities appropriate for executive attendees.
Convention FacilitiesThe Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace® Convention
Center is a touchstone for both the Madison community and groups coming to the city. Sweeping lines and vast, arched windows typify the structure, which offers dramatic surroundings for groups. In total, Monona Terrace Convention Center offers 85,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibition space. Highlights of the center include:• 37,200-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall that accommodates 212, 10 ft.-by-10 ft. booths.•13,524-sq.-ft. Madison Ballroom, divisible by four•7,000-sq.-ft. Grand Terrace serves as pre-function space for the Madison Ballroom or use on its own as a magnificent indoor event space.•68,000 sq. ft. of rooftop gardens may also be reserved for events.
We host meetings, wedding receptions, conferences, sportingevents, concerts, rodeosand so much more!
Full service including set up of tables,chairs, audio visual equipment, soundtechnician plus Swiftel Center Catering and full liquor license.
Affordable Amarillo, the city atop the Texas Panhandle. Rugged beauty, starry skies, renowned museums. State-of-the-art facility, located in downtown, includes: coliseum, two theaters, two large exhibit halls and the city’s largest ballroom; 410,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 20 meeting rooms in Heritage Room; 10 in Regency Room; 20,725-sq.-ft. ballroom; 340,000 sq. ft. exhibit space; 24,565-sq.-ft. North Exhibit Hall; 26,700-sq.-ft. South Exhibit Hall; 2,300-seat Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium; 1,300-seat Globe News Center for the Performing Arts. Cal Farley Coliseum, 4,800 perma-nent seats and full ice-making capabilities; Grand Plaza, 16,000 sq. ft.; Hospitality Room, 5,100 sq. ft. There are 1,500 committable rooms within 10 minutes of center.
texaS
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Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92803(714) 765-8888; Fax: (714) 991-8963www.meetings.anaheimoc.orgSenior Vice President Convention Sales: Mindy Abel
With ideal weather and walkable attractions and dining, nothing is better than meeting at the largest convention center on the west coast in Anaheim/Orange County. Anaheim Convention Center – 1.6 million sq. ft., including 51 meeting rooms, 38,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 813,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space. Anaheim Arena seats 7,500. Located in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, which includes the Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Anaheim GardenWalk. Within walking distance of 12,000 hotel rooms and easily accessible from three major Southern California Freeways. 100,000-sq.-ft. Grand Plaza opened this year.
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Austin Convention Center500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701(512) 404-4200; Fax: (512) 404-4220www.austinconventioncenter.comDirector of Sales: Lisa Kidder Live Music Capital of the World A LEED® Gold certified, technologically advanced convention center. Located near downtown’s famous entertainment districts. Multi-level facility spans six city blocks, features 370,967 sq. ft. meeting/exhibit space, including five column-free, contigu-ous exhibit halls (256,097 sq. ft. of total exhibit space), seven ballrooms (43,300 sq. ft. is largest) and 54 meeting rooms. Complimentary high-speed, high density wire-less services throughout; onsite engineers; proven track record of handling 7,000 simultaneous connections. Pre-function spaces offer downtown views. New walkway connects 3rd and 4th levels. Nearby 6,000 downtown hotel rooms.
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Cox Convention CenterOne Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102(405) 602-8500; Fax: (405) 602-8505www.coxconventioncenter.comDirector of Sales and Marketing: Tim Linville Spanning more than one million sq. ft. and four city blocks, this complex is located at the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, a city both accommodating and affordable. Multi-purpose venue hosts everything from intimate meetings to major conventions, tradeshows, concerts and sporting events. 27 meeting rooms; 25,000-sq.-ft. ball-room; 100,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 15,000-seat arena. Free Wi-Fi available; Internet access speeds up to one Gb; 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s 15,000+ hotel rooms across street. From arts and adventure to cowboy culture and family fun, Oklahoma City offers an eclectic mix of heritage and hotspots.
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Colorado Convention Center700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202(303) 228-8000www.denverconvention.comDirector of Sales and Marketing: Rich CarolloCome Take a Peak!Expanded in 2005 and now home to more than 400 events annually, the Colorado Convention Center is located within easy walking distance of more than 8,400 hotel rooms, 300 restaurants, nine theaters of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and a wide variety of shopping and retail outlets. Total of 769,000 sq. ft. of function space includes 584,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 50,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 63 meeting rooms and a 5,000-seat theater. Nearby attractions include Denver Aquarium, Elitch Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver Art Museum and more. In May 2010, the center received LEED Existing Building: Operation and Maintenance.
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Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau 515 South Cascade Avenue, Suite 1300, Colorado Springs, CO 80903(800) 888-4748, ext. 132; (719) 685-7632www.visitcos.comDirector of Convention Sales: Kathy Reak Elevate Your OpportunitiesChoose Colorado Springs as your meeting location and enlist the help of the award-winning staff of the Colorado Springs CVB to ease the planning process. They offer an extensive range of complimentary services. Whether it’s customized site visits, teambuilding ideas or distributing RFPs, they are here for you. Start planning your next event in this unrivaled mountain metropolis. Colorado Springs offers 14,000 guestrooms, 5,000 convention guestrooms and 400,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space.
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T H E W E S T / c a l i f o r n i a
800 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802 • (714) 765-8888, Toll free: (855) 693-3241, Fax: (714) 991-8963 • www.anaheimoc.org
Located in the heart of Southern California is Anaheim/Orange County. This unique region has a vibrant yet laid-back vibe, a creative spirit and a diverse range of activities that make it one of the nation’s most popular destinations. Orange County
is well known for its world-famous theme parks, distinguished shopping centers, meeting venues and trendy beach towns.
Located in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, an area that comprises Disneyland® Resort, the Anaheim GardenWalk and numerous hotels and resorts, lies the 1.6 million-sq.-ft. Anaheim Convention Center. Mega-tradeshows, small industry conferences and everything in between choose the Anaheim Convention Center for its comfort, safety and convenience, coupled with complimentary Wi-Fi (256K download/128K upload) throughout the facility.
The LEED®-certified Anaheim Convention Center is easily accessible by three major freeways, and is within walking distance of more than 12,000 guest rooms. Orange County has approximately 500 hotel properties and nearly 55,000 guest rooms. Accommodations range from budget friendly to luxury.
The Anaheim Convention Center’s Grand Plaza is a unique Southern California outdoor environment that can be utilized year-round for a wide variety of events, meetings and gatherings. The 100,000-sq.-ft. Grand Plaza enhances the open, campus-like space surrounding the Anaheim Convention Center and flows between the Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott hotels.
Anaheim Convention Center SpecificationsTotal facility: 1.6 million sq. ft.Exhibit space: 813,000 sq. ft.Seating space: Anaheim Arena seating for 7,500
THiS uniquE rEgion HaS a vibranT yET laid-back vibE, a crEaTivE SpiriT and a divErSE rangE of acTiviTiES
AnAheim/OrAnge COunty VisitOr & COnVentiOn BureAu
Meeting rooms: 51Meeting space: 130,000 sq. ft.Main Ballroom: 38,000 sq. ft.Pre-function lobby space: 200,000 sq. ft.Outdoor Event Space: More than 200,000 sq. ft.
Known as California’s “Golf Coast,” Orange County is home to more than 40 golf courses, which include challenging and championship greens such as Tustin Ranch Golf Club and Pelican Hill.
Buy-outs of local theme parks or entertainment venues, such as Disneyland® Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm®, can also provide unique group experiences and can accommodate a variety of budget ranges. If you need an indoor activity, Anaheim has a great selection for groups, ranging from bowling and go-kart racing to flight simulators, museums or an afternoon at the movies.
Dining in Orange County has evolved into a menu of eclectic cuisine options, from gourmet feasts at five-star restaurants to cozy and casual family-style meals. Unique themed restaurants, chic cafes, gastro pubs and fine dining are certain to please any palate.
Orange County is accessible by four major airports (approximate distances/times are from Anaheim):• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 35 miles/56 km, 50 minutes• John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) – 13 miles/21 km, 25 minutes• Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 36 miles/58 km, 45 minutes• Long Beach Airport (LGB) – 18 miles/29 km, 30 minutes
LABORAnaheimwe’ve been
told there’s
none better!
At this year’s California Dental Association show, CDA Presents the Art and Science of Dentistry, everyone worked together to help our exhibitors in a way that felt like we were all on the same team. This kind of service makes Anaheim a partner in supporting loyalty among exhibitors. -Debi Irwin, Vice President, California Dental Association
My Anaheim Experience
Watch Anaheim’s labor video to hear from recent exhibitors themselves at anaheimoc.org/laborworks.
For more information or to receive a customized event consultation call 855-693-3241.
120 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T H E W E S T / T E x a S
A winner of the Prime Site Award every year since 1995, the Austin Convention Center, a LEED® Gold-certified building, has emerged as a leader in the convention and
meeting industry. A premier facility located in the heart of the capital city’s downtown business district, the Center spans six city blocks with 370,967 sq. ft. of exhibit and meeting space. The five column-free exhibit halls, totaling 246,097 sq. ft., accommodate 1,289 10’ x 10’ exhibit booths. Seven ballrooms ranging from 3,896 to 43,300 sq. ft. in size and 54 meeting rooms, and show offices totaling over 58,000 sq. ft., complete the four-story convention center. Ample parking is provided in two parking garages with a total capacity of 1,700 spaces.
What’s New•LEED® Gold Certification demonstrates ultimate green building leadership and signifies a model of sustainability that sets the standard in the industry. Austin’s is the first convention center in Texas, among two in the U.S., to achieve the certification. •A new overhead open air skyway connects the 3rd and 4th levels, making movement between Levels 3 and 4 significantly easier.
Technological FeaturesRated one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in the country, this gigabit-rated facility moves voice, video and data at over one billion bits per second. The Center’s high-tech capabilities help create the perfect Technology Partner for the annual SXSW international convention. The facility has a proven track record of handling 7,000 simultaneous connections. It offers a variety of in-house services including complimentary Wireless Internet access, redundant high-speed Internet II access, plug and play capabilities, and an onsite technical staff to help with networking needs.
locaTEd in THE HEarT of THE capiTal ciTy’S doWnToWn, THE lEEd® gold cErTifiEd convEnTion cEnTEr SpanS Six ciTy blockS.
500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 404-4200 Fax: (512) 404-4220 • www.austinconventioncenter.com
Austin COnVentiOn CenterHotels Austin offers more than 30,000 hotel rooms, with 7,000 located downtown, including the 800-room Hilton Austin adjacent to the convention center. Additional nearby hotels include: Four Seasons Hotel Austin; Courtyard by Marriott; Residence Inn by Marriott; Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown; Radisson Hotel & Suites; Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown; Driskill Hotel; Omni Austin Hotel Downtown; InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel; W Austin; and a 1,012-room JW Marriott scheduled to open 2015.
Austin by NightAfter conventions and meetings wrap-up each night, attendees may choose to enjoy Austin’s entertainment districts — Second Street, the Warehouse District and famous Sixth Street. The Austin Convention Center is just down the street from the city’s vibrant nightlife, where visitors can also enjoy everything from fine dining in four-star restaurants, to down-home barbecue and authentic Tex-Mex. As the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin echoes with the sound of country, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz and Tejano. On any given evening, one can find live music playing in nearly 200 different venues.
Austin by DayVisitors can enjoy the capital city’s many historical attractions, including the State Capitol, the LBJ Presidential Library, the Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, and many more museums and art galleries. Or, one can experience the beauty of downtown’s Lady Bird Lake, bordered by 10 miles of trails enjoyed by runners, walkers and cyclists. Surrounded by three lakes and a network of parks, Austin offers the perfect environment for enjoying the best of nature.
faST facTS:Facility•Location: Downtown Austin•Total Area: spans six city blocks•Exhibit Space: 246,097
totaling over 58,000 sq. ft.•Technology: Gigabit-rated facility,
wireless Internet access, plug-and-play capabilities
Austin•Hotels: 7,000 downtown hotel
rooms; adjacent 800-room Hilton Austin
•Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, eight miles from facility
•Nearby Attractions: State Capitol, Sixth Street Entertainment District, Warehouse Entertainment District, University of Texas, LBJ Presidential Library, more than 20 museums including The Texas State History Museum, dozens of art galleries and historical attractions, Lady Bird Lake
Contacts•Mark Tester, Director of Austin
Convention Center Department•Paul Barnes, ACCD Assistant
Director – Sales, Marketing and Events
•Amy Harris, Director of Sales (512) 404-4200
www.austinconventioncenter.com
When you book your next meeting at the Austin Convention Center, the
movers and shakers are already here. With six entertainment districts and a safe and walkable downtown, it’s easy to enjoy our famous live music.
And with more than 200 venues, honky-tonks and dance halls, everybody
leaves with their toes tapping.
247,000 square feet of column-free space
★
Gigabit+ bandwidth, supports up to 7,000 wireless connections
★
Awarded LEED® Gold Certifi cation
First convention center in TX
ACON_Facilities_Destinations_March_2013_FP.indd 1 3/26/13 10:25 AM
(512) 404-4200www.austinconventioncenter.com
When you book your next meeting at the Austin Convention Center, the
movers and shakers are already here. With six entertainment districts and a safe and walkable downtown, it’s easy to enjoy our famous live music.
And with more than 200 venues, honky-tonks and dance halls, everybody
leaves with their toes tapping.
247,000 square feet of column-free space
★
Gigabit+ bandwidth, supports up to 7,000 wireless connections
★
Awarded LEED® Gold Certifi cation
First convention center in TX
ACON_Facilities_Destinations_March_2013_FP.indd 1 3/26/13 10:25 AM
122 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T H E W E S T / c o l o r a d o
700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202 • (303) 228-8000
www.denverconvention.com
Whether you’re planning a meeting, conference or convention, the Colorado Convention Center will go the extra mile for you. And, with all the convenient hotels, exciting entertainment, diverse cultural attractions and
culinary offerings Denver offers, planners are sure to find what they’re looking for in the Mile High City.
Opened in 1990, the Center is well-known as one of the most practical and user-friendly meeting facilities in the country. More than 100 professional meeting planners worked together with architects to design every aspect of the building, and the result was a sensible, state-of-the-art facility with easy traffic flow and everything planners need in a stunningly beautiful building in the heart of downtown Denver. Expanded in 2005, the Center is now home to more than 400 events annually and offers a total of 769,000 sq. ft. of function space, including 584,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 50,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 63 meeting rooms and a 5,000-seat theater. The Center is located within easy walking distance of more than 8,400 hotel rooms, 300 restaurants, nine theaters of the Denver Performing Arts Complex and a wide variety of shopping and retail outlets.
LEEDing the WayThe Colorado Convention Center is a premier green meeting space for a sustainable meeting or convention. In May 2010,
COlOrAdO COnVentiOn Center
the Center received LEED Existing Building: Operation and Maintenance, the largest building in Colorado and one of the largest convention centers in the country to have achieved this certification. In December 2012, the Center was also the first entity in the world to be certified in the Level One certification with the ASTM Standard pertaining to the Evaluation and Selection of Venues for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conferences (E2774-11). The Center’s robust commitment to sustainability includes a 300-kilowatt solar power system and a full-time Sustainable Program Manager, Lindsay Arell.
Nearby Attractions and ActivitiesWith 300 days of sunshine, a walkable downtown, thriving arts and culture, an award-winning culinary scene, and the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Denver offers an affordable mix of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Attractions include Downtown Denver Performing Arts Complex, Pepsi Center, Coors Field, Denver Aquarium, Elitch Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Federal Reserve Money Museum, Denver Firefighters Museum, US Mint, Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Byers-Evans House Museum, History Colorado Center, Molly Brown House Museum, Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art and the Stiles African American Heritage Center.
at a venue like no other.
at a venue like no other.
Meeting Planners, come take a look at a venue like no other. Quick Facts
• 584,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space on one level• 63 meeting rooms providing 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space on one level• 50,000 sq. ft. spectacular Mile High Ballroom• 35,000 sq. ft. stunning Four Seasons Ballroom• Bellco Theatre with 5,000 total seats, with curtain system to cut down seating
to 3,700 and divisible into 3 separate sections.
To inquire or book, Call or email Rich Carollo at 303.228.8022 or [email protected]
the FacilitieS meDia GroUPessential Planning tools
&Facilities
DestinationsTM
Fairplex1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768(909) 623-3111; Fax: (909) 623-9599www.fairplex.comDirector of Sales: Melissa DeMonaco-Tapia You Can Do Anything Here
An entertainment and convention destination; home of the world-renowned L.A. County Fair since 1922 and site of 500 consumer and trade shows annually. 487 beautifully landscaped acres with eight art deco exposition halls, onsite Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, McKinley’s Grille, Finish Line Sports Grill and Barretts Equine Sales. 25,000 sq. ft. of column-free indoor exhibit space; eight spacious exposition halls (two additional halls expand total exhibit space to 350,000+ sq. ft.); 800-seat theater. Major horse racing facility with a 10,000-seat grandstand and 5/8-mile race track; 244-room Sheraton Fairplex Hotel onsite.
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Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102(405) 297-8912 / (800) 225-5652; Fax: (405) 297-8888www.visitokc.comDirector, Convention Sales & Services: Robin O’Connor
Welcome to a city that has tales for your ears and treats for your eyes. Where a stream-lined airport means you’re in fast. And with the best entertainment just a few minutes’ walk from your hotel, you’re out even faster. Cox Convention Center features 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 27,500 sq. ft. of flexible convention and pre-convene space; a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (seats 4,000 theater-style); and a 15,000-seat arena (32,000 sq. ft. of floor space). Near revitalized Bricktown features new canal-side restaurants, clubs, music venues and attractions, all across the street from three hotels housing 1,600 of Oklahoma City’s 16,000 hotel rooms.
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Hawai’i Convention Center1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815(808) 943-3500; (800) 295-6603; Fax: (808) 943-3599www.Hawaiiconvention.com Director of Sales, Service & Support: Lee ConchingWhere Business and Aloha Meet
The Hawai’i Convention Center combines the modern requirements of a state-of-the-art meeting facility with the beauty, comfort and culture that are uniquely Hawai’i. 49 meeting rooms; 35,259-sq.-ft. ballroom; 204,249-sq.-ft.-exhibit hall; two permanent theaters with tiered seating (472 seats and 320-seats); tropical rooftop garden function space; 28,000 hotel rooms within a 1.5-mile radius of center; nearby hundreds of shops and restaurants. Numerous nearby golf courses. Movie theaters, museums, the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Children’s Discovery Center are also close by to offer variety for the entire family.
Success Meets HereHurst is strategically situated in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The Hurst Conference Center offers 50,000+ sq. ft. of meeting/event space – seven meeting rooms; 14,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom; 13,000-sq.-ft. Gallery with 40-ft. floor to ceiling win-dows; Executive Boardroom; and Patio Garden/Outdoor Veranda featuring function space with waterfall. Ballroom features state-of-the-art “starfield” and fiber optic chandelier, technologically advanced amenities and exceptional on-site catering, audio visual, IT and conference services; 325 hotel rooms within walking distance. Attractions: Six Flags, Northeast Mall (Nordstrom, Dillards, Macy’s).
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Palm Springs Convention Center277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262(800) 333-7535; (760) 325-6611; Fax: (760) 778-4102www.palmspringscc.comDirector of Sales: Rick Leson The Meeting Oasis
An extraordinary venue in an equally extraordinary destination. The convention center recently underwent a $32 million expansion and adjoins the 410-room Palm Springs Renaissance Hotel (30,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space). 92,545-sq.-ft., fully carpeted exhibit hall (expandable to 112,561 sq. ft.) can host events for 9,000 in theater-style seating. Up to 112,000 sq. ft. of divisible and contiguous carpeted exhibit space, 19 meeting break-out rooms, including a 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (divisible into four sections), and 18,000-sq.-ft. lobby/pre-function space. Event lawn perfect for dining, receptions or displays. 1,600+ hotel rooms within walking distance.
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Oregon Convention Center777 Northeast Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard(800) 791-2250; (503) 235-7575www.oregoncc.orgDirector of Sales and Marketing: Matt Pizzuti At the Center of SuccessThe Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is situated in downtown Portland on the banks of the Willamette River. An award-winning architectural wonder, the OCC boasts massive win-dows and skylights filling the interior with natural light, as well as a public art collection. The OCC’s 375,000 sq. ft. of function space includes seven exhibit halls (255,000 sq. ft. of total space, 61,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space); 50 meeting rooms totaling 52,330 sq. ft.; and a 35,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. Conveniently located in the city center, the LEED Silver-certified facility features three drive-in locations and an 800-space parking garage. Local attractions include wine country, Multnomah Falls, and skiing on Mount Hood.
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T H E W E S T / c o l o r a d o
515 South Cascade Avenue, Suite 1300, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, (800) 888-4748, ext. 132; (719) 685-7632 • www.visitcos.com
Picking a memorable destination can be challenging: finding a place attendees want to visit along with a great venue and ample offsite activities. Don’t get overwhelmed with the long list of to-do’s and enlist the help of the award-winning staff
of the Colorado Springs CVB. This breathtaking Rocky Mountain city is brimming with invigorating choices for lodging, sessions, receptions, teambuilding and offsite activities. The vibrant natural beauty of landmarks like Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain and Garden of the Gods Park refresh and inspire.
Colorado Springs is easily accessible. Located just 11 miles from downtown, the Colorado Springs Airport has non-stop service to many major cities and one-stop service to over 1,500 destinations worldwide. State-of-the-art systems and terminal improvements get you through security quickly, and there are a variety of local and national restaurants, retailers and free wi-fi to pleasantly pass the time while you wait for your flight. The destination is also just a short and scenic 70-mile drive south of the Denver International Airport.
Home to the U.S. Olympic Committee, Olympic Training Center, U.S. Air Force Academy and ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Colorado Springs is the ideal location for exceptional performance, creating a higher ground for attendees to refresh, discover and network. The magnificent views and a 6,035-foot elevation might also have something to do with it.
Recreation is as easily found as the 300+ annual days of sunshine. Because of its location against the Rocky Mountains, the city is protected from harsh weather, meaning mild winters and a comfortable year-round climate. It’s not rare to see light jackets in the summer and shorts in the winter. Horseback riding in North Cheyenne Canon, zip lining over nearby Manitou Springs or hiking the newly opened to the public Manitou Springs “Incline” extreme trail are all opportunities to connect with the prominent splendor of the area.
COlOrAdO springs COnVentiOn & VisitOrs BureAu
Take advantage of unique teambuilding activities like racing around the track with the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving at Pikes Peak International Raceway, biking down Gold Camp Road or challenging the team with the Battle of the Bighorn rafting obstacle course. Itinerary building is a cinch with over 55 attractions at your disposal.
If satisfying your taste buds is on the agenda, grab some authentic Colorado cuisine with a walking food and history tour of Downtown or a taste of the city with a Cajun twist at Springs Orleans. Sample the sudsy concoctions at one of the local microbreweries like Trinity Brewing or Bierwerks. Unique shopping and dining abound in the historic and charming shopping districts: downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs.
As you’re seeking the perfect property for overnight stays, breakout sessions or an offsite reception, the region has exclusive options. Lodging ranges from popular brands like Hilton, Marriott and Crowne Plaza to truly Colorado choices like the new Mining Exchange, a Wyndham Grand Hotel and Sundance Mountain Lodge. Home to 14,000 guestrooms, the area can certainly accommodate. Gems such as the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Glen Eyrie Castle, AAA Sky Sox Baseball Club, Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Pikes Peak International Raceway all showcase some of the region’s 400,000+ sq. ft. of flexible meeting space.
Not only is the destination an economical choice, but the staff of the Colorado Springs CVB offers complimentary services with an extensive list of recognitions. The CVB is your single resource for peace of mind and meetings. Whether it’s customized site visits, building suggested itineraries or distributing RFPs, they are here for you. Elevate your opportunities, start planning your next event in this unrivaled mountain metropolis at VisitCOS.com/meet.
an ElEvaTEd MEETing ExpEriEncE
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T H E W E S T / o k l a H o M a
One Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 602-8500 • Fax (405) 602-5129
www.coxconventioncenter.com
The SMG-managed Cox Convention Center is located in downtown Oklahoma City – a city known for being both accommodating and affordable. The one-million-sq.-ft. facility is encompassed by a growing number of hotels and
attractions, including the Bricktown dining and entertainment district, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Chesapeake Energy Arena, a 20,000-seat arena which is also managed by SMG. The Cox Convention Center is a multi-purpose venue designed to host everything from meetings and community events to major conventions, tradeshows, concerts and sporting events.
ArenaWith seating for up to 15,000, 65-ft. ceilings and over 32,000 sq. ft. of floor space, the Arena, located at the heart of the Cox Convention Center, offers an environment designed for epic
THE onE-Million-Sq.-fT. faciliTy iS SurroundEd by a groWing nuMbEr of HoTElS and aTTracTionS.
COx COnVentiOn Center
exhibitions, inspirational rallies, major sporting events and world-class entertainment.
Exhibit HallThe Exhibit Halls offer more than 100,000 sq. ft. of space, 80,000 of which is column-free. They can be divided in up to eight halls and features four street-level doors, each 24 ft. wide and 20 ft. tall along with an added loading dock.
Meeting Rooms and BallroomsThe meeting room complex at the Cox Convention Center features 21 meeting rooms varying in size from 672 sq. ft. to 6,412 sq. ft.; a permanent board room for 20 to 50 people; and a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, which can be divided into five smaller halls or meeting rooms ranging from 3,278 sq. ft. to 11,216 sq. ft.
TechnologyAs the venue’s naming rights partner, and provider of telecommunication services, Cox continues to ensure that the convention center meets and/or exceed the requirements of its clients and guests. Cox increased wireless Internet capabilities throughout the convention center, allowing SMG to offer free wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots to visitors in designated pre-function areas. Cox also enhanced the venue’s technology infrastructure to allow Internet access speeds of up to one gigabit.
LocationLocated just off I-40 between I-35 and I-44 in downtown Oklahoma City, and just 10 miles/15 minutes from the Will Rogers World Airport, Cox Convention Center is one of the most centrally located venues of its kind in the nation.
Hotels and ParkingMore than 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s 15,000-plus hotel rooms are located within walking distance of the Cox Convention Center. Two hotels connect to the facility: the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel is joined by a glass-enclosed sky bridge; and the Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel offers access through downtown Oklahoma City’s newly renovated underground concourse, which opens into the convention center’s 900-space underground parking garage. A total of more than 20,000 parking spaces are available throughout the downtown and Bricktown area.
Attractions and ActivitiesVisitors can enjoy the mild climate while strolling along the Bricktown canal, or through the 17-acre Myriad Botanical Gardens featuring the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Restaurants, shops and theaters are also within walking distance. Other must-see attractions located downtown include the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. The Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma, and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum are also visitor favorites.
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1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768 • (909) 623-3111 • www.fairplex.com
FAIRPLEX: A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAN DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
A hidden gem of Southern California, Fairplex is conveniently centered between the mountains, valleys and beaches that define Los Angeles County. The 487-acre campus is ideal for almost any gathering and is home to more than 300 year-round events servicing a diverse range of clients. The beautiful historic campus attracts three million
visitors annually. Fairplex shines as one of the most versatile event venues in the region. Indoors and out, in
any month of any season, every aspect of the campus is as flexible as it is scenic. Restaurants, a wine pavilion, exposition halls, an urban farm, museums and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel are just some of the spaces the campus has to offer.
Large column-free exhibit halls are ideal for trade and consumer shows, product demonstrations, and filming. Each hall is air-conditioned and a historical art gallery and adjoining patio are suitable for a number of events. Picnic Hill, overlooking the entirety of the beautiful property, is also ideal for outdoor gatherings.
The outdoor areas of the campus have been utilized in many ways, from recreational auto shows and sales to a number of festivals including the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits competitions and the world-famous L.A. County Fair. Park-like settings, fountains and beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds ensure a pleasant experience for all guests.
Earlier this year, Fairplex celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center. Since opening in 2012, the Center has hosted multiple events and companies ranging from Armstrong Garden Center to Cal Spas and an Anheuser-Busch InBev product launch celebration.
The $28 million project was designed with versatility in mind. The 85,000-sq.-ft. space is divided into spacious ballrooms, breakout rooms with interactive digital white boards, videoconferencing and high-speed Wi-Fi. The facility is I.A.C.C. certified with Silver LEED certification.
For any event large or small, Fairplex offers a wide variety of dining options ranging from fresh farm-to-table produce grown on-site at McKinley’s Farm to food trucks. Each of the three onsite restaurants offers unique freshly made meals.
Barretts Sales & Racing’s large, grassy infield is ideal for concerts, picnics and festivals. The historical 40,000-seat Auto Club Raceway and 1,000-foot long drag strip have served as locations for auto testing, research, filming and driving courses.
From music festivals to wrestling tournaments, weddings to business seminars and trade shows to wine tastings, Fairplex offers the best in customer service, event production and customizable space.
They weren’t kidding when they said the possibilities are endless.
FAirplex
T H E W E S T / c a l i f o r n i a
OUR CAMPUS Large column-free, air-conditioned exhibit halls ranging from 33,600 to 105,500 sq. ft. and meeting space totaling 375,000 sq. ft.
Building amenities include touch-free restrooms, pre-wired exhibit halls for high-speed Internet and DSL, portable concession stands and ATMs
Outside areas perfect for product demonstrations, automotive, boat and outdoor recreational shows and events
Established and popular location for filming and television productions
Park-like settings, fountains and beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds
Five-eighths mile oval Fairplex Park horse racing track with large, grassy infield ideal for concerts, picnics and festivals and a 10,000-seat grandstand
Unique barn and horse arenas for horse shows
Historical art gallery and adjoining patio suitable for events and weddings
Historical 40,000-seat Auto Club Raceway and 1,000-foot drag strip is an excellent location for auto testing, research, filming and driving courses
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum Onsite Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Fairplex KOA RV Park
Onsite McKinley’s Grille restaurant, Finish Line Sports Grill and Avalon restaurant
Barretts Equine Ltd., site of four prestigious annual national/international equine auctions
Spacious parking for more than 30,000 vehicles
PROXIMITY Just nine miles west of LA/Ontario International Airport
Easy access to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties
Nearby dining, entertainment, theaters, art and recreational destinations
A SUPER REGIONAL DESTINATION
p - 909.622.2220 • sheraton.com/fairplex • 601 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
A regional expo. A national championship. An elegant, intimate awards banquet.
A hidden gem of Southern California, Fairplex is conveniently located 30 minutes from anywhere in Southern California. The 487-acre campus is ideal for almost any gathering.
Indoors and out, in any month of any season, every aspect of the campus is as flexible as it is scenic. Restaurants, a wine pavilion, expo halls, an urban farm, museums and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center are just some of the spaces the campus has to offer.
Large column-free expo halls are ideal for trade and consumer shows, product demonstrations and filming.
Outdoor areas offer wide functionality. Park-like settings, fountains and beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds ensure a pleasant experience for all guests.
Barretts Sales & Racing’s large, grassy infield is ideal for concerts, picnics and festivals. The 40,000-seat Auto Club Raceway and 1,000-foot long drag strip have served as locations for auto testing, research, filming and driving courses.
They weren’t kidding when they said the possibilities are endless.
Well situated between the U.S. mainland and Pacific Rim countries, Hawai‘i offers an ideal spot for world-class meetings, with the added benefit of
providing an array of leisure options for accompanying family and friends.
Located on the island of O‘ahu, Honolulu is the seat of government, the center of business and finance, and the heart of the state’s artistic and cultural life. Honolulu’s vibrant waterfront includes world-famous Waikîkî Beach, the home of the SMG-managed Hawai‘i Convention Center. In addition to myriad hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, Honolulu hosts two major universities and the East-West Center, an internationally recognized research and education institution. This unique blend of business and pleasure makes the Hawai‘i Convention Center the first choice for many corporations and organizations from all around the Pacific Rim.
Hawai‘i has earned a global reputation for ethnic diversity and mutual respect. So as a meeting place, it provides a comfort zone for all nationalities, ethnicities and religions. And Hawai‘i’s famous Aloha Spirit is a
hAwAi’i COnVentiOn Center
T H E W E S T / H a W a i ’ i
heart-felt attitude of hospitality and dedication to service that makes it unique among convention destinations.
What’s more, Hawai‘i offers five neighbor islands, Kaua‘i, Maui, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i and Hawai‘i, the Big Island, each with its own special attractions for your delegates to enjoy, before or after your program at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
There are 28,000 guestrooms in all price categories within a 1.5 mile radius of the convention center, which is just eight miles from the Honolulu International Airport. Numerous golf courses are located within 15 minutes to 1 hour away. Ocean sports and outdoor activities are just minutes away. Movie theaters, museums, the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Children’s Discovery Center are also close by to offer variety for the entire family.
Meeting Facilities49 meeting rooms, plus a 35,000 sq.-ft. ballroomLargest theater-style capacity: 13,000Largest banquet-style capacity: 9,500Total square footage of exhibit space: 204,000
“It really puts people into a different frame of mind.”
IN V IGOR ATE.
—Heather M. Nash, CMP, Director of
Meetings, American College of Chest
Physicians
hy do people at meetings and conventions get
so much work done in Honolulu? Maybe it’s because
of the mindset paradise inspires. Relax, recharge, and
then innovate and create. And maybe the Aloha Spirit
helps: a heart-felt attitude of welcome and dedication
to service refl ected in everything we do for you. To
watch video testimonials from satisfi ed customers and
get help with planning your own meeting in Hawai‘i,
visit www.meethawaii.com.
132 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T H E W E S T
DealCenter, LLCTake the work out of trade show networking340 Royal Poinciana Way-Suite 317/#345Palm Beach, FL 33480(866) 430-3023; Fax: (201) 624-7316www.deal-center.com
The DealCenter is a turnkey product for trade show, conference or expo organizers. DealCenter, LLC works with trade show, expo or conference management companies to provide an online meeting system that enhances the peer-to- peer networking at the event for attendees and exhibitors. The DealCenter team also provides on-site management of the physical DealCenter or meeting area as well as all technical and customer support.
UrbanRide421 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001 (800) 525-5750; Fax: (212) 202-9638 www.urbanride.net
Chief Executive Officer: Jeremy MilikowSenior Vice President: Mitch Bornstein, SVP
‘Leading Global Provider of Meeting & Event Transportation’
UrbanRide is a global provider of ground transportation for meetings & events, and uses the top-of-the-line sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses and motorcoaches. We provide our clients with IMS, our software that enables meeting planners to better manage transportation for their meetings, conferences, conventions, tradeshows & other events. We work exclusively with meeting & event planners and our customer service is the best in the business. UrbanRide is a one-stop solution for meeting & event transportation.
Keppler Speakers4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203(703) 516-4000; Fax: (703) 516-4819www.kepplerspeakers.comSenior VP for Sales and Marketing: John Truran
With Keppler Speakers, creating memorable meetings never felt so easy. With over 25 years of experience, we provide you solid, seasoned expertise, making speaker selection stress-free by managing all of the details. Keppler Speakers saves you precious time by matching you with speakers who are right on target. From proven performers to dynamic rising stars, our speakers bring fascinating, real stories and a gift for inspiring audiences.
93Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook
Yo u r P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s R e s o u r c eB u y e r’s G u i de
Don’t Get Stuck in a Fishbowl!The Facilities Media Group
Facilities LIVE • Booking GuideFacilities & Event Management
www.Facilitiesonline.com
POTHOS, Inc.2260 El Cajon Blvd. #474San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 546-0621: Fax: (413) 723-7838www.pothos.usPresident & CEO: Michael Patton, CMM
“Our company ethos is Integrity, Clarity and Reliability. POTHOS works in a forthright manner that considers transparent communication as the cornerstone to a successful relationship with our guests and travel partners.”
POTHOS, Inc. is a globally recognized strategic meeting management company and corporate travel agency that specializes in using cutting-edge technology and resources to compete with much larger companies at a value, offering clients cost savings and efficient personal event planning services. POTHOS, Inc. specializes in the following 3 core competencies: 1. Full Service Strategic Meeting Management; 2. Full Service Corporate/VIP Travel Management; 3. Logistics – Freight & People. POTHOS, Inc. is your ONE source for meeting, travel and logistics. Achievement of goals and objectives, ROI and ROO are the basis of our strategic approach.
The C.W. Allen Group, LLC 5130 Cyrus Circle, Birmingham, AL 35242(205) 263-0555 Fax: (205) 263-0557www.cwallengroup.comDirector of Industry Relations: Jackie Jones
Brighter Ideas… Better Results ™
The C.W. Allen Group is North America’s leading event marketing consultancy delivering the industry’s leading exhibitor education and training program, Exhibiting ROI-Q Academy™, which has consistently proven to greatly increase exhibitor success/ROI, to significantly increase exhibitor “retention rates”… and to dramatically increase event sponsorship sales. It is the exhibition industry’s leading and fastest growing exhibitor education, training, and full time/full service “consulting” solution and is fully supported by the International Economic Alliance – conceived at Harvard University, TSEA, BPA Worldwide and ECEF. The C.W. Allen Group delivers the exhibition industry’s leading network quality, global television productions on a risk-free and revenue-generating basis.
The Facilities Media Group
Don’t Get Stuck in a Fishbowl!The Facilities Media Group
FOR YOUR NEXT CONVENTION OR MEETING, LOOK TO THE CITY
THAT IS THE NBA’S NEXT JEWEL IN THE CROWN.
WHERE A STREAMLINED AIRPORT AND LACK OF TRAFFIC
MEAN YOU’RE IN FAST. AND WITH THE BEST
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE JUST A FEW MINUTES’ WALK
FROM YOUR HOTEL, YOU’RE OUT EVEN FASTER.
IT’S OUR MEET & GREET, OUR NICE & EASY. OUR
VISITOKC.COM
Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide
THE #1 SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT
& SPECIAL EVENTS.
MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...NEED MARKET DATA?
Need to research venues for your event or meeting? Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news,
information and listings available.
The best part is, it’s all on a user-friendly,easily accessible website.
One-stop shopping for all your market research needs!
THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUPEssential Planning Tools
Facilities & Destinations
CONFERENCEComprehensive Directory of Conference Centers,
College & University Conference Facilities, Meeting & Boutique Hotels, Small-to-Mid-Size
Meeting & Event Venues
23-46 11/10/08 5:28 PM Page 29
The #1 News & Information Source for Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers
& Special Event Planners
San Diego Convention Center111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 525-5000: Fax: (619) 525-5005www.visitsandiego.comSenior Vice President Sales: Andy Mikschl, CMP Come for the Convention, Stay for the Vacation
Renowned for impeccable service and an experienced, service-oriented staff that provides seamless customer service from the initial planning stages to the conclu-sion of an event; sales team books all citywide conventions, covers all your needs. One-stop shopping at its best. 615,700-sq.-ft. convention center features 72 meet-ing rooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 525,701-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall; 11,000+ premier hotel rooms within 1.5 miles; 55,000 rooms countywide. Attractions include: SeaWorld; San Diego Zoo & Safari Park; Gaslamp Quarter; PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres.
caliFornia
Three Rivers Convention Center 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336(509) 737-3700; Fax: (509) 735-9431www.threeriversconventioncenter.com Director of Sales: Heather Breymeyer
Enjoy your experience.The Three Rivers Convention Center, a first-class facility located in Southeastern Washington, offers 75,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space, 13 spacious meeting rooms, 21,600-sq.-ft. Great Hall (accommodates 2,100), 14,000 sq. ft. pre-function space, show office space; wireless high-speed Internet throughout, Webcasting, advanced lighting, audio/visual; onsite catering; 1,600-sq.-ft. Cyber Café and Patio. Adjacent to 7,500-seat Toyota Center. Sleek, modern design and color palette that invokes the natural beauty of the region. Common-sense functionality and high-tech amenities make it endlessly adapt-able to any configuration your event requires. 750 hotel rooms nearby.
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The Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau100 South Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701(800) 638-8350www.visittucson.orgDirector of Convention Sales: Graeme Hughes, CTA
Tucson’s history – deeply rooted in Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western influ-ences – creates one-of-a-kind meetings. Picturesque upscale resorts include the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, and many more. The Tucson Convention Center offers over 205,000 sq. ft. of function space, including a 21,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom and eight meeting rooms ranging in size from 700 to 1,800 sq. ft. Other notable venues include Music Hall, seating 2,177; Leo Rich Theatre, seating 503; and the 3,000-acre White Stallion Ranch, among the many ranches catering to meeting groups.
arizona
PAGEC2
Phoenix Convention Center & Venues 100 North Third Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004(602) 262-6225; (800) 282-4842www.PhoenixConventionCenter.comDirector of Sales: Debbi FosheeA Whole New Angle on Meetings and EventsThe award-winning Phoenix Convention Center is within walking distance of shop-ping, entertainment, sports and theater venues, and just 15 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport. More than 2,500 guestrooms are within walking distance from the facility, including 1,000 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown and more than 1,200 at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency. The PCC boasts nearly 900,000 sq. ft. of function space, including 312,500 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition hall space, three ballrooms (46,000, 45,000 and 28,000 sq. ft.), and a 21,000-sq.-ft. Executive Conference Center.
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Dynamic. Innovative. Impressive. Everything you want your meeting or event to be is found in one place. The Hurst Conference Center is minutes away from everything DFW has to offer. Restaurants, shops, sporting events, attractions, airports and more. Our state-of-the-art facility has over 50,000 square feet of flexible event space, with seating for up to 900 in the Grand Ballroom and 300 in Meeting Rooms. Full audio-visual presentation equipment and production is available in-house, plus wi-fi is readily accessible throughout the building. Everything you need to make a lasting impression is right here in our amenity-rich facility. Find out how the Hurst Conference Center is central to your success by contacting our sales team today.
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Sacramento Convention Center1030 15th Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95814(916) 808-5291; Fax: (916) 808-7687www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com Small-town friendly with big city amenities, city hosts 6+ million visitors annually. Located in the heart of downtown, the Sacramento Convention Center features 31 meeting rooms; two 10,000-sq.-ft. registration/pre-function areas; Exhibit Hall – 134,000 sq. ft. contiguous space/divisible into five separate areas; 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (1,500 banquet-style/2,500 theater style), divisible up to 10 meeting rooms; Activity Building is a fully carpeted, 11,200-sq.-ft. facil-ity with 12. meeting rooms, connected by concourse to the exhibit hall; 4,000-seat Memorial Auditorium; 2,452-seat Community Center Theater; 2,000 hotels within walking distance; 10,000 citywide. Classique Catering; Wolfgang Pucks Express; Attractions: world-class shopping, golf, Historic District, Nimbus Winery Mall, Sacramento Zoo.
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Dynamic. Innovative. Impressive. Everything you want your meeting or event to be is found in one place. The Hurst Conference Center is minutes away from everything DFW has to offer. Restaurants, shops, sporting events, attractions, airports and more. Our state-of-the-art facility has over 50,000 square feet of flexible event space, with seating for up to 900 in the Grand Ballroom and 300 in Meeting Rooms. Full audio-visual presentation equipment and production is available in-house, plus wi-fi is readily accessible throughout the building. Everything you need to make a lasting impression is right here in our amenity-rich facility. Find out how the Hurst Conference Center is central to your success by contacting our sales team today.
12-COH-057 Facilities_Print Ad.indd 1 3/22/12 9:43 AM
134 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T H E W E S T / o k l a H o M a
123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 • (405) 297-8912 / (800) 225-5652 Fax: (405) 297-8888 • www.visitokc.com
There’s an energy right now in Oklahoma City. You can see it
in our growing skyline. You can feel it on a Friday night in the Bricktown Entertainment District. You can hear it from some of the rowdiest fans in the NBA cheering on our Oklahoma City Thunder. And when you come here, you can experience it first-hand from some of the friendliest people on earth. It’s the kind of place you want to be. It’s the wow factor that makes you realize you picked the right place to hold your next meeting, conference or convention, and you can’t wait to explore.
As one of the most centrally located convention centers in the nation, the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City is at the center of it all. Literally. The center is situated just across the street from three of the seven downtown hotels which combined offer more than 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s nearly 16,000 hotel rooms. Boasting an impressive 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 27,500 sq. ft. of additional convention and pre-convention space, and a 15,000-seat arena, the Cox Convention Center can hosts meeting and convention groups of any size. Not to mention it’s just steps from the thriving Bricktown Entertainment District, packed full
OklAhOmA City COnVentiOn & VisitOrs BureAuof restaurants perfect for a quick lunch or relaxing dinner.
And the meetings bar is likely to be set even higher in the future: Oklahoma City voters approved funding to build a new $250-million downtown convention center, the largest of the eight projects approved in the city’s third Metropolitan Area
Projects (MAPS) proposal. MAPS3 will fund the projects through the extension of an existing one-cent sales tax, making the projects debt-free upon completion.
With attractions such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, there are always new places to discover. And with fine restaurants like Nonna’s Euro-American Ristoranté & Bar, there are treats for the taste buds as well.
If you’ve never been to Oklahoma City, you may just be surprised by all we have to offer. And if it’s been a few years since your last visit, we know you’ll be amazed by our progress. Over the past two decades, we’ve transformed our city through more than $5 billion of public and private investment in quality-of-life projects and improvements. We’ve created something special and we can’t wait to show it off.
FROM OUR RUGGED WESTERN PAST TO THE MAJESTIC PRESENCE OF OUR CITY’S EVER-CHANGING SKYLINE, OKLAHOMA CITY IS THE PERFECT
BLEND OF HISTORICAL PRIDE AND FORWARD PROGRESS. IT’S BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL …
PAST PR E SE NCE
VISITOKC.COM
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FROM OUR RUGGED WESTERN PAST TO THE MAJESTIC PRESENCE OF OUR CITY’S EVER-CHANGING SKYLINE, OKLAHOMA CITY IS THE PERFECT
BLEND OF HISTORICAL PRIDE AND FORWARD PROGRESS. IT’S BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL …
PAST PR E SE NCE
VISITOKC.COM
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136 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T H E W E S T / o r E g o n
777 Northeast Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Portland, OR • (800) 791-2250; (503) 235-7575 • www.oregoncc.org
National conventions love Portland and the Oregon Convention Center (OCC). The surrounding area’s scenery, some of the most spectacular on the planet, is artfully complemented by the décor and
atmosphere of the center’s interiors. From the start, you realize that this isn’t only a great place to be, but a place where great things can happen.
The OCC is situated in downtown Portland on the banks of the Willamette River. The building itself is an award-winning architectural wonder, its twin glass spires gracing the city’s skyline. Massive windows and skylights fill the interior with natural light. The center’s public art collection features many diverse and engaging works inspired by the people, history and natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. Quite simply, the OCC is a wonderful place to showcase your event.
The OCC’s 375,000 sq. ft. of function space includes seven exhibit halls (255,000 sq. ft. of total space, 61,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space); 50 meeting rooms totaling 52,330 sq. ft.; and a 35,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.
Convenient LocationThe OCC is conveniently located in the city center, just north of the junction of Interstate 5 and Interstate 84. The facility features three drive-in locations for easy loading and unloading of exhibitor materials. Exhibitor services representatives are available to help with service orders, either online or onsite. The parking garage features 800 spaces on two underground levels. Additional exhibitor and vendor parking, including parking for oversized vehicles, can be provided in outdoor satellite lots by request.
OregOn COnVentiOn CenterIndigenous F&BIn addition to the many wonderful entrées, snacks and beverages served in our cafés and concessions, Pacificwild catering and our Executive Chef Allan Wambaa offer fresh seasonal menus inspired by the region’s bounty. Our Stir cocktail lounge features one of the city’s largest selections of locally distilled spirits, renowned Portland microbrews, and select Oregon wines.
Meeting in PortlandPortland offers 35,501 hotel rooms set in one of the nation’s most walkable cities. Among Portland’s wide range of fun and inviting attractions, groups will find a world-renowned bookstore, a lush rose garden with stunning city views, the nation’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market, and the oldest museum in the Northwest. Portland’s performing arts calendar includes dance, music and theater offerings — often combined in unexpected ways. From gritty rock to velvety jazz, Portland’s live music scene offers tunes for all types. Head to Jimmy Mak’s for jazz, Doug Fir for indie rock in a modern-log-cabin setting or the Crystal Ballroom for big rock and indie shows in a classic setting.
Nearby AttractionsGroups can visit the vineyards and tasting rooms of Oregon’s scenic wine country, famous for its Pinot noir; hike past Multnomah Falls or any of the nearly 100 waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge; ski and snowboard — day or night, nearly year-round — on nearby Mount Hood; or explore the towns and beaches of the dramatic, rugged Oregon Coast.
Name of Nominee ___________________________________________________
Name of Nominee ___________________________________________________
Name of Nominee ___________________________________________________
Check Award You want to nominate the above for:
Conf. Center Meeting Hotel
Your Name & Title ___________________________________________________
Fill Out Form & Mail, Email or Fax Your Vote:Facilities & Destinations152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016Fax: (212) 213-6382 Email: [email protected]
VOTE for the top Conference Centers, Small to Mid-Size Meeting, University or Special Event Venues, and/or Hotels and Resorts your group has used for its meetings in the last three years. Please base your vote(s) on the following criteria:• Attractiveness and functionality • Technological capabilities • Quality of staff and conference planner • Team Building• Food & Beverage/Catering • Lighting • Acoustics • Climate control • Proximity to airport and other transportation • On or off-site lodging • Other support services • Front-desk operations • Set-ups and breakdowns • Room décor • Quality/Size of Ballroom• Special Packages • Spa • Nearby Attractions
100 Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook
Adventure Aquarium .........................15Akron/Summit CVB ............................53Albuquerque Convention Center.....69Alliant Energy Center of Dane County ......................................54Austin Convention Center ................71Baton Rouge CVB ..............................37Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex ........................39Boston Convention & Exhibition Center ...............................19Branson Convention Center .............55Charleston Civic Center ....................35Cox Business Services Convention Center ............................75Colorado Springs CVB ......................73Daytona Beach Area CVB .................40Fairplex ...............................................77
George R. Brown Convention Center ...........................C2Greater Boston CVB ..........................17Greater Columbus Convention Center ............................59Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center ..............C3Hawaii Convention Center ................81Jacob Javits Convention Center ......21Kansas City Convention Center ........60Lake George NY’s Adirondacks ........27Meadowlands Exposition Center .....23Miami Beach Convention Center .....43Midwest Airlines Center ...................C4Mobile Convention Center .................3Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center .....................63Morial Convention Center ................45Norfolk CVB .......................................33
Oklahoma City CVB ...........................83Oncenter ............................................24Orange County Convention Center ............................47Oregon Convention Center ..............85Positively Cleveland ...........................57Providence Warwick CVB ..................25Puerto Rico Convention Center .......91Rapid City CVB...................................65Rhode Island Convention Center .......9Rochester Riverside Convention Center ............................29Sacramento Convention Center .......87Salina Bicentennial Center ................62Savannah Area CVB ...........................49Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center ..............................7SMG ......................................................5Valley Forge Convention Center ......31
Facilities & Destinations SuperBook Advertiser Index
North Building
Downtown Phoenix
With more than 3,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center, accommodations are as easy to handle as the over 900,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. But don’t take our word for it. Put us to the test today and contact us to see everything Phoenix has to offer.
PHOENIXCONVENTIONCENTER.COM | 800-282-4842 |
T H E Wa l k I N g T E s T:Measure travel tiMe to your hotel in stePs,
Recently named one of the top 10 convention centers in the U.S., the award-winning Phoenix Convention Center is located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. The center is
within walking distance of major convention hotels, shopping, entertainment, sports and theater venues, has a dedicated stop on the METRO Light Rail line, and is just 15 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport.
Facility features include 900,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibition space as well as Arizona’s largest ballroom – 46,000 sq. ft. with a dedicated street level entrance plus two multipurpose ballrooms – 28,000 and 45,000 sq. ft. Stacked floor plans accommodate multiple groups simultaneously and 20 of the 46 convenient loading docks are climate controlled. The facility boasts 99 meeting/breakout rooms, sustainable construction and daily operations, and the West Building is LEED-Silver certified.
Understanding the importance of having options in coordinating a convention, meeting or event, our venues accommodate the diverse needs of a thoughtful and unique event plan. The Executive Conference Center features 21,000 sq. ft. of high-end meeting space, a 192-seat lecture hall, a corporate boardroom and 14 additional conference rooms accommodating up to 200 attendees. Symphony Hall is a 2,312-seat concert hall with amazing acoustics and is home to the Phoenix Symphony, The Ballet Arizona and The Arizona Opera. Built in 1929 and recently renovated, the historic Orpheum Theatre provides seating for 1,364 guests and has the unique ability to transform any event into a masterpiece. Complementing your gathering with flavorful and innovative selections, our exclusive catering partner, Aventura, creates an unforgettable culinary experience for your meeting attendees.
Phoenix Convention Center staff and service partners are guest-centered and provide an exceptional experience for clients and visitors. At several points in the center and around downtown, guests will encounter concierge staff, Venue Hosts and Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors who are readily available to answer questions, provide directions or recommend places to go and things to do.
For a whole new angle on meetings and events, book your next event at the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues!
phOenix COnVentiOn Center & Venues
“The City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Convention Center offer you the best of both worlds – a diverse city with first-class amenities.”
The discovery of gold near Sacramento in 1848 started California’s famous “Gold Rush,” bringing thousands of fortune seekers and entrepreneurs to the area almost
overnight. Today, meeting planners discover their own type of gold when they select Sacramento as a meeting destination.
Convention Center ComplexLocated in the State Capital of California, the Sacramento Convention Center is just 20 minutes from the Sacramento International Airport, and located in the heart of downtown. The Sacramento Convention Center offers over 134,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit hall space on one floor, another 61,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space with 31 meeting rooms on three levels. A 2,400-seat Community Center Theater and 4,000-seat Memorial Auditorium are close by. All three facilities are within walking distance to major downtown hotels, shops, and restaurants. For those driving into town, a Convention Center parking garage is located just two short blocks to the main entrance of the Center.
Hotel InventoryWithin walking distance (or a short shuttle ride away) of the Convention Center are more than 2,000 rooms and a dozen hotel properties. Only a pedestrian walkway separates the Sheraton Grand and the Hyatt Regency from the entrance to the Center. Several other properties can be found within a few blocks of the Center, including the Marriott Residence Inn at Capitol Park, Holiday Inn at Capitol Park, Best Western Sutter House, Holiday Inn Express, Clarion and Embassy Suites Waterfront.
THiS capiTal ciTy HaS a convEnTion cEnTEr WiTH 134,000 Sq. fT. of ExHibiT SpacE and 31 MEETing rooMS.
sACrAmentO COnVentiOn Center
T H E W E S T / c a l i f o r n i a
AttractionsWith over 600 events and approximately 1,000,000 visitors annually, we offer something for everyone. Sacramento is strategically located in Northern California – 90 minutes Northeast of San Francisco. We offer a wealth of cultural activities, professional sports and a wide range of family attractions. Take time to walk in our city and stroll through Capitol Park. Visit our many shops, relax on a riverboat or water taxi, and don’t forget to experience Old Sacramento where wooden boardwalks, cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages will transport you back in time.
Food & BeverageAward-winning Classique Catering is the celebrated caterer at the Convention Center and manages onsite Wolfgang Pucks Express and Starbucks coffeehouse. Classique Catering is a division of Centerplate and pride themselves on excellent service and quality product.
everyday eventsMaking
unforgettable.Tri-Cities Washington
springhill suites by Marriott, coMing spring 2014.
web www.threeriversconventioncenter.com | phone 509.737.3705 | email [email protected]
Conventions, trade shows, weddings, whatever your event — you won’t have to go far for a good night’s rest. And with 75,000 sq. ft of flexible meeting space, no event is too big. Enjoy the events at the Three Rivers Convention Center, then stay next door at SpringHill Suites, connected to the Convention Center. You just might not want to leave.
andCome for the events. Stay for the amenities.
143Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
T H E W E S T / a r i z o n a
100 South Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701
(800) 638-8350 • www.visittucson.org
Real Service
A commitment to genuine personal service is the hallmark of the Conventions Sales team at the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau (MTCVB). Tucson’s competitive strategy
is about being exceptional, and its brand differential is an authentic, customized experience. The bureau’s dedicated and experienced team of national sales managers, with a longstanding reputation for excellence, passionately sells the authenticity of Tucson and Southern Arizona as the Real Southwest.
“Outstanding service is the product of our people,” says Graeme Hughes, Director of Sales at the MTCVB. “Relationship capital is the key foundation of our brand. This ingrained and sustainable strategy has allowed the MTCVB to retain loyal clients, attract new customers and remain competitive in a heavily crowded marketplace for meetings and conventions.”
Real SouthwestTucson’s brand promise is delivering authentic and memorable experiences. Tucson’s history — deeply rooted in Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western influences — creates one-of-a-kind meetings. The region’s spectacular and captivating scenery is the perfect backdrop for any meeting, according to the bureau’s marketing director, Allison Cooper, who says that “Tucson’s real and rugged ranches, the natural surroundings of our luxury resorts, the real elegance of our historic hotels, and unique venues at the city’s best-known attractions create incredible, unforgettable meeting spaces.” From airplane hangars and working cattle ranches, to desert gardens and vaudeville theaters, Tucson’s meeting options reach far beyond the ballroom. “It’s these elements,” say Cooper and Hughes, “that keep meeting planners coming back!”
Real Collaboration, Real SavingsAlthough the award-winning Master Account Incentive campaign drew to a close last year — a program that generated an estimated economic impact of nearly $32 million to Tucson since its inception in 2008 and became the inspiration for other cities to offer similar incentives — a new campaign, “Real Collaboration, Real Savings,” was launched to inspire event planners to meet in Tucson. “Our clients are realizing real savings — up to $15,000,” says Hughes. “Planners can earn credits to their master account by booking peak rooms with a two-night minimum stay. Savings can be tripled by booking multiple events.”
dEEply rooTEd in naTivE aMErican, SpaniSH, MExican and WESTErn influEncES
metrOpOlitAn tuCsOn
COnVentiOn And VisitOrs BureAu
Real PotentialGeared to aid meeting planners who are looking to have real choices in ensuring a successful meeting or event, Real Collaboration, Real Savings has yielded exceptional results for the bureau, its partners and clients. Complemented by Tucson’s “You Fly, We Buy” program, the bureau’s Convention Sales team is converting eight out of 10 meeting planners to hold meetings in Tucson. For more information or to fill out an RFP, visit TucsonOnUs.com, call (800) 638-8350, ext. 134 or email [email protected].
144 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
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Puerto Rico Convention Center100 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907(800) 214-0420; Fax: (773) 753-1634www.prconvention.comAssociate Vice President Sales: Rosa M. Luke Smooth At 580,000 sq. ft., the PRCC is the Caribbean’s largest and most technologically-advanced meeting facility. Budget friendly amenities, beautiful surroundings, stunning views, world-renowned service to make your experience a smooth one; 36,200 sq. ft. meeting space, including 15 meeting rooms on two levels, divisible into 28 sections; 39,500-sq.-ft. ballroom (seats 3,934 theater /1,900 banquet/4,158 reception/2,616 classroom); 152,700 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 16,965-seat theater. 7,000+ hotel rooms nearby. Adjacent to Old San Juan, business and resorts hotels, restaurants and night life. The centerpiece of the 113-acre waterfront development featuring hotels, walkways, fountains and restaurants.
Multi-purpose, newly expanded, fully-equipped venue; 132,000 sq. ft. flexible meeting space; 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 65,000+ sq. ft. exhibit space, five foyer areas, 27 breakout rooms. Terrace View Room is elegant fifth-floor roof-top room with private balcony; Olde Scotch Room is a multi-level room with built-in bar and hardwood floor. Full-service electronic infrastructure supports high-speed Internet, telecommunications and elaborate audio-visual displays, with full video-conferencing capabilities, satellite downlink, fiber-optic services; directly connected to 1,100+ hotel rooms; 11,000 hotel rooms citywide. Calgary offers vibrant shopping, dining and entertain-ment; spectacular hiking and skiing in Canadian Rockies.
alBerta, canaDa
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907(787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535; Fax: (787) 993-3525www.sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenter
Director of Sales & Marketing: Jeremy MarquardtYou don’t just stay here. You belong
Plan your event in paradise. Recently opened, superbly situated amidst the Puerto Rico Convention Center District facing the Bay of San Juan, the Sheraton is a truly remarkable landmark, just 10 minutes from international airport. Meeting space: 35,000 sq. ft., nine breakout rooms; 16,290-sq.-ft. ballroom; 1,480 theater seats. Adjacent to Puerto Rico Convention Center. Event staff and onsite catering team. 503 guestrooms. 16 gaming tables, 500 of the latest slot machines, exceptional entertainment options. Numerous dining, shop-ping and nightlife venues.
PUerto rico
Montego Bay Convention CentreRose Hall, 18 Queens DriveMontego Bay, St. James, Jamaica, West Indies(876) 622-9330; Fax: (876) 622-9360www.mobaycentre.comSenior Sales and Marketing Manager: Michelle Parkes A World Class Convention Centre in the Heart of JamaicaA beautiful, lively island, Montego Bay offers a memorable experience for meeting attendees; excellent hotels, inns and guest houses; and great golf, music and a vibrant culture. With an oceanfront location and breathtaking views, the state-of-the-art Montego Bay Convention Centre features 132,000 sq. ft. of meeting, exhibition, ballroom, and plenary space, including: 56,788 sq. ft. of dedicated exhibition space; 18,845-sq.-ft. ballroom; nine meeting rooms; 6,000-seat theater; a large, full-service kitchen within the facility; and 4,000 nearby hotel rooms.
Jamaica
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The International Centre6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4V 1E8(905) 677-6131; (800) 567-1199internationalcentre.comSales Manager, Trade & Consumer Shows: Sandra Martin There’s something happening hereFor over 40 years The International Centre has been home to many of Canada’s largest and most popular events. With 548,000 sq. ft. of versatile exhibit and conference space, the Centre offers an upscale atmosphere, an exceptional culinary experience and a team of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals to ensure the success of your next event. The largest exhibit hall is 125,500 sq. ft. and the largest ballroom is 17,068 sq. ft. A total of 63,500 sq. ft. of meeting space includes 26 meeting rooms. Located three minutes from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, The International Centre is surrounded by more than 10,000 hotel rooms and a variety of great restaurants and attractions.
ontario, canaDa
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Ottawa Convention Centre55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9J2(613) 563-1984; (800) 450-0077www.ottawaconventioncentre.comSenior Vice-President, Sales and Client Service: Paul Keogh Canada’s Meeting PlaceOpened in April 2011, the Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC) is centrally located in down-town Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s Capital and within walking distance of more than 6,000 downtown hotel rooms, numerous attractions and the ByWard Market. A 20-minute drive from the Ottawa International Airport, the OCC is directly linked to the Westin Ottawa Hotel and the 180-store Rideau Centre shopping complex. In January the facility received LEED® Gold certification. The OCC offers 192,000 sq. ft. of function space including a 55,741-sq.-ft. multipurpose hall accommodating 6,260 theater style, 4,600 banquet style and up to 400 10 ft.-by-10 ft. booths displays; 22,032 sq. ft. of pre-function space; 28 meeting rooms; and a 19,032-sq.-ft. ballroom.
3450+ EVENTS A YEAR3$4.5 M RENEWAL PLAN3 500,000+ FT2 EVENT & MEETING VENUE3 5,000 FREE PARKING SPACESFollow us!
Planning an event? Rita and SandRa Will dO WHateveR it taKeS tO MaKe it a SUCCeSS. Meet Sales Managers Rita Medynski and Sandra Martin,two more reasons you should consider The InternationalCentre for your next meeting, conference or event. Theybring a level of experience and professionalism to theirwork that you won’t find anywhere else. They’re committedto your success – no request is too large or detail toosmall. Give Rita and Sandra a call when you’re planningyour next meeting or event.
146 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
c a r i b b E a n / j a M a i c a
About MONTEGO BAY CONVENTION CENTRE
For more information | www.mobaycentre.comMontego Bay Convention Centre | Half Moon P.O. Box #4058, Rose Hall, St. James, JAMAICA | E: [email protected] | T: +1 876 622 9330
The pride of Montego Bay, the new Conference Centre brings serious business to the second city and as an international convention destina-tion, it is already making an impact on the local economy. Unlike leisure travel, which has its peak seasons, convention business is year round and the benefits are shared - the Centre feeds into the 5-star hotels along the elegant corridor and the attractions in and around the area offer leisure activities for the delegates. Now open, the local business community has been very supportive – with the Centre being booked for meetings, retreats, training workshops and special events.
It is also becoming known as a sports venue, hosting championship events in table tennis, taekwondo and domino competitions. Church events are popular, so too are weddings which can be held on the large landscaped lawns. The venue also targets the music industry, and is ideal for concerts, which can be held indoors, or in the huge paved courtyard overlooking the ocean. To date the two big events include the major international tourism trade shows - Caribbean Marketplace and JAPEX. Surprisingly, the room rates are very good and clients are able to manage their budget depending on all the add-ons, such as audio visuals and catering.
The Centre is located on prime land and the complex is the first of its kind in the Caribbean - owned by the local Urban Development Corpora-tion, funded by a US$ 45 million loan from EXIM Bank of China and built by the Chinese. Well planned and designed, it is impressive in many ways. Architecturally it delivers so much and incorporates several design elements. Elevated, it has a dramatic view of the coastline, with a backdrop of the mountains; there’s the grandeur of the old Georgian style public buildings seen in Jamaica, with cut stone work dominating the exterior, along with large green plantation style shutters, yet there is enough glass and chrome to give it all a very modern feel. There are the water features - narrow, long shallow pools, all calming and tranquil. The interior décor has Asian-influences in the cherry wood
finishing, and latticework screens. And it’s super elegant - marble tiles and stylish furniture.
The facility offers over 100,000 square feet of convention and meeting space – all very flexible and functional. There are three main areas, and each one can be divided up to offer several options: The Exhibition
Hall is massive, spread over two separate buildings, it can accommodate 6,200 theatre style, 4,700 banquet seating, or 282 booths; the Grand Ballroom, carpeted with chandelier lighting, can seat 1,580 banquet style. On the west wing, another building houses 9 meeting areas, the largest accommodating up to 600, to a small boardroom. Not overlooked in design are the spacious pre-function lobby areas, with reception desks and comfortable seating, and the large, immaculate public washrooms. Another building, the Jamaica Room, with windows on all sides, has great wall space, and is planned as an art gallery to feature ongoing exhibi-tions. Then there’s the brick-tiled courtyard, which can hold 2,600 people reception, great for large outdoor parties. There is also the Ocean View Terrace, which can seat 1,500 banquet style.
The 15,000sq. ft. kitchen, which is probably the largest, best equipped on island is a huge space with additional prep rooms for salads, seafood, meat and pastry. Catering is a big part of the Centre’s services from coffee and tea breaks, to working lunch buffets, cocktail parties and 5-course banquets. Both the kitchen and Exhibition Hall also have freight access. Parking is ample, with coach bays.
There will be a full service business centre offering secretarial services. All the meeting rooms are soundproof, and equipped with the latest in IT facilities including fully integrated global broadcast and teleconferencing capabilities. There is also a team of roaming audio visual technicians.
“Montego Bay Convention Centre, is the first of its kind in the English
speaking Caribbean and boasts an Exhibit Hall that is divisible into two halls,
accommodating up to 6,000 persons theatre style. Located in the resort area of Rose
Hall, its close to over 4,000 luxury accommodations, duty free shopping, restaurants,
entertainment, golf courses, beaches, bars and only 15 minutes from the Sangster’s
International Airport, making the facility the ideal place to meet or host your next
event.” - Dittie F. Guise, General Manager
57,525 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall 9,737 sq. ft. of Meeting Space
43,000 sq. ft. Outdoor Courtyard 18,471 sq. ft. Ballroom
and Terrace with Ocean View.
For more information | www.mobaycentre.com
About MONTEGO BAY CONVENTION CENTRE
Montego Bay Convention Centre | Half Moon P.O. Box #4058, Rose Hall, St. James, JAMAICA | T: (876) 622 9330
*Applicable to US citizens or corporation.
facebook.com/mobaycentre
twitter.com/mobaycentre
Top 10 Reasons to Meet in Montego Bay An SMG Managed State-of-the-Art Convention Centre Excellent Airlift to Montego Bay from North America, UK and Europe Tax Deductible Expenses* Luxury Accommodations Duty-free Shopping Centres Entertainment & Music Gourmet Restaurants & Bars Beaches, Golf Courses and Recreation Cultural Sites & Packaged Tours Reliable Transportation System
Pamela Hirneisen (left), VP, Convention Center Sales & Marketing, Los Angeles Convention Center, and Mary Bones, CASE, Director, North and Southeast Region Convention Sales, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Representing The International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (from left): Rita Medynski, CEM, Sales Manager; Sandra Martin, Sales Manager; and Ron Bentley, Director of Event and Client ServicesDustin B. Arnheim, Director of
Convention Sales, Visit Indy
Moira Davin, Sales Manager, Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau
Karen F. Niederdorfer, CHSP, National Sales Manager, Connecticut Convention Center
Tim Buckley, Sales Manager, Ocean Center Daytona Beach, and Lisa Shavatt, Director of Group Sales, Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/Ocean Walk Village
From left: Bryan Lavin, Director of National Accounts, Providence Warwick CVB; Arleen Oliva, Senior Sales Manager, Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC); and Shannon Jones, CEM, Operations Manager, RICC
Frank Dominici, General Man-ager, and Robin Cuneo, Execu-tive Director of the Meadow-lands Exposi-tion Center, Secaucus, NJ
Melanie Rice, Na-tional Sales Manager Convention Center Sales, Memphis Cook Convention Center
Amy Simon, Sales and Marketing Manager, Visit Monroeville (PA)
Naz Sabripour (left), Director of Conven-tion Services, and Jeanne O’Grady, CEM, Associate Director of Sales, Pasadena (CA) Convention Center
Representing the St. Louis Conven-tion & Visitors Commission were (from left): Dot Hewitt; John Bettag, CMP, VP of Sales; and Melanie Donnelly
From left: Bernard Sefcik, Director of Hotel Sales, The Borgata, Atlantic City; Shura Garnett, CFE, Global Spectrum Regional VP and GM, Saint Charles Convention Center; and Gary Musich, VP Convention Sales, Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority
Sherry Chambers (left), CMP, Senior Director of Sales, Greater Columbus Convention Center posed with Dittie Guise, General Manager, Montego Bay Convention Centre
RCMA Executive Director Dr. Harry Schmidt welcomes attendees.
(L-r): RCMA Executive Director Dr. Harry Schmidt and Dean Jones, Director of Conference & Events, honor 20-plus-year sponsors Robert Wood, Oklahoma City CVB; David Bradley, Valley Forge CVB; and Nick Topitzes, pc/nametag.
Emerge attendees gave back to the community at one of three service projects: Minneapolis Emergency Foodshelf Network, Youthlink and Northside Child Development Center.
Dr. Tony Evans, host of radio program The Alternative, speaks at the Thursday luncheon.
W. Bill Williams Jr., CMP, Vice-President of Diversity/Sales, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, receives the “Award of Excellence” from (l-r) RCMA President Dr. Melvin Worthington, CMP, and Executive Director Dr. Harry Schmidt.
Keynote speaker John Cassis discusses how to embrace change and cope with the daily pressures of life.
The Emerge tradeshow floor
Emerge Conference 2013Snapshots of the Religious Conference Management Association’s annual meeting,
held Jan. 28-Feb. 1 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
NortheastAtlantic City CVA .................................... 75Greater Boston CVB ............................... 76Connecticut Convention Center ........... 67David L. Lawrence Convention Center ................................. 61MassMutual Center ................................ 30Meadowlands Exposition Center .......... 79The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls ........................................... 27Philadelphia CVB .................................... 81Providence Warwick CVB ....................... 35Rhode Island Convention Center .......... 19Rochester Riverside Convention Center ................................. 85
Mid-AtlanticVisit Norfolk ............................................. 86Ocean City Convention Center ............. 87Greater Richmond Convention Center . 27
SoutheastBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex .................................................. 91The Classic Center .................................. 14Huntsville/Madison County CVB ........... 22Miami Beach Convention Center .......... 26Mobile Convention Center .................... 89New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center .............................................Cover 3Orange County Convention Center ...... 95Owensboro Convention Center .......28-29Visit Savannah ......................................... 97Vicksburg Convention Center ............... 98
MidwestAkron/Summit CVB ................................. 65Bridge View Center .............................. 100Clay County Events Center .................. 101Positively Cleveland ................................ 13Greater Columbus Convention Center 105Delta Center ...................................Cover 4
Advertiser index
Greater Des Moines CVB ..................... 109Indiana Convention Center ................... 15Kansas City Convention Center ............. 43Kansas Expocentre ................................. 69Little Rock CVB ....................................... 17Magouirk Conference Center .............. 113Meet Minneapolis ..................................... 3Monona Terrace Convention Center .. 115RiverCenter ............................................. 71Saint Charles Convention Center .......... 27The Sanford Center ................................ 63SeaGate Convention Centre ................. 37Swiftel Center ........................................ 116Tinley Park Convention Center ............. 33
WestAmarillo CVC ........................................... 16Anaheim/Orange County CVB ............ 119Austin Convention Center ................... 121Boise CVB ................................................ 38Colorado Convention Center .............. 123Colorado Springs CVB ............................. 5Cox Convention Center ....................... 127Fairplex .................................................. 129Hawaii Convention Center ................... 131Hurst Conference Center ..................... 133Oklahoma City CVB .............................. 135Oregon Convention Center ................. 137Phoenix Convention Center ................ 139Sacramento Convention Center .......... 141Three Rivers Convention Center ......... 142Metropolitan Tucson CVB .............Cover 2
CanadaThe International Centre ...................... 145Ottawa Convention Centre .................... 11
OtherMontego Bay Convention Centre ....... 147SMG ........................................................6-7Global Spectrum ................................24-25
152 Facilities & Destinations 2013 SuperBook
Continued from page 47TesT Your roI IQ
Business Viewpoints
Top 5 Barriers To progress Industry professionals have barely scratched the surface of connecting meetings and events to business value. What keeps them from doing it? Here are the Top 5 Barriers:
1. Fear of results. Meeting planners and event organizers often have a fear of the outcome of ROI measurement.
If business value is not demonstrated, how will that affect my meeting, my client, my success and my performance? In reality, a negative ROI will usually not kill the meeting, nor should it reflect on the performance of the planner. Instead, the result should be approached with a spirit of process improvement. Make sure the client understands that if the meeting is not delivering the expected value, then adjustments will be made. Most of the time, the client will readily accept this type of arrangement.
2. Perceived complexity. ROI evaluation is often perceived to be a very complex process with all types
of mathematical formulas, financial terms and equations, and statistics that most planners don’t want to even think about. In reality, it comes down to very simple mathematics. It is a ratio of the net benefits to cost. Even if the evaluation does not go to the ROI level, there are other important levels of data that are extremely useful and valuable. The process is straightforward, sequential and logical.
3. Time. Meeting planners typically don’t have time for extra activities, and they don’t feel they have time
for ROI measurement. That circumstance may mean
that the process has to be outsourced. The good news is that in-house evaluation is not that expensive. Investing the time in an ROI study for a major meeting may cost less than $5,000 for a meeting with a budget of over a million dollars. If it were outsourced, the evaluation would probably be about $25,000. Still, $25,000 is not much to pay for a $1 million meeting (2.5 percent) in order to see how well it is working for key stakeholders.
4. Know-how. Unfortunately, meeting planners often don’t know how to determine business value. Their
career preparation rarely includes this type of analysis. Fortunately, some of the professional organizations are stepping up and offering a variety of courses.
5. Access. Planners typically indicate they do not have access to people to secure the data needed for
evaluation. But for most studies, access is not an issue. What is needed is the commitment from the participants to provide the data. Planners can take extra steps in the beginning of the meeting to get people more involved, engaged and committed to deliver the data.
NexT sTeps Determining the business value of meetings often means learning new processes, taking a few risks and exploring some unknowns. The payoff can be tremendous. On the other hand, if the project is not pursued, the consequences can be devastating.
Jack J. Phillips, Ph.D., is Chairman of the Birmingham, AL-based ROI Institute, Inc., and serves as President of the International Society for Performance Improvement (2012-2013). The Institute offers courses on Phillips’ ROI Methodology, which has been endorsed by PCMA and MPI.
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