2011 Facilities & Destinations SuperBook

Facilities & More Sites! More Cities! New Look! F&D Directory Pages 29–117

2011 Directory

BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 152 Madison Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10016

Destinations SuperBook

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For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

Frontier Airlines Center Milwaukee Meetings Head Downtown Page 18

Hot List: Hilton Meeting Hotels Page 14

2011 Awards of Excellence Page 22

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Destinations

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24

SuperBook

2011 Awards of Excellence Prime Site & Top Destination Winners: The Best of The Best................................................................. 24 Meeting Planners Vote for Winning Sites & Cities.................. 22 2011 Award-Winning Team Leaders......................................... 23 2012 Awards of Excellence Ballot.............................................. 27

110

Columns Caffin’s Corner.............................................................................. 2 Viewpoint...................................................................................... 4 Technology Watch........................................................................ 8 Planner Perspectives.................................................................. 10 CVB Perspectives........................................................................ 12 Cover Spotlight Milwaukee Meetings: A Destination Goes Downtown............ 18

16

State-of-the-Industry Religious Meetings: Diverse Planners, Diverse Events A Spotlight Interview with Dr. DeWayne S. Woodring, Executive Director & CEO, Religious Conference Management Association.......................................................... 16 F&D Hot List................................................................................ 14 Facilities & Destinations Buyer’s Guide: Products & Services Directory................................................. 118

58

Ad Index.................................................................................... 120

Directory: F&D Sites & Cities Northeast.............................................................. 30 Mid-Atlantic.......................................................... 46 Southeast.............................................................. 51 Midwest................................................................. 71 West....................................................................... 92 Canada................................................................ 112 Puerto Rico.......................................................... 114

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Regional Index............................................................................ 29 A-Z Index................................................................................... 114 100

Caffin’s o r n e r

Mid-Market Sites and Cities Growing & Thriving

I

n contrast to an economic slowdown in many sectors of the economy, several new convention center developments are taking place right now in some U.S. and Canadian 2nd and 3rd-tier cities. While this may not mean the recovery is full throttle, it does indicate a continent-wide eagerness that a rejuvenated Meetings and Hospitality industry will lead the economic recovery, as well as a prevailing desire among Planners to seek out destinations for their event attendees.

In 2011, several cities throughout North America – what Planners call Mid-Market Destinations – have opened a new convention-sized facility; many other cities are either planning (or planning an expansion of ) a facility or are already in the construction phase. Government and business leaders in each destination have embraced the potential of the Meetings Industry, which offers their city new job and economic growth, as well as energy and the excitement that revitalize an area.

Take the new 82,000-square-foot Scotiabank Convention Centre (page 112) in Niagara Falls, Canada, which officially opened its doors in April. Having the ability to host world-class shows has revived interest in this scenic destination and at the local level, the Centre created 70 fulltime and 210 part-time employment opportunities; an estimated $83 million of new direct visitor expenditures to the Region annually is expected to be generated.

In the U.S., the new Mid-Market meeting facilities include the 55,000-square-foot Las Cruces Convention Center in Las Cruces, N.M. and the 30,000-square-foot Wilmington Convention Center in Wilmington, N.C.. Both of these multi-purpose venues opened to rave reviews and are being marketed to host meetings, conventions, consumer shows, banquets, trade shows, entertainment and other events. They are also signs that the meetings industry is back on the upswing, augmenting the competitive nature of the business and offering what Planners and their Attendees most desire – more quality, cost-effective destinations to choose from.

A number of other recent success stories for Mid-Market venues and cities are detailed in our 2011 Facilities & Destinations SuperBook. Places like the Prime Site Award-winning Branson Convention Center (page 71), the newly-expanded Tinley Park Convention Center (page 88) and the expanded, Prime Site Award-winning Virginia Beach Convention Center (page 48).

New venues inject a new vitality into our industry. With all of this 2nd and 3rd-tier Meetings expansion, and a new interest in smaller destinations among Meeting Planners, the Facilities Media Group launched the Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review issue in 2010. The 2011 version will be out later in this summer and will, like the growth the industry segment is experiencing, be more comprehensive and expansive.

Like the Meetings Industry we serve, the Facilities Media Group is also on upswing. The 2011 Facilities & Destinations SuperBook you are now reading is the largest Awards of Excellence issue ever! We hope you enjoy it and remember, it is never too early to start voting for next year’s award winners!

2011

Volume 20 No. 1

Editorial Director Timothy Herrick Associate Publisher Michael Caffin Creative Direction & Design Scott-Goodman Associates Circulation Manager Joshua Krajnak Account Executive Andrew Reeves Research Manager Amber Tavarez Business Operations Nadia Derelieva © Copyright 2011 by Bedrock Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles and advertising copy are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisers are responsible for all costs, damages and claims regarding advertising insertions.

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 x103.

MEMBERS OF:

Michael Caffin, Associate Publisher Mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com

ON THE COVER Milwaukee has become the Midwest epitome of the destination marketing mantra — 1st-tier amenities at 2nd-tier prices. In our Cover Spotlight, we explore this city’s fun, exciting Wisconsin Center District, the Downtown hot-spot that surrounds the Frontier Airlines Center, a 188,695-square-foot, stateof-the-art convention facility. (page 18)

2

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

VIEW P O I N T

A

Making the Where Decision More Accessible

ccessibility has become more than a common sense phrase, it is an aspiration. In the name of accessibility, destinations tout their location, the number of flights their airports handle, the design of their convention centers in terms of facilitating a meeting, and the proximity of their meeting venues to the off-site fun, entertainment and dining available. For meetings, streamlined registration using web-based sources, the movein/move-out, hook ups for electricity, phone, web-connections and labor issues related to the Exhibition Floor all are used to enhance the appeal of an event, thus boosting its attendance because of increased accessibility.

The core component of Facilities & Destinations publications is our Sites & Cities Directory, the new look of which debuts in this issue (page 29). This directory, considered by many the most functional and comprehensive in the industry, has been part and parcel of the magazine since the Facilities Media Group was founded in 1988. The intention of the design was to enhance readability, making the directory a more user-friendly tool for Meeting Planners they can access for the process of selecting a destination and/or meeting facility.

An additional advantage of the redesigned directory is MORE. The new look enables us to feature more venues and more destinations. The make-over is not only more reader-accessible, its improved comprehensiveness creates a more inclusive guide to the array of facilities and destinations making up today’s meetings marketplace.

With this issue comes the Official Announcement that our publications are not just available in print and online at Facilitiesonline.com, but now they’re mobile. Finally, Facilities & Destinations can say, there’s an APP for us – and for you, the APP is free. Go to our partner site: issuu.com (search keyword Facilitiesonline) to find out all the details, or go to m.issuu.com on your phone’s browser to get started. This new APP (did I mention it’s free) makes all our publications more accessible to Meeting Planners; now they can go with you everywhere you bring your mobile device (which in today’s day and age is indeed, everywhere).

The Facilities & Destination SuperBook is probably the most highly anticipated issue we produce. Turn to Page 22

4

to find out why. We like to call this particular publication an annual industry event because here we announce the 2011 Awards of Excellence winners. Throughout the past 12 months, we’ve been compiling ballots, received by Email, Fax and even regular mail – Candidates are nominated voted on by Facilities & Destinations readers – Meeting & Event Planners.

There are two distinct Awards of Excellence, Prime Site and Top Destination. The Prime Site Awards featured in this issue are given out to Convention Centers; The Top Destination Award is the award given to Convention & Visitor Bureaus or similar entities that sell a city and/or region as a setting for a meeting.

Planners want – and need – Sites & Cities that are more than adequate. You want a WHERE that will optimize all aspects of your event, maximizing effectiveness of the event content and scheduled activities while still conforming closely to today’s belt tightening business climate. The desired results are memorable and enriching experiences for attendees and the attainment of the Return-on-Investment forecasted for your event.

Winners of the Awards of Excellence are Facilities and Destinations that unequivocally go beyond the adequate. They are worthy of consideration. Sometimes deciding on a place for your event can seem daunting – and let’s face it, planners are also dealing with other meeting aspects in addition to site selection – but the Awards of Excellence can begin the selection process. It’s a place where you an start to narrow down your decision.

The 2011 list of Prime Site and Top Destination winners will not give Planners the answer to they’re looking for – only the particulars of your event can determine this crucial decision. The Awards of Excellence, like the other sections in the 2011 Facilities & Destinations SuperBook, makes that answer to where more accessible.

Timothy Herrick, Editorial Director therrick@facilitiesonline.com Find Me on Facebook.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

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Technology Watch Technology Watch Technology WatchWatch Technology Watch Technology Watch Technology Technology

H o w Fa c i l i t y T e c h n o l o g y Can B e n ef it Yo u r M e e t i n g

By Mark Haley

A

President of Smart City Networks

s technology continues to evolve, Americans become more tech-savvy every day. Eighty-five percent of adult Americans own a cell phone. One in four cellular phone subscribers use a smart phone, compared to one in 10 just two years ago. With 20 percent of American cell phone subscribers using smart phones and over 50 percent of Americans owning a laptop, it’s no wonder that more and more attendees at conventions, trade shows and meetings require Internet access to stay connected.

To accommodate the growing demand for continuous, reliable and fast access to the Internet, convention centers and meeting facilities continue to adapt their technology services and capabilities. At many venues, the in-house technology service provider can serve as a trusted partner and technology expert for meeting planners who understand that keeping event attendees connected is critical to ensuring they have the best experience possible.

Companies like Smart City Networks focus solely on providing the technology services necessary for any event – large or small – and have significant experience in both operating events and managing complex technology infrastructures.

Working together, meeting planners and a venue’s technology provider can determine how best to utilize and implement technology at their event. Given their working knowledge of the venue’s infrastructure and technology systems, an in-house technology provider can assist meeting and event planners by customizing networks and configuring connectivity levels to meet an event’s specific needs.

To ensure the appropriate network is designed for their event, meeting planners should consider the different technology needs of their exhibitors, attendees and presenters as well as how they plan to use the Internet. More secure, stable wired connections may be needed for the critical business processes of some exhibitors or presenters, while wireless services would be suitable for attendees interested only in checking email and browsing the web. Certain event areas may accommodate a greater density of wireless users, such as a Wi-Fi lounge that could need greater bandwidth during certain times of the day to allow thousands of users to get online wirelessly at the same time.

Knowing these different Internet needs, the technology provider can develop a customized plan to keep everyone online. Technology providers work with meeting planners months in advance of an event to learn the anticipated Internet demands, including basic connectivity needs as well as whether an event needs more advanced networking 8

options, such as virtual local area networks, videoconferencing, webcasting, or video streaming.

By planning in advance of an event – even up to six months prior – both the venue and the event planner can ensure that networks are configured and established appropriately to meet the anticipated technology needs. Additionally, the various connectivity options available for the event can be promoted by planners through the event’s registration and marketing as an incentive to attract people to attend.

Some larger venues may also have on-site staff that can monitor the usage of the network and Wi-Fi services throughout an event. They can react quickly to an event’s changing connectivity needs or unanticipated demands. And meeting planners can request usage reports after an event ends, to help them better plan for next year.

Smart City Networks also offers on-site customer support during an event, should problems or questions arise. For example, trained technicians can go directly to the location on the tradeshow floor where someone is having a problem getting online and promptly troubleshoot the problem with the customer.

The most important thing to remember is that an event’s connectivity is only as good as the technology infrastructure located behind-thescenes at the venue. An in-house technology provider is responsible for the design and continual maintenance of a facility’s overall technology infrastructure to ensure that meeting planners need not worry about an Internet outage during an event. For example, Smart City Networks designs networks with redundant safeguards, so customers never experience a network outage even if a primary circuit fails. Smart City Network’s Network Operations Center (NOC) provides 24/7 monitoring of all network equipment, including more than 5,000 devices and 75,000 ports deployed at 35 facilities nationwide.

Most event participants will never know about the facility’s behindthe-scenes infrastructure – they just want to be able to get online, check email, download a video from their office server or show their presentation.

That peace of mind is perhaps the greatest benefit of working with an in-house technology provider.

Mark Haley has served as president of Smart City Networks since June 2008. He has more than 25 years of experience working with many of the largest tradeshows and corporate events in North America. Smart City Networks is the nation’s leading provider of event technology in the convention industry. Founded in 1984, Smart City Networks provides telecommunications and technology services at 35 convention facilities in the United States.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Watch

F O R B R E A K - O U T S E S S I O N S. When you book your next meeting at the Austin Convention Center, we also throw in 300+ days of sunshine. Lady Bird Lake and the Hike & Bike Trail are just steps from our door, with the Highland Lakes and elite golf courses only a short drive away. Here in Austin, after the wrap-up, it’s time to wind down.

246,000 sq.ft. of column-free space

(512) 404-4000 austinconventioncenter.com

Downtown location, convenient to airport

Gigabit rated, supports up to 7000 wireless computers

lanner Perspectives Planner Perspectives Planner Perspectives PerspectivesPlanner PerspectivesPlanner Perspectives Planner

Destination Authenticity:

F o r M e e t i n g P la n n e r s , Sel l i n g i s NOT a D i r t y W o r d !

By Cindy Novotny Master Connection Associates

T

he first word that comes to mind when reflecting on the word “sales” is that most people shy away from the profession. Some don’t even think of it as a profession. On the morning of July 10, 1916 over 3,000 salesmen gathered together for the first “World Salesmanship Congress.” President Woodrow Wilson urged his audience to travel the world and promote their goods to bring prosperity to their companies and to the country.

Meeting and Conference Planners live a fast-paced life of ups & downs. As the economy begins to turn around, everyone must understand that business will not just “come to you.” You have to work for it which means you have to persuade people to buy into your ideas or attend your event. This is called SELLING. In addition to the economy, you have more competitors today than you have ever had – there are thousands of events they can choose from, hundreds of meetings they can go to and a myriad of speakers to listen to – why would they choose yours?

Most professional meeting and event planners shudder at the thought of selling as a part of their job – yet, when you step back and look at what it takes to run a successful event, either private or public, it is always about how it was promoted, i.e, how it was sold.

The key sales steps are:

Knowing your customer (audience/attendees)

Asking open ended questions to find out the real needs of your customer

Presenting/marketing the meeting or event that gives the attendee a ROI - what is in it for me?

Handling customer objections before, during and after the event Following these steps will help Meeting Planners move their “customers” to act and make decisions. One good place to start learning about your customers and what they will need from your meeting, convention, trade show or other event is to make a list of open-ended questions that will allow you to uncover your customers needs. Once uncovered, you can use them to develop ways to better 10

present a better event.

As a planner you need to align with the vision of your organization and share that during your planning and communication with suppliers, exhibitors and attendees.

Allowing your partners to understand the return on your meeting objectives will allow your partners/suppliers to help you achieve your goals and deliver to your customer — the attendee.

Staying abreast of business industry trends and knowing what success looks like not only for you but for your entire organization will allow you to grow your attendance and improve your productivity.

Making a difference today means you must stand out and to stand out you must differentiate yourself and that takes sales presentation skills:

What is your 60-second “elevator speech” on your event or meeting?

What makes your event better than other similar events?

Your meeting is your product and your product knowledge is critical in building attendance.

Change is inevitable and no where is it more inevitable than the business world, especially in the Meetings Industry. Change is a constant in the planner profession. Whatever got you here today will not take you into the future. So begin to change up your game. Be proud of the profession and craft of selling, learn the skills and apply then to your role as Meeting Planner.

Remember spectacular achievements are always preceded by spectacular preparation! That has never been more important than in SELLING!

Cindy Novotny, Consultant, Speaker, Author and Executive Facilitator is Founder and Managing Partner of Master Connection Associates, an international training and consulting company, specializing in customer service, sales and leadership performance. The American Society for Training & Development recognized her as one of nine most powerful and innovative speakers, and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International recognized Cindy as one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing. Cindy’s energy, passion, and drive guarantee that her message will always ‘hit home’. A true “road warrior,” Cindy travels almost 50 weeks per year speaking, training and consulting.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

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CVB Perspectives CVB Perspectives CVB CVB Perspectives CVB Perspeives CVB Perspectives CVB Perspectives Perspectives

Destination Authenticity:

R end e r i n g M e m o r abl e Meeting Experiences

By Jim Mahon

Director of Marketing & Communications Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau “Underlying any difference of opinion about what constitutes authenticity is a shared belief that whatever is real is valued.” ~ Gilmore & Pine

I

n their acclaimed books, “The Experience Economy – Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage” and “Authenticity – What Consumers Really Want,” authors James Gilmore and B. Joseph Pine articulate our progression from a service economy into an experience economy, where authenticity is the key factor upon which customers base their buying decisions. It is now how clients increasingly measure the value of any transaction.

According to Pine and Gilmore, businesses must orchestrate authentic or memorable events so that memory itself — the “experience” — becomes the product. Perhaps no where is this concept more applicable than in the meetings industry. As destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and Meeting Planners, we are charged with many objectives and tasks – resulting in initiatives and programs that must yield the largest returns on our investments. When the components of an event are mutually understood and correctly delegated, the collaboration between planner and destination is especially effective.

Together, we must identify as many positive opportunities to engage and affect participants and thus create: memorable meeting experiences.

Meeting attendees and convention delegates are no longer persuaded to register on the basis of the program’s content alone. Yes, individuals want engaging speakers delivering applicable information, but equally important is the overarching experience the event will create for them.

What contributions can a DMO really make in creating a meeting experience that’s authentic? Gilmore and Pine outline five areas of authenticity from which destinations can explore/offer options to their planners: natural (existing in its natural state), original (being the first of its kind), exceptional (being done extraordinarily well), referential (drawing from history or tapping shared memories) and influential (aspiring to a higher goal or better way). Allow me to share a few examples of each (or a combination thereof ) from Greater Akron, Ohio.

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Each year, more than 10,000 people from around the globe travel to Akron to celebrate their sobriety during AA’s Founders Day. In 1935, Dr. Bob Smith, an Akron surgeon, and visiting New York businessman Bill Wilson laid the foundation for Alcoholics Anonymous – now a world-wide organization. By capitalizing on the inherent history of the organization yet making sure each convention is fresh, destination personnel and the Founders Day organizers create an event with original, referential and influential authenticity every year.

A titan of industry, F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, solidified Akron’s rank as the Rubber Capital of the World. The industrial revolution set deep roots in our community and still reflects the spirit of innovation so necessary for success. Board retreats, corporate strategy sessions and annual meetings enjoy utilizing Seiberling’s 65-room Tudor mansion and grounds to infuse an elevated entrepreneurial energy into their events — with original, exceptional and referential authenticity rendered throughout.

And finally, during a recent site visit to Greater Akron by the Federation of Gay Games (Akron and Cleveland will be co-hosting the 2014 Gay Games), members of the committee were evaluating our sporting venues. During a catered train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, our guests were able to see the beautiful areas that will welcome athletes in various running and outdoor sporting events.

Authenticity was abundant aboard the train because it was a one-of-akind memorable activity only available here. When rendered effectively, a destination’s authenticity becomes a true competitive advantage, while creating experiences for meeting planners and attendees that won’t soon be forgotten.

Jim Mahon, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, began his hospitality career as Sales Manager, then Operations Manager at the Avalon Inn & Resort in Warren, Ohio. Mahon has served on the boards and committees of several professional organizations, including: the Ohio Society of Association Executives, the Society of Government Meeting Professionals and the Ohio Travel Association. Jim completed his undergraduate studies at Hiram College receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English and received his Master of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

NEW TO HOUSTON | Discovery Green park and Houston Pavilions

YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO

HOUSTON...

...UNTIL YOU’VE PLAYED IN OUR NEW FRONT YARD. Meet at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center. And walk to: • Discovery Green, the new 12-acre downtown park designed with events in mind • Houston Pavilions, the new shopping, dining and entertainment destination

HOUSTON

MEANS

m or e th an ju st

BUSINESS

• Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center, home of sports, concerts and more • Hilton Americas-Houston, the 1,200-room convention hotel connected by sky bridge • Embassy Suites (opening spring 2011)

All within five blocks or five minutes!

1001 Avenida de las Americas

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Houston, Texas 77010

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1-800-427-4697

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F&D

Hot Lists

1

2

New York, New York

Houston, Texas

3 4

Honolulu, Hawai’i

New Orleans, Louisiana

5

Riverside, 4] Hilton New Orleans

Status: Hot Category: Hilton Hotels FYI: With the most recognizable brand in the Hospitality Industry, these properties feature worldclass meeting facilities and outstanding amenities.

1] Hilton Americas-Houston

americashouston.hilton.com Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Houston, connected via two indoor sky-bridges to the George R. Brown Convention Center, the 1,200-room Hilton Americas-Houston boasts 91,500 sq. ft. of technologically advanced, flexible meeting space, 10,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space, two restaurants, lobby bar, coffee emporium and full-service spa and health club.

2] New York, New York

newyorkhiltonhotel.com Sets the Manhattan Meeting Hotel standard – unforgettable events, no matter how big or intimate. 150,000+ sq. ft. Meeting/Exhibit space – 41 Meeting Rooms, 24,726-sq.-ft.- Grand Ballroom (accommodates 2,500 people theater14

Dallas, Texas

style); Americas Hall I & II (40,000+ sq. ft.) – 51,000 sq. ft. exhibit space. Wireless Internet access throughout. Convenient location: heart of Midtown.

Hawaiian ] Hilton 3Resort Village Beach & Spa

hiltonhawaiianvillage.com On Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach, business meets pleasure — exceptional accommodations, classic hospitality and world-class Meeting Space. This 3,543-room Hilton features: 150,000 sq. ft of indoor and outdoor space – 40 Meeting Rooms, 27,054-sq.-ft. Coral Ballroom (3,700 Theater-style seating); 15,258-sq.-ft. Coral Lounge. Wi-fi/ wired high-speed internet.

Award-winning Mandara Spa.

Hilton.com/NewOrleans Adjacent to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, this Hilton boasts its own 130,000 sq. ft. of meeting/banquet space – 36 Meeting Rooms; 26,894sq.-ft. Ballroom; 20,141-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; 3,083-seat theater. 1,622-room, classically French-influenced designed hotel, situated between the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans, provides easy access to the city’s convention center, top attractions and distinctive nightlife.

5] Hilton Anatole

HiltonAnatoleHotel.com Recently completed $125-million transformation means fresh excitement for this legendary Dallas hotel – new dining options, exclusive 25th-floor Executive Lounge & 600,000 sq. ft. of meeting/event space – 79 Meeting Rooms, 45,000-sq.-ft. Trinity Ballroom/73,000-sq.-ft. Trinity Exhibit Hall, 2,585-seat Governors Lecture Hall, 165-seat Senators Lecture Hall – & in Atrium II commons floats “Nebula” – a colossal kinetic sculpture.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The perfect den for your convention.

A 40-foot-tall Blue Bear isn’t something you see every day, but neither is a 2.2 million square-foot convention center at the foot of the Rockies.

The Colorado Convention Center has flexible meeting and exhibit space, a stateof-the-art 5,000-seat theater and two hotel-quality ballrooms, right in the heart of Denver’s vibrant, walkable downtown. See all seven reasons why Denver is the best choice for your next meeting at OneCitySevenReasons.com

The Colorado Convention Center’s 40-foot-tall Blue Bear, I See What You Mean, designed by Denver artist Lawrence Argent, has become a Mile High City icon.

tate-of-the-Industry•State-of-the-Industry•State-of-the-Industry•State-of-the-Industry• State-of-the-Industry

Spotlight Interview:

Dr. DeWayne S. Woodring Executive Director & CEO, Religious Conference Management Association

Re l i g i o u s M e e t i n g s : Div e r s e P lan n e r s , D i v e r s e E v e n t s

By Timothy Herrick Editorial Director

D

o not generalize maybe the most important piece of advice about religious meetings offered by Dr. DeWayne S. Woodring, Executive Director & CEO, Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA). Woodring has held this post since 1982, which has to be a record or at least close to the record for a meeting executive holding the same leadership post. The RCMA, founded in 1972, is considered one of the most broadly based religious societies in the world – its membership are meeting planners from 840 denominations and faithbased bodies. Although predominantly Christian, Woodring is quick to point out that Jewish, Muslim and other faiths also plan meetings and are represented in the RCMA, and attend its annual World Conference & Exposition, which celebrates its 40th year in 2012 at the Kansas City Convention Center.

RCMA members plan more than 13,400 conventions and meetings, attracting in excess of 10 million attendees. The generalization part Woodring warns against is that these events run the gamut of event categories, from large rallies similar to the famous Reverend Billy Graham Crusades, which are open to the public, attract thousands of attendees and often require an arena or other large facilities, to smaller meetings, with dozens or maybe hundreds of attendees, which are usually governing bodies of a specific denomination who gather to resolve issues crucial to the specific faith body.

Yet, in spite of the vast range when it comes to this large – and often overlooked – segment of the Meetings Industry, the needs of quality facilities, venue and/or destination staff partnering, the latest in meeting technology and yes, good food, are often identical to those demanded by the corporate and association planners.

An ordained United Methodist minister who also served as Associate General Secretary for the denomination’s General Council on Finance and Administration, Woodring was one of the original founders of the Certified Meeting Professional certification program and in 1994 was inducted into the Convention Liaison Council Hall of Leaders. In 1995, 16

he was a delegate to the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism and chairman of the Convention Liaison Council, made up of 31 key organizations in the hospitality, travel and meetings industry. Frequently called upon to lend his expertise to organizations within the industry, he has served on the Marriott Customer Leadership Forum, the Advisory Boards of the Islands of the Bahamas, Red Lion Hotels and Inns, the Puerto Rico Convention Center and as a consultant in Tokyo for the International Association of Conference Centers-Japan.

In this F&D Spotlight Interview, Woodring provides a candid portrait of this unique class of meeting planners, where their needs are the same and where they part from their association and corporate colleagues, how religious meeting planners are weathering the economic woes lingering throughout the meetings and hospitality industry and how venues and destinations can best market themselves to this significant if idiosyncratic segment of the industry.

Facilities & Destinations: What are some misconceptions about RCMA meetings and the professionals who plan them?

Dr. DeWayne S. Woodring: Thou shalt not assume religious meetings are cheap! Religious meeting planners today are spending more to stage their events so they will appear as aesthetically and professionally produced as their commercial counterparts.

F&D: What do RCMA meetings have in common with association or corporate meetings?

D.W.: Both require the latest technology. Electronic video conferencing is especially important to our members. I just went over a study and the most comments we received from planners Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

State-of-the-Industry•State-of-the-Industry•State-of-the-Industry•State-of-the-Industry• was about food. The number one complaint planners receive from conference attendees is that they were unhappy with the food.

F&D: The quality of the meals served seems a major concern for all meetings.

D.W.: With religious meetings, the venues have to be familiar with both the food business and the attendees coming to the event. For example, if you are hosting a meeting where kosher meals have to be served, they are not easy to come by in some venues, and the costs can be higher and there are preparation concerns. But Kosher is an obvious one. Another example is with the Seventh-Day Adventists, many of whom happen to be vegetarians. Now most places offer a vegetarian meal or two as part of their catering, but if the meeting lasts several days, vegetarians will not be happy eating the same dish every day, especially when some meetings can last a week to 10 days. I know of one planner who worked with the venue, and they basically took over the kitchen and brought in their own cooks, from colleges, hospitals, retirement homes, who were experienced in vegetarian dishes.

F&D: Venues and destinations have to be flexible when it comes to religious meetings.

D.W.: The mistake to avoid is generalizing about religious meetings – we have a lot of diversity and a lot of diverse types of meetings.

F&D: What differences do you see in the current economic downturn compared with other downturns you’ve seen?

F&D: What is the line item in a planner’s budget that can be reduced most easily?

D.W.: Paid speakers. They are being replaced by ministers and laity within the denomination who consider it an honor to be selected to address the attendees and do not charge. It is up to the planner to compensate with other content in order to maintain attendance that might be lost without those speakers.

F&D: Which budget item should planners be the most wary about downsizing?

D.W: Quality of hotels. Poor facilities generate complaints galore and raise questions about why a third-rate property was selected. Dirty rooms and poor service will reflect on negatively future attendance.

F&D: Is the convention /meetings industry more “recession proof ” or less “recession proof ” than other industries?

D.W.: The religious meetings industry is largely recession proof.

Regardless of world affairs, good times or bad, war or peace, religious events are the ones which continue to attract young and old alike.

“The religious

meetings industry is largely recession proof.

Regardless of world affairs, good times or bad... religious events are the ones which continue to attract young and old alike.”

D.W.: I was born during the peak of the Depression. Since then, I’ve seen various economic cycles, but none were as across the board as the one we are currently experiencing. The economic downturn has affected many facets of society, not just those of low income.

F&D: What has been the impact of the sluggish economy on the meetings/events planned by RCMA members?

F&D: How can a venue and/or CVB staff best partner with meeting planners today?

D.W.: Get to know the planner as a human being, not just a piece of business.

F&D: Isn’t that true for all planners, not just RCMA members?

D.W.: The difference is that in the religious community, planning becomes part of the someone’s responsibility, but generally no one sets out to be a meeting planner. They rise to that position or are elected to that position or volunteer for that position where it is included as one of their responsibilities. Hotel and CVB staffs often find themselves leading novices in this area and they should be aware of this.

D.W.: There has been a reduction in the number of “optional” meetings and events – such as a men’s retreat or a gospel music concert – which are not required events for a denomination. When a large conference is held, there is a growing number of subsidiary organizations attaching their meetings and optional events to the main event, thereby, saving time and money for the participants.

Even though the planners for the main events are almost always different than the planner of the optional event, they are looking for destinations that will have venues for both.

F&D: How does that change the relationship?

F&D: What kind of budget-cutting constraints are RCMA meeting planners experiencing?

F&D: What must venues now possess in order to accommodate typical RCMA meetings?

D.W.: With budgets cut, they reduce the number of days involved in the events and provide less costly productions and stage settings.

D.W.: The venue needs to show that it is truly a haven where from airport to conference room, there is a feeling of welcome, friendliness, cooperation and service.

Continued on page 120

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

D.W.: Religious meeting planners will probably ask more questions, and this might be the first meeting that they are planning and siteselection is only one of their duties. The venue and/or CVB staff should be ready to provide what in some sense amounts to a tutorial on meeting planning in addition to their other services. At our annual meeting, we have seminars on meeting planning and siteselection that are very well attended, by both our member attendees as well as exhibitors.

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Milwauk e e M e e t i n g s A Destination Goes Downtown

“C

By Timothy Herrick Editorial Director

R

oughly translated, the Algonquin word “Milwaukee” means Gathering Place by the Waters. More a group of tribes related by language than a Native American nation, the Algonquin peoples probably had an immense need for meeting space in a central, accessible location, a need that grew as fur trappers, traders and other pioneers settled in the Midwest. Since the Industrial Age, Milwaukee has been home to several convention facilities, including the 1881 Industrial Exposition Building, the 1909 Milwaukee Auditorium and the 1974 MECCA Convention Hall.

In the 1990s, a coalition of civic, business, and hospitality industry leaders took steps that transformed Milwaukee into a 21st century meetings destination, which included not just building a new stateof-the-art convention center, but expanding its hotel inventory and enhancing its entertainment and dining neighborhood. This critical meetings infrastructure is situated in a large but walk-able downtown, making Milwaukee one of the leading 2nd-tier destinations that comprise the meeting industry’s robust mid-market. Milwaukee is a 18

lose proximity means people can quickly move back-and-forth between main convention functions and off-site meetings as well as hotel rooms, restaurants and entertainment.”

city whose facility and amenity investment transitioned its meetings industry to effectively partner with planners during the 21st century as post-911 travel apprehension gradually was replaced by the belt-tightening budget realities of a sluggish economy. “Proximity is critical,” said Richard A. Geyer, President/CEO,Wisconsin Center District (WCD). “Convention planners and attendees are as pressed for time as everyone else, and close proximity means people can quickly move backand-forth between main convention functions and off-site meetings as well as hotel rooms, restaurants and entertainment.”

Creating a Convention District

The WCD – created by the Wisconsin state legislature – resulted in the Frontier Airlines Center, formerly the Midwest Airlines Center, which is considered the first convention center to sell its naming rights.

Distinguished for both its 189,000 square feet of exhibit space and Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight

A Quick Take with

Richard A. Geyer

President/CEO, Wisconsin Center District Richard A. Geyer, President/CEO, Wisconsin Center District, is at the helm of Milwaukee’s Frontier Airlines Convention Center, a perspective that allows him useful insight on the current state of the meetings industry and how planners can best utilize a mid-market destination like Milwaukee.

Facilities & Destinations asked him to share of that perspective on a few industry issues.

F&D: Is the worst of the recession over for meeting planners?

RG: Event attendance is increasing, and even though airfares are creeping up, convention travel remains a bargain. Our corporate and regional business has been especially strong.

F&D: A mid-market city like Milwaukee, what were the biggest challenges you had to overcome due to the economy?

RG: Our greatest recessionary challenge was competing for a reduced pool of events against much larger cities that sought to fill their facilities with smaller events that are better suited for Milwaukee.

F&D: Are small meetings getting bigger or are big meetings getting smaller?

for being the home to the $1.2 million Burke Family Collection of commissioned and integrated art, this world-class, Prime Site Awardwinning facility rests amid a cosmopolitan campus that includes the 4,100-seat Milwaukee Theatre and 12,700-seat U.S. Cellular Arena.

These venues not only host entertainment acts and other events that attract meeting attendees during non-convention hours, but also augment the Frontier Airlines facilities, enabling super-sized general assemblies, association congresses and corporate events.

“The Wisconsin Center District was founded not just to serve the convention industry, but to serve Milwaukee as an ‘economic engine’ that draws visitors and money to the city, enhances opportunity for citizens, and contributes to local prosperity,” said Geyer. “Being downtown helps make our Center an appealing destination, and our presence helps draw business and investment to the downtown area.”

The businesses and investment Geyer refers to encompasses the 1,543 hotel rooms connected to the Frontier Airlines Center and 3,359 throughout downtown (14,000+ hotel rooms citywide) as well as hundreds of dining & nightlife establishments including national brands as well locally-owned fine-dining, regional and international cuisine restaurants. Other downtown must-sees include Milwaukee Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

RG: Both are true; the industry evolves constantly as new shows are developed or spinned off from larger ones. We are fully prepared and eager to provide exceptional service to any size event that can fit into our combined facilities – the Frontier Airlines Center, Milwaukee Theatre and U.S. Cellular Arena.

F&D: What do you feel is the biggest trend in the meetings industry these days?

RG: Not long ago, only the most tech-savvy meeting planners sought wi-fi service; now, as smart phones become ubiquitous, wi-fi capability is all but expected. Smart phones are also pushing us to launch a “mobile” version of our website and potentially opening up new revenue streams. Another change we see — again reflecting wider changes in society — is increasing demands on event planners’ time.

This often means they must rely than ever more on our expertise, and our operations team takes on more and more of a consulting role.

F&D: How can you best market Milwaukee to meeting planners?

RG: We take a practical approach, marketing Milwaukee’s genuine attributes: centrally located and easily and inexpensively accessible via Mitchell International Airport; low hotel and dining costs; a safe and attractive downtown environment; a wealth of attractions, entertainment, recreational and cultural activities; and a gorgeous setting overlooking Lake Michigan.

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Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight

unique Mi lwa u k ee What does Milwaukee offer besides your convention? Here are some suggestions for Attendees of things that can only be experienced in this unique Midwest American City.

After completing its 2008 expansion, the Potawatomi Bingo Casino features 20-table poker room, 60 table games, 3,000+ slot machines, three restaurants, the Northern Lights Theater, the Sky Lodge (a smoke-free casino), and an intimate two-tiered theater that combines entertainment and dining. >paysbig.com During one his presidential campaigns, Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the chest, a failed assassination attempt, he then famously gave a speech at The Milwaukee Auditorium, which was renamed the Milwaukee Theatre after extensive renovations in 2003.

This intimate, 4,100-seat venue, in the heart of downtown, across from the Frontier Airlines Center, hosts a wide variety of concert and theatrical events. >milwaukeetheatre.com What is more American than a Harley? The Harley-Davidson Museum celebrates 100+ years of this classic motorcycle in this fun, informative venue with an array of interactive exhibits. Opened in 2008, this 130,000-square-foot facility is also available for event rentals. >harley-davidson.com “The Domes” – officially “Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory” – a Milwaukee landmark and one of the most distinctive gardens in the world – three beehive-shaped glass domes, each 140 ft. in diameter and 85 ft. tall, offering 15,000 sq. ft. of plant displays in three different environment – Arid Dome, Tropical Dome and Floral Show Dome. >milwaukeedomes.org One of the most comprehensive zoos in the Midwest, the Milwaukee County Zoo is home to more than 2,275 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles – more than 330 species are represented –and also serves a site for workshops, holiday celebrations, summer concerts and food festivals. New for 2011 – an exhibit of Bonobo Apes that replicates the native Congo habitat of these rare and fascinating primates. >milwaukeezoo.org

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The Brewers in town during your convention? A visit to Miller Park is a must. Completed in 2001, designed like a classic baseball stadium, Miller Park, features North America’s only fan-shaped convertible roof.

Only stadium in the world featuring (middle of the 6th) the Klement’s Sausage Race – “racing sausages” are the bratwurst, the Italian, the chorizo, the Polish, and the hot dog. >milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com Available for event rentals, the 341,000-square-foot, stunningly designed Milwaukee Art Museum is internationally renowned for its 20,000+ works of art, especially its 15th– to 20th–century European and 17th– to 20th–century American paintings, its American decorative arts, German Expressionism, folk and Haitian art, post-1960 American art, and of the largest collections of works

by Wisconsin native Georgia O’Keefe.

The Museum includes the War Memorial Center, the Kahler Building and the Quadracci Pavilion. > mam.org Downtown’s “Historic Third Ward” – Milwaukee’s art & fashion district is the trendiest shopping area in town, features scores of designer boutiques, galleries, antique shops – alongside spas, nightclubs and bistros >historicthirdward.org.

The Riverwalk – three miles of pedestrian walkway extending up and down both sides of the Milwaukee River – features dozens of bars and restaurants – in the warmer months there’s outdoor seating, live entertainment and free concerts – in this spectactular and wonderfully memorable riverside setting. >mkedcd.org/ DowntownMilwaukee/RiverWalk Only one block from the Frontier Airlines Center, the Milwaukee Public Museum is one of the premier natural history and science facilities in the country and world-renowned for its exhibits, collections and ongoing scientific research, and also features the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium, Wisconsin’s largest and most modern planetarium and the Humphrey IMax Theater. >mpm.edu Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

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Opened in 1998, the Frontier Airlines Center is known for its green operations and technology, and some of the most advanced IT infrastructure anywhere.

The venue features 189,695 square feet of exhibit space, a 37,506-square-foot Ballroom and 32 Meeting Rooms. Ballroom equipped for corporate theater and entertainment with built-in rigging points and high-Amperage power sources – T3 fiber optic data backbone; 20 mbps Ethernet connectivity to Time Warner Telecom, “burstable” to 100 mbps; internal PBX; complete wi-fi, audio-visual, satellite, video conferencing and remote network capability throughout facility – $1.4-million integrated and commissioned art collection; Coffee Corner premium coffee shop; Business Center.

Art Museum, with its Quadracci pavilion, designed by internationally renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, the perpetually funky tribute to timeless Americana — the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the city’s Riverwalk, a 3-mile pedestrian walkway along the Milwaukee River, resplendent with cafes, bars, galleries, shops and a statue of Fonzie (the sit-com Happy Days was set in Milwaukee).

Recession Flights

The downtown allows for attendees to come to town and have their meeting, dining and entertainment needs met in a contained area of the city, creating an affordable yet still complete destination experience. Convenient, free and/or inexpensive ‘getting around’ costs aspects conform to the current spending adverse trends in the industry. Like most mid-market destinations, Milwaukee can be 25 to 50 percent less than 1st-tier cities, but a recent burst of airline interest has made it almost as travel accessible as any other U.S. city, regardless of tier.

“The recession coincided with intense airline competition to enter or expand the Milwaukee market,” added Geyer. “The city went from some of the nation’s highest airfares to some of the lowest, with a significant increase in the number of flights. Today, General Mitchell International Airport offers direct service to 55 cities.”

In spite of all these developments, Milwaukee confronts a stereotype problem shared by many Midwestern cities. “Our greatest challenge is that people have almost no prior notion of Milwaukee at all, but an uninformed assumption does exist that it is a deteriorating rust-belt city with little to offer visitors,” admits Geyer.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Midwest Sophistication

Attending a meeting here may quickly dissolve those prejudices, but it remains an issue. “There are still some misconceptions out there,” said Jim LaVold, Director of Meetings, Northwestern Mutual. “Some think it might be a hick city, but they soon shake off that notion once they are here. The city does have a small town attitude, the people are friendly and everything is affordable, yet the dining and places to go are really world class. Attendees are impressed every year.”

LaVold plans meetings – of various sizes in various cities – for throughout the year, but his biggest event is the Northwestern Mutual Annual Meeting, a five-day convention attended by 10,000-11,000.

Hosted by the Frontier Airlines Center, the event features general sessions, breakout sessions, seminars, luncheons, an exhibition floor and final banquet. According to LaVold, most of the professionals attending are Financial Representatives who are licensed to sell insurance products, most of whom travel on “their own dime” to the meeting. “It’s up to us to come up with the content to make it worthwhile, but with the meeting facilities, night life and attractions now available, the city keeps them coming back.”

Besides the feeling of a large meeting taking over a destination that is really only possible in a mid-market destination setting, LaVold points out that unlike other convention center staffs, the personnel he deals with in Milwaukee make all the difference. “They make a point of not taking you for granted, and being pro-active. They not only streamline the process for all attendees, but come up with new ideas. It never gets stale. Which as a planner you welcome, because all of all the other components of your event you have to balance, you want the site of the meeting to make your job easier and the overall attendee experience more memorable.”

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2011 Awards of Excellence

Meeting Planners Vote for Winning Sites & Cities

S

ite Selection is a key component for event received a record success. That is not to say it is the only number of ballots in component, but Meeting Planners that, 2011,” said Caffin. regardless of event type — i.e. association “Budgets are leaner or corporate meeting, convention, trade for almost all events, show, exhibition or reception – if the site and for the attendees. disappoints Attendee expectations, no The right destination matter how successful the other components and facility can (educational content, event marketing, exhibition floor, and team make a difference building) are, the overall event experience is diminished. for any event, and in “We take Site Selection very seriously,” says Michael Caffin, fact, create value in Associate Publisher, The Facilities Media Group, publishers of attending the event.”

Facilities & Destinations. “It is the most important decision when There are two it comes to meeting planning because so much of event success is distinct Awards of Top Destination Winner Atlantic City– dependent on the right setting. Our publications are committed to Excellence, Prime Casinos, the Boardwalk, 20,000 first-class Hotel Rooms & the Atlantic City Convention Center. helping planners make effective destination decisions.”

Site and Top Sites & Cities Directory: page 30 Since 1988, organizers Destination. The of Meetings, Prime Conventions, Site Award is given out in three categories: 2011 Awards of Tradeshows, Convention Centers, Conference Centers, and Hotels Excellence Winners & Resorts. The Top Destination Award is the award Exhibitions and other events have given to Convention & Visitor Bureaus or similar begins on page 24 used Facilities & entities that sell a city and/or region as a setting for Destinations to a meeting. The F&D SuperBook premiers to the stay informed about the sites industry the list of Prime Site Award winning Convention Centers and destinations that make their and Top Destination Award winning CVBs. Prime Site Award events a success. Once a year, those Winners in the Conference Center and Hotel & Resort Categories readers make their voice heard are announced in the 2011 F&D CONFERENCE issue. Another by participating in its Awards of Facilities Media Group publication, 2011 Facilities SuperBook, will Excellence program. premier winners in Arenas, Theaters and other Live Event venues.

Throughout the year, Meeting Continued on page 27 Planners fill out and send in Prime Site Winner Virginia Beach Convention Center – State-ofballots, which are available the-Art Facility just blocks from the beach, in the heart of an oceanfront in F&D Print publications, resort. Sites & Cities Directory: page 48 including the F&D SuperBook, F&D Planner Guide, F&D CONFERENCE, and the F&D Top Destination Winner Mid-Market Review (which had Philadelphia – in 2011 its debut in 2010), and online at the final phase of the Facilitiesonline.com, F&D’s online Pennsylvania Convention publication and website.

Center expansion opened for meetings.Sites & Cities “Readers are very excited to Directory: page 31 have their voice heard, and we 22

Facilities & Destinations 2010 SuperBook

2011 Awards of Excellence

2011Award-Winning Team Leaders

Ted Ballweg Alliant Energy Center Page: 88

Mark Tester Austin Convention Center Page: 110

Susette Hunter Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Page: 51

James E. Rooney Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Page: 30

Patrick B. Moscaritolo Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau Page: 30

John Robertson Charleston Civic Center Page: 48

Craig Liston Greater Columbus Convention Center Page: 82

Tim Linville Cox Business Services Convention Center Page: 100

Rachel Benedick Visit Denver Page: 100

Richard A. Geyer Frontier Airlines Center Page: 88

Luther Villagomez George R. Brown Convention Center Page: 110

Neil Mullanaphy Hawai’i Convention Center Page: 100

Oscar McGaskey Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities Page: 82

Robin Cuneo Meadowlands Exposition Center Page: 31

Laura Cornell Monona Terrace Convention Center Page: 88

Tim Hempill New Orleans Morial Convention Center Page: 62

Donna Allen Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau Page: 46

Matt Pizzuti Oregon Convention Center Page: 100

Rosa M. Luke Puerto Rico Convention Center Page: 114

Judith A. Goldbar Sacramento Convention Center Page: 92

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

23

2011 Awards of Excellence

The Best of the Best The 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 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ OnCenter Complex, Syracuse, NY Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY Valley Forge CVB, Plymouth Meeting, PA

Top Destination Award Winners Atlantic City CVA, Atlantic City, NJ Greater Boston CVB, Boston, MA

Top Destination Winner Mississippi Gulf Coast –Scenic coastal beaches, championship golf, casino excitement & the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. Sites & Cities Directory: page 62

Greater Hartford CVB, Hartford, CT Philadelphia CVB, Philadelphia, PA Visit Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Providence/Warwick CVB, Providence, RI

Mid-Atlantic Prime Site Award Winners Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, WV 24

Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, VA 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, D.C.

Top Destination Award Winners Norfolk CVB, Norfolk, VA Ocean City CVB, Ocean City, MD Richmond CVB, Richmond, VA Virginia Beach CVB, Virginia Beach, VA Greater Wilmington CVB, Wilmington, DE

The Southeast Prime Site Award Winners Baton Rouge River Center Convention Center, Baton Rouge, LA Birmingham-Jefferson County Convention Center, Birmingham, AL Carolina First Center, Greenville, SC Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, MS Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, TN Memphis Cook Convention Center, Memphis, TN Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA Nashville Convention Center, Nashville, TN Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL Prime Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, FL Prime Site Winner Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center – Mobile offers world-class accommodations, lush parks retail shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries. Sites & Cities Directory: page 51

2011 Awards of Excellence

Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO Kansas Expocentre, Topeka, KS Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison, WI Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS RiverCenter, Davenport, IA SeaGate Convention Centre, Toledo, OH

Top Destination Award Winners

Top Destination Winner Jackson, Mississippi – The City with Soul plus the new Jackson Convention Center with 85,000 square feet of divisible space. Sites & Cities Directory: page 56

Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, Savannah, GA Shreveport Convention Center, Shreveport, LA Vicksburg Convention Center, Vicksburg, MS

Top Destination Award Winners Baton Rouge CVB, Baton Rouge, LA Greater Birmingham CVB, Birmingham, AL Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Charlotte, NC Daytona Beach Area CVB, Daytona Beach, FL Greater Ft. Lauderdale CVB, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Knoxville CVB, Knoxville, TN Lexington CVB, Lexington, KY Louisville and Jefferson County CVB, Louisville, KY Memphis CVB, Memphis, TN Greater Miami CVB, Miami, FL Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB, Biloxi, MS Nashville CVB, Nashville, TN New Orleans CVB, New Orleans, LA Palm Beach County CVB, Palm Beach, FL Savannah CVB, Savannah, GA

Akron/Summit CVB, Akron, OH Chicago CTB, Chicago, IL Positively Cleveland/Greater Cleveland CVB, Cleveland, OH Kansas City CVB, Kansas City, MO Greater Lansing CVB, Lansing, MI Visit Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI Meet Minneapolis/Greater Minneapolis CVA, Minneapolis, MN Greater Omaha CVB, Omaha, NE Rapid City CVB, Rapid City, SD Saint Louis CVC, Saint Louis, MO Saint Paul CVB, Saint Paul, MN

The West Prime Site Award Winners Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, NM Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA Aransas Pass Civic Center, Aransas Pass, TX Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX Prime Site Winner Kansas Expocentre – a premier entertainment, exhibition and convention facility, convenient, central location & Midwestern hospitality. Sites & Cities Directory: page 72

Midwest Prime Site Award Winners Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH Frontier Airlines Center, Milwaukee, WI Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

25

2011 Awards of Excellence

Greater Houston CVB, Houston, TX Las Cruces CVB, Las Cruces, NM Las Vegas CVA, Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles CVB, Los Angeles, CA Newport Beach CVB, Newport Beach, CA Oakland CVB, Oakland, CA Oklahoma City CVB, Oklahoma City, OK Pasadena CVB, Pasadena, CA Greater Phoenix CVB, Phoenix, AZ Reno Sparks CVA, Reno, NV San Antonio CVB, San Antonio, TX Seattle-King County CVB, Seattle, WA Tucson CVB, Tucson, AZ Tulsa CVB, Tulsa, OK

Puerto Rico Prime Site Award Winners Prime Site Winner San Diego Convention Center – ‘Come for the Convention, Stay for the Vacation’ – 72 Meeting Rooms & 11,000+ premier hotel rooms within 1.5 miles. Sites & Cities Directory: page 100

Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX Fairplex, Pomona, CA Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Fresno, CA George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX Hawai’i Convention Center, Honolulu, HI Hurst Conference Center, Hurst, TX Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, CA Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ Reliant Center, Houston, TX Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA 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

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 Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Top Destination Award Winners Greater Montreal Convention and Tourism Bureau, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Tourisme Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Top Destination Award Winners Austin CVB, Austin, TX VISIT Denver, Denver, CO Experience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak CVB, Colorado Springs, CO Fort Worth CVB, Fort Worth, TX 26

Prime Site Winner Fairplex — Southern California’s premier event and entertainment destination is a state-of-the-art meeting complex.

Sites & Cities Directory: page 92 Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

2011 Awards of Excellence

Top Destination Winner Knoxville – Southeast jewel features big-city amenities, small-town charm and The Knoxville Convention Center. Sites & Cities Directory: page 59 Continued from page 22

The Awards of Excellence are greeted industry-wide with such esteem and respect because planner input determines who wins the honor of being named. “In the meetings industry, no voice matters more than those of the planners of meetings, conventions and trade shows,” says Caffin. “Event Success is the

very basis of our industry and intrinsic to that success is the interface between the planner and destination personnel.”

Award winners routinely point out how important the award is because of the efforts and active participation of the professionals who matter most. “We are particularly proud of this award because it is based on the opinions of meeting and event planners from throughout the United States and Canada,” says Craig M. Liston, SMG Regional General Manager, Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks, agrees: “Whenever you are recognized by your peers in the industry it is extremely gratifying and always a compliment to our efforts and the work of our local staffs.”

According to Caffin, the Facilities Media Group staff strives to keep the excitement of the Awards of Excellence fresh each year.

“The fact is, the awards gain more momentum each year. Every year, more people participate and every year, we get more requests from award winners to send out press releases or issue comments to their local media, which we are glad to do. It’s a ‘Best of the Best’ list, with the best being determined by the professonals who actually interact with the personnel at a venue and a destination.”

He added, “Planners, as well as Venues and Destinations, all want the same thing – Event Success. Seeing who has won a Prime Site or Top Destination award brings an additional factor into the decision making process involved in site selection. The end result should be that your event effectively achieves its objectives.”

Facilities & Destinations Awards of Excellence

Please consider the following criteria when voting: Attractiveness & Functionality of Meeting Venue Size & Quality of Meeting Space Technological Capabilities Quality of Staff Food & Beverage Options Lighting, Acoustics, & Internet Access Other Meeting/Event Support Services Amenities Recreational Activities Dining & Entertainment Options Lodging Quality Accessibility to Airport Ease of Travel within Destination

B allot Name of Nominee____________________________________________________ Check Award You want to nominate the above for: Prime Site

Top Destination

Your Name & Title_ ___________________________________________________ Organization_________________________________________________________ Phone_______________________________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________________ Additional Comments_________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ May We Contact You? Yes___ No___ Fill Out Form & Mail or Fax Your Vote:

Facilities & Destinations

152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016 Fax: (212) 213-6382 Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

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Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Sites & Cities/Regional Index Northeast Atlantic City Convention Center.......................................30 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center..........................30 Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.................30 Connecticut Convention Center.......................................30 Currents – The Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium...........30 Jacob Javits Convention Center.......................................31 Lake George Area in NY’s Adirondacks............................31 Meadowlands Exposition Center......................................31 OnCenter Complex............................................................31 Pennsylvania Convention Center......................................31 Visit Pittsburgh....................................................................31 Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.........43 Rhode Island Convention Center......................................43 Rochester Riverside Convention Center...........................31 Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center/Valley Forge.......................................43 Mid-Atlantic Charleston Civic Center.....................................................48 Hampton Roads Convention Center................................46 Hilton Garden Inn at Fairfax..............................................46 Visit Norfolk.........................................................................46 Roland E. Powell Convention Center................................46 University of Virginia Alumni Association.........................48 Virginia Beach Convention Center....................................48 Walter E. Washington Convention Center.......................48 Southeast Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center...................51 Baton Rouge Convention & Visitors Bureau ...................58 Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex...................51 Charlotte Convention Center............................................62 Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.............51 Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau ..........62 The Classic Center..............................................................58 Cobb Galleria Centre.........................................................58 Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center....................62 Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.............................................................51 Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau.........................51 The Georgia Center, the University of Georgia’s Conference Center & Hotel..............................58 Georgia International Convention Center........................58 Georgia World Congress Center......................................58 Hilton Atlanta......................................................................58 Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau................................................................51 Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau.............................56 Knoxville Convention & Visitors Bureau...........................62 Miami Beach Convention Center......................................56 Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center..........62 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.........62 Ocean Center / Daytona Beach........................................56 Orange County Convention Center..................................56 Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.............................56 Visit Savannah.....................................................................58 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino................................56 Tampa Convention Center.................................................58 Vicksburg Convention Center...........................................62

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Midwest John S. Knight Center/Akron.............................................82 Alerus Center......................................................................82 Alliant Energy Center.........................................................88 Branson Convention Center..............................................72 Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center................82 Clay County Regional Events Center................................71 DeVos Place........................................................................72 Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau........71 Frontier Airlines Center......................................................88 Experience Grand Rapids..................................................72 Greater Columbus Convention Center.............................82 JW Marriott Indianapolis....................................................71 Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association................82 Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities........82 Kansas Expocentre.............................................................72 Monona Terrace Convention Center................................88 Pheasant Run Resort...........................................................71 Racine Civic Centre............................................................88 RiverCenter/Adler Theatre.................................................71 Salina Bicentennial Center.................................................72 The Sanford Center............................................................72 Springfield, MO Convention & Visitors Bureau...............82 Swiftel Center......................................................................82 Tinley Park Convention Center.........................................71 United Wireless Arena/McGouirk Conference Center....72 West Albuquerque Convention Center...................................100 Anaheim Convention Center.............................................92 Aransas Pass Civic Center................................................110 Austin Convention Center...............................................110 Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau...........100 Cox Convention Center...................................................100 Visit Denver.......................................................................100 El Paso Convention & Performing Arts Centers............110 Fairplex................................................................................92 George R. Brown Convention Center.............................110 Hawaii Convention Center...............................................100 Hurst Conference Center.................................................110 Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center...........92 Lynnwood Convention Center.........................................110 Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau...............100 Ontario Convention Center...............................................92 Oregon Convention Center.............................................100 Palm Springs Convention Center......................................92 Sacramento Convention Center........................................92 Salt Palace Convention Center........................................110 San Diego Convention Center........................................100 Three Rivers Convention Center.....................................110 Canada Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.................................112 Direct Energy Centre........................................................112 The Metro Toronto Convention Centre..........................112 Scotiabank Convention Centre.......................................112 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Convention Center......................................114 Sheraton Puerto Rico.......................................................114 29

The Northeast

Connecticut Massachusetts Maine New Hampshire New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont

Massachussetts

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

2 Copley Place, Suite 105 Boston, MA 02116 (617) 867-8242; (888) SEE-BOSTON Fax: (617) 424-7664 E-Mail: GBCVBSales@bostonusa.com www.BostonUSA.com Vice President, Convention Services & Sales: Beth Stehley Boston. The Place to Meet.

History, great dining, nightlife, extraordinary shopping, championship professional and college sports teams, and a vibrant arts and cultural community make Boston a dynamic convention destination. Venues include: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center — 516,000 sq. ft. contiguous/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 – part of Waterfront Collection (Renaissance Boston Waterfront, Westin Boston Waterfront — 1,500+ hotel rooms, 50+ breakout rooms, 400,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space; John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center — 175,000+ sq.

PAGE ft. of exhibit space, 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 4,000-seat auditorium and 41 Meeting Rooms.

35 new jersey

Connecticut

Connecticut Convention Center

100 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 249-6000; Fax: (860) 249-6161 ctconventions.com 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.

The Connecticut Convention Center offers more than 200,000 square feet of meeting space in a dramatic riverfront setting accessible to more than 23 million people within a 2-1/2 hour drive. 205,000 sq. ft of meeting/exhibit space; 19 meeting rooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 180,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, including a 140,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 40,000sq.-ft., 3,200-seat ballroom; Seattle’s Best Café 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.

massachussetts

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center 415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210 (617) 954-2000; Fax: (617) 954-2299 massconvention.com Executive Director: James E. Rooney “Defy Conventional Thinking”

Known for its renowned medical, educational and biotechnology prowess, Boston is one of the premier meeting destinations in the United States. Boston’s beautiful coastlines, history, culture and first-rate meeting facilities make it the perfect setting for business and pleasure.

Recently awarded the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) Gold Standard Certification, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center offers a world-class facility with customer-focused staff and state-of-the-art services. Flexible, easily-configured spaces with a column-free ballroom and exhibit hall, the BCEC is the perfect choice for an event of any size – meeting/exhibit space: 1,016,000+sq.ft. – 84 Meeting Rooms; 40,020-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, 184,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall (Total Exhibit Space 516,000 sq.ft.); PAGE 17,647 Theater Seating. 35,000+ Hotel Rooms.

37 new jersey

Atlantic City Convention Center

Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 449-7136; (888) 222-3683 Fax: (609) 345-3685 atlanticcitynj.com meetinac.com Vice President, Convention Sales: Gary Musich Your Northeast Business Address

Atlantic City is 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, shopping, a world of dining and 11 casinos. The Atlantic City Convention Center provides a bright, modern facility for meetings and expos of all sizes, four contiguous exhibit halls (486,600 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall); 32,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space; 109,100 total sq. ft of meeting space – 45 Meeting Rooms including 29,400-sq.-ft. Ballroom, Exhibit Hall; Free WiFi; voice/data communications to all meeting rooms; green facility, with one of the largest single-roof solar systems in U.S., aggressive recycling & energy savings programs.

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New Jersey

Currents – The Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium

Meadowlands Exposition Center

Currents Ballroom – State-of-the-Art event space in Adventure Aquarium; unmatched panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline; breathtaking three-movie-screen-sized look into 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit (100s of amazing fish & over 20+ sharks!) flowing ceiling panels, etched wave walls, Currents Ballroom’s tranquil underwater décor adds a layer of sophistication to any event; 7,000 sq. ft. meeting space (Banquet Style: 280; Theater Style: 325; Cocktail Reception: 600) breaks down to 3 separate rooms – Gulfstream, Oceanic, West Winds; Extensive audio/visual capabilities, two projection screens, LCD projector, 3 LCD monitors; internet access; Direct-TV capability; only two miles from center PAGE city Philadelphia!

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The Meadowlands Exposition Center features an outstanding location - five miles outside Manhattan, accessible to Public Transportation & Major Highways; Only Minutes from Newark Liberty Airport; 61,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition space. Five Seminar Rooms. Free Parking.

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. Attractions: New Meadowlands Stadium, IZOD Center, Meadowlands Racetrack, Secaucus Outlet Center, 25+ restaurants, 16 movie screens, Health Club. Unlike other suburban facilities, the Meadowlands Exposition Center has identifiable name, offering prestige and PAGE immediate recognition.

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1 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103 (856) 365-3300 x7375; Fax: (856) 365-3311 currentsballroom.com District Director of Sales: Chezerah Bowleg AdventureAquariumCatering@aramark.com Currents Ballroom - A Ballroom Under the Sea with a Skyline View

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355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 330-7773; (800) 400-3976 Fax: (201) 330-1172 mecexpo.com Regional General Manager: Robin Cuneo Everything you need, exactly where you want it. Your cost effective alternative to NYC

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

New York

New York

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York

Lake George Area in NY’s Adirondacks

New York City, the cultural, finance, fashion, publishing and entertainment capital of the world – 17,000+ restaurants – 87,000+ Hotel Rooms citywide – from sleek boutique style hotels - to large national chains to choose from. A glass-enclosed structure located along the Hudson River on Manhattan’s west side, stretching six city blocks/divisible into 11 self-contained halls; new expansion of a column-free exhibit hall increases the total gross square footage of exhibition space to 840,000; 103,204 sq. ft., (40 permanent; 53 multi-purpose) Meeting Rooms; 30,000+ sq. ft. in the Special Events Hall; 80,000 sq. ft., in Javits Center North; PAGE 39 Main Exhibit Hall: 410,000 sq. ft.; Wi-Fi available throughout building.

The Lake George Area in NY’s Adirondacks is a 4-season destination filled with adventurous meeting possibilities. Lake George promises big fun and beautiful views for your gathering.

World class attractions, year-round recreational activities, a multitude of lodging and dining options, along with a ever expanding array of quality meeting space; 400,000 + sq. ft meeting/ exhibit space including conference centers, exposition halls, meeting hotels and unique outdoor event space. From Adirondack-themed lodges to private island resorts, our diversity is what makes us so special! Attractions: The Six Flags Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, Designer Outlet Shopping, Boat Cruises, Train Rides and Museums.

655 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001 (212) 216-2335; Fax: (212) 216-2588 javitscenter.com VP Sales & Marketing: Doreen Guerin; (212) 216-2103, dguerin@javitscenter.com ® Marketplace for the World

new york

Oncenter Complex 800 South State Street Syracuse, NY 13202-3017 (315) 435-8000; (888) 797-6623 Fax: 315-435-8099 www.oncenter.org President/CEO: Terri Toenies Three facilities. Endless possibilities.

Located in the center of New York State, the Oncenter Complex is made up of three facilities – the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center Theaters – all under one management; 200,000+ sq. ft. of available space, including 10 meeting rooms (Convention Center), 31,000-sq.-ft. assembly hall (War Memorial Arena) and 4 meeting rooms (War Memorial Arena); 15,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (Convention Center); 65,000-sq.-ft., multi-purpose exhibit hall (Convention Center) & 44,000-sq.-ft. exhibition hall (War Memorial Arena). Theater: 2,100-seat Crouse-Hinds Theater (Civic Center), 428-seat CarrierTheater (Civic Center), 150-seat BeVard Studio (Civic Center) & 7,000-seat arena (War Memorial Arena). Lodging: 900+ hotel rooms within two miles of Complex; 6,000+ within 10 miles.

Warren County Tourism Dept.

1340 State Rt. 9 Lake George, NY 12845 (518) 761-6575; (800) 365-1050 ext M844 Fax: (518) 761-6368 VisitLakeGeorge.com Meeting Promoter: Tanya Brand Betcha’ we can make you smile!

New York

Rochester Riverside Convention Center

123 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14564 (585) 232-7200; Fax: (585) 232-1510 rrcc.com Executive Director: Joseph A. Floreano, CFE “Do it better at the Rochester Riverside where you and your event are always the center of our attention!”

Conveniently located in the heart of this upstate N.Y. city, the Rochester Riverside Convention Center enjoys a scenic setting on the Genesee River; outdoor patios and balconies provide wonderful views; 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 connect 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 PAGE convention facility.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Convention Center

1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 418-4700; (800) 428-9000 Fax: (215) 418-4861 paconvention.com Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Convention Services: Stephanie Boyd Philadelphia: The Complete Package

Philadelphia—full-on fusion of old and new, historic and hip, trendy and traditional— historic landmarks, world-renowned dining options ranging from upscale eateries to the famous Philly cheesesteak; tax-free shopping, fast-action sports, an abundance of arts and culture. The Pennsylvania Convention Center, at the heart of the city, has completed its expansion, increasing its size by more than 60 percent – now features: 679,000 sq. ft. total meeting/exhibit space; 79 Meeting Rooms; 55,400-sq.-ft.-Ballroom;) 528,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space; WiFi throughout; HD digital signage throughout; In-house PAGE AV services, including state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video options.

C2 pennsylvania

Visit Pittsburgh

Fifth Avenue Place 20 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800 Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3099 (412) 281-7711; (800) 359-0758 Fax: (412) 644-5512 visitpittsburgh.com Executive Director of Convention Sales: Jason Fulvi, CDME

More than ever before, Pittsburgh continues to surprise conventioneers and visitors.

The physical beauty of the city, the wealth of art and culture, the opportunities to enjoy Pittsburgh’s trails and rivers are combined to create a memorable experience. David L. Lawrence Convention Center - the country’s largest LEED certified green convention center – features: 1.5 million Meeting/Exhibition Space, including 51 Meeting Rooms; 31,610sq.-ft. Ballroom; 313,400 sq. ft. Exhibit Space (236,900 column-free sq. ft.); two 250-seat lecture halls; 1G (1024 MB) – wired/wireless internet throughout facility; Located in the hub of Pittsburgh’s cultural, business and entertainment district; 3,829 Hotel Rooms nearby; 100+ restaurants within walking distance.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUP Essential Planning Tools 31

© michaelleslie.com

© Liz Warnek Photography

The Northeast / NEW JERSEY

CURRENTS the Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103 • (856) 365-3300 ext. 7375 Fax: (856) 365-3311 • www.currentsballroom.com Welcome Imagine an event space with unmatched panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline and a breathtaking three-movie-screen-sized look into our 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit, which features hundreds of amazing fish and over 20 sharks.

Decor The contemporary design of flowing ceiling panels and etched wave walls create a tranquil underwater décor. “CURRENTS is an extraordinarily sleek and contemporary space,” said Greg Charbeneau, Executive Director of Adventure Aquarium. “It’s become the benchmark, with its breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline and our Shark Realm exhibit. We couldn’t be happier with CURRENTS and the dynamic flexibility of this multi-use facility, which was built to accommodate the most exquisite events.”

Room Flexibility With nearly 7,000 square feet of space, CURRENTS offers a rare opportunity for sit-down functions for up to 280 guests and cocktail receptions for up to 600 guests or meetings as small as 20. For more intimate affairs, the space can be divided into three separate and distinct function areas; West Wind, Oceanic or Gulfstream, allowing CURRENTS to accommodate multiple functions without sacrificing the views. This also allows multiple ballroom configurations to suit your particular needs.

With a separate dramatic entry way into the ballroom, there is ample room for greeting guests upon arrival. Our 1,200-square-foot pre-function space is perfect for cocktail hour. CURRENTS offers an independent experience from Adventure Aquarium, allowing for day-time use without interruption.

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Audio & Visual Capabilities Extensive audio/visual capabilities are available throughout that add to the flexibility and appeal including two projection screens, LCD projector and 3 LCD monitors in the pre-function space that can be used for anything from corporate logos and slideshows, to family photo slide shows. The room is also equipped with internet access and Direct TV capability.

Cuisine Not only is the space divine, and the views exquisite, but Executive Chef Jorge Czechura creates customized menus to fit the needs of the most discerning palates. CURRENTS challenges its chefs to produce signature dishes flavored with intricate sauces and reductions.

Event Planning Professional onsite sales managers help plan and facilitate unique events from start to finish.

No matter what the occasion, your guests will enter breathless and leave talking. Conveniently located on the Camden Waterfront, just two miles from center city Philadelphia, CURRENTS, the Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium offers a unique setting for your next event.

Visit www.CurrentsBallroom.com to take the Virtual Tour and see the room set up for special and corporate events; see the photo galleries and request more information to reserve your date.

To book your next event at CURRENTS, please call 856.365.3300 extension 7375 or email us at adventureaquariumcatering@aramark.com.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

© jeanramirezphotography.com, © michaelleslie.com, ©m. broz

CurrentsBallroom.com

ADVENTURE AQUARIUM CURRENTS B ALLROOM

AdventureAquarium.com

the Northeast / NEW JERSEY

Atlantic City Convention Center

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Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 449-7136; (888) 222-3683 Fax: (609) 345-3685 atlanticcitynj.com • meetinac.com

here do convenience, excitement and ease all come together? If you’re a meeting planner, they converge in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Conveniently located in the heart of the populous Northeast, major roads from the north, south and west all lead to Atlantic City, the year round seaside resort that delivers with a “can do” attitude and a wealth of exciting venues — with more to come.

The first-class Atlantic City Convention Center provides 486,600 square feet of contiguous exhibit space in four halls, as well as 45 meeting rooms totaling 109,100 square feet. Onsite conveniences include a covered garage, 29 covered loading docks, voice-video-data system throughout, free basic WiFi, in-house catering, in-house audio-visual provider, onsite business center, concierge desk, restaurant reservation cart, and a number of “green” initiatives.

There’s also an expert staff that can help you with every phase of your event from attendance building, spouse programs and temporary staffing, to making sure every detail of your meeting, conference or expo is perfect.

When it comes to meeting destinations, Atlantic City is high on many planners’ lists, thanks to the location, 20,000 first-class rooms (8,000 committable), resort amenities and wealth of activities. There are also board rooms, meeting rooms, banquet rooms and expo facilities at resorts and hotels throughout the city.

Several hotels are within walking distance of the Atlantic City Convention Center, and the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel is linked by a covered bridge. There’s more to come, too, with a new wave of investment helping to create a new resort and re-brand another.

The Revel Casino, slated to open mid-2012, will feature 1,090 first-class hotel rooms, 160,000 square feet of convention space, a 5,500-seat event center, 12 restaurants and many more amenities.

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In the coming months, Landry’s Inc., the new owners of Trump Marina Hotel Casino, will turn the property into a Golden Nugget and invest more than $150 million to revitalize the casino hotel. Changes include new restaurants as well.

Other recent changes include the purchase and re-branding of Resorts Atlantic City with a 1920s Prohibition-era theme, paying tribute to Atlantic City’s storied “Boardwalk Empire” history. The popularity of the 1920s theme will be evident this summer in history tours and other activities.

When it comes to enjoying Atlantic City’s attractions and activities, you’re sure to find something to please. For shoppers, the city offers an expansive brand-name retail outlet district that starts just steps from the Convention Center; an eclectic mix of retail, entertainment and dining in an old-Havana themed setting; and luxury retailers on a pier jutting hundreds of feet into the ocean, as well as Boardwalk souvenir and clothing shops.

Golfers will love the championship-caliber courses surrounding Atlantic City (more than 20 within 20 miles), and meeting planners can easily make golf tournaments part of their conference activities.

There are plenty of history, arts and cultural activities in the greater Atlantic City area, along with wineries, historic villages, antiques and more. For more contemporary entertainment, Atlantic City’s showrooms, lounges and nightclubs offer A-list celebrities, top touring acts, lounge acts, comedians and revue shows.

Exciting nightclubs provide a dance beat well into the night and seasonal beach bars give a scenic view while you sip your favorite libation.

And when it comes to dining, you’ll discover a world of cuisines in everything form Boardwalk favorites to elegant gourmet restaurants, with everything in between.

With all this and more to offer, Atlantic City is the East Coast destination that’s become a perennial favorite for many meeting planners, for good reason.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

THE NORTHEAST / massachuseTts

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau 2 Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA 02116 • Phone: (617) 867-8242/(888) SEE-BOSTON Fax: (617) 424-7664 GBCVBSales@bostonusa.com • www.BostonUSA.com/plan

B

oston 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 Facilities

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center features 516,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 84 meeting rooms with 160,000 square feet of meeting space and a 40,020-square-foot ballroom.

The Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center Boston offers 120,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, theatre-style seating for 7,000 and two 5,000-square-foot 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 square feet of exhibit space, a 25,000square-foot 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 Rooms

The Greater Boston area has more than 150 hotels and 30,000 rooms with more opening each year.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Distance to nearest airport

Located 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 Attractions

Boston 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%, and many other unique attractions.

Technology

The 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.

Additional Comments

The 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 RFP’s 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 & restaurant services desk during your convention.

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THE NORTHEAST / massachusetts

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

Boston is the rare city that offers you not one, but two exceptional convention centers.

415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210 • (617) 954-2000; Fax: (617) 954-2299 • www.massconvention.com

B

oston is the rare city that offers you not one, but two exceptional convention centers. Each has its own niche, and its own personality. Both offer the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) attention to detail and commitment to exceptional customer service. Together, the exciting new Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center enable the MCCA to deliver more ways to exhibit, configure, modify, and extend your event.

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, opened in 2004, is one of the most spectacular event settings in the world. Designed with input from top international convention, meeting, and conference planners, the BCEC is a destination in itself. Built by users, for users, this state-of-the-art facility has been designed to maximize a successful event experience for you, your exhibitors and your attendees. A stunning architectural triumph, the BCEC is like no other facility in the world. The grand ballroom, one of the largest in New England, features a vaulted, wood-paneled ceiling. The adjacent pre-function room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a spectacular 270-degree view of Boston’s skyline and harbor.

516,000 square feet of Contiguous Exhibit Space ➤

Exhibit space of the 3 halls can be divided into 10 different configurations ➤ 180-foot clear span in the center of the hall ➤ Utility services conveniently provided from in-floor boxes ➤ 160,000 square feet of Flexible Meeting Space ➤ 84 separate Single, Double, and Triple meeting rooms provide easy access to each other and to exhibit halls ➤ Modern acoustics, state-of-the-art lighting control, and soundproof room dividers 40,020-square-foot Grand Ballroom ➤

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Column-free space with 32-foot high wood panel ceiling, acoustically built

➤ ➤

Use for your General Session, keynote or special event Attached pre-function space with 270-degree view of Boston Harbor and skyline

John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center

There’s no place quite like the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center. Located in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay, the Hynes provides an ideal setting for events of all sizes. The exhibition halls and grand ballroom are flexible enough to handle a wide variety of conferences, exhibits, and special events. Meeting rooms, including our elegant VIP suite, are more than just spaces.

Featuring fine carpeting, marble floors, acoustically designed wall treatments, and distinctive appointments, each creates a special environment that heightens the effectiveness of your event.

Pedestrian skybridges offer convenient access: attendees can walk to some of the city’s finest shopping, restaurants, and hotels without having to go outside—making the Hynes a perfect all-weather choice.

176,480 Square Feet of Exhibit Space ➤

Four exhibit halls and an Auditorium with air walls to accommodate single or concurrent events ➤ One hall can be used as an auditorium with seating for 4,000 71,644 Square Feet of Flexible Meeting Space ➤

41 permanent-space meeting rooms, finished with fine carpeting and acoustically designed wall treatments ➤ State-of-the-art telecom and AV, full lighting controls and built-in sound system 160,000 Square Feet of Function Space ➤ ➤

Single or concurrent registration areas Choice of function areas offering dramatic views of Boston’s Back Bay

24,544-square-foot Grand Ballroom with Views of Boston ➤

Features vaulted ceilings, natural light, and soundproofing with acoustic panels ➤ Accommodates 2,200 for banquets or can be subdivided into three smaller ballrooms.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The Northeast / New York

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 (212) 216-2000 Fax: (212) 216-2588 www.javitscenter.com

Location

The distinction of holding an event in New York City has an enormous advantage. Its cachet typically increases attendance at least 20%. The Javits Center is located on Manhattan’s west side and just minutes away from some of the world’s greatest attractions like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and Broadway’s “Great White Way.” Hotels

There is no lack of hotel space. In fact, the New York metropolitan area has 87,000 hotel rooms available in a variety of styles - from sleek boutique hotels to large national chains. Many more rooms will become available with the opening of 24 new hotels by 2012.

Vital Statistics

The Javits Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is more committed than ever to providing excellent customer service. Home to many of the top 200 tradeshows, the Center’s 840,000 square feet of exhibition space can be divided into 11 self-contained halls that includes a newly-constructed column-free pre-engineered structure that enables us to accommodate an event of just about any size. While the mix of shows and events change with each calendar year, Javits hosts in the vicinity of 80 major trade shows and conventions and 70 special events with an average attendance of 3.5 million visitors a year.

Meetings and Events

Our Special Events Hall can seat up to 3,000 people for theater-style meetings and up to 1,200 for banquets and receptions. Javits Center North can accommodate 5,596 people for trade shows, 5,500 for theater-style meetings, 3,300 for banquets and receptions and 4,200 for classroom-style seating. The Javits Center has 103,204 square feet of meeting space that allows for expansion or reduction to accommodate a client’s particular needs. Forty are permanent meeting rooms and 53 are multi-purpose. From committee meetings to shareholders meetings to product launches, the Javits Center is designed to maximize the effectiveness of any business gathering.

Banquets and Receptions

The Crystal Palace lobby, a soaring structure of steel and glass, is a grand setting for a cocktail party or press conference. On Level four, the elegant 45,000-square-foot Galleria and the glass-enclosed River Pavilion overlooking the Hudson River, provide a stunning venue for an unforgettable affair.

Tradeshows and Conventions

The Javits Center is much more than a versatile space. It is people who are dedicated to assisting you in every step of the way. Our sales managers, convention services managers and in-house service managers work with you 38

to assemble the perfect combination of space and services. They help with every stage—from planning to the grand finale.

Our labor force consists of 3,000 skilled professionals who strive to make every event a success and every event a pleasant experience. Fifty loading docks allow freight to be moved with such efficiency that, in a recent study comparing labor efficiency of five major events around the country, Javits moved in 12.5% more freight, in 16% less time, with 5% less labor hours—a cost savings to both show managers and exhibitors.

Food Service

The Javits Center’s exclusive caterer is Centerplate, one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, with more than 250 prominent sports, entertainment and convention venues across North America. The company is committed to surpassing guests’ expectations through the unwavering implementation of their E3 formula: Executing Extraordinary Experiences.

Centerplate offers a range of dining experiences at varying price points for meetings, conferences, banquets, receptions and trade shows.

Renovation/Expansion

Javits has completed the construction of an 110,000square-foot, pre-engineered structure known as Javits Center North. With 80,000 gross square feet of exhibition space, Javits Center North is a perfect venue for trade shows, special events, corporate parties, general sessions, graduations and exams. The new hall has provided our existing clients with the much-needed extra space in which to expand their shows and for new clients, a pristine column-free hall to debut their events. Javits Center North is linked to main building by a 30-foot-wide corridor suitable for additional exhibition or registration space.

The adjoining outdoor plaza, accessible through sliding doors, can be used for cocktail parties and receptions.

Major renovations have begun on the existing building including the replacement of the curtain wall, skylights and roof. Once that is complete, a 6.75 acre green roof will be installed. Other improvements include replacement and upgrade of the buildings’ mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting and life safety systems and enlargement and reconfiguration of the main entrances.

Expected completion date of the renovation is year-end of 2013.

The Javits Center will be transformed into a stunning state-of-the-art convention center that will increase the building’s energy efficiency by 25% and earn it LEED Silver status.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

the Northeast / New Jersey

meadowlands exposition center Secaucus, New Jersey • (201) 330-7773 • www.mecexpo.com

W

ith 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, New Jersey. For instance, the Meadowlands is only minutes from New York City, the Capital of the World; and, it is in relatively close 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 handcarry merchandise and setup their own displays.

Vital Stats For 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.

Meadowlands Expo Center also offers great demographics and it maintains a groupfriendly facility with liberal work regulations.

allowing the user to access a virtual tour of the facility and gain more specifics about the building, services and the surrounding area.

Professional Service Onsite 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 Partners Five national chain hotels are within a 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 & Do During 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 Meadowlands 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.

Transportation Part of the Meadowlands’ attraction to meeting planners is that it can be easily reached by three international airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Technological Capabilities Technological capabilities at the Center include T1, ISND, Internet and Newark International Airport. And, only 12 minutes from the facility satellite uplink support. Teleconferencing and simulcasting to other locations is the Teterboro Jetport. For driving enthusiasts, Newark is also in close are also available. And, on the exhibit floor, the electricity is “flown from the proximity to major interstates including the New Jersey Turnpike and the air.” Also of note is a newly-designed Web site that informs the public about Garden State Parkway. Also, both the New York and New Jersey transit upcoming events at the center. This Web site features the latest technology system schedule stops right at the door.

40

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

1-888-400-EXPO (3976)

COME IN AND TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR AT www.mecexpo.com

355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094 • 201-330-7773 • sales@mecexpo.com

• THREE CONCESSION STANDS

• CATERING CAPABILITIES FOR UP TO 5,000

• SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED TO REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

• MULTIPURPOSE, CARPETED LOBBY WITH BOX OFFICE

• GREEN, ENVIORMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE FACILITY

• EXHIBIT DECORATOR MAINTAINS WAREHOUSE ON SITE

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

 61, 000 s q. ft . of c ont iguous , obst r uct ion -f r ee exhibit s pac e  20- f oot high c eilings  3, 128 s q. f t. of divis ible s em inar r oom s wit h air walls  Two dr iv e- in doors wit h f our loading doc ks  110/ 220/ 480 elect r ic power , f lown fr om t he air for v er s at ility  Wir eles s inter net, t elephone, wat er and c om pr es s ed air Capac ity f or: 392 8x 10’ boot hs 336 10x 10’ boot hs 6, 000 s eats t heatr e st y le 5, 000 s eats s port ev ent s t y le 3, 500 s eats banquet s ty le

A flexible floor plan solution for all of your event needs

WE’ V E WOR KE D WI T H A DI VE RS E C US TO ME R B AS E. HO W CA N WE HE LP Y O U?

The Meadowlands Exposition Center offers one of the most complete and convenient facility packages in the northeast region. By offering the drawing power of the Metropolitan area, your event, exhibitors and attendees can all take advantage by booking your event at an affordable price.

THE RIGHT FACILITIES. THE RIGHT LOCATION. THE RIGHT PRICE.

 FREE PARKING

OUTSTANDING LOCATION / JUST FIVE MILES FROM MANHATTAN COST EFFECTIVE / HIGH VALUE DEDICATED EVENT COORDINATORS EASY ACCESS FROM MAJOR HIGHWAYS MINUTES AWAY FROM NEWARK LIBERTY AIRPORT SURROUNDED BY HOTELS AND SHOPS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

M E C I S Y O U R E C O N O M I C A L A LT E R N AT I V E T O N Y C …

      

The Northeast / pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Convention Center

1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215) 418-4700; (800) 428-9000, Fax: (215) 418-4861, paconvention.com

W

ith the March 2011 World Premiere of the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center, the lights are shining brightly on Philadelphia for the story you can’t miss!

Now 62 percent larger, with one million square feet of saleable space – 528,000 of it is contiguous – the expanded convention center, which is receiving rave reviews, now offers more dynamic and flexible space than ever before. The expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center now has the ability to host two meetings, conventions or tradeshows simultaneously. Inside, attendees and exhibitors will find: the largest ballroom on the East Coast (55,400 square feet); 79 meeting rooms; hotel-like amenities; state-of-the-art technology; and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.

The building’s striking new façade features a floor-to-ceiling glass entrance on North Broad Street, which connects the convention center to Philadelphia’s renowned cultural institutions along the Avenue of the Arts and Museum Row. Just steps away are the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Lenfest Plaza, an open-air piazza, debuting in the fall, that links the center to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute and opening in 2012, the Barnes Foundation, with the one of the world’s largest collections of French impressionist art.

Convenient attractions

Under the direction of President and CEO Ahmeenah Young, the facility is one of the few in the country designed to be woven into the city’s landscape. Also connected to the center is the only-in-Philadelphia Reading Terminal Market. Housed in an historic train shed, the market features more than 80 merchants selling local produce, Amish specialties, fresh meats, seafood, poultry and prepared foods by award-winning chefs.

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The Philadelphia Story You Can’t Miss – The World Premier of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion

It’s a convenient place to take a break, grab a bite to eat and experience one of Philadelphia’s favorite traditions.

And when attendees want to see even more of what makes Philadelphia “The Complete Package,” all they have to do is start walking! Historic sites and museums – such as the Liberty Bell, President’s House, National Museum of American Jewish History and the National Constitution Center – as well as restaurants, shops and theaters are all within walking distance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Easy access/lower costs/numerous options

The convention center’s downtown location makes getting there from Philadelphia’s major transportation hubs a cinch. Because it’s situated between two subway lines, there is incomparable access via SEPTA’s regional rail, bus, trolley and subway services. Attendees will find direct access from Philadelphia International Airport via a 20-minute train ride or an affordable taxi ride. Amtrak’s 30th Street Station, one of the busiest hubs in the nation, also offers a quick, direct route via train. Once attendees arrive they will find Philadelphia’s grid street design makes the city very walkable and visitor-friendly.

Philadelphia offers plenty of hotel options, covering a variety of price points. For convention attendees, the city features more than 8,500 hotel rooms within a 15-minute walk of the convention center and, by 2014, the inventory is expected to grow by 1,500 hotel rooms.

All of this translates into more value for meeting planners and their attendees.

To learn more about the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the exciting things happening in Philadelphia, visit www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/complete or come in for a site visit!

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

pennsylvania

Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center

1210 First Avenue King of Prussia, PA 19406 (610) 265-1500; Fax: (610) 768-0183 ScanticonValleyForge.com Marketing Manager: Jennifer Minicozzi Valley Forge, A premier destination for your exceptional event

The Scanticon was specifically created to be a premier conference site. All designed for comfort and function and is officially approved by the International Association of Conference Centers. The Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center is located in the Valley Forge Convention Plaza, also home to the Valley Forge Convention Center and the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge; 150,000+ sq. ft. of flexible meeting space between the Scanticon, Radisson and Valley Forge Convention Center, including: 61 meeting rooms; 8,865-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 54,000-sq-ft., 3,800-seat theater; 108,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space, including 54,000-sq.-ft.

Main Exhibit Hall. wifi in all guestrooms and public space; 160 Guestrooms in the Scanticon Hotel; The adjoining Radisson Hotel offers an additional 328 guestrooms.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex One Sabin Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 458-6000; Fax: (401) 458-6500 riconvention.com Senior Director of Sales and Marketing: John J. McGinn, CEM

The Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex includes the Rhode Island Convention Center, the 13,000-seat Dunkin’ Donuts Center, and the 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; accommodations for groups of 10-5,000; two parking garages; 5,500 hotel rooms in the Greater Providence area, with 2,200 within one mile of Complex. Attractions: Culinary Arts Museum at JWU; Festival Ballet Providence; Providence Performing PAGE 5 Arts Center; Providence Place mall, RI Philharmonic; RI School of Design Museum.

Rhode Island 23-46

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5:28 PM

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Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau 144 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 (401) 456-0200; Fax: (401) 273-7046 GoProvidence.com Senior Vice President: Neil R. Schriever Providence: The Creative Capital

MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...

NEED MARKET DATA? Providence is brimming with rich history, natural beauty, and stunning architecture; The city’s

compact downtown area - where the Rhode Island Convention Center is located - makes it an extremely convenient and walkable city - with hotels, great restaurants, and stellar shopping all within blocks of each other. Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau books meetings,23-46 conventions, trade shows and PM eventsPage of any29 size, working closely with planners to boost 11/10/08 5:28 attendance, including targeted e-mail blasts, postcard mailings, Web site/microsite; welcome banners throughout city; Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex includes RI Convention Center (137,000 sq. ft. of total exhibit space), 13,000-seat Dunkin’ PAGE 43 Donuts Center, 1,900-seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...

NEED MARKET DATA? THE #1 SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT & SPECIAL EVENTS.

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Everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight. Take advantage of special Comprehensive Directory ofaConference Centers, offers and VIP experiences to craft College & University Conference Facilities, one-of-a-kind meeting that’s just right Meeting & Boutique Hotels, Small-to-Mid-Size for your budget andMeeting your attendees. & Event Venues

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Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

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The Northeast / RHODE ISLAND Providence, Rhode Island deftly mixes the vibrancy and amenities of a big city with the walkability and personal service of a small town

Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex One Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903 • Phone: (401) 458-6000; Fax: (401) 458-6500 • www.riconvention.com

P

rovidence, Rhode Island deftly mixes the vibrancy and amenities of a big city with the walkability and personal service of a small town. This blend helps create a VIP experience for meeting planners and attendees, and has generated buzz and critical acclaim for the destination.

Providence once again scored big in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “America’s Favorite Cities” poll, earning top marks in culinary- and arts-related categories.

The Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex stands in the heart of the city, and includes the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (Dunk) and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (VMA). 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.

The RICC consists of a 100,000-contiguous-square-foot exhibition hall, a 20,000-square-foot ballroom, 23 meeting rooms, and the Rotunda Room which provides spectacular views of the city.

There are also two adjacent garages with 2,400 parking spaces.

The 13,000-seat Dunk, the area’s premier events arena, is connected to the RICC via a skywalk. The Dunk features 31,000 square feet of arena space, a ceiling height of 90 feet, a 25,000-squarefoot concourse, a new 12,000-square-foot lobby, two party suites, two loges, a new restaurant, and five renovated meeting/hospitality rooms.

The 1,900-seat VMA, a historic performing arts venue, is the newest addition to the Rhode Island Convention Center’s family.

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Known for its unique combination of size and intimacy, superb acoustics and great sight lines, the VMA is also available for elegant corporate events, speaking engagements and more.

Recognized as one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations, Providence is home to the renowned culinary school, Johnson & Wales University. Many of the university’s chefs remain in Providence after graduation, which is reflected in the city’s dining scene. Restaurants specialize in a variety of cuisines, but the city is perhaps most famous for its Italian food, with the Federal Hill section of Providence named “One of the Five Best Little Italys in the U.S.” by Food Network Chef Mario Batali.

Located between New York City and Boston, Providence is easily accessible for event attendees, and about 25 percent of the United States’ population lives within 500 miles of the city. The Amtrak train station is located within walking distance of the Complex, and offers rail service throughout the Northeast Corridor.

Nearby Warwick, Rhode Island features miles of scenic coastline and spectacular views, and offers additional hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment options. For those flying into Providence, Warwick’s T.F. Green Airport is just a short, 10-minute drive from downtown.

Planners can look to the award-winning Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide knowledgeable staff, a welcoming spirit, and services that can aid them with all the details that will make their convention or meeting program successful.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The NORTHEAST / New York

New York state’s only one-stop convention facility

Rochester Riverside Convention Center 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14564 • (585) 232-7200 • Fax: (585) 232-1510 • www.rrcc.com

C

onveniently located in the heart of Rochester, N.Y., 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.

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 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.

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 5MB o 1 GB.

Pier 45 Experience 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.

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 hightech 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.”

Nearby Attractions Several entertainment districts surround the Rochester Riverside with restaurants, cafés, coffee houses, pubs, dance clubs, music halls, theatres 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, which also houses the National Toy Hall of Fame. Waterway attractions include the historic Erie Canal, Corn Hill Landing and the beaches of Lake Ontario.

Hotel Rooms More than 1,100 rooms in a trio of major hotels connect with the Rochester Riverside Convention Center to create a compact convention district in the Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Destination Features Rochester 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 Airport The Greater Rochester International Airport—150 flights daily—is an easy, stress-free, 10-minute drive from the Rochester Riverside Convention Center’s front door.

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The Mid-Atlantic

maryland

Roland E. Powell Convention Center

Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia Washington, D.C.

4001 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 (800) 626-2326 Fax: (410) 289-0058 www.ococean.com Director 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 contemporary convention center features 182,000 sq. ft. meeting/ exhibition space – 22 meeting rooms; 68,000 sq. ft. Total Exhibit Space, including a 45,000sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 22,000-sq.-ft Grand Ballroom with 35’ ceilings and a 4,700-seat Theater; State-of-the-art sound system throughout; wireless internet; ground level loading docks; built-in theatrical ballroom stage; 1,200 free parking spaces; Ocean City Information & Welcome Center on site; in-house cleaning services; full-service food & beverage department; 10,000 hotel rooms & 25,000 rentable Condos; 28 miles from Salisbury-Ocean City Airport; Attractions: Boardwalk, Free Beaches, Seasonal Festivals, a Deep Sea Marina, PAGE & World-Class Golf Courses.

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virginia

Hampton Roads Convention Center

1610 Coliseum Drive Hampton, VA 23666 (866) 484-HRCC: (757) 315-1610 Fax: (757) 315-1612 thehrcc.com Director of Sales & Event Services: Shannon Perry “In the Center of it All”

Playing up Hampton’s significance as a historic seaport, the look of the Hampton Roads Convention Center is purely nautical - billowing canvases soar over the center, descending to cascading water fountains that surround the main entrance. 344,000 total sq. ft., 35 Meeting Rooms, 27,907-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom 102,600-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall ABC, 27,907-sq.-ft. theatre seating for approximately 2,500. Wi-Fi throughout, webcasting and teleconferencing.

An intimate conference center within the facility provides privately accessed meeting space; 3,000 Hotel Rooms nearby. Attractions: Hampton History Museum, Air & Space Museum, Miss Hampton II Cruise, Peninsula Towne Center, Chesapeake Bay cruises, Civil War sites, and African American heritage landmarks

virginia

Hilton Garden Inn – Fairfax, VA 3950 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 385-7774; Fax: (703) 359-2932 fairfax.hgi.com General Manager: Steve Steinberg Everything. Right where you need it.

At the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax, you’ll find everything you need for a successful and headache-free experience. Nestled in the upscale Washington, DC suburbs of Northern Virginia, the Hilton Garden Inn is a perfect venue for meetings, conferences, banquets, and special events; Small-to mid-size meetings up to 300 guests; 6 meeting rooms, 2,700-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; 9,000 sq. ft. exhibit space; 380 theater-style seating; Current and up-to-date audio/ visual technology; on-site catering with high-quality and variety of menus; On-site Great American Grill Restaurant; 24-hour Pavilion Pantry convenience shop; Pavilion Lounge; Complimentary 24-hour business center; Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access and secure, remote printing to the business center; only 30 minutes PAGE from D.C. attractions.

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So many points of view to make your meeting a success.

See for yourself how easy and simple we can make meeting in Norfolk. In fact, you’ll find the value you receive as attractive as the many amenities you and your attendees will discover when you book a meeting in Norfolk, the heart of the Virginia Waterfront.

v i s i t n o r f o l k t o d a y. c o m | 1 - 8 0 0 - 3 6 8 - 3 0 9 7

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virginia

VisitNorfolk

232 East Main Street Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 664-6620; (800) 368-3097 Fax: 757-622-3663 visitnorfolktoday.com Vice President of Sales and Marketing: Donna Allen

Located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk is a compact meetings destination with hotels and convention facilities a short walk from a sparkling waterfront dotted with trendy restaurants, arts districts, museums, patriotic attractions and shopping. Meeting Space: Waterside Convention Connection (200+ firstclass rooms and suites, 55 meeting rooms and 121,000 sq. ft. of convention space) includes - Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, the Crowne Plaza Norfolk and the Waterside Festival Marketplace; Norfolk Scope Arena (85,000 sq. ft. meeting space).

Attractions: MacArthur Center Mall, Chrysler Museum of Art, Hermitage Foundation Museum, Hunter House Victorian Museum, MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk Tides AAA Baseball at Harbor Park, Schooner Virginia, The Norfolk History Museum, Virginia PAGE Zoological Park.

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Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Meet Greet

Eat

When it’s time to get serious, we’re the place in the region to meet, greet and eat. Nineteen meeting rooms and 86,000 square feet of Class A meeting and exhibition space. Catering for 3 to 3,000. Superb attention to detail.

The state’s best shopping and attractions.

304.345.1500 charlestonwvciviccenter.com charlestonwv.com john.robertson@charlestonwvciviccenter.com

The Facilities Media Group

B u y e r ’s G u i d e

virginia

Virginia

University of Virginia Yo u r P r o d u c t s & VIRGINIA Meeting Services: One-Stop Shop Alumni Association

Virginia S e r v iVIRGINIA c e s R Beach esource

Location; Conference Services staff works with you on all your conference needs; Every summer conference is assigned a Conference Assistant to handle all check-in and check-out procedures, rosters, parking/transportation, Alumni Hall’sshow spaciousnetworking facilities are ideal for banquets, wedding receptions, galas, board ke the work out of trade facility setups, meal guarantees, directionmeetings or conferences.

0 Royal Poinciana Way-Suite 317/#345With alumni, students, faculty, staff and the general public welal sq. signs, an optional linen service. comed to reserve space for their next event. 7,064 ft., and includes 3 meeting rooms, Jefferson lm Beach, FL 33480 Ballroom sq. ft. /400 seated, 700 standingMeeting reception);Technology: Annex (1,332All sq.classrooms ft./60 seated, 66) 430-3023; Fax: (201) (4,320 624-7316 75 standing reception .); Terrace (2,738 sq. ft./150and standing reception); Roomwith (1,104 meeting space areBoard equipped ww.deal-center.com sq. ft./32 at the table, 52 with chairs around the perimeter); Small Conference audio-visual equipment andRoom at least(308 sq.

J AMES MADISON UNIVERSITY at table, product 20 with chairs around the perimeter). area caterers from. he DealCenter ft./10 is a turnkey for trade show, conference orapproved expo organizers. one 15 computer connected to to theselect campus & Cshow, ONFERENCES EVENTS 300 hotel walking distance; 2,500+management in the line. vicinity. ealCenter, LLC works withrooms tradewithin expo or conference companies LAN The Internet istoalso accessiMSC 3501 ovide an online meeting system that enhances the peer-to-ble peer at the in networking the dormitories forevent any overnight Harrisonburg, VA 22807 r attendees and exhibitors.

TheFax: DealCenter team also provides on-site the stay using an management Ethernet cord.ofAdditional (540) 568-6330; (540) 568-6444 ysical DealCenter or meeting area as well as all technical and customer support.upon request. www.jmu.edu/events equipment is available Conference Coordinator: Joyce Bentz Food & Beverage: onsite catering washington, dc available; two large dining facilities that Snapshot: James Madison University serve all three meals buffet style with a Walter E. Washington ranges in services and meeting space rotating menu. from our Grand Ballroom to classrooms Convention Center 801 Vernon Place NWNestled between Activities: Tennis and sand volleyball andMt.computer labs.

Washington 20001(202) 249-3000 courts; University Recreation Center, the Blue DC Ridge Mountains and the Circle, Birmingham, 5130 Cyrus AL 35242 wcsa.com nationally recognized 140,700-sq.-ft.

Allegheny Ridge, this 472-acre campus Fax:a (205) (205) 263-0555 263-0557 Vice President of Marketing and Communications: facility, can also be used by meeting blendsHubbard the spirit of a collegiate atmoChinyere www.cwallengroup.com attendees. sphere with the natural beauty and of Industry The Walter E. WashingtonDirector Convention Center Relations: Jackie Jones of the area. righter Ideas…

Better Results ™venue located between downtown’s Nearby Attractions: isresources a 2.3-million-sq.-ft. historic ShawMassunutten and Chinatown Skyline Drive hikingrooms; and a Meeting Sizes198,000 Accommodated: neighborhoods; sq. ft. meeting /functionResort, space, including 77 meeting he C.W. Allen Group is North America’s event marketing consultancy delivering Luray Caverns.

52,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, and aleading 194,000-sq.-ft.

Exhibition Hall; total Exhibition Space: 50 to over 1,100. e industry’s leading exhibitor education and training program, Exhibiting Academy™, 703,000 ft. Inside, the architectural design to life withROI-Q a $4-million art collection Transportation: The Shenandoah Overallsq.Meeting Space: 20,000+exhibitor sq. ft. comes hich has consistently to greatly increase success/ROI, significantly of 120 proven pieces, the largest public art display in the District; Stateto–of-the-art Oculus Digital Valley Regional Airport: 15 miles; crease exhibitorSignage “retention andRooms: to143 dramatically sponsorship Number ofrates”… of Meeting 30 high increase Network that features LCD definitionevent flat panels; 13 hotelssales. within walkDulles International Airport: 120 is the exhibitioning industry’s and fastest growing exhibitor education, training, and fullmiles. distance leading –9,000 Renaissance, Ballroom: sq. ft. Embassy Suites, Harrington Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Henley Park me/full service “consulting” solution and is fully supported by the Marriott International Economic Hotel, Hampton Inn, Courtyard Marriott, Washington at Metro Center, Eldon Lodging: 2,300 onsite Clark, guestrooms (12Worldwide liance – conceived at Harvard University, TSEA, andInn, ECEF. C.W. Allen Luxury Suites, Morrison HotelBPA Monaco, Red Roof FourThe Points Sheraton. within 5 miles radius). oup delivers the hotels exhibition industry’s leading network quality, global television productions 211 Emmet Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 (434) 243-2665; Fax: (434) 243-9080 alumni.virginia.edu/reservations/ Reservation Coordinator: Carol Anne Abbott “Your Home on the Grounds”

DealCenter, LLC

The C.W. Allen Group, LLC

a risk-free and revenue-generating basis.

POTHOS, Inc.

Convention Center

Overall Meeting Space: 266,500 sq. ft.

1000 19th Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Number of Meeting Rooms: 250 (757) 385-4700; (800) 700-7702 421 7th 16,500 Avenue, Fax: (757) 437-4747 Ballroom: sq.New ft. York, NY 10001 (800) 525-5750; Fax: (212) 202-9638 vbmeetings.com Exhibit Space: 26, 750 Vice President of Convention Sales & Marketing: www.urbanride.net sq. ft.

Al Hutchinson Theater Seating: 1,800 (maximum). it to the Beach” Chief “Bring Executive Officer: Jeremy Milikow

UrbanRide

Meeting Technology: Wifi capable;

Senior Vice President: SVP of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront resort area, the Just blocks from theMitch beach Bornstein, and in the heart webcasting and video conferencing Virginia Beach Convention Center features 500,000+ sq. in ft. addition of state-of-the-art, stylish event available to all major audio‘Leading ofrooms, Meeting & Event Transportation’ space,Global includingProvider 26 meeting 31,029-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, 150,012-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, visual needs as supplied by our in-house 13,440 Theater Seating. Wired and wireless high-speed Internet access. Enticing views from team of technical professionals.

T NisATIONAL UrbanRide a global provider ground transportation for meetings & events, theHE 147-foot glass tower, whichofhosts the Café, Executive Board Room, VIP Lounge and and uses C the top-of-the-line minibuses and motorcoaches.

We provide ONFERENCE Csedans, ENTER Food & Beverage: Meetingfor Packages Observation Deck First in the SUVs, countryvans, to achieve LEED® Gold certification Existing 18980 Upper Belmont our clients withAttractions IMS, ourPlace software that enablesinclude meeting planners to Buildings. include: Award–winning golf courses, fishing boat charters, and800 three-meals perbetter day inmanage our PAGE Lansdowne, VA their 20176 transportation for meetings, conventions, tradeshows & other events. the new Town Center, spanning conferences, 17 blocks of upscale retail, dining and nightlife. seat dining room.

Private banquets, 50 (800) 640-2684; (703) 729-8000 We work exclusively with meeting & event planners our customer service themeand dinners and off-site eventis the best in Fax: (703) 729-5382 the business.

UrbanRide is a one-stop solution for meeting & event transportation. catering; Black Olive Bar and Grill; www.conferencencenter.com west virginia Director of Sales and Marketing: Eric Whitson

Starbucks“ Cafe.

Activities: A complete selection of Charleston Civic CenterCardio Equipment, treadmills, stairThe National Conference Center…

100 Civic Center Drive climbers, elliptical, recumbent bikes, where groups arrive as many and Charleston, WV 25301 nautilus strength-training circuit, and leave as one!Fax: (304) 345-3492 (304) 345-1500; free weights; The Sports Center and charlestonwvciviccenter.com Snapshot: The National Conference General Manager: John Robertson, Ropes Course – The sports center feaCenter gives you the advantage of a john.robertson@charlestonwvciviccenter.com tures volleyball, basketball, racquetball, powerful infrastructure and the intiThe Center of Excitement squash, 25-meter outdoor lap pool, ten4350macy N. Fairfax Dr., Suite meeting 700, Arlington, of an individual com- VA 22203 nis, beach (sand) volleyball, bicycles.

(703)munity 516-4000; Fax: (703) 516-4819 The Charleston Center provides the premier setting in the region for your conference, to ensureCivic results for training www.kepplerspeakers.com convention, meeting, tradeshow or event. 7 Main Level Rooms offering 12,000+ sq. ft. of and management conferences.

Located Senior VP Sales Marketing: John Truran meeting space; 8 and 2ndDulles -Level Rooms/6,600+ sq. ft.; (50,086-sq.-ft. Grand Convention Hall, just 12for miles from International divisible into individual spaces; 30,000 sq. ft./13,500-seat Coliseum (Convention Hall + Airport, Thefour National Conference WithColiseum Keppler= Speakers, creating memorable meetings never felt so easy.w/ With over 25 80,000+ ft.); 738-seat Little; 3,483-seat Municipal Auditorium 65’ wide Center is the largestsq.marketed conferyearsx of experience, we provide you solid, seasoned expertise, making speaker selection 23’6” high in proscenium; ence center the U.S. Wi-Fi throughout; On-site catering; 3,500 Hotel Rooms; located stress-free by managing all of the Speakers saves yousecond-tier preciouscities; time by at the confluence of Interstate 64,details.

77 &79;Keppler One of the most economical, Meeting Sizes Accommodated: matching youregional with speakers who are right on target. performers Fantastic cuisine; Attractions: Capitol Market,From Clay proven Center for the Arts &to dynamic to 1,800. rising10 stars, our speakers bring fascinating, real Sciences, Heritage Towers; Mardi Gras Casino & stories Resorts.and a gift for inspiring audiences.

PAGE 47 Lodging: 917 guest rooms.

Keppler Speakers

VIRGINIA

El Cajon Blvd.TO #474 MEETINGS WHEN IT2260 COMES San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 546-0621: Fax: (413)LEAVE 723-7838 THE & SPECIAL EVENTS, www.pothos.us President CEO: Michael Patton, PLANNING & &DETAILS TOCMM US

Our company ethos is Integrity, Clarity and Reliability. POTHOS works in a forthright anner that considers transparent communication as the cornerstone to a successful lationship with our guests and travel partners.”

OTHOS, Inc. is a globally recognized strategic meeting management company and corporate avel agency that specializes in using cutting-edge technology and resources to compete th much larger companies at a value, offering clients cost savings and efficient personal ent planning services. POTHOS, Inc. specializes in the following 3 core competencies: 1. Full ervice Strategic Meeting Management; 2. Full Service Corporate/VIP Travel Management; 3. gistics – Freight & People. POTHOS, Inc. is your ONE source for meeting, travel and logistics. chievement of goals and objectives, ROI and ROO are the basis of our strategic approach.

HILTON GARDEN INN FAIRFAX

3950 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 667-9371; Fax: (703) 667-9376 www.fairfax.gardeninn.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Thida Ilyadis

“Everything. Right where you need it.”

3950 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax, VA 22033 www.fairfax.hgi.com

The Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax hotel in Northern Virginia offers: Small to medium size meeting and banquet rooms for up to 300 guests Dedicated and friendly sales staff to focus on the details Current and up-to-date audio/visual equipment and technology On-site catering with high-quality and variety of menus to compliment any budget.

Please contact Steve Steinberg at 703.385.7774 or steve.steinberg@hilton.com

lities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook 48

12

Meeting/Event Rooms: Patriot Room (764 sq. ft.); Prosperity Ballroom (1,522 sq. ft.); Prosperity I (848 sq. ft.); Prosperity II (674 sq. ft.); Providence Ballroom (2,739 sq.ft.); Providence I (900 sq. ft.); Providence II (991 sq. ft.); Providence III (958 sq. ft.); Garden Patio (3,301 sq. ft.).

Theater Seating: 70 to 280.

Classroom Seating: 40 to185.

Meeting Services: Business Center; state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment; video conferencing available; Meeting Packages from comprehensive corporate packages to single meeting room rentals.

Lodging: 149 guest rooms.

Food & Beverage: in-house catering; Great American Grill® restaurant; The Pavilion Pantry® convenience mart.

Amenities: Lounge; Fitness Center; pool; Multi-Lingual Staff.

Snapshot: At the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax hotel in Northern Virginia, you’ll find everything you need, from the Nearby Attractions: Washington D.C.; welcoming pavilion to the guestrooms Fair Oaks Shopping Mall; Capital designed to address the needs of today’s Expo Shipping Mall; Leesburg Corner travelers. The Hilton Inn Fairfax Media TheGarden Facilities Group Premium Outlets; Tyson Corner hotel features: small to medium size Shopping Mall.

Facilities &upDestinations • Facilities meeting and banquet rooms for to Transportation: 8 miles from 300 guests. dedicated and friendly sales Conference Planner • Mid-Market Washington Dulles International staff to focus on the details;•current and Guide Airport; 18 miles from Washington DC up-to-date audio/visual equipment and Facilities LIVE • Booking and RonaldGuide Reagan National Airport. technology.

Facilities & Event Management Meeting Sizes Accommodated: Up to 300. www.Facilitiesonline.com Overall Meeting Space: 8,000 sq. ft.

Don’tGet Get Stuck Stuck ininaaFishbowl!

Fishbowl!

Don’t The Facilities Media Group

Facilities & Destinations Facilities • Conference • Planner Guide Facilities LIVE • Booking Guide Facilities & Event Management www.Facilitiesonline.com

Mid-Atlantic

Facilities& & Destinations Destinations 2011 SuperBook 93 Facilities Conference

The Mid-Atlantic / maryland

Roland E. Powell Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 (800) 626-2326 Fax: (410) 289-0058 www.ococean.com Ocean City, Maryland Holds Big Appeal For Groups

O

cean City, Maryland is “The East Coast’s Number One Family Resort,” with waves of activities and events. Those same activities and amenities that lure vacationers also appeal to meeting and convention attendees. Delegates find Ocean City’s family-friendly environment filled with exciting things to see and do when they take a break from business. Sun, sand, and surf always beckon. So, too, do 17 area championship golf courses, deep-sea fishing, water sports, amusements, antique and outlet shopping, a world-famous Boardwalk, and 10 miles of the best white-sand beaches on the East Coast.

Ocean City offers business travelers with a choice of accommodations, including 10,000 hotel rooms and suites as

well as more than 25,000 condominium units; of these 4,859 are committable year-round for meetings.

Ocean City’s primary meeting and convention facility is the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. The center offers 182,200 square feet multi-functional space; 67,000 square feet of dedicated exhibit space; a 25,000-square-foot, multi-purpose ballroom, and 28,000 square feet of meeting space divided into 22 flexible breakout rooms. The Ocean City Convention Center will be expanding to meet client needs in 2012.

The center features on-site food and beverage service along with full-service catering by Centerplate; a veteran convention staff, free wi-fi service, and free parking for more than 1,000 cars and buses.

Every season offers a reason to meet in Ocean City. For more information, contact the Ocean City Convention Center’s sales team at 410-289-2800 or 800-626-2326, or visit oceancitymd.gov.

Inside is 182,000 square feet. Outside is 10 miles of fun.

Exciting changEs arE coming to thE convEntion cEntEr!

visit ococean.com

for updatEs on rEnovation and Expansion.

Meet here. Gather here. Play here.

Our contemporary convention center offers 22 meeting rooms, 67,000 square feet of exhibition space, and a 25,000-square-foot ballroom. And the rest of Ocean City, Maryland offers some of the world’s best golf courses, a free beach, festivals, fishing, 10,000 hotel rooms, 25,000 rentable condos and more.

ococean.com

For more information, contact an Ocean City event planner at 1-800-OCOCEAN or visit ococean.com.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook OCO-2011-12241 Fac&Dest Superbook 7.125x4.979.indd 1

49 4/26/11 5:08 PM

The Mid-Atlantic / Virginia

Virginia Beach Convention Center 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 385-4700; (800) 700-7702 Fax: (757) 437-4747 • vbmeetings.com EXPERIENCE RICH, YET SUSTAINABLE MEETINGS IN THIS CLASSIC RESORT CITY

I

n the midst of a bustling metropolitan city, where the ocean meets the bay, Virginia Beach combines a perfect destination for meetings, conventions and trade shows with a rich sustainable meeting experience.

The Virginia Beach Convention Center is the first of its kind in the nation to achieve LEED® Gold certification for Existing Buildings. The facility captures the true essence of this coastal destination with its innovative design and boasts more than 500,000 square feet of space, including a 150,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall and a 31,000-square-foot, state-ofthe-art ballroom. Manned by service-oriented professionals, the facility offers competitive rates, 2,230 free parking spaces and is located just blocks from one of the mid-Atlantic’s most beautiful beaches.

Beyond access to a world-class convention center, this resort city offers meeting planners a variety of off-site venues. Virginia Beach is the first destination in the Commonwealth to be certified by Virginia Green, the Commonwealth’s campaign to promote environmentally friendly practices within the hospitality industry. To date, 120 Virginia Beach hospitality businesses are certified Virginia Green, including restaurants, accommodations, events, attractions and unique meeting spaces like the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

Virginia Beach provides added value to meeting planners through enhanced corporate social responsibility offerings. Those interested in giving back during their stay can take advantage of the CVB’s social responsibility program, which involves a partnership with the United Way of Hampton Roads, enabling organizations a chance to volunteer in a variety of ways that meet specific goals and objectives.

JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground for EveryBODY presents another opportunity for organizations to reach their social responsibility goals. The first of its kind in the country, this new oceanfront attraction is 100% handicapped-accessible and offers beach-goers with disabilities the chance to enjoy the sand, sun and surf with ease. Located next to the famed Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the park features soft play structures, special wheelchairs for the sand, more. Grommet Island can serve as another “give-back” option, with fundraising proceeds going VBCVB-BringIt-APRIL2011_Layout 1 4/7/11 6:10 AM Page 1 toward the purchase of new equipment and playground expansion.

Bring It to The Beach As the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier convention destination, our team is ready to work with you to host your multicultural meetings, conferences, conventions and trade shows at the new Virginia Beach Convention Center.

w w w. v b m e e t i n g s . c o m 50

In the new Virginia Beach Convention Center, a soaring, nautical glass-curtain wall appears to float in pools of water both inside and outside the building, while guests walk across wooden boardwalks to access the center.

CONTACT: Al Hutchinson Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau 2101 Parks Avenue Suite 500 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Phone: 757-385-6652 Fax: 757-437-4747 ahutchin@vbgov.com Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The Southeast

Alabama Arkansas Florida Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee

alabama

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center One S. Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 208-2100; Fax: (251) 208-2150 mobileconventions.com Director Sales & Marketing: Cheryl Gee General Manager: Bob Brazier “Explore the Options”

Anchoring a lively downtown offering world-class accommodations, lush parks and squares, retail shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries, the Mobile Convention Center features 300,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space – 16 meeting rooms, two ballroom (largest – 15,508 sq. ft.). , two 50,000-sq.-ft., exhibit halls and an outdoor terrace with panoramic view of Mobile River; largest space can accommodate 5,555 theater styling seating; Catering services by SAVOR are available; Two permanent concession stands with indoor/outdoor seating; numerous portable concession carts; within walking distance from six hotels/1,100+ Hotel Rooms. Attractions: 5 Rivers: Delta Resource Center; National Maritime Museum of PAGE the Gulf Coast (opens 2012); Alligator Alley, Hank Aaron Stadium, Civil War Trail.

53 alabama

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex

2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438 bjcc.org Director of Sales and Marketing: Susette Hunter

Alabama’s largest convention facility and one of the best values in the South, the BJCC features 220,000 sq. ft. Meeting/Exhibition space – 111,000-sq. ft. Main Exhibition Hall, 174,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space, 74 Meeting Rooms, 15,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 18,000-seat Arena; 2,800-seat Concert Hall. In addition to video services, BJCC Productions offers full-service editing for special projects as well as a 3,800sq.ft. broadcast studio with live TV capabilities, satellite uplink capabilities and distance video learning capacity Medical Forum: Ten-story tower features high-tech meeting rooms, including fully-equipped demonstration lab. 1,000 Hotel Rooms (Sheraton Birmingham and The Tutwiler) nearby. Attractions: Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, award-winning Robert Trent Jones Golf trail courses and three state parks.

PAGE 55

alabama

Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

500 Church Street, Suite One Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 551-2230; (800) 843-0468 Fax: (256) 551-2324 huntsville.org Vice President of Conventions: Yvonne Boyington Huntsville, Alabama – Rocket City, USA

Huntsville, Alabama is growing to exceed expectations. New and newly remodeled hotels as well as major improvements to the Von Braun Center emphasize their dedication to make your next meeting or convention the best ever! The Von Braun Center (170,000+ sq. ft. meeting/exhibition space, 22 break-out rooms; 23,184-sq.-ft Ballroom; 100,800-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; 1,953-seat Mark C. Smith Concert Hall ) is completing a $30-million renovation to the 8,000+-seat Propst Arena and several other components of this state-of-the-art facility; Surrounded by 700+ hotel rooms; 6,500+ citywide. Attractions: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical PAGE Garden, Hampton Cove facility/Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

56 florida

Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center 75 Taylor Street Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 833-5445; Fax: (941) 833-5451 www.charlotteharbormeetings.com General Manager: Jim Finch Bring Your Meeting Home

Located in the center of New York State, the Oncenter Complex is made up of three facilities – the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center Theaters – all under one management; 200,000+ sq. ft. of available space, including 10 meeting rooms (Convention Center), 31,000-sq.-ft. assembly hall (War Memorial Arena) and 4 meeting rooms (War Memorial Arena); 15,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (Convention Center); 65,000- sq.-ft. multi-purpose exhibit hall (Convention Center) & 44,000-sq.-ft. exhibition hall (War Memorial Arena). Theater: 2,100-seat Crouse-Hinds Theater (Civic Center), 428-seat CarrierTheater (Civic Center), 150-seat BeVard Studio (Civic Center) & 7,000-seat arena (War Memorial Arena). Lodging: 900+ hotel rooms within two miles of Complex; 6,000+ within 10 miles.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

arkansas

Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau 2 North B Street Fort Smith, AR 72901 PHONE: (479) 783-8888; (800) 637-1477 Fax: (479) 784-2421 fortsmith.org Convention/ Sales Events Director: Sherry Scorby Small Town. Big Deal.

Ranked the #1 Most Affordable City in the U.S, Fort Smith offers cost-effective Meeting Attendees cost-effective convenience. Nothing more than a 15-minute drive away; 2,000+ Hotel Rooms (720 newly renovated). Meeting Space: Fort Smith Convention Center & Performing Arts Center – 40,000 column-free sq. ft. of exhibit, convention, or banquet space, 18,200 sq. ft. of meeting and breakout space, amphitheater, and a 1,331-seat Performing Arts Center Complex adjoined by 393-room Holiday Inn City Center (17,000 sq. ft. of event space/11,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 12 break-out rooms; Phoenix Expo Center, new in 2010, is the area’s largest venue, with 115,000 sq. ft. of versatile space/rooms range 400-62,000 sq. ft).

Florida

The Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center

1950 Eisenhower Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 765-5900; Fax: (954) 763-9551 ftlauderdalecc.com Assistant General Manager: Terry Kuca Premier Oceanside Convention Center Located In The Venice of America

The 600,000-sq.ft. Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, one of the premier large meeting venues in the southeast, is easily accessible, located just five minutes from the Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport; 349,514 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space; 32 meeting rooms; Three 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, including 64,887-sq.-ft.-Main Exhibit Hall; 15,000seat Theater; wifi; webcasting; CAT 5; on-site kitchen; Breezin’ Java/Cyber Café; 33,000 hotel rooms!

Attractions: 23 miles of Blue Wave beaches, 300 miles of navigable inland waterways; Arts & Entertainment district; 4,000+ restaurants; 60+ golf courses, International Swimming Hall of Fame, Sawgrass Mills Mall.

51

The Southeast / alabama

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center One S. Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 • (251) 208-2100; Fax: (251) 208-2150 • mobileconventions.com

T

he Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center is within

anchors a lively downtown offering world-class

walking distance from six hotels which offer more than 1,100

accommodations, lush parks and squares, retail

sleeping rooms. The accommodations range from reasonably priced

shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries. The

hotel chains, a historic inn, a bed & breakfast to a modern high-rise.

Mobile Convention Center is more than 300,000

Three regional airports service the Mobile Bay area: Mobile

square feet and offers 18 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and two

Regional Airport, Pensacola Regional Airport and Gulfport-Biloxi

exhibit halls.

International Airport. All three airports are within driving distance

Winner of numerous architectural awards, the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center takes full advantage of superb

from the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.

Mobile Bay is home to numerous one-of-a-kind attractions for

waterfront setting. The convention center’s exterior incorporates

guests to discover including Alabama’s top rated USS ALABAMA

the outdoor terraces, riverwalks and expansive river front windows

Battleship Memorial Park and the Gulf Coast Exploreum and IMAX

affording magnificent views, from pre-function areas of passing

Theater. The beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Alligator

ships on the Mobile River. The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile

Alley, 5 Rivers: Delta Resource Center, Hank Aaron Stadium, Civil

Convention Center has mastered the requirements of accessibility,

War Trail, Oakleigh Historic District and several museums are also

flexibility and liberally placed amenities to accommodate a variety

favorites to our visitors. Mobile Bay is anticipating the Fall 2012

of conventions, meetings, trade and consumer shows. From service

grand opening of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf Coast.

corridor access to conveniently located registration lobbies, the

Attendees will soon enjoy more than 90 exhibits dedicated to the

state-of-the-art facility offers all services necessary to ensure the

Gulf Coast’s rich maritime traditions. Guests can also play on several

success of every event.

award winning golf courses.

52

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

ARTHUR R. OUTLAW

MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER

It’s Unforgettable

Winner of numerous awards for its architectural design and level of service, the state-of-the-art Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center is second to none. Located on the waterfront in downtown Mobile, the 317,000 gross square-foot center includes a 100,000 square-foot Exhibit Hall, 42,000 square feet of meeting room and ballroom/ banquet facilities, and a full-service kitchen offering gourmet catering. Other amenities consist of a VIP lounge overlooking the Exhibit Hall and Mobile River, covered concealed loading docks, direct covered access to 1,800 parking spaces and adjacent hotel, and an experienced staff specializing in custom-made trade shows and conventions.

“The Perfect Gulf Coast Location”

In addition to being functional and affordable, the Mobile Convention Center is conveniently located for people-pulling power.

•The largest metropolitan area between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Tampa, Florida •750,000 people within a 50-mile radius •A Sunbelt location easy to access by air and ground

The Mobile Convention Center is unforgettable and it helps you think about value in a whole new way. Here you’ll not only find the most value for your budget, you’ll find out how it feels to be a valued client.

One WaterStreet Street•• Mobile, Mobile,AL AL36602 36602••334/415-2100 251/208-2100 One South South Water

www.mobileconventions.com

The Southeast / alabama

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex

Details • Total exhibition space = 220,000 square feet with 20-30 foot ceilings • Number of meeting rooms = 74 • Largest ballroom = 15,552 square feet • Banquet seating capacity = 8,800 seats • Event space = 2,800-seat Concert Hall; 1,000-seat Theatre; 18,000-seat Arena

2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438 • bjcc.org

A

nchored on the west by one of the world’s Top 100 Arenas and on the east by 220,000 square feet of recently updated exhibition space, the BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex is one of the meeting and entertainment industries’ most uniquely versatile destinations.

Filling six city blocks, the BJCC is home to Alabama’s largest Arena, a 2,800-seat Concert Hall, a 1,000-seat theatre, 220,000 square feet of exhibition space, 74 meeting rooms and much more. And it all comes just a few miles from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport adjacent to two major interstate corridors.

Recent complex improvements

If you haven’t been to the BJCC lately, get ready to experience an all-new venue for trade shows, exhibitions and events. Over the last few years, the BJCC has renovated nearly every inch of the complex, from the exhibit hall floors to the Arena roof, from backstage areas to lobby spaces, and everything in between.

A new skywalk and corridor leading from the Sheraton to the North and South Exhibition Halls and meeting rooms create a more connected complex, new acoustics make for a better event experience at the Arena, and newly updated rooms at the adjacent Sheraton Birmingham Hotel make for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Hotel partners

The 757-room Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and The Tutwiler Hotel are within walking distance of the BJCC and offer just under 1,000 rooms combined. Both hotels have recently been renovated with rooms receiving complete makeovers from the wall treatments to the furniture. The historic Tutwiler now offers a lobby gallery of historic Birmingham photos complete with an audio tour while the Sheraton offers its Sheraton Link café with Internet access and business services in the lobby.

In addition, plans are underway for a 300-room Westin Hotel on BJCC property. Plans call for the additional hotel along with street level retail and entertainment space surrounding the new property.

Meeting services/support

The BJCC offers video conferencing, 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 postproduction capabilities. BJCC Productions has assisted with the broadcast of major network events including the Davis Cup on the Tennis Channel and has acted as an on-site studio for ESPN and Fox News.

Location

Off-site recreation

One of the BJCC’s selling points is its location. In addition to Birmingham being a hot spot in the middle of the South, the BJCC is located in the heart of downtown with easy Interstate access. It is also a short seven-minute drive from the BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport. Attractions within walking distance include the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

The BJCC can help arrange nature excursions such as kayaking on the nearby Cahaba River or hiking at Ruffner Mountain State Park only a few miles away. Trolleys make regular trips to Birmingham’s Southside, where culinary fans will find two restaurants under the direction of world-renowned chef and cookbook author Frank Stitt.

Golfing is available at more than a dozen public courses, including two award-winning Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses.

54

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

ALABAMA’S LARGEST AND MOST DYNAMIC MEETING FACILITY, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex offers 220,000 square feet of exhibition space and 74 meeting rooms, all that can adapt to just the size you need. And for convenience and ease, we’re located in the heart of downtown, ten minutes from the airport with easy interstate access.

See the new and improved BJCC. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex recently completed $39 million in renovations, including the adjoining 757-room Sheraton Hotel. For more information and to download the BJCC facility guidelines, visit us online.

BJCC.ORG . 2100 RICHARD ARRINGTON JR BLVD . 1-877-THE-BJCC

Florida

Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 539-3071; Fax: (305) 530-4276 Miamibeachconvention.com Vice President of Convention Sales: Barry Moskowitz “Life is good on the Beach”

The ease of Miami Beach Convention Center makes it a popular one for doing business and tradeshows. 750,000 sq. ft. of exhibit/meeting space; four connected halls open up to offer 502,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space (132,990-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; and three more each 100,000+ sq. ft.) and 70 flexible meeting rooms, including 21,245-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 2,400seat Fillmore theatre; 40,000+ hotel rooms; Nearby Attractions: Art Deco Area, New World Symphony, Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Jungle Island. Miami Beach features Year round moderate temperatures, variety of hotels to offer competitive bids, beaches, nightlife, sophisticated tropics, sports, array of international and culinary delights.

Florida

Orange County Convention Center

West Concourse - 9800 International Drive; South Concourse - 9899 International Drive; North Concourse - 9400 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 685-9800; (800) 345-9800 Fax: (407) 685-9876 occc.net Senior Director/Sales, Marketing, Event Management and Exhibitor Services: Yulita Osuba “The Center of Hospitality”

The nation’s second largest convention facility, featuring 7 million sq. ft. of combined meeting and public space in two remarkable facilities. The Center is located in one of the most beautiful and entertaining places in the world—Orlando. 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 exhibit ion space, 1.1 million sq. ft. of which is contiguous; two 92,000 sq. foot general assembly areas; three full-service restaurants; 8 food courts; and PAGE three business centers. Surrounded by 115,000 hotel rooms.

67

FLORIDA

Ocean Center / Daytona Beach

101 N. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (800) 858-6444; (386) 254-4500 Fax: (386) 254-4512 oceancenter.com Director of Sales: Lori Hunter Ocean Center....success by association!

Located in the heart of the Daytona Beach resort area, and only 400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean, the Volusia County Ocean Center is the area’s convention, entertainment and sports complex. It’s a multi-use facility that hosts conventions, tradeshows, concerts, banquets, family entertainment shows and sporting events; 205,000 sq. ft. of interior meeting space; 36 breakout rooms including VIP suite; 12,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (banquet seating: 850); 42,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall (seats: 9,600) – seats; 264,000 sq. ft. feet indoor/outdoor exhibit space; 12,000+ Hotel Rooms; Home of NASCAR and LPGA; Daytona International PAGE Speedway; golf courses including LPGA International; 23 Miles of wide, smooth, 65 sandy beaches. You’ll love the Ocean Center & Ocean Center loves you!

Florida

Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center 1000 Water Street Jacksonville, FL 32204 (904) 630-4000; Fax: (904) 630-4029 Facility Director: Jim Pritchard jaxevents.com

When it was built in 1919, Jacksonville Terminal was the railroad gateway to Florida. Now it is home to completely restored and renovated 265,000 sq. ft. of event space – 156,184 sq. ft. total meeting space; 78,500 sq. ft of contiguous exhibit space; 100,000 sq. ft. total: can fit 450 10x10’ booths in contiguous space, 550 total; 2 Executive Boardrooms and VIP Suite; 19,000-sq.- ft. pre-function area, 11,000-sq.ft.-terrace; 31,500-sq.-ft.. fenced grass Pavilion; 10,000-sq.-ft. Grand Lobby with 75’ vaulted ceiling; Internet and wifi; state-of-the-art audio and visual systems available throughout the center; fully equipped, 5,000-sq.-ft. kitchen capable of gourmet service for ove 3,000 guests; 1,500+ Hotel Rooms within five miles; 22,425 in the Northeast Florida Region.

florida

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 1 Seminole Way Hollywood, FL 33024 (954) 327-ROCK; Fax: (954) 327-7655 seminolehardrockhollywood.com Director of Sales: Mark Tascione Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s only Casino Resort.

500 Luxury Hotel Rooms; 40,000-sq. ft. of meeting & event space – 4 Meeting Rooms; 16,995-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 5,500-seat Hard Rock live arena; 140,000 sq. ft of gaming space, Vegas Style Table Games; 2,300 slots & premier poker room; Adjacent to Seminole Paradise, featuring bars, restaurants, night-clubs and stylish boutiques; wifi throughout ballroom/meeting rooms; portable stages, illuminated lectern, podiums, stack chairs; onsite conference services coordinator; restaurants include - Hard Rock Cage; Council Oak Steaks and Seafood; Blue Plate; The Beach Club; Blue Point Seafood & Grill; Tuscany Italian Bistro; Tatu Renegades Barbeque Company; Murphy’s Law Irish Pub; Opium; Pangaea; Attractions: European Style Spa; Fort Lauderdale Convention Center; Fort Lauderdale beach.

Florida

Tampa Convention Center 333 S. Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602 (800) 826-8358: (813) 223-1111 Fax: (813) 218-3888 VisitTampaBay.com Director of Convention Sales: Alex Kaptzan akpaptzab@visittampabay.com Tampa Bay. 100% Authentic.

From the premier waterfront Tampa Convention Center, to accommodating hotels, and indoor and outdoor locales, Tampa Bay fills every need and meeting budget, plus acclaimed attractions, dining, recreation and vibrant entertainment. The 600,000-sq.-ft. Tampa Convention Center (36 meeting rooms/10 waterfront rooms; 36,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom 200,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; 3,600-seat Theater), located directly on the waterfront, in the heart of downtown features priceless flexibility, convenience, functionality, and five gourmet grills; 2,500 hotel rooms within walking distance (23,000 citywide). Diverse attractions, warm weather and equally warm hospitality, exciting dining & nightlife; Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo & Big Cat Rescue.

56

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The SOUTHEAST / mississippi

Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau 111 East Capitol Street, Suite 102, Jackson, MS 39201 (800) 354-7695; Fax: (601) 960-1827 • visitjackson.com Jackson is a Rare Find for Savvy Meeting Planners

D

iscover a fresh setting for your meetings in Jackson, Mississippi, the “True South” city that’s just the right size. Your event will take center stage while your delegates enjoy the rich, local culture. A growing number of meeting planners looking for state-of-the-art facilities find Jackson full of warm hospitality, superb venues, and exceptional service.

The sparkling, new downtown Jackson Convention Complex is a 330,000square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offering more than 150,000 square feet of luxurious exhibit and meeting space, together with topnotch catering, service, and the very latest in conferencing technology. In addition, the JCC is also one of only 10 convention centers in the country to be LEED-certified as a “green” facility. Nearby arts and entertainment help complete a great meeting experience with a variety of leisure activities.

Jackson offers 49 hotels, many with meeting space, and 5,500 sleeping rooms, 2,000 of which are downtown. Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau specialists will canvass properties for available space for your dates and will help coordinate convention program and transportation needs. Choose from a range of fascinating tours for delegates and organize fun family activities.

The local cuisine is classic Southern, ranging from satisfying Soul Food to creative Southern Fusion, to international fare with a Southern flair. Your favorite national brands are also found among Jackson’s 300 restaurants!

Life in this city pulses with music—gospel, blues, rock, jazz, classical, and everything in between—born from a tradition steeped in the arts. Scores of unique museums and outdoor attractions, hundreds of events and festivals, three historic cultural districts, innumerable visual and performing arts, hot sports action, and cool nightlife await you in Jackson, the City with Soul.

A range of meeting planner services include a promotional news release; materials for registration packets; photos and materials for custom publications; an opening “welcome;” visitor brochures; an invitation packet with letters from the governor, mayor, JCVB, attractions, and businesses; an audiovisual presentation of Jackson; and on-site registration assistance complete with pre-printed name badges with ribbons. The City with Soul is also a city with service.

Come see us in Jackson and let us provide the settings, style, and service your delegates deserve. Explore www.visitjackson.com for more information. Contact Shun Hatten, shatten@visitjackson.com, 1-800-354-7695, or 601-960-1891.

New face, new space, same place.

There’s a lot that’s new about Jackson, Mississippi. The recently opened, state-of-the-art Jackson Convention Complex. Incredible museum and entertainment districts. A slew of revitalized landmarks like the King Edward Hotel, One Jackson Place, and the Standard Life building. Greatly expanded hotel accommodations and restaurants. And, billions invested in development and redevelopment. Come see the bright new face of the city with soul.

City with life. City with style. City with soul.

JCV6119 Facilities&Des Superbook 2011.indd 1

2/4/11 4:18:22 PM

georgia

georgia

The Classic Center

Cobb Galleria Centre

300 N. Thomas St. Athens, GA 30601 (706) 208-0900; (800) 918-6393 Fax: (706) 548-0870 ClassicCenter.com Be Impressed

Two Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339 (770) 955-8000 cobbgalleria.com Director of Sales: Walter Kiley

Northeast Georgia’s Premier, Award-Winning Convention Center & Performing Arts Theatre, located in the heart of Downtown Athens, The Classic Center provides unique meeting space, outstanding special events services and a wide range of entertainment options. Features: 80,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space, including 29 Meeting Rooms, 18,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 28,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, 2,053-seat Theater; complete in-house audio-visual, complimentary wi-fi available throughout facility; one-stopshop for all event services, including: decorating, catering, registration, nametags, signage and educational materials production; Walking distance to 1,500 hotel rooms, including 185room adjacent Hilton Garden Inn; Downtown district features 150 shops and restaurants; Attractions: State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Georgia Museum of Art, Lyndon House Arts Center, Georgia’s Antebellum Trail, Boutier Winery.

georgia

georgia

Georgia International Convention Center

The Georgia Center, the University of Georgia’s Conference Center & Hotel

2000 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA 30337 (770) 997-3566; Fax: (770) 994-8559 gicc.com Director of Sales: Denise Cole

1197 S. Lumpkin St. Athens, GA 30602 (706) 542-2654; (800) 488-7827 Fax: (706) 542-2635 georgiacenter.uga.edu/cch Sales Director: Kim Rogers

The ultimate college town, Athens, Georgia is home to the University of Georgia, R.E.M., the B-52’s, and America’s first garden club. Your Georgia getaway to Athens is the perfect opportunity to hear great live music, dine on local flavors, stroll through historic districts and gardens, and see local artists in action. Lcated on the beautiful, historic campus of UGA, The Center features: 200-room hotel, four onsite dining options, private banquet areas, 6,035-sq.ft. Ballroom; 15,000 sq. ft. of Exhibit Space, 600-seat Theater 20 conference rooms, 5 boardrooms, 2 auditoriums, a fitness center, and a computer lab — all under one roof.

georgia

Georgia’s newest and 2nd largest convention center, only 10 minutes from downtown Atlanta – 300,000 sq. ft. Meeting/Exhibit Space, 27 Meeting Rooms, 40,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (Georgia’s largest!); 150,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; 50,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space; campus features two new convention hotels, a 403-room Marriott, which opened in 2010 and 147-room SpringHill Suites, which opened in 2009; 8,000+ rooms are within 1.5-mile radius; Hartsfield-Jackson’s ATL SkyTrain, a free light rail train linking the GICC to the airport, makes it the most accessible large meeting space in the region; Attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the Martin Luther King Center, Turner Field, High Museum of Art and more.

georgia

Georgia World Congress Center

Hilton Atlanta

255 Courtland Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 659-2000; Fax: (404) 221-6368 atlanta.hilton.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Edd Karlan

285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30313 (404) 223-4200; Fax: (404) 223-211 gwcc.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Pattsie Rand

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center features 1.4 million sq. ft oft space – 12 exhibit halls, 106 meeting rooms, two grand ballrooms (33,000sq.-ft. Thomas Murphy Ballroom), 1,726-seat Sidney Marcus Auditorium. Combined with the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park makes this one of the finest convention, sports, and entertainment complexes in the world. 13,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of center; 94,000 citywide; Attractions: Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium Atlanta is a world-class, modern city with a rich, passionate history. Experience how Atlanta is exactly what you make of it - where your moment in time meets the excitement around you.

georgia

The new beautifully remodeled Hilton Atlanta hotel is the ideal destination hotel that offers the perfect setting for business or pleasure and a gateway to Atlanta’s rejuvenated downtown scene. 1,242 stylish and chic guest rooms designed for a serene and inviting stay. Known for extraordinary cuisine, guests at Hilton Atlanta delight in a variety of restaurant outlets.

Dining options are in abundance with two uniquely distinctive award-winning restaurants Nikolai’s Roof and Trader Vic’s; Meeting Space: 119,000 sq. ft., including 55 meeting rooms, 18,576-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 41,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall. Total Exhibit Space: 18,576 sq. ft.

Theater: 2,200 seats in Grand Ballroom; High speed and wireless internet; In-house audio visual services; Electronic readerboards; Airline boarding pass kiosk; Check-in/check-out kiosks.

Louisiana

Visit Savannah

Baton Rouge Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

101 East Bay Street Savannah, GA 31401 (877) SAVANNAH; (912) 644-6416 Fax: (912) 644-6499 SavannahMeetings.com VP Business Development & Services: Jeff Hewitt JHewitt@SavannahMeetings.com Savannah is much more than a favorite leisure destination. She’s a leading convention city capable of hosting large, high-level meetings, conventions and special events.

359 Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 383-1825; (800) LA-ROUGE Fax: (225) 338-6134 visitbatonrouge.com Director of Destination Sales: Geraldine Bordelon

Welcome to Savannah, Est. 1733. Waiting to charm you with tree-filled squares and perfectly preserved historic buildings, With the capacity to accommodate groups as large as 2,800, Savannah is an ideal choice for everything from board of directors’ meetings to national association’s or corporate annual; There are many convention facilities in Savannah, 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.; Meeting Rooms: 13; 14,000 Hotel Rooms Citywide.

PAGE 69

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Conveniently located at the intersection of I-285 and I-75, just 10 minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta, adjacent to the 521-room, Renaissance Waverly Hotel & 278-suite Sheraton Suites Galleria, Cobb Galleria Centre is one of Atlanta’s premier conference facilities. Whether your plans envision a large-scale convention, conference, or special event, or an intimate celebration with a VIPs-only guest list, 320,000-sq.-ft. Cobb Galleria Centre features 24 meeting rooms, 25,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 144,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, and 2,750seat theater (at sister property Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre). High speed fiber optics and wireless access, 2,000+ complimentary parking spaces, unlimited floor load 3,500 Hotel Rooms nearby; Attractions: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Cumberland Mall, historic Vinings Village, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Located right on the legendary Mississippi River, the Baton Rouge River Center provides excellent world-class meeting space. The entire complex features 200,000+ sq. ft. of space, 70,000-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall, 8 meeting rooms; 125,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom Arena; 70,000sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall (100,000 sq. ft. of total Exhibit Space) & 1,897- seat Theater; Venue Features: State-of-the-art grid system with conduits for all services, including electric, Internet, phone and water; on-site, full service; CVB provides complete convention services; 9,000 Hotel Rooms in the Baton Rouge Area; 4,500 committable for citywide events. Few cities offer the diversity of culture and entertainment found in Louisiana’s state capital; Shaw Center for the Arts; the Bluffs on Thompson Creek, designed by Arnold Palmer.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The Southeast / tennessee

ENJOY KNOXVILLE AND

OUR AWARD WINNING CONVENTION CENTER

knoxville Convention & Visitors Bureau 701 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 (800) 727-8045; (865) 673-4400 • knoxville.org ENJOY MEETING IN KNOXVILLE

K

noxville offers a wonderfully diverse mix of big-city amenities and attractions delivered with small-town charm and hospitality. Located in the geographical center of the eastern United States and situated at the crossroads of three major interstates (I-75, I-40 and I-81), Knoxville is within a day’s drive for more than half the nation’s population. Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport, the premier air facility serving East Tennessee, is located only 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville and provides eight airlines with 20 non-stop destinations and more than 140 arrivals and departures each day.

The Knoxville Convention Center is the cornerstone of the city’s meeting venues. The 500,000-square-foot convention center is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville and features a 120,000square-foot exhibit hall that accommodates up to 600 booths, 10,400 general session participants or 5,000 banquet participants.

It also houses East Tennessee’s largest divisible ballroom, a 27,000square-foot space that fits up to 1,700 people for a formal banquet or 2,600 for a general session, as well as a 461-seat lecture hall.

Knoxville also offers a variety of excellent hotels with meeting space and unique off-site meeting facilities. With the right combination of location, affordability and facilities, Knoxville is a great destination for meetings in 2011 and beyond.

The Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation’s meeting planning experts have the expertise and resources to make any meeting a success. From concept to completion, the KTSC can provide a customized variety of services just for your event!

Schedule a site visit soon and discover why more meeting planners are choosing to meet in Knoxville, Tennessee. To find out more about Knoxville’s meeting hotels, facilities and unique venues please call Teresa Hall, Director of Sales and Marketing Administration at (865) 342-9118 and request a free Meeting Planners Guide or visit www.knoxville.org.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Enjoy

the Knoxville Convention Center and its 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 27,000 sq. ft. ballroom and a 461-seat lecture hall.

Enjoy

our commitment to excellence to every detail the very moment you arrive in town.

Enjoy Knoxville...

the perfect destination for your next convention, meeting or event.

sales@knoxville.org • 800-727-8045 www.Knoxville.org/kcc 59

The SOUTHEAST / mississippi

Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center 2350 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MI 39531 • (228) 896-6699 • www. www.gulfcoast.org

Y

ou will find a lot to love here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Like 400,000 square feet of newly expanded and renovated exhibit and meeting space at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. This facility offers all the modern amenities meeting planner’s desire.

The facility boasts a wide range of services including Meeting Matrix, the latest in telecommunications, 3G technology, digital and analog lines, 94 wireless access points, peer-to-peer networking and webcasting. The facility also offers custom lighting designed around your event. The newly expanded parking areas can accommodate over 4,000 vehicles.

The centerpiece of this beachfront convention center is the 129,500-square-foot exhibit space. It has unlimited floor load capacity, huge loading docks and all the power anyone could need.

This space is extremely flexible, with 22 breakout rooms. If you need the arena, you’ll get another 30,000 square feet of space and seating for 9,000.

After your event, will you hit the links on one of our signature golf courses or hit blackjack at one of our casino resorts? Give yourself a day of luxurious spa treatments, or treat yourself to a succulent seafood dish at one of our many top notch restaurants? Lounge on our 26 mile long beach, or go after the big ones on a charter fishing boat. Here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast anything your heart desires is at your fingertips. So, take a moment to consider the possibilities.

Stay and play at one of our 11 casino resorts. The slots are hot and you’ll find exciting action at the blackjack tables, roulette wheels, craps tables and poker rooms. There are games for everyone whether you’re looking for penny slots or playing baccarat in sophisticated High Limit areas.

Accommodations range from the luxury of penthouse suites to the fun of a little mom-and-pop motor court. If you travel with your RV, you’ll find plenty of parks available for your stay.

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You won’t believe the headliners starring on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Performers like Keith Urban, Air Supply and Darius Rucker just to name a few. Go to our website at www.gulfcoast.org to see a current schedule.

Play golf on courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio.

With over 20 courses to choose from, you could swing your clubs for weeks and never play the same hole twice.

If shopping’s your bag, you’ll find malls and much more. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is dotted with unique boutiques, factory outlets, places where you can find that special gift. Works by our talented artists and craftsmen are available throughout the area. Antiquing here is a sport in itself. If you are looking for mint collectibles or pieces that need a little loving care, you can find it on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

With all the fun and excitement going on, it’s nice to know you can take a break and take in a museum. Contemplate the works of George Ohr, the Mad Potter of Biloxi, at the Frank Gehry designed museum.

Or experience Horn Island through the eyes of Walter Anderson at the museum devoted to his works.

There’s plenty for the family to do. Take the ferry out to Ship Island where historic Fort Massachusetts, crystal clear water, and a beach rated among the finest in the world awaits you. You can take a tour aboard a working shrimp boat, watch the skipper haul in the nets and see the catch for yourself.

Choose from a day at the water park or a visit to a nationally rated children’s museum.

Along the beach you can rent a jet ski or kayak.

There are so many decisions to make! Just relax. Take all the time you need. You can always stay an extra day or two. And we’ll welcome you back again and again.

Go to www.gulfcoast.org for all the information you need to make the most of your visit.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

You’re meeting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Wonderful destination. Great facility. Smooth registration. Happy delegates. Now, you can relax.

We offer a wide variety of services designed to make life easier for you. Attendance-building brochures and destination photos.

Computer-generated name tags and on-site registration. Local promotional items to fill your welcome bags.

Mississippi Coast Convention Cent er

The Mississippi Coast Convention Center is a fully flexible facility offering 400,000 square feet of newly expanded and renovated exhibit and meeting space. This facility offers all the modern amenities meeting planners desire. The facility offers a wide range of services including Meeting Matrix.

There’s plenty to do on breaks. We offer twenty-six miles of beach. World-class casino resorts. Stunning accommodations. Fine cuisine. Signature golf courses.

Shopping in exclusive boutiques and factory outlets.

Wish you were here? Quit wishin’ and start relaxing. Call us today about adding the Misssissippi Gulf Coast to your itinerary and plan to relax.

Call Crystal Johnson Director of Sales Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB Ph: 888-467-4853 (Ext. 215) Email: crystalj@gulfcoast.org

Louisiana

mississippi

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau

900 Convention Center Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 582-3000; Fax: (504) 582-3032 mccno.com Director of Sales: Keith Levey

In walking-friendly New Orleans, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is literally just steps away from the Warehouse/Arts District and the historic French Quarter, where the old-world charm of fine restaurants, first-class hotel rooms and unique cultural experiences are around every corner. Convention Center features: 140 meeting rooms directly above the 12 combinable exhibit halls totaling 1.1 million sq.ft.; 4,000-seat theater divisible into three acoustically independent sections. two 30,000+ sq.ft. Ballrooms, three restaurants and a VIP dining suite. 10-GIG internet backbone, Wi-fi in public areas, videoconferencing, satellite uplinks and downlinks, video streaming, webcasting, state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities; on-site technological support; 20,000+ PAGE 3 Hotel Rooms.

There’s no better way to sample the South than Jackson, Mississippi. A blend of the old and the new, from fabulous history, art and science museums to world-class exhibits and performances, Jackson is a secret full of surprises! Jackson can accommodate most groups or events with 5,000+ hotel rooms, restaurants and meeting space. The new Jackson Convention Center CC features 85,000 sq. ft. of divisible space, including a 60,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, a 25,000-sq.-ft ballroom, and 33,000 sq. ft. of lobbies, concourse, and registration areas.

Additional meeting facilities are available in Jackson, Mississippi, for various meeting sizes. New entertainment district offers unique dining experiences & nightlife with a PAGE Southern flare.

57 Mississippi

Mississippi

Vicksburg Convention Center & Auditorium

Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center 2350 Beach Boulevard Biloxi, MI 39531 (228) 896-6699 gulfcoast.org Director of Sales: Crystal Johnson

Scenic coastal beaches, championship golf, cultural attractions, top-name entertainment, great shopping and 24-hour casino excitement make the Mississippi Gulf Coast a world-class destination! One of the few beachfront convention centers in North America, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center offers over 400,000 sq. ft. of newly expanded and renovated exhibit and meeting space, including: 22 meeting/breakout rooms; 36,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; 129,500–sq.-ft.; 9,000-seats;/30,000-sq-ft Theater and 94 Wireless Access Points: Digital and Analog Lines; 3G Technology; Peer-to-Peer Networking & Webcasting. After the meeting, your delegates can enjoy gaming, golf, dining, culture, shopping and so PAGE much more. 3,000 committable Hotel Rooms; 12,500 total rooms.

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north carolina

Charlotte Convention Center

501 S. College St. Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 339-6000; Fax: (704) 339-6024 charlotteconventionctr.com Senior Director of Sales : Bill McMillan bill.mcmillan@visitcharlotte.com, (704) 331-2719 “Charlotte’s got a lot”

Charlotte is a city rich in captivating culture, colorful cityscapes, and cosmopolitan character, home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the U.S. National Whitewater Center or the Levine Center for the Arts campus. The Charlotte Convention Center opened in 1995 as the perfect venue for conventions, trade shows, banquets and theater-style conferences— 280,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space/90,000+ sq. ft. of flexible meeting space – 37 Meeting Rooms, 40,000 sq. ft. Crown Ballroom with built in 30’ x 60’ x 32’’ stage, seats: 4,200 theatre-style; In-house Catering, food court, four show offices, six VIP suites, in each hall; 4,200+ hotel rooms and 200 entertainment and dining venues within walking distance.

Tennessee

Chattanooga Area CVB 2 Broad Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 (800) 964-8600; Fax: (423) 265-1630 chattanoogameetings.com VP of Sales & Marketing: Steve Genovesi Chattanooga, A Great City By Nature

Welcome to Chattanooga, the perfect meetings destination! Within 3-hour drive of 10 million people. Chattanooga Convention Center: 185,000 sq.ft of multipurpose space, including 100,800 sq. ft. of exhibit space accommodating up to 500 10’x10’ booths, up to 6,288 banquet seating, and up to 8,000 theatre seating; 21 additional meeting rooms; 40,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space wireless high-speed Internet connectivity throughout facility; in-house food and beverage service. 2,000 Hotel Rooms downtown; 6,000 additional rooms city-wide. Additional meeting/event facilities: 1,700seat Tivoli Theatre; 3,800-seat Memorial Auditorium; 12,000-seat UTC McKenzie Arena; 5,500-seat Camp Jordan Arena; 20,000-seat Finley Stadium; 50,000-sq.-ft. First Tennessee Pavilion; Full-Service, smaller-meeting hotels: Chattanooga Marriott; Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn; Chattanoogan Hotel; Sheraton Read House; Doubletree.

62

111 East Capitol Street, Suite 102 Jackson, MS 39201 (800) 354-7695; Fax: (601) 960-1827 visitjackson.com Vice President of Sales: Shun Hatten Jackson, Mississippi: The City with Soul

1600 Mulberry St (Convention Center) 901 Monroe St. (Auditorium) Vicksburg, MS 39180 (601) 630-2929; (866) VCCMEET Fax: (601) 630-2910 vicksburgevents.com Sales and Marketing Manager: Erin Powell Not just meeting . . . Exceeding expectations through engaged experiences!

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. Art at its most creative angles. Food at its finest flavors. Outdoor adventure at its most thrilling turns. Vicksburg Convention Center & Auditorium, a two-level complex built flexibility, functionality and ergonomics in mind, offers spacious exhibit halls, cozy meeting rooms and everything in between; 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 17,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 2,400-seat Theater; Entire facility is equipped with WiFi, all meeting rooms have audio visual PAGE equipment pre-set and ready-to-use; 2,345 Hotel Rooms nearby.

70 south Carolina

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center 1101 Lincoln Street Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 545-0001; (800) 264-4884 Fax: (803) 545-0013 columbiaconventioncenter.com Director of Sales: Jason Outman, (803) 545-0108 joutman@columbiaauthority.com Famously Hot

With the capability of serving up to 2,500 attendees, this state-of-the-art convention center can be divided into five meeting rooms or 10 breakout rooms. Two-story facility consists of 142,500 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space — 17,135-sq.- ft. Columbia Ballroom (Seats 1,200 theater style) and 24,700sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; Ballroom, Board Room, Hall of Fame Meeting Room and Visitors Center located on the Upper Level. The Exhibit Hall and remainder of the meeting rooms are on the Lower Level. A terraced garden area is accessible from either level; 1,480 Hotel Rooms; 222-room convention hotel (Hilton Columbia Center); Attractions: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina State Museum, South Carolina State House.

tennessee

Knoxville Convention Center

701 Henley Street Knoxville, TN 37902 (800) 727-8045; (865) 673-4400 knoxville.org Director of Sales & Marketing Administration: Teresa Hall

Knoxville offers a wonderfully diverse mix of big-city amenities and attractions delivered with small-town charm and hospitality. The Knoxville Convention Center — 500,000 sq. ft. of Meeting/Exhibit Space – 24 Meeting Rooms, 27,300-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 119,922-sq.ft. Exhibit Hall (200,000 sq. ft. total Exhibit Space). 461-seat Theater; 11 50” plasma monitors & 104” video wall for advertising or event listings; two computerized marquees; Copper (Cat 3&5), co-ax & fiber infrastructure capable of supporting legacy, current & emerging technologies, DS-3 or better for Internet connections; 8,100 Hotel Rooms; free downtown trolley service; Ideal location in the heart of East Tennessee; 120+ Knoxville attractions including museums, historical homes, art galleries, collegiate sport arenas, Tennessee PAGE Riverboat tours, the Knoxville Zoo, Botanical Gardens, music.

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Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The southeast / New Orleans

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center AnyAny Meeting, Size 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130 • (504) 582-3000; Fax: (504) 582-3032 • mccno.com

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ollowing a well-received response to a $60-million makeover in 2006, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – the sixth largest convention center in the nation – continued with additional improvements exceeding $30.7 million. The Center’s two ballrooms, both in excess of 30,000 square feet, have been recently remodeled with a more contemporary look to complement the new lobby decor.

The Center’s vast lobby is newly adorned with decorative banners featuring iconic New Orleans images of art, music, food, history and architecture and by the end of 2011 an enhanced way-finding system will be in place that complements the new interior decor.

The experience at the Center now includes attendees being greeted by the Convention Center’s purple-coated “Fleur de Lis Ambassadors.”

Comfortable furniture groupings and new digital, flat panel audio/video information systems are strategically placed throughout the main lobby, meeting room levels and in pre-function areas. “I-Cove” stations where attendees can connect their laptops to the internet and/or or re-charge electronic devices replace out-moded payphone stations. An exclusive, executive “cyber lounge” is also available for guests to relax or network.

The lounge features controlled access, a dedicated concierge, large-screen television and computer stations. And, key card access and a digital signage system were installed at all 140 meeting rooms, and a 10 gigabyte internet backbone provides meeting planners with unlimited technological opportunities to extend programming to attendees and exhibitors.

In 2011, Centerplate became the Center’s new food service contractor.

Centerplate is committed to providing the essence of the New Orleans food experience which will befit a city that is known for exceptional food and dining experiences. Centerplate is in 250 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America and prides itself on crafting and delivering “Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results.”

The Convention Center’s new, full-service UPS Store, provides show management, attendees and exhibitors a full range of services under a Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

nationally recognized brand that will be seamlessly integrated with the other services offered by the Convention Center.

An additional $50 million worth of transformative improvements to the oldest sections of the 25-year-old facility will be made through 2011-2012.

So Much, So Close...

ACCOMODATIONS

Adding nearly 1,200 high-quality rooms to the city’s inventory of 35,500, Hyatt Regency New Orleans is being completely repositioned and is set to open in the fall of 2011. The hotel is undergoing a multi-million dollar redevelopment, doubling its meeting and exhibition space to 200,000 square feet.

DINING

Enjoy traditional New Orleans-style, classic French, or signature Cajun and Creole cuisine served by celebrated chefs and rising culinary stars at 1,153 restaurants in the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area.

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Additional flights in 2011 include: Southwest Airlines (Third direct flight from New Orleans to Baltimore-Washington International) beginning June 2011; Delta Air Lines (Daily non-stop service to Kansas City) beginning June 6, 2011; Southwest Airlines (Third direct flight from New Orleans to Nashville) October 3, 2011; Delta Air Lines (Flying twice daily to New Orleans from Reagan National Airport in D.C.) began March 3, 2011; United Airlines (Nonstop service from New Orleans to San Francisco) resumed February 17, 2011.

RECREATION AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Enjoy Harrah’s Casino, the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium and IMAX theater, Mardi Gras World, Café Du Monde, paddlewheel cruises on the Mississippi River, carriage rides through the French Quarter, the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen, plantation, swamp and specialty tours, nightclubs and music venues. Major museums include the New Orleans Museum of Art, The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the National World War II Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center and the Louisiana Children’s Museum 63

The Southeast / florida

Ocean Center / Daytona Beach

Ocean Center . . . success by association!

101 N. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 • (800) 858-6444; (386) 254-4500 Fax: (386) 254-4512 • oceancenter.com

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f you’re looking for an exciting new location for your meeting or convention, you just found it. Daytona Beach is one of America’s favorite beach destinations. But it is way more than a beach. And the state-of-the-art Ocean Center meeting, convention and event complex is located in the heart of it all.

The Ocean Center is a multi-use facility that hosts conventions, tradeshows, concerts, banquets, family entertainment and sporting events. The Ocean Center offers plenty of interior meeting and exhibit space. There also is plenty of outdoor space to accommodate open air exhibits, social functions and more. And for a memorable taste of Florida, the Ocean Walk Village – located just a few steps from the Ocean Center – offers spectacular views of the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and so much more.

Ocean Walk Village is a billion-dollar seaside vacation, entertainment and meetings destination along the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” Ocean Walk Village is comprised of The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, Wyndham Ocean Walk, Ocean Walk Shoppes and the Ocean Center. Ocean Walk Village features more than 300,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Ocean Center recent cut the ribbon on major expansion, which doubled its size and added many features designed to make every aspect of staging meetings and conventions easier. With wi-fi service, high tech load-in and load-out facilities, user-friendly sound

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and lighting controls and stunning artwork displayed throughout the facility, the newly expanded Ocean Center is a state-of-the-art complex that has won high praise from meeting and convention planners. And the Ocean Center professional staff is as known for being attentive to detail, whether the event is a small conference or a large convention.

The area features 12,000 guestrooms in hotels to satisfy every taste, including business-class resort hotels, independent familystyle properties and everything in between. There are dozens of golf courses throughout the area, including two signature courses of the ladies Professional Golf Association, which is headquartered in Daytona Beach. Of course, meeting and convention delegates always enjoy a visit to Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 or other exciting NASCAR race, and The Daytona 500 Experience is available for group events.

The area is served by Daytona Beach International Airport and Delta Air Lines and US Airways. There are daily nonstop flights from Atlanta and Charlotte with connecting flights from everywhere else.

Adding to the allure of the Ocean Center is its on-site, awardwinning caterer. Ovations Food Services is the exclusive on-site food and beverage service for the Ocean Center. It offers a wide variety of catering and concessions for trade shows/expositions, social events, holiday celebrations, wedding receptions and more. Ovations is committed to providing an exciting, creative cuisine for every client.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Success by association!

A growing number of associations are booking the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach for regional and national conferences. Why? It’s a state-of-the-art complex in one of Florida’s most desirable destinations.

Check it out.

12,000 guestrooms nearby ■ 205,000 square feet of space ■ User-friendly technology ■ Flexible breakout rooms ■ Ample parking ■ Award-winning catering ■ The best staff in the business ■

The Ocean Center is just 400 feet from the beach and minutes from New Smyrna Beach and DeLand. And it’s an easy drive to Walt Disney World, St. Augustine and Kennedy Space Center.

Visit oceancenter.com for a sneak preview, including a virtual tour. Or call for the whole story.

101 N. Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32118 800.858.6444 oceancenter.com

THE southeast / florida

Orange County Convention Center West Concourse - 9800 International Drive

Tropical ambiance and colossal space are just the beginning.

South Concourse - 9899 International Drive North Concourse - 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 685-9800; (800) 345-9800 • Fax: (407) 685-9876 • www.occc.net ORLANDO’S ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER UNLOCKS THE SECRET TO MEETING SUCCESS

It’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 (7 million square feet 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 trade show destinations.

OCCC’s SERVICES

OCCC’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, trade show 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 offered on the show floor, this team can provide custom web pages hosted by the OCCC, bonus 66

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 PARTNERS

The 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 on-site, 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 on-site venues, OCCC’s Gold Key Partner will help make any Orlando meeting experience unforgettable.

NEW CONNECTIONS

Orlando, 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.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

ORLANDO Orange County Convention Center

The Center of Hospitality, where it’s all about your experience!

Partnering for Excellence On-site Service Partners Centerplate – Catering • Cosby’s Corporate Massage Services FedEx Office – Business Centers • Scootaround Mobility ServicesTM for all your mobility needs SmartCity – Telecommunications and Internet Service • iStreamPlanet – Webcasting LMG – Audio Visual Services

www.occc.net 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 info@occc.net.

Bags – Skycap and Valet Services

On-site Gold Key Partner Universal Orlando Resort®

P.O. Box 691509 • Orlando, Florida 32869-1509 Phone: 407-685-9800 • Toll Free: 1-800-345-9845

THE Southeast / Georgia

Visit Savannah 101 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 • 1 (877) SAVANNAH; (912) 644-6416 Fax: (912) 644-6499 • SavannahMeetings.com Savannah’s Historic Meetings District Offers Southern Hospitality through SavannahMeetings.com

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et 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 tradition.

The new 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, like Savannah Sweet Savings, 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 size. Like any proper Southern lady, it’s all about anticipating your guest’s needs and providing solutions before they’re needed. Our new 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 Attractions

Savannah has many boutiques, galleries and specialty shops in Historic Meetings District, as well as many other attractions including: 22 squares, walking tours, trolley tours, 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 Eight Air Force Museum, City Market, River Street, Forsyth Park and numerous golf courses.

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Convention Facilities

On 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 gleaming waterfront 330,000-sq.-ft. facility features 100,000 sq. ft. of prime meeting space and 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible space including 13 meeting rooms, four executive board rooms, a 25,000-squarefoot Grand Ballroom and a state-of-the-art auditorium. Additional meeting facilities include the Coastal Georgia Center and the Savannah Civic Center.

Convention Hotels

There 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 audio-visual systems and catering services to planning itineraries. Services also include off site venue tours, site visits to accommodations, attractions, restaurants and tour sites, familiarization tours and more.

Whatever your needs, Savannah can handle all 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 or to request a Meeting Planner, visit us online 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 JHewitt@SavannahMeetings.com.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook 69

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook 69

Surround your event with...

...art... ...culture...

and history 866.VCCMEET

vicksburgevents.com

The Midwest

Illinois • Indiana Iowa • Kansas Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska North Dakota Ohio South Dakota Wisconsin

indiana

JW Marriott Indianapolis 10 S. West Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 822-8554; Fax: (317) 822-8464 jwindy.com Director of Group Sales: Anne Dunlavy Marriott Place Indianapolis: 145,000 square feet of space. 2,200 rooms. 5 hotels. One Place.

JW Marriott Indianapolis anchors the Marriot Place Indianapolis, a Meeting Hotel Complex, features 104,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with 1,005 elegantly appointed guest rooms & suites in addition to Courtyard by Marriott (297 rooms), SpringHill Suites by Marriott (156 suites) and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (168 rooms & suites) and Indianapolis Marriott (622 rooms & 40,000 sq. ft. meeting space. Entire complex connected via skybridge to the 1+ million square feet Indiana Convention Center; JW Marriott Indianapolis: 104,000 sq. ft. of meeting/event space including 32 Meeting Rooms; a 40,500-sq.-ft. Ballroom (theater-style seating -4,250). ; 20,000-sq.ft. Main Exhibit Hall (Total Exhibit Space-80,000 sq. ft.).

iowa

illinois

Pheasant Run Resort 4051 East Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 ((630) 584-6300; (800) 4-PHEASANT Fax: (630) 584-9831 PheasantRun.com Director of Sales: Tim Hobbs

Located in charming St. Charles, less than an hour from Chicago, Pheasant Run Resort is easily accessible from both O’Hare and Midway Airports. Comprehensive meeting facilities, state-of-the-art technology, outstanding guest accommodations, unlimited recreational opportunities, professional staff; One of the Midwest’s premier meeting, conference and convention center destinations; 100,000+ sq. ft. Meeting/Exhibit Space, 39 Meeting Rooms; St. Charles Ballroom - 12,320 sq. ft.; Mega Center - 38,000 sq. ft.; 320-seat tiered amphitheater; fully-equipped high-tech features including high-speed Internet and advanced presentation systems; onsite audiovisual team; 473 guestrooms; Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spa; 36 Holes of Championship Golf; Live Theater featuring productions by Fox Valley Repertory; Zanies Comedy Club; PAGE 3 Swimming Pools; Fitness Center; 8 Restaurants & Lounges.

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illinois

Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Drive Tinley Park, IL 60477 (708) 895-8200; (888) 895-3211 Fax: (708) 895-8288 meetchicagosouthland.com Director of Sales: Mary Patchin

The Tinley Park Convention Center, Chicago Southland’s largest multi-purpose meeting and convention facility, completed a major expansion and renovation in Spring 2011, bringing the total to 58,100 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space and an additional 12,350 sq. ft of divisible meeting space; 58,100-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall. Accomodates 6,000 theater-style seating; Wi-Fi throughout; State-of-the-art audio/visual. Expansion included: Upgraded Lighting, fully equipped business center, 30’ 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 and Chicagoland Speedway, TOYOTA PARK, PAGE Balmoral Park Race Track.

76 Iowa

Clay County Regional Events Center 800 West 18th Street Spencer, IA 51301-3156 (712) 580-3000; Fax: (712) 580-3003 SpencerEvents.com General Manager: Scott Hallgren Delivering Outstanding Experiences

Spencer, Iowa . . . delivering outstanding experiences in a small town location! Located just 15 minutes south of the Iowa Great Lakes. Museums, theaters, continuously-changing art exhibits, sports, shopping, dining, and each September we’re home to the World’s Greatest County Fair! The Clay County Regional Events Center offers full-service facilities with small-town personalities— 7,600-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, divisible into 6 meeting rooms, and a 24,000-sq.-ft. arena/exhibit hall (130 – 10’ X 10’ booths/seats 2,500; 31,580 sq. ft. Total Exhibit Space); wireless Internet throughout; AV equipment located on-site, 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 PAGE Hotel Rooms nearby.

77 iowa

Greater Des Moines Conv. & Visitors Bureau

RiverCenter/ Adler Theatre

Greater Des Moines is your connection to affordability, versatile space, increased attendance and ultimately, successful events and meetings. This cosmopolitan city, located in the heart of the Midwest, provides a central location for your attendees. Meeting facilities are located throughout the city and include the Iowa Events Center 300,000+ sq. ft. (62 Meeting Rooms, 6,270-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 96,120-sq.ft. Exhibit Hall, 16,400-seat Theater) of connected space, the Iowa State Fairgrounds with more than a dozen major buildings and unique venues such as the new FFA Enrichment Center which offers a distinct alternative for holding events. 10,000+ Hotel Rooms; Iowa’s capital city has invested more than $2.2 billion in recent development.

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, including 12 Meeting Rooms, 33,400-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 46,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space, Executive Boardroom, , 2,400-seat theatre offer; 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, part of the The Quad Cities, which an is affordable and surprising Midwest destination. Attractions: River Music Experience, Figge Art Museum, Bucktown for the Arts, Riverboat Casinos and antiques., audio-visual and show decorating are all services available to ensure excellence. Every event is treated with attention to detail and PAGE uncompromising service.

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400 Locust Street, Suite 265 Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 286-4960; (800) 451-2625 Fax: (515) 244-9757 SeeDesMoines.com Director of Sales: Margie Marble Des Moines Connected

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

136 E. Third Street Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 326-8500; Fax: (563) 326-8505 riverctr.com Director of Sales: Kaye Tilton, CMP . . . The Center of Exceptional Events.

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Kansas

kansas

Kansas Expocentre

Salina Bicentennial Center

One Expocentre Drive Topeka, KS 66612-1442 (785) 235-1986; Fax: (785) 235-2967 KsExpo.com General Manager: H.R. Cook, HRC@KsExpo.com

The premier entertainment, exhibition and convention facility in northeast Kansas, the Kansas Expocentre brings together everything you need in a convenient, central location and offers friendly, Midwestern hospitality; 210,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space – 44,500-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, 27,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space, – 15 Meeting Rooms, 11,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; WiFi, digital video boards, in-house live video production, state-of-the-art sound; Six loading docks, three drive-in entrances; As the Capital City of Kansas, Topeka offers a variety of entertainment options; historical architecture and museums, spacious parks, lake, gardens, Lake Shawnee gardens/golf/boating/swimming; Great Overland Train Station. With 75 percent of U.S. population capable of reaching facility in just a one-day drive, the Expocentre is quickly becoming the destination of choice for PAGE budget-conscious conventions and tradeshows.

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Kansas

4100 West Comanche Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 371-7390; Fax: (620) 371-7393 unitedwirelessarena.com Executive Director: Ralph Nall Dodge City, Kansas: Where the history of the old west meets the future.

Brand new $40 million multipurpose complex includes a 4,000-seat, u shaped arena for exhibitions, trade shows, concerts, motorsports shows, family entertainment, hockey; 50,000 sq. ft. of Meeting/Exhibit Space, including 10,000-sq.-ft. Conference Center with eight Meeting Rooms; Wifi; Video/Ribbon Board; 1,000 Hotel Rooms nearby; next to Boot Hill Casino & Resort. Attractions: Shopping, Nightlife, Dodge City Raceway Park Historic Santa Fe Trail, Boot Hill Museum, newly restored Santa Fe Depot, featuring state-of-the art theater and Harvey House Restaurant & Hotel, Long Branch Saloon featuring authentic old west stage show, Occident Saloon, Home of Stone, Carnegie Center PAGE 91 for the Arts.

Michigan 11/10/08

Experience Grand Rapids

DeVos Place

303 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 742-6500; Fax: (616) 742.6590 www.devosplace.org Director of Sales: Kathy Bart Big city sophistication with small town virtues.

DeVos Place convention center is ideally equipped to host meetings, conventions, trade shows, performing arts and touring events, often simultaneously. This multilevel venue has 1 million sq. ft. of flexible space on a 13-acre riverfront site; 162,000-sq-ft. Exhibit Hall, 40,000+ sq.-ft. Ballroom; 26, sub-dividable meeting rooms/32,000+sq.ft. of meeting space and DeVos Performance Hall, a 2,404-seat performing arts theater; 1,400 Hotel Rooms within walking distance/1,200 accessible by skywalk; located in bustling downtown featuring restaurants, nightclub and theatres. Attractions: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Rosa Parks Circle, plus Golfing, fishing, swimming, boating, biking and sightseeing.

minnesota 5:28 PM

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171 Monroe NW, Suite 700 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 459-7291; (800) 678-9859 Fax: (616)459-7291 experiencegr.com Marketing Coordinator: Hannah Smolenski

MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...

NEED MARKET DATA?

Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second largest city, yet it is the state’s dominant economic, cultural and social force. It embodies all that is “Pure Michigan” – big-city sophistication, outdoor splendor, friendly people and a multitude of experiences that engage the mind and touch the soul; major meeting facilities include:The Devos Place Convention Center, which features 162,000 sq. ft. of column free exhibit space, 40,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 28,000 sq. ft. of break; Deltaplex Arena & Conference Center features 78,000 sq. ft .of meeting space, 23-46 11/10/08 5:28 PM Page 29 24,000-sq.-ft./ 4,416-seat multipurpose Arena, and six meeting rooms; 7200+ hotel rooms in the area; downtown features restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, museums and sports venues.

Ideal golfing, fishing, swimming, boating, biking and sightseeing.

MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...

NEED MARKET DATA? THE #1 SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT & SPECIAL EVENTS.

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.

The #1for News & Information One-stop shopping all your market research needs!

Source for Planners of Meetings, Conventions, Tradeshows, & SpecialPLANNERS Events THE #1 SOURCEExhibitions FOR PROFESSIONAL

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Centrally located in Salina, Kansas, at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135, The Salina Bicentennial Center is a full-service, multi-purpose venue serving the convention and entertainment industries. With nearly 40,000 square feet of total space, the Bicentennial Center offers convenience and versatility to serve almost any group; 20,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space, including 8 – 12 Meeting Rooms; Exhibit Space includes 21,000 sq. ft. in 7,500– seat Arena and 17,368 sq. ft. in Heritage Hall. Attractions: Aquatic Park; Art Center and Cinema; Community Performing Arts Theater; Downtown shopping and restaurants; PAGE College sports, wide variety of hotels, motels, and restaurants.

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michigan

United Wireless Arena/ Magouirk Conference Center

23-46

800 The Midway P. O. Box 1727 Salina, Kansas 67402-1727 (785) 826-7200; (888) 826-SHOW Fax: (785) 826-7207 bicentennial.org Contact: Marshall P. Perry or Kay Quinn Mid-America’s Meeting Place

OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT Facilities & Destinations & SPECIAL EVENTS.

Need toCONFERENCE research venues for your event or meeting?

Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news, Comprehensive Directory of Conference Centers,

The Sanford Center

1111 Event Center Drive NE Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 441-4000; Fax: (218) 441-4099 thesanfordcenter.net Executive Director: Robert LeBarron Northern Minnesota’s Center of Attention

Located in North Central Minnesota, Bemidji, Minnesota offers year round opportunities for outdoor activities, sports, and stunning wildlife and nature. The First City on the Mississippi River and home of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, Bemidji is where Minnesotans go to get away from the everyday and play.

Able to host your event....whether it is for 40, 400, or 4,000; The Sanford Center features: 5,000-seat arena, 26,400 sq. ft. exhibition space, 10,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, and 4 breakout meeting rooms. In-house catering department; Facility wide WiFi, integrated sound system, distributed power for trade shows; 454 hotel rooms nearby; 400+ lakes, year-round fishing, snowmobile/cross country skiing trails, golf.

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Missouri

Branson Convention Center

200 East Main Street Branson, MO 65616 (417) 336-5401; Fax: (417) 336-5413 www.bransonconvention.com Assistant General Manager: William Tirone, CMP, CEM, William_tirone@hilton.com

A F G M L

Branson, Missouri has long been one of the most exciting and fun-filled vacation destinations in the country. Thanks to the state-of-the-art Branson Convention Center, Branson is a first-class meeting & trade show destination.

Situated FOR YOUR NEXT CONVENTION OR MEETING, LOOK TO THE CIT Y on the shores of picturesque Lake Taneycomo, center canJEWEL accommodate up to 4,500 attendees at a time. Its unique design THAT IS THEthe NBA’S NEXT IN THE CROWN. makes it an ideal location for aAND diversity including trade shows and conventions, WHERE A STREAMLINED AIRPORT LACKofOFevents, TRAFFIC religious corporate meetings, public expos and large-scale entertainment MEANsymposiums, YOU’RE IN FAST. AND WITH THE BEST events – 220,000 sq. ft. event including 47,000 RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE JUSTspace, A FEW MINUTES’ WALKsq. ft. exhibit space, 30,000 sq. ft. meeting space,HOTEL, including 5 meeting rooms and 23,000-sq.ft. Ballroom; 294 Hotel FROM YOUR YOU’RE OUT EVEN FASTER. Rooms connected.

IT’S OUR MEET & GREET, OUR NICE & EASY. OUR

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

the mid west / wisconsin

Alliant Energy Center of Dane County

T

he Alliant Energy Center is an award-winning prime venue located just minutes from downtown Madison, Wisconsin.

Sitting upon 164 acres, The Center is a multi-building complex featuring the 255,000-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall, the 10,000-seat Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the 22,000-sq. -ft. Arena and the 29-acre outdoor venue Willow Island.

The Center produces over 500 events annually, and welcomes more than one million visitors annually. Events range from local meetings and banquets to conventions, major trade shows, sporting events and concerts.

Exhibition Hall is ideal for events of all sizes, offering 14 meeting rooms and 150,000 sq. ft. of show space. Event planners enjoy conveniences offered by The Alliant Energy Center, including an online request for proposal and attention to detail provided by professional event coordinators.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Location and accessibility are additional attributes that attract major events to Exhibition Hall each year. The Center has direct access to Interstate 90/94, making it convenient for visitors from all over the Midwest, including Chicago and Minneapolis. Located minutes from the Wisconsin State Capitol and the Dane County Regional Airport, travel to the Alliant Energy Center is hassle-free.

All events at the Alliant Energy Center take advantage of on-site amenities including ample parking, catering by Centerplate, a full range of A/V equipment, high speed internet and an experienced staff. The awardwinning Clarion Suites Hotel is directly attached to Exhibition Hall through a climate-controlled walkway, while the Sheraton Hotel Madison and Holiday Inn Express are both within walking distance.

Whether you’re planning a meeting for 12 or an elaborate banquet for 3,000, the Alliant Energy Center offers the flexibility and functionality to make your event one you’ll never forget.

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 (608) 267-3991; Fax: (608) 267-0146 www.alliantenergycenter.com

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THE Mid west / illinois

Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Drive Tinley Park, IL 60477 (708) 895-8200; (888) 895-3211 Fax: (708) 895-8288 meetchicagosouthland.com

T

he Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, located close to Chicago in southwest suburban Tinley Park, Illinois, has completed Phase 1 of its expansion with project completion in June 2011.

The expansion brings the total of usable meeting and convention space to 70,450 sq. ft., with 58,100 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space and an additional 12,350 sq. ft. of divisible meeting space. A 11,500sq.-ft. Junior Ballroom configuration is also available at the facility.

Eighteen-plus breakout rooms are now available at the Tinley Park Convention Center, plus expanded convention storage and loading docks.

The Tinley Park Convention Center connects to the Holiday Inn Tinley Park, with 202 guest rooms, and 450 parking spaces have been added to the property, bringing the total number of free parking spaces to 1,400.

An additional 668 hotel rooms are located within close proximity to the Tinley Park Convention Center, and a variety of dining and entertainment options are located within a mile of the property.

Located at Interstate 80 and Harlem Avenue, the Tinley Park Convention Center is about 30 minutes south of Chicago’s Midway Airport, and about 35 minutes from downtown Chicago. The convention center is also easily accessible from Interstates 57 and 355, and the metropolitan region’s commuter rail system, Metra, offers two train stations in Tinley Park with convenient transportation to downtown Chicago.

For additional information about the Tinley Park Convention Center, please contact: Mary Patchin, Director of Sales Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau 2304 173rd Street, Lansing, IL 60438 Local: (708)-895-0820 Toll-free: (888)-895-8233 Fax: (708)-895-8288 mary@visitchicagosouthland.com www.meetchicagosouthland.com

Experience the biggest backyard in the nation... for Meetings & Conventions

✓30 Minutes from Chicago ✓Close Proximity to Midway Airport ✓Affordable Facilities - FREE Parking ✓FREE Services & Incentives ✓Newly Expanded Tinley Park Convention Center 58,000 sq. ft. net contiguous space

re! d Do Mo n a s U t i s am to ur Vi f i n i m t t o ur nex ask abo u -3211 888-895

www.meetchicagosouthland.com 76

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

THE MID WEST / OHIO

GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER 400 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215 • (614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241 Fax: (614) 827-2659 • www.columbusconventions.com

S

MG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is located in Ohio’s capital city. The Midwest facility originally opened in 1993 and has been expanded so that the massive complex bears a stunning footprint of 1.7 million square feet with 410,000 square feet 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. Two-thirds of the entire U.S. population is within a 550-mile radius, 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-squarefoot multipurpose ballroom that is the biggest in Ohio and one of the largest in the Midwest. The $40-million renovation includes 50,000 square feet 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 are new amenities as part of the project. Battelle Grand: Main level totals 50,000, accommodating 219 trade show booths and 2,290 for banquets. Battelle Grand Mezzanine: Measuring 24,000, the mezzanine accommodates 105 trade show booths and 980 for banquets.

• Hall C: Single level totaling 98,000 square feet of exhibit space, 8,000 seats and accommodations for 530 booths.

• Hall D: Single level totaling 118,000 square feet 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 square feet of exhibit space and 78

accommodations for 302 booths.

• Hall F: Single level totaling 56,000 square feet of exhibit space and accommodations for 206 booths. (Halls E&F are fl exible and may be combined.) Halls C, D, E and F can be combined for a total of 336,000 square feet. In addition, the Columbus facility includes the Grand Ballroom and Terrace Ballroom encompassing 40,000 square feet and 65 meeting rooms that are fully carpeted and equipped with acoustical wall treatments, individual temperature controls, and sound and lighting controls.

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 within the 100,000 square feet of Food Court & Shops retail space.

Food & Beverage: Nationally acclaimed ARAMARK is the exclusive food and beverage provider at the convention center, offering customized menus and catered events for all size groups including served meals for more than 5,000 guests.

Hotel Info & Parking: The Greater Columbus Convention Center is connected directly to a 631-room Hyatt Regency and three additional 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, a second Hyatt and others. When tallied, hotel inventory of rooms (within walking distance of the convention center) totals 3,500 rooms. The 532-room full-service Hilton Columbus Downtown hotel across from the Convention Center will open in September 2012. There are more than 22,000 hotel rooms citywide. Parking at the convention center accommodates 3,000 vehicles. There is parking for an additional 10,000 cars throughout the downtown area.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

the mid west / wisconsin

MIDWEST AIRLINES CENTER

Accessible, Affordable & Hospitable

MFrontier Airlines Center “

The Frontier Airlines Center faces Wisconsin Avenue,the city’s “Main Street.”

ATTRACTIONS Milwaukee is emerging as a top ilwaukee’s Midwest Airlines Center continues to hone the leading convention and tourist destination. Downtown is edge of the convention center industry with outstanding service, flexialive with museums, dining, nightlife, promeble, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown Milwaukee, The Midwest nades, public art, and the new Harley Davidson now nationally recognized as a fun, friendly and exciting destination Museum opening in Summer 2008; the in itself.

Airlines Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District (WCD), the Milwaukee, Wisconsin • (414) 908-6000 • www.midwestairlinescenter.com Midwest Airlines Center faces Wisconsin Avenue, the city’s “Main Street,” Center faces designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, has become a world-renowned symbol of the city; and is within steps of leading hotels, retail establishments, attractions, dinWisconsin Miller Park is among the most breathtaking, faning, nightclubs, and transportation. It is even connected via skywalk to two Frontier Airlines Center Center, which also boastsfriendly an indoor waterpark.

Sevenand other hotels baseball parks anywhere; these gemsare major hotels—theilwaukee’s Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the Hiltoncontinues Milwaukee City Avenue, to hone the the convention by skywalk.

Milwaukee hastrails, about are set among a glittering array of parks, Center. Adjacent neighbors alsoleading owned byedge WCDofinclude the 12,700-seat U.S. within three blocks or connected industry Theatre, with outstanding service, 3,590 downtown and nearly 15,000 therooms city’s golf courses and lake citywide. vistas.

Cellular Arena andcenter The Milwaukee which opened in 2003flexible, as a new, comfortable facilities 4,087-seat theatrical and assembly venue, and built ainsetting the shellinofdowntown the historic “Main Street.”

FOOD & Restaurants, WCD’s Milwaukee Auditorium.

Both offer excellent options for generalas sessions, Milwaukee, now nationally recognized a fun, ATTRACTIONS Milwaukee is BEVERAGE emerging asLevy a top convention and catering and concessions partner,nightlife, receives consisentertainment and other functions tied Midwest Airlines Center conventions. friendly and exciting destination in toitself. tourist destination, alive with museums, dining, culture, praisehighlights: from banquet meeting planners.

Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District promenades and public art.tent Recent theand Harley Davidson Efficient service Park is facilitated byDiscovery the center’sWorld; MEETING EXHIBITAirlines SPACE The Midwest Airlines Center’sAvenue, 188,695(WCD), the &Frontier Center faces Wisconsin Museum; the newly-renovated Mitchell Domes; design, but moreArt important are high standards and creativity derived (gsf) exhibit hallwithin is divisible halls hotels, of 31,000retail or thegross-square-foot city’s “Main Street,” and is stepsinto of four leading the Milwaukee Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, designed by from Santiago Milwaukee’s traditions of hospitality symbol and excellence Levy’s 63,000 gsf, withattractions, 90-foot minimum spans between pillars.

In addition, 39,360 establishments, dining, nightclubs, and transportation.

Calatrava, now a world-renowned of the combined city; and with Miller Park, well-known committment to a memorable dining experience everywhere they of meeting space can be divided into 28 breakouts or as few as six meetIt isgsfeven connected via skywalk to two major hotels—the Hyatt among the most fan-friendly baseball parks anywhere. These gems are set operate. ing/banquet rooms from 5,200 to 8,300 gsf each. A luxurious, 37,500-gsf Regency-Milwaukee andfour thesmaller Hilton Milwaukee Citylike Center. among a glittering array of parks, trails, golf courses and lake vistas. ballroom is divisible into rooms and equipped a concert hall Adjacent neighbors also owned by WCD include the 12,700-seat TECHNOLOGY Ranked among the world’s “technologically elite” convention for corporate theater and banquet entertainment. Abundant, well-appointed U.S.pre-function Cellular Arena The Milwaukee Theatre, which opened FOOD Restaurants, WCD’s and centers, & theBEVERAGE Midwest AirlinesLevy Center can outperform almost catering any external areas onand all levels serve excellently for receptions, breaks, in 2003 as a new, 4,087-seat assembly venue, the concessions partner, receives praise fromprovides banquet and network or ISP connected to it. Aconsistent skilled, flexible IT staff tech users showcase exhibits and eventheatrical full-serviceand dining.

Power, data andbuilt phoneinconshell of theare historic Milwaukee meeting planners. service connections is facilitated by the center’s customized, in-showEfficient LANs, high-speed to corporate WANs, design, and nections plentiful everywhere.Auditorium. Both are excellent for convention functions, and all three venues are “green” equipped and but morerange important creativity from a wide of phoneare andhigh videostandards services. AVand provider Unitedderived Visual offers state-of-the-art projection,ofsound, lightingand and more.

HOTELto INVENTORY Midwest Airlines Center is linked by skywalk to operated minimize The environmental impacts.

Milwaukee’s traditions hospitality excellence combined with two first-class convention hotels: the 484-room Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee Levy’s well-known commitment to a memorable dining experience ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and get around in! and the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee CityThe Center, which also boastsCenter’s an & EXHIBIT SPACE Frontier Airlines everywhere they operate.

MEETING User-friendly General Mitchell International Airport, serving 14 airlines and indoor gross-square-foot waterpark. Seven other hotels are within blocks or connected 188,695 (gsf ) exhibit hall three is divisible into four some 90 cities, is onlyRanked eight miles from downtown, O’Hare is just an elite” by of skywalk.

Milwaukee hasgsf, about 3,000 rooms minimum downtown and overbetween halls 31,000 or 63,000 with 90-foot spans TECHNOLOGY among the world’sand “technologically hour-and-a-half car trip. newly renovated is just a few 12,000 pillars.

Incitywide. addition, 39,360 gsf of meeting space can be divided into convention centers, theThe Frontier AirlinesAmtrak Centerstation can outperform blocks away, and the city enjoys a safe and very walkable downtown.

“

M

28 breakouts or as few as six meeting/banquet rooms from 5,200 almost any external network or ISP connected to it. A skilled, flexible to 8,300 gsf each. A luxurious, 37,500 gsf ballroom is divisible into IT staff provides tech users customized, in-show LANs, high-speed four smaller rooms and equipped like a concert hall for corporate connections to corporate WANs, and a wide range of phone and video theater and banquet entertainment. Abundant, well-appointed preservices. AV provider United Visual offers state-of-the-art projection, function areas on all levels serve excellently for receptions, breaks, sound, lighting and more. showcase exhibits and even full-service dining.M Power, data IDW E Sand T AIRLINES CENTER ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and get phone connections are plentiful everywhere.

Milwaukee, around Wisconsin in! User-friendly General Mitchell International Airport, with 908-6000 HOTEL INVENTORY The Frontier Airlines Center is(414) linked by •awww.wcd.org dozen airlines offering non-stop service to over 50 cities, is only skywalk to two first-class convention hotels: the 484-room Hyatt eight miles from downtown and O’Hare is just an hour-and-a-half car 70 Facilities Destinations Regency-Milwaukee and the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee CityThe Midwest trip. The newly renovated Amtrak station is just a & few blocks away, and the city enjoys a safe and very walkable downtown.

Milwaukee is emerging as a top convention and tourist destination.

80

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

the mid west / Missouri

Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities 301 West 13th Street, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 513-5015 • Fax: (816) 513-5001 www.kcconvention.com

G

reat meetings in Kansas City happen at the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities. The eight-squareblock convention and special event facility located in the heart of downtown can accommodate conventions and special events all in one place. Attendees are right in the heart of the city’s convention district and steps from hotels, restaurants and entertainments. The newly-renovated and expanded convention center features a $150million expansion & technology upgrade and includes one of the 10 largest, most sophisticated ballrooms in the country. Located 20 minutes from Kansas City International Airport, the convenient location assures convention attendees will arrive with ease.

The Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities offers 388,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space on one floor, 48 state-of-the art meeting rooms, a 2,400-seat fine arts theater and an arena that seats more than 10,700 people. The complex is connected to major downtown hotels and underground parking by glassenclosed skywalks and below-ground walkways.

Grand Ballroom The dramatic ballroom structure is a monumental engineering and architectural achievement. Opened in May 2007, it is one of the 10 largest convention center ballrooms in the country. The

40,400-square-foot ballroom can be expanded to 46,400 square feet and boasts a 3,000-guest seating capacity that is divisible into three separate ballrooms that can be operated independently for greater meeting flexibility. The ballroom connects to the existing Conference Center to accommodate additional breakout rooms.

It features one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world. The upper walls of the ballroom can be programmed to display any color, offering planners more than 350 trillion color combinations. The ballroom features dramatic views to the south from a 38-foot-high glass wall covering the entire length of the south wall and opens to an outdoor plaza at the southeast corner of the Convention Center complex.

This progressive structure has been awarded the LEED® Silver rating by the U.S Green Building Council. The facility utilizes waterless plumbing fixtures. The use of natural light was a key element in the design highlighted by its energy-efficient daylighting system. The green building also features energy efficient heating and cooling systems.

For more information about the Kansas City Convention Center, please call 816-513-5015 or visit www.kcconvention.com

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

81

missouri

Missouri

Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities

1100 Main St., Ste. 2200 Kansas City, MO 64105 (877) 528-4748 Fax: (816) 691-3805 MeetKC.com Executive Director of Convention Sales: Denise DeJulio Change Your Perspective

A $5 billion downtown renaissance has Meeting Planners looking at Kansas City from a whole new angle. Enompassing 800,000+ sq. ft., the Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities can serve all Meeting needs under one roof – 388,800 sq. ft. of contiguous column-free exhibit space, an additional 55,000 sq. ft.. meeting space on two levels, 48 Meeting Rooms, 46,484-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom another , a 2,400-seat fine arts theater and a newly renovated 10,700-seat arena. 2,000 Hotel Rooms nearby; 26,000 citywide. Two blocks away, Kansas City Power & Light District features more than 50 bars, restaurants and entertainment venues and 18.500-seat Sprint Center is an 18,500-seat arena, Coming soon: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Missouri

No matter how your attendees define fun, they’ll find it in Kansas City. From elegant shopping and fine dining to thrilling theme parks and historic jazz clubs, the City of Fountains offers a great mix of exciting attractions within minutes of the Convention & Entertainment District, an 8-square-block convention/entertainment complex – 388,800 sq. ft. of columnfree contiguous exhibit space, 62,000 s. ft. meeting space/48 breakout rooms; 40,500-sq.-ft. ballroom/expandable to 46,484 sq. ft/divisible into 3 rooms; 2,400-seat renovated Music Hall, a 10,700-seat renovated arena; 100,000+ sq. ft. of unique outdoor festival and PAGE reception space; 1,500 Hotel Rooms nearby.

81 North Dakota

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Alerus Center

1200 S 42nd Street Grand Forks, ND 58201 (701) 792-1200; Fax: (701) 746-6511 aleruscenter.com Director of Marketing: Tami Pearson The Obvious Choice

815 E. St. Louis St. Springfield, MO 65806 (417) 881-5300; (800) 678-8767 Fax: (417) 881-2231 SpringfieldMO.org Director of Sales: Dana Maugans, dmaugans@springfieldmo.org Welcome to the Middle of Everywhere

The 3rd largest city in Missouri, Springfield is accessible, affordable, and filled with all the amenities of a large metropolitan area – meeting facilities, hotels, attractions, entertainment, fine dining, shopping – the city maintains a friendly atmosphere. Meeting Spaces include: Springfield Expo Center – 157,000 sq. ft; Ozark Empire Fairgrounds – 87,400 sq. ft.; University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center – 39,000 sq. ft.; Remington’s Entertainment Complex – 18,392 sq. ft.; Ramada Oasis Convention Center – 12,876 sq. ft.; Doubletree Hotel Springfield – 9,000 sq. ft; Many other venues available for smaller groups; 6,000+ Hotel Rooms citywide. Attractions: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Fantastic Caverns, Dickerson Park Zoo, Downtown Springfield. ohio

The Alerus Center, built in 2001, is the region’s premier full-service event & entertainment center as well as its #1 convention and meeting facility, with space for 2 to 22,000; 160,000 sq. ft. of Meeting/Exhibit Space includes 12 Meeting Rooms, 26,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom and 100,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall. High-speed Internet, Wi-fi and Video-Conferencing; Multi-purpose arena holds 14 private suites and a VIP Club, can host a 22,000-seat concert, or 300-booth trade show; adjoining Canad Inns Destination Center features 201 Hotel Rooms 3 restaurants, a gaming arcade and an indoor water park; off-site team-building; Attractions: Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota Museum of Art, Japanese Garden, Butterfly Garden, the Greenway, Turtle River State Park, King’s Walk Golf Course.

PAGE 74

ohio

John S. Knight Center

Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center

77 East Mill Street Akron, OH 44308 (330) 374-8900; (800) 245-4254 Fax: (330) 374-8971 johnsknightcenter.org VP of Sales: Dirk Breiding The Center of All America® City

Lakeside Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 875-6604, (800) 321-1001 Fax: (216) 621-5967 positivelycleveland.com Associate Director of Sales: Ellen Kelley

Settled among the rolling hills of the Old Connecticut Western Reserve and along the shores of the Ohio & Erie Canalway, Akron’s rich heritage is reflected in the ethnicity, lifestyles and social diversity of its residents and visitors. 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, highlighted by distinctive glass rotunda and spiral staircase; Two Hotels – 339 Rooms – within 1 1⁄2 blocks; 5,400 county-wide.

PAGE 73

With more than $2 billion in new developments – including Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center, Horseshoe Casino, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and many new hotels – Cleveland is back on the Meetings Destination map. Award-winning CMP-certified service team makes it easy for planners to meet in the city that rocks! Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center will feature state-of-the-art exhibition and conference facilities tailored to the needs of both the medical and mainstream marketplace. The one-million-sq.-ft. (322,000 sq.ft. of meeting space/34 meeting rooms, 230,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall) LEED silver-certified facility will be open for business in 2013 – a dynamic new space for every convention and meeting need; 4,600 Hotel Rooms within walking distance.

south Dakota

ohio

Swiftel Center

Greater Columbus Convention Center

824 32ND Avenue Brookings, SD 57006 (605) 692-7539; Fax: (605) 697-6393 swiftelcenter.com Director of Sales/Marketing: Jenny Hammrich

400 North High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241 Fax: (614) 827-2659 columbusconventions.com A Perfect Destination: From the Inside Out.

The SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is an award-winning facility located in the heart of the Columbus High Five entertainment area and within 550 miles of two-thirds of the nation’s population. The exhibitor friendly facility welcomes more than 2.5 million guests annually to the country’s 16th largest city. The 1.7 million-sq.-ft. venue offers four contiguous exhibit halls (410,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space) , 65 meeting rooms and three ballrooms, including the 74,000-square-foot Battelle Grand, the largest multi-purpose ballroom in Ohio. On-site Food Court & Shops, ARAMARK catering, The UPS Store & Business Center 2,500 committable hotel rooms downtown; 22,000 citywide; dozens of restaurants, bars, theatres and galleries within walking distance.

PAGE 79

82

301 West 13th Street, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 513-5000; (800) 821-7060 Fax: (816) 513-5001 kcconvention.com Executive Director: Oscar C. McGaskey, Jr. Marketing Manager: Janet O’Hagan City of Fountains... Heart of the Nation...Kansas City, Missouri

Swiftel Center is the perfect place for your next meeting, training program, banquet, wedding reception or other event,; 14,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space offers flexibility and versatility to meet today’s business demands – 4 Meeting Rooms, 7,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 30,000-sq.-ft.

Exhibit Hall, 4,000 sq. ft. Pre-Function Space; Banquet/Meeting rooms feature individual lighting, sound, and temperature controls; WiFi throughout facility, full AV capabilities; internet access; full-service catering; Downtown Brookings features: beautifully-kept historic buildings, dozens of shops, boutiques, galleries, as well as restaurants, cafes, taverns and entertainment venues. Attractions: Children’s Museum of South Dakota, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota State Agricultural Heritage Museum, Veterans Memorial, SDSU Ritz Arts Gallery, Fishing, Golfing, Hillcrest Aquatic Center Water Park.

PAGE 90

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Professional services and amenities, with friendly, Midwestern hospitality.

The Kansas Expocentre brings together everything you need in a convenient, central location.

With 75% of the U.S. population capable of reaching our facility in just a one-day drive, the Expocentre is quickly becoming the destination of choice for budget-conscious conventions and tradeshows.

Sample our hospitality by calling Gracie Moore at 785.235.1986, or take a peek around our facilities at www.KsExpo.com.

Topeka, Kansas

The mid west / wisconsin

monona terrace convention center One John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 441-3942 • Fax: (608) 258-4950 • www.mononaterrace.com Madison, Wisconsin: An Inspiring Place for Smart Meetings.

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adison, 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% of its electricity from renewable sources. Monona Terrace has become a symbol of sustainability for the community of Madison and inspiration to all those who choose to visit the city.

Accommodations

More 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 firstclass convention hotels, such as the 240-room Hilton Madison (the

84

headquarters hotel for the convention center), to limited-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 Facilities

The 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 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. Highlights of the center include: ➤ 37,200-square-foot Exhibition Hall that accommodates 212, 10’ x 10’ booths ➤ 13,524-square-foot Madison Ballroom, divisible by four ➤ 7,000-square-foot Grand Terrace serves as pre-function space for the Madison Ballroom or use on its own as a magnificent indoor event space ➤ 68,000 square feet of rooftop gardens may also be reserved for events

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The mid west / Illinois

Pheasant Run Resort 4051 East Main Street St. Charles, Illinois 60174 1-800-4-PHEASANT (800-474-3272) FAX: 630-584-9831 pheasantrun.com/meetings.php Featuring four distinct ballrooms, 39 meeting rooms, a 320-seat tiered auditorium, an 18,000-square-foot training center, and over 63,000 square or almost 50 years, Pheasant Run Resort has been the Midwest’s feet of column-free, carpeted exposition space, this comprehensive facility premier meeting and convention center destination, offering offers everything you need for a successful event of any size & purpose. extensive event facilities, an experienced event planning staff, In addition to a variety of deluxe guestrooms to accommodate any luxurious guest accommodations and extraordinary resort amenities that budget, you will also find an array of customizable banquet/catering make it the ideal location to host your next event. services, unmatched amenities to enhance the stay of all attendees, With the most diverse meeting space anywhere in the Chicago area, unlimited recreational opportunities and state-of-the-art technology. From Pheasant Run Resort features over 100,000 sq. ft. of the right kind of space, award-winning dining and exciting entertainment options, to the two with a unique variety of room sizes and styles designed to fit virtually any championship golf courses, live theater and a renowned day spa, Pheasant group’s needs – from small seminars or corporate retreats, to comprehensive Run Resort truly offers an experience unlike anywhere else. tradeshows for thousands of attendees. The beautifully landscaped 250Whether planning an event for 20 or 4,000, the knowledgeable staff will acre campus offers expansive outdoor venues perfect for picturesque help coordinate every detail with ease – providing an exceptional level of weddings, special occasions or large-scale events. personal service and offering ultimate flexibility to ensure that every aspect Conveniently located just outside Chicago, in the charming Fox River turns out exactly as you envisioned. Which is one more reason Pheasant Valley town of St. Charles, Il, Pheasant Run Resort is within easy reach Run Resort is consistently recognized with prestigious awards like “Best of both O’Hare International and Midway Airports. This central location, of the Midwest” and Meetings and Conventions Magazine’s “Gold Key combined with its scenic surroundings and ample free parking, make this Award for Excellence.” Pheasant Run Resort is a truly unique meeting family-owned resort the ultimate destination for your group program. facility that can deliver a successful event like no place else.

Experience A Meeting Event Unlike Anywhere Else!

F

Inspire success…

no place else!

Experience Chicago’s resort – unlike anywhere else – Pheasant Run Resort

Via: email mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com

by Book your next meeting eive rec d an 11 20 th, 30 e Jun

like

• 100,000 square feet of the right kind of space – diverse enough to fit any need • Less than an hour from Chicago, near O’Hare International and DuPage Airports • Two award-winning golf courses • Live theater, music and comedy • Friendly, professional staff dedicated to helping you plan any size event with ease • Unmatched flexibility to bring your unique vision to life

Job Title: Like No Place Else Publication: Facilities and Destinations Magazine Insertion Date(s): 4/1/11 Insertion #: 4616

one!

Hole in

Discover the premier meeting and entertainment resort in the Midwest – and create the moments your group can’t wait to share.

TARY COMPLIMEN * GOLf Make it yours!

Sent Date: 2/18/11

Size: 7x4.75 Colors: 4C Job #: PRUN6119

800-4-PHEASANT (474-3272) pheasantrun.com/F&D St. Charles, Illinois Put your face on our book! facebook.com/PheasantRunResort

*Must book by June 30th, 2011. Restrictions apply. All dates subject to availability. Not valid on previously booked business or with other offers.

Call Group Sales for more details.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

85

Racine Civic Centre Three Affordable Options With A Lake Front View.

Festival Hall 15,700 Sq. Ft. hall; 1,050 Sq Ft. conference room; Sound system In-house food & beverage service.

Festival Park 30,000 Sq Ft park on the lakefront; 60’ x 40’ portable staging; 40′ x 80′, 30,000 Sq. Ft. outdoor lawn for vending or various exhibits with three 24’ x 20’ stages options.

7,200 Sq. Ft. area covered with 70′ x 120′ tent.

In-house Food & Beverage service.

Memorial Hall 17,000 Sq. Ft. facility with main and lower level, and balcony. Gorgeous wood and marble floor decor. Includes In-house Food & Beverage service.

Features eight great rooms in one great building, including: Aquamarine Room: 3000 Sq. Ft. Crystal Room: 1,290 Sq. Ft. - 50 for banquet, 100 for theater Diamond Auditorium: 8,400 Sq. Ft. - 600 banquet and 1,350 for theater Sapphire Hall: 2,400 Sq. Ft. - 100 for banquet, 150 for theater Topaz Room: 1,290 Sq. Ft. - 50 for banquet, 100 for theater

Visit us at www.racinecc.com Racine Civic Centre 5 Fifth Street Racine, WI 262-636-9229 86

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

IT TAKES TWO 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.

www.riverctr.com www.adlertheatre.com

wisconsin

wisconsin

Alliant Energy Center

Frontier Airlines Center

Only minutes from downtown Madison, located on 164 acres, the Alliant Energy Center is a multi-building complex featuring Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, Willow Island and the Arena; 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibition space, including 18 Meeting rooms and 50,000-sq.-ft.-Ballroom; attached to 140-room Clarion Hotel. This versatility of pace makes it a top choice for expositions, conventions, conferences, meetings, banquets, consumer shows, outdoor events, concerts, and much more. Experience Madison’s big city feel with small town attitude, natural beauty, stimulating culture, environmental sensitivity and love-at-first-sight appeals. Other attractions nearby: Olbrich Gardens and the Overture Center.

“Milwaukee” derives from name from its historic role as the “Gathering Place by the Waters.” It remains so today – an easy-to-get-to, easy-tonavigate, visitor-friendly Meetings Destination known for its hospitality and beautiful Lake Michigan location. The Frontier Airlines Center, home to the $1.4 million Burke Family Collection of integrated and commissioned art, features 32 Meeting Rooms, 37,506-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, 189,695 total Exhibit Space; 4,100-seat Milwaukee Theatre & 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 conferencing and remote network capability throughout facility. 1,543 Hotels connected by skywalk; 3,359 in downtown area; 15,000+ in immediate metro area. Attractions: Milwaukee Art Museum, HarleyPAGE Davidson Museum, Riverwalk.

C4

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way Madison, WI 53713 (608) 267-3976 alliantenergycenter.com Assistant Center Manager, Sales and Marketing: Ted Ballweg ballweg@alliantenergycenter.com

400 W. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 908-6001; Fax: (414) 908-6010 frontierairlinescenter.org tgoudreau@wcd.org Director of Sales & Marketing: Trace Goudreau

PAGE 75

wisconsin

Monona Terrace Convention Center

One John Nolen Drive Madison, WI 53703 (608) 261-4100; Fax: (608) 261-4049 Sales/Event Services Manager: Laura Cornell, CMP mononaterrace.com “Where business and inspiration meet.”

Located in heart of Madison’s vibrant downtown on the shore of Lake Monona, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, 250,000-sq.-ft. Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center is a spectacular five-level structure featuring public promenades, meeting rooms with striking lake views, extensive rooftop gardens and the attached 240-room Hilton Madison (1,000+ rooms within walking distance) – 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; Attractions: Museum Mile – PAGE art galleries; State Street – famed pedestrian mall.

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wisconsin

Racine Civic Centre– Festival Hall & Park, Memorial Hall

5 Fifth Street/72 Seventh Street Racine , WI 53403 (262) 636-9229; Fax: (262) 636-9290 racinecc.com Executive Director: Rik Edgar Racine Civic Centre - Three Affordable Options with a Lake Front View.

Just 25 miles south of Milwaukee and 65 miles north of Chicago, Racine offers a diverse cultural, historical and entertaining attractions including a wide range of fine restaurants.

The Racine Civic Centre features Historic Memorial Hall - 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space,/Aquamarine Room – 3,000 sq. ft., Crystal Room – 1,290 sq. ft; Diamond Auditorium – 8,400 sq. ft, sits 1,350 for theater style, Sapphire Hall – 2,400 sq. ft, Topaz Room –1,290 sq. ft., Ruby Red Room - 4,900 sq. ft., Festival Hall (15,700 sq. ft., including 1,050-sq.-ft.

Conference Room), and five-acre Lakefront Festival Park; 1,200+ Hotel Rooms.

PAGE 86

Salina Bicentennial Center

O

ne of the most versatile public facilities in the Midwest is located in the heart of Kansas at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135. Salina’s Bicentennial Center serves a trade area of 350,000 and hosts everything from seminars to conventions and tradeshows, and from ballet to basketball and monster trucks. It is professionally managed, fully equipped, and surrounded by acres of free parking.

The Exhibition Hall holds 2,000 with staging and temporary seating, 1,000 dinner guests, or small trade shows – in 18,000 square feet of column-free space with movable walls. Eight meeting rooms handle groups of 50 to 190.

The Arena has fixed seating for up to 7,600 and 21,000 square feet of multi-use floor space that converts into an exhibition hall, an auditorium or theater. Full in-house catering services available.

800 The Midway, P.O. Box 1727, Salina, KS 67402-1727 Phone: (785) 826-7200 Fax: (785) 826-7207 www.bicentennial.org 88

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

NORTHERN MINNESOTA’S CENTER OF ATTENTION

Opened in October 2010, the George W. Neilson Convention Center at the Sanford Center features a 26,000 sq. ft. exhibition floor, 10,000 sq. ft. Ballroom and 4,000 sq. ft. of breakout meeting space. With an in-house catering department, the Sanford Center has the perfect space for your meeting, conference or event.

For Booking Information Bob LeBarron, Executive Director 1111 Event Center Drive NE Bemidji, MN 56601 218-441-4000 rlebarron@thesanfordcenter.net

http://www.thesanfordcenter.net

SWIFTEL CENTER

The Center of Attention We want to host your next banquet, convention, business meeting, wedding reception, anniversary party or holiday party.

Our banquet room can accommodate as few as ten up to five hundred people. Let our staff do the work for you; we provide the set up, tear down and clean up of the room. We offer personal one on one service to tailor your room arrangement to fit your event— whether it be round tables of 8 or 10, rectangle tables, cocktail tables, dance floor or risers. We offer a full menu including breakfast, lunch, dinner, breaks, appetizers and a full bar service. Our full-time on-site executive chef is also available for consultations o customize your special occasion menu.

Call us to book your next event today!

For booking information, please contact Jenny Hammrich at: jhammrich@swiftelcenter.com.

Located along Interstate 29, exit 132.

Brookings offers two major roadways leading to the Center: I-29 and US Hwy 14.

8 2 4 3 2 N D A V E N U E • B R O O K I N G S • 6 0 5 - 6 9 2 - 7 5 3 9 • W W W. S W I F T E L C E N T E R . C O M • F A X : 6 0 5 - 6 9 7 - 6 3 9 3 90

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

We have it all….ENTERTAINMENT, MEETING SPACE and great neighbors…..

(BOOT HILL CASINO AND RESORT)

from Concerts, Family Shows, Trade Shows, or Conventions in the Arena to Meetings, Banquets, Conferences, Wedding Receptions, Anniversary and Christmas Parties in the ...

MAGOUIRK CONFERENCE CENTER

JOIN US FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT FOR INFORMATION CONTACT US AT WWW.UNITEDWIRELESSARENA.COM

OR CALL 620~371~7390

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

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The West

Alaska • Arizona California Colorado Hawai’i • Idaho Montana • Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Oregon • Texas Utah • Washington Wyoming

california

california

Anaheim Convention Center

800 West Katella Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 765-8888; Fax: (714) 991-8963 anaheimoc.org/meetings Senior Vice President of Convention Sales: Mindy Abel, It’s So California!

Located in the center of Southern California, Anaheim Orange County is the ideal location for any meeting, convention or event. The largest convention center on the West Coast, the Anaheim Convention Center features: 1.6 million sq. ft. of meeting/exhibition space, including: 51 Meeting Rooms, 7,688-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 221,000-sq.-ft.-Exhibit Hall (815,000+ sq. ft. of total Exhibit Space), 7,500-seat Arena – wireless infrastructure throughout venue, configurations and state of the art technologies. 100,000 sq. ft. of outdoor venue space adjacent to center; 7,000 Hotel Rooms within walking distance, 12,000 within one mile, 55,000 in Orange County. World–class dining, shopping and entertainment; four major airports; Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District, Anaheim GardenWalk, Anaheim Stadium, Honda Center.

california

Fairplex

1101 W. McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA 91768 (909) 623-3111; Fax: (909) 623-9599 fairplex.com Director of Sales: Melissa DeMonaco-Tapia Fairplex – Anything can happen here

Southern California’s premier event and entertainment destination, home to the world-renowned L.A. County Fair and 500 diverse year-round events including The Learning Centers at Fairplex. Fairplex features 70,000 sq. ft. of event space 12,460-sq.ft.

Ballroom; and an 105,500-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall and is home to the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center (opening Fall 2011). Fairplex has eight exhibition halls – 375,000 sq. ft. trade show space; Sheraton Fairplex Hotel — 12,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space; Conference Center is LEED-certified, state-of-the-art audio, visual and computer equipment, 100,000 watts of in-house power, HDTV displays in all meeting rooms; high-speed data connections. Fairplex is in the heart of the tri-counties, easy access to PAGE 99 10, 210 & 57 freeways. Nine miles from LA/Ontario International Airport.

California

Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Ontario Convention Center

Spectacular multi-purpose, waterfront complex – 400,000+ sq. ft. of flexible Exhibit/Meeting space, 34 meeting rooms, 20,456, sq.-ft. Ballroom, 91,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall, 2,969-seat Terrace Theater, 825-seat Center Theater, 13,000-seat Long Beach Arena. Glass concourse and lobby offer expansive views of the scenic harbor and downtown skyline. Pedestrian promenade links hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions with the Pacific Ocean. 5,000 Hotel Rooms. Home to Toyota Grand Prix, TED, Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Long Beach Opera, International City Theater and the Long Beach City Marathon. Nearby Attractions: Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Nighttime illumination and power for charging small electric vehicles and portable devices provided by SolarfloraTM.

The Ontario Convention Center is contemporary in design and equipped with the latest in technology; 225,000 sq. ft. of flexible exhibit, meeting and function space – 24,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 24 meeting rooms; 19,626-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 69,325 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall full-range of technology services including Wi-Fi, Internet, DS3, VOIP and video conferencing. SAVOR Ontario, Catering by SMG offers a world-class dining experience from a continental breakfast service to a sit-down dinner for 4,000 people; 2,500 Hotel Rooms within walking distance; Centrally located to all Southern California has to offer – Disneyland, Hollywood, Auto Club Speedway, world-class golfing, mountain ski resorts, fresh-water fishing lakes, Pacific beaches, local wineries, the desert cities, Ontario Mills Mall, an outlet and entertainment complex.

300 E. Ocean Blvd.

Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-3636 Fax: (562) 499-7589 longbeachcc.com General Manager: Traycee Mayer California’s Unique Waterfront Facility!

california

2000 Convention Center Way Ontario, CA 91764-5633 (800) 455-5755, (909) 937-3000 Fax: (909) 937-3080 ontariocc.com Director of Sales: Amita Patel, apatel@ontariocvb.com

california

Palm Springs Convention Center

Sacramento Convention Center

An extraordinary venue in an equally extraordinary destination – a perfect solution for planners and promoters hosting public events, meetings, conventions, and exhibitions. The convention center recently underwent a $32-million expansion in 2006 and adjoins the 410-room Palm Springs Renaissance Hotel (30,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space); 92,545-sq-ft, fullycarpeted 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 of various sizes including a 20,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (divisible into four sections), 18,000-sq.-ft. Lobby/Pre-function space. Event Lawn perfect for dining, receptions or displays. 1,600+ Hotel Rooms within walking distance.

Small town friendly with big city amenities, California’s capitol city hosts more than 6 million visitors each year. Located in the heart of downtown, the Sacramento Convention Center features 31 meeting rooms; two separate 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. facility 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, on-site caterer; Wolfgang Pucks Express; Starbucks Coffeehouse; Attractions: world-class shopping, golf, Old Sacramento Historic District, Town & Country Village, Folsom Premium Outlets, Nimbus Winery Mall, Sacramento Zoo.

277 N. Avenida Caballeros Palm Springs, CA 92262 (800) 333-7535; (760) 325-6611 Fax: (760) 778-4102 palmspringscc.com Director of Sales: Rick Leson The Meeting Oasis

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1030 15th Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 808-5291; Fax: (916) 808-7687 sacramentoconventioncenter.com

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The West / texas

Austin Convention Center

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL CITY’S DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT, THE CENTER SPANS SIX CITY BLOCKS.

500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, Texas 78701 • 512-404-4000; Fax: 512-404-4416 • www.austinconventioncenter.com

A

winner of the Prime Site Award every year since 1995, the Austin Convention Center 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 371,163 square feet of exhibit and meeting space. The five column-free exhibit halls totaling 246,097 square feet, accommodate 1,289 10’ X 10’ exhibit booths. Seven ballrooms ranging from 3,896 to 43,300 square feet in size and 54 meeting rooms and show offices totaling 58,348 square feet, 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

A new overhead open air skyway connects the 3rd and 4th levels, making movement between Levels 3 and 4 significantly easier. The new Skyway Meeting Room with dramatic views of downtown Austin adds an exciting feature to the walkway design.

Technological Features

Rated 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 6,000 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 on-site technical staff to help with networking needs.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Hotels

Austin offers more than 30,000 hotel rooms, with 6,000 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; and the new W Austin.

Austin by Night

After 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 Day

During the day, visitors 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 central Texas, captured by 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 contiguous sq. ft., column free • Ballrooms: 43,300 sq. ft. level 4; 23,418 sq. ft. level 1 • Meeting Space: 54 meeting rooms totaling 58,348 square feet • Technology: Gigabit rated facility, wireless Internet access, plug and play capabilities Austin • Hotels: 6,000 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.

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THE West / oklahoma

Cox Convention Center One Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 602-8500 • Fax (405) 602-5129 www.coxconventioncenter.com

Meeting Rooms & Ballrooms

The meeting room complex at the Cox Convention Center features 21 Meeting Rooms varying in size from 672 square feet to 6,412 square feet; a permanent Board Room for 20 to 50 people; and a 25,000-square-foot Ballroom, which can be divided into 5 smaller halls or meeting rooms ranging from 3,278 square feet to 11,216 square feet.

Technology

As 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.

T

The one-million-square-foot facility is surrounded by a growing number of hotels and attractions.

he SMG-managed Cox Convention Center is located in downtown Oklahoma City – a city known for being both accommodating and affordable. The one-millionsquare-foot facility is encompassed by a growing number of hotels and attractions, including the Bricktown dining and entertainment district, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Oklahoma City 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.

Arena

With seating for up to 15,000, 65-foot ceilings and over 32,000 square feet of floor space, the Arena, located at the heart of the Cox Convention Center, offers an environment designed for epic exhibitions, inspirational rallies, major sporting events and worldclass entertainment.

Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Halls offer more than 100,000 square feet 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 feet wide and 20 feet tall along with an added loading dock.

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Location

Located 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 & Parking

More 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 Activities

Visitors 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 theatres 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.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

The West / Colorado

Visit Denver 1555 California St., Ste. 300, Denver, CO 80202 • (800) 480-2010; (303) 892-1112; Fax: (303)-892-1636 • VISITDENVER.com

Denver, The Mile High City.

T

here’s big news in the Mile High City: over the last several years, Denver has emerged as a top choice among planners. With the state-of-the-art Colorado Convention Center, new luxury hotels contributing to more than 8,400 rooms in our vibrant, walkable downtown, Denver is the perfect location for gatherings large and small. If you’re ready to plan your next meeting, you can visit our newly redesigned website to check out the innovative services we offer, submit an RFP, or order a copy of the official Denver & Colorado Destination Planning Guide at www.VISITDENVER.com/ conventions. Or just call us at 800-480-2010.

Now, more than ever, choosing the right city for your next meeting is as easy as 1, 2, 3...4, 5, 6, 7! Denver is one great city with seven reasons that make it the perfect meeting destination.

1) Affordability: Named one of the 25 most affordable cities for business travelers by Corporate Travel Index.

2) Accessibility: Denver International Airport (DEN) offers nearly 1,600 daily flights, includes non-stops to more than 160 Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

worldwide destinations and serves the third-most destinations of U.S. airports.

3) Destination Appeal: Denver enjoys 300 days of sunshine annually, award-winning dining, world-class museums and our beautiful Rocky Mountain backdrop.

4) Hotels: More than 8,400 rooms are within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center, while the city offers more than 42,000 rooms metro-wide with all major brands and price points represented.

5) Facilities: From our two-million-square-foot Colorado Convention Center to unique off-site venues, Denver has the meeting space for you.

6) Service: VISIT DENVER has won all major convention industry service awards for the past 18 years, proof positive of our commitment to help you create the best meetings anywhere.

7) Green: With a full-time sustainable programs manager, an award-winning Greenprint program and our unique, online carbon calculators, Denver is the premier green meeting destination.

Contact Rachel Benedick, Vice President of Sales & Services, at 800-480-2010 or rbenedick@visitdenver.com.

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The west / california

2011 FAIRPLEX – STRETCHING AND GROWING CATERING TO A NEW ERA IN EVENT PLANNING

Fairplex 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768; (909) 623-3111 • fairplex.com

T

here’s a new kid in town loaded with style and packing the latest bells and whistles.

Fairplex and the surrounding communities await the opening of the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center after 10 years of planning. Now ready to burst on the scene in early 2012, the Center will join Fairplex’s campus used extensively year-round for more than 500 events, including the L.A. County Fair, collectively accounting for a remarkable 2.7 million guests annually.

The single-story Art Deco addition will grace the Fairplex campus and provide nearby organizations and businesses with much-needed meeting and conference space loaded with a vast technological ensemble. From its LEED certification to the center’s top-of-the-line audio, visual and computer equipment— including quality sound with more than 100,000 watts of in-house power, HDTV displays in all meeting rooms, high-speed data connections, Wi-Fi enabled café with cabled Ethernet connections and on-site expert technical services, the center is not only state-of-the-art incredible but also aesthetically pleasing. When fully operational, the $30 million center will provide nearly 300 full-time equivalent jobs.

The 50,000-square-foot addition joins the existing 35,000-square-foot Building 8, providing a series of meeting rooms ranging from 975 to 12,000 square feet and boasting the region’s largest ballroom – 12,460 square feet with seating for 1,000. The center is anticipated to generate 250 additional events annually from trade shows, corporate conferences, meetings of local organizations and the ability to accommodate educational and social events.

Fairplex offers myriad amenities making it a desirable location for meeting planners. With its existing eight exhibition halls and new conference center there are 375,000 square feet of possibilities sitting on 487-acres in the picturesque San Gabriel Valley.

Fairplex is also home to The Learning Centers, which provides free onsite educational opportunities in cooperation with local school districts. The Learning Centers exemplifies the Los Angeles County Fair Association’s commitment to education and includes the Child Development Center, Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), Fairtime Education, Junior Fair Board and the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts.

Additional Fairplex businesses include Cornucopia Food, LLC, which manages Fairplex year-round food and beverage operations and Finish Line Sports Grill, the destination for sports fans and satellite wagering. Fairplex RV and Boat Storage provides convenient access and secure storage to residents of the surrounding communities and Event Production Solutions offers an impressive inventory of rental items from chairs to forklifts, to facilitate southland events large and small.

Located in the fastest-growing region of the nation, Fairplex is centrally located and accessible from Southern California’s major freeways. The Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center is accepting reservations at (909) 868-5954 and cindy.smith@sheraton.com and fairplex.com 98

OUR CAMPUS Large column-free, air-conditioned exhibit halls ranging from 33,600 to 105,500 square feet and meeting space totaling 375,000 square feet 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 On-site Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Fairplex KOA RV Park On-site 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

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

When you think of Southern California’s most flexible, diverse and customer friendly event location, think Fairplex, an experience, not just a venue!

Coming Early 2012 Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center

•

•

• • •

The new center will provide a high-tech, 85,000-square-foot complex that will not only house trade shows, corporate meetings, and regional associations, but will also offer clients a unique, total conference center experience in lush, park-like surroundings The Center features the latest in flexibility and scalability with large seminar rooms, additional break out rooms and interactive teleconferencing - everything you need to put on a world class event The state-of-the-art, LEED certified, facility and contemporary surroundings feature multiple seating areas for impromptu gatherings Sophisticated ballroom with dining capabilities for 1,000 guests Book your space today! The Conference Center opens early 2012

Our Campus • Highly regarded as the ideal consumer show location in Southern California

• Award-winning customer service and consistently high guest satisfaction

• Large column-free, air-conditioned exhibit halls

• Spacious parking for more than 30,000 cars • Conveniently located near the 10, 210, and 57 freeways; just nine miles west of L.A./Ontario International Airport.

ranging from 33,600 sq. ft to 105,600 sq. ft.

• Amenities include: touch-free restrooms, prewired exhibit halls for high-speed internet and DSL, portable concession stands and ATM machines.

• Outside areas perfect for product demonstrations as well as automotive, boat and outdoor recreational shows and events

• On-site Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Fairplex KOA

Sheraton Fairplex • • • •

247 two-room suites with deluxe amenities High-speed Internet access 11,000 sq. ft. of elegant meeting space Professional catering and convention staff

RV Park

• On-site McKinley’s Grille Restaurant and Finish Line Sports Grill

• Avalon Restaurant and banquet facility can accommodate up to 500 guests

A Great Place for People!

1101 W. McKinley Ave. Pomona, CA 91768 (909) 623-3111 (909) 623-9599 Fax For more info , Please contact: (909) 865-4041 Sales@fairplex.com

california

colorado

San Diego Convention Center

Colorado Springs CVB

Renowned for impeccable service and an experienced, service-oriented staff that provides seamless customer service from the initial planning stages to the conclusion of an event.

The Convention Center’s sales team books all citywide conventions and covers all your needs including making space reservations, arranging hotel room blocks, licensing assistance and much more. One stop shopping at its best. 615,700-sq.-ft. Convention Center features 72 Meeting 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 PAGE

Colorado Springs is a 2nd-tier city with first-class facilities and amenities. Meeting planners & attendees love the weather, the after-hour activities and the ease with which they travel in and out of the Colorado Springs Airport; 495,000 sq. ft. meeting space throughout area; Major venues include: The Broadmoor (700 rooms, 185,000 sq. ft. meeting space); Sheraton Hotel Crowne Plaza (500 rooms, 43,000 sq. ft. meeting space); Cheyenne Mountain Resort (321 rooms, 40,000 sq. ft. meeting space) Antlers Hilton (299 rooms, 27,000 sq. ft. meeting space); DoubleTree Colorado Springs,World Arena (305 rooms, 21,135 sq. ft. meeting space); and Garden of the Gods Club (108 rooms, and 13,428 sq. ft. meeting space); 14,000 Hotel Rooms.

515 S. Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (800) 888-4748 ext. 132; Fax: (719) 635-4968 VisitCOS.com Director of Convention Sales: Kathy Reak Meeting Higher Expectations

111 W. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 525-5000: Fax: (619) 525-5005 visitsandiego.com Senior Vice President Sales: Andy Mikschl, CMP Come for the Convention, Stay for the Vacation

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colorado

Hawai’i

Visit Denver

Hawai’i Convention Center

1555 California St., Ste. 300 Denver, CO 80202 (800) 480-2010; (303) 892-1112 Fax: (303) 892-1636 VISITDENVER.com Vice President of Sales & Services: Rachel Benedick

300 days of sunshine, a thriving art and cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and the Rocky Mountain backdrop combine for the world’s most spectacular playground. Benefits to meeting in the Mile High City: unbeatable mix of state-of-the-art facilities, affordability, accessibility and destination appeal. The Colorado Convention Center – 584,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit floor space, divisible into six halls; 63 meeting rooms (100,000 sq. ft. total – all on one level); Korbel Ballroom (50,000 sq. ft.; seats 5,452 theatre style) and 5,000-seat Wells Fargo Theatre (divisible into three sections).

Technology: Wireless network throughout; High-speed internet; 8,300 hotel rooms within walking distance; 42,000 metro-wide. 300+ restaurants within walking distance; LoDo hip & historic district; 3 downtown sports stadiums.

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new mexico

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 Hawaiian; 49 Meeting Rooms; 35,259-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 204,249-sq.-ft.-Exhibit Hall; 2 theaters (472 seats and 320seats); fully WiFi enabled; extensive fiber-optics/Cat-5 infrastructure throughout meeting spaces and common areas; Local Area Networks for show management, registration, and sales; Information kiosks; Private Speaker Ready/Meeting AV networks; Streaming video distribution; 28,000 hotel rooms within a 1.5-mile radius of center; nearby hundreds PAGE of shops and restaurants, including the newly renovated Royal Hawaiian Center.

103 oklahoma

Albuquerque Convention Center

Cox Convention Center One Myriad Gardens Oklahoma, OK 73102 (405) 602-8500; Fax: (405) 602-8505 coxconventioncenter.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Tim Linville

401 2nd Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 768-4575; Fax: (505) 768-3239 albuquerquecc.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Kelly Carr

With the majestic Sandia Mountains as its backdrop, the Albuquerque Convention Center sets the stage as the ideal venue for any event.

Whether it’s a convention, tradeshow, concert or consumer show, the Center’s dynamic and flexible space can accommodate the vision of your event. Meeting/Exhibit Space: 167,000 sq. ft., including 106,200-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 30 Meeting Rooms; 31,164-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; 2,350-seat Kiva Auditorium; WiFi in lobby areas, business center, on-site audio visual team; SAVOR by SMG; lodging: 3 hotels/900 Guest Rooms within walking distance; 15,000 guest rooms city-wide. Indulge in New Mexican cuisine at the dozens unique restaurants throughout the city; or go out for a night of in one of the clubs and exotic bars lining Central Avenue/historic Route 66.

Oklahoma

Spanning more than one million square feet and four city blocks, the Cox Convention Center is located at the heart of downtown Oklahoma City – a city known for being both accommodating and affordable. Dedicated and experienced staff is known for providing outstanding service and making any event a success; multi-purpose venue designed to host everything from intimate meetings to major conventions, tradeshows, concerts and sporting events.

Features: 27 Meeting Rooms; 25,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 100,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, 15,000-seat Arena. Free Wi-Fi available; internet access speeds up to one Gigabit; 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 hot-spots.

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oregon

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Oregon Convention Center

777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97232 (503) 235.7575; (800) 791.2250, Fax: (503) 731-7802 oregoncc.org Director of Sales & Marketing: Matt Pizzuti MattPizzuti@oregoncc.org At the Center of Success

123 Park Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 297-8912 / (800) 225-5652 Fax: (405) 297-8888 visitokc.com Director, Convention Sales & Services: Elizabeth Richardson

Welcome to a city that has tales for your ears and treats for your eyes. Where a streamlined airport means you’re in fast. And with the best entertainment just a few minutes’ walk from your hotel, you’re out even faster. It’s our Meet & Greet. Our Nice & Easy. Our Cool & Warm; Cox Convention Center features: 100,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space; 27,500 sq. ft. flexible convention and pre-convene space; 25,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (seats: 4,000 theater-style); 15,000-seat Arena (32,000 sq. ft. of floor space); near revitalized Bricktown -- new canalside restaurants, clubs, music venues & attractions; across the street from three hotels – 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s 15,700 hotel rooms.

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1801 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 943-3500; (800) 295-6603 Fax: (808) 943-3599 Hawai’iconvention.com Executive Director of Sales & Marketing: Neil Mullanaphy, CHME; nmullanaphy@hccsmg.com Where Business and Aloha Meet

The Oregon Convention Center is the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, making it an ideal venue for conventions, industry tradeshows, meetings, and banquets.

Located in beautiful & lively downtown Portland, the OCC is the preferred destination for many groups because of its commitment to customer service and leadership in sustainable practices; The center’s 50 meeting rooms; 2 grand ballrooms; 255,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibition space full-service catering, and experienced staff can handle events of any size, from 10 to 10,000; Technology: WiFi infrastructure supports 5,000 simultaneous users; inhouse audiovisual team offers clients reliable, state-of-the-art equipment and support.

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Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

THE WEST / Texas

“Embassy Suites is going to be a huge hit”

George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 • (713) 853-8000; (800) 427-4697 Fax: (713) 853-8090 • www.HoustonConventionCtr.com

N

ational hospitality leaders gathered at the George R. Brown Convention Center one sunny December day for a “visioning” workshop where industry experts spent hours gazing into their crystal balls.

Results of the planning session are still being formulated, but at first glimpse the seers saw a need common to many cities – bigger and better hotel packages to serve the wants and desires of meeting planners and convention-goers.

And almost on cue, a new Embassy Suites hotel opened within shouting – and certainly within walking – distance of Houston’s downtown convention center in February. The 262-unit property adds another convenient lodging option for events at the GRB. It’s located on a wedge of land between the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel and Discovery Green park.

“Embassy Suites is going to be a huge hit,” said Luther Villagomez, general manager of the GRB. “Its amenities and its convenience are tailor-made for meeting planners.”

The new hotel is just the latest in a long string of developments and additions to Houston’s Convention District.

The Hilton Americas has been the GRB’s convention headquarters hotel since it opened in 2003. At 1,200 rooms, the Hilton is Houston’s largest inn and is immensely popular with convention-goers. It is connected to the GRB on two levels with a pedestrian sky bridge.

Fronting the GRB, the Hilton and now the Embassy Suites, Discovery Green looms as 12 acres of green spaces, fountains, water basins, jogging trails and an amphitheater – all perfect for grabbing a breath of fresh air between sessions at the GRB. On any given day, visitors might be pleasantly surprised by a yoga class, a farmers’ market or even a concert at the park.

Discovery Green features two restaurants. The Grove is an upscale place that serves rotisserie specialties, steaks and seafood, while the more informal Lake House is the place for burgers and similar fare.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

“Discovery Green has been a big asset for us,” Villagomez says. “Our clients have found that it’s ideal for corporate events, or dining with friends and colleagues.”

The GRB is flanked by Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park and close to the new Houston Dynamo soccer stadium (opening in summer 2012). So meeting planners may want to consider sporting events and big-name concerts as off-site activities. Also new is Houston Pavilions, an entertainment and retail hub four blocks away.

Inside the GRB – which ranks among the nation’s 10 largest convention centers with 1.2 million square feet of exhibition, meeting and registration space – there is no shortage of venues. In addition to seven exhibit halls and more than 100 meeting rooms, the 3,600-seat General Assembly Theater, the 31,590-square-foot Grand Ballroom and 6,600 retractable seats in Hall B3 offer a plethora of options.

Within one mile of the downtown convention center are 5,000 hotel rooms. Citywide, Houston has 50,000 rooms.

Also within the one-mile radius, convention guests will find a sparkling Theater District, which is second only to New York in the number of theater seats in a concentrated area with all disciplines of the performing arts. Visitors can ride the light-rail system for a quick trip to Houston’s Museum District and other points south of downtown, including Reliant Stadium.

Above all else, the staff at GRB understands that nothing is more important than taking care of a client’s meeting needs.

“What separates the GRB from other convention centers, we believe, is the quality of service we provide to our clients,” Villagomez says. “Most groups can hold their meetings anywhere, but we want them to come to Houston because they know they’ll receive the level of attention they won’t get anywhere else.”

There has never been a better time to take a look at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

For more information about hosting your next event at the George R. Brown, visit www.HoustonConventionCtr.com and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GRBCC. 101

THE WEST / Hawai’i

Hawai’i Convention Center 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 • (808) 943-3500; (800) 295-6603 Fax: (808) 943-3599 • Hawai’iconvention.com

I

n November of 2011, Hawai‘i will host the heads of state for 21 significant economies from around the Pacific Rim. Policy leaders and economists from countries including the U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Canada and others will meet at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

Together, these countries represent 40% of the world’s population and 56% of the world GNP. The reasons for Hawai‘i’s selection are instructive for any organization planning an international meeting. In the words of the White House message announcing Hawai‘i’s selection, “The President looks forward to welcoming his fellow APEC economy leaders to the state where he was born and showcasing Hawai‘i’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality.”

Hawai‘i – The Destination

For generations, Hawai‘i has been a melting pot of cultures blending values, languages, cuisines and more. These social and human resources have been seasoned with centuries of Polynesian history and values resulting in a unique and accommodating host culture. This is the only place in the world where the aloha spirit prevails, making guests from all around the globe feel welcome and at home.

And there are more reasons to choose Hawai‘i. Perfectly situated between the U.S. mainland and Pacific Rim countries, Hawai‘i is at the crossroads between east and west. In addition to its ideal strategic location, it offers the added benefit of providing an endless array of world-renowned leisure options for accompanying family and friends.

Hawai‘i Convention Center

The Hawai‘i Convention Center, an SMG-managed facility, provides yet more reasons. The Center’s marketing team provides businesses and associations with insight and guidance. While the guest organizations’ top priority is to achieve their business goals, the Center’s top priority is to help them achieve those goals through tailored programs and versatile facilities.

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The team is well versed in the nuances of conducting business on an international level.

Various marketing tools are utilized – from promotional collateral to custom-designed microsites that are tailored to that organization’s meeting mission – and made available in multiple languages.

The result is an effortless information sharing and application process for international constituents who may never have attended a U.S.based meeting. Access to the microsite, which can feature testimonials, welcome messages from association and Hawai‘i dignitaries, and access to housing information, exemplifies the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s mission of conducting business with aloha.

The Center has also focused on building tradeshow participation, particularly to attract exhibitors from Asia and the South Pacific. To promote attendance at the Hawai‘i event, the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s sales team participates as an exhibitor itself at tradeshows or partner associations in Asia the year prior to the Hawai‘i event.

Other assistance includes identifying travel company partners to develop tours and packages to bring delegates to the Hawai‘i convention.

Editorial outreach, which begins months before an event and extends months beyond, is designed to send the message that Hawai‘i is a destination which is hospitable to both domestic and international members.

Where Business and Aloha Meet

Hawai‘i continues to rank as the top choice as a vacation destination, providing convention delegates from around the globe an opportunity to enjoy world-class education and networking in a beautiful and welcoming environment. The State’s clients rate Hawai‘i very high as a convention site, and the Hawai‘i Convention Center received the highest rating of major convention centers in Metropoll add-on studies.

Post-event surveys of meeting planners continue to reflect a high average of 96-98% satisfaction in the level of service provided by the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

For information on how to maximize attendance, increase productivity, globalize your meeting, reduce airfare and shipping costs, or to read numerous testimonials, please visit www.Hawai’iconvention.com Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Alternative energy solution. Nothing energizes people like meeting at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Our cultural diversity and legendary spirit of aloha inspire attendees to look at the world differently and pave the way for greater understanding between East and West. Whatever your business, there’s no better place than the Hawaiian Islands to begin building a commercial bridge to Asia. Best of all, the warmth of Hawai‘i and its people will stay with you long after you return home. Start planning your Hawai‘i Convention Center meeting today at businessaloha.com.

Success meets

here.

Our state-of-the-art facility is conveniently located in the heart of the DFW Metroplex, just 10 minutes from downtown Fort Worth and DFW International Airport.

Situated steps from hotel accommodations, our facility has more than 50,000 square feet of event space, a premier Executive Boardroom and an outdoor area boasting cozy fireplaces and a relaxing water feature. Accompanied with well-appointed finishes, technologically advanced amenities and exceptional on-site catering, audio-visual, IT and conference services, our facility is an ideal location for meetings, trade shows and events welcoming up to 900 guests. It’s where success meets.

1601 Campus Drive | Hurst, Texas 76054 Phone: 817.581.0044 www.hurstcc.com

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Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

the west / oklahoma

MEET

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

GR EET

A CITY THAT’S AS TIMELESS AS IT IS TIMELY.

123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 297-8912 / (800) 225-5652 Fax: (405) 297-8888

WHERE WE’RE DOWN TO BUSINESS AND

visitokc.com

DEFINITELY INTO PLEASURE. WITH A

Meet in Oklahoma City

O

TIME AND A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING, IT’S

klahoma City’s western charm and lively atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for your next meeting, conference or convention. With a downtown urban renaissance and shimmering riverfront, a burgeoning art scene and world-class museums and entertainment, the possibilities in Oklahoma City are endless.

“Oklahoma City plays host to meetings and conventions of all sizes,” said Elizabeth Richardson, Director of Convention Sales & Services. “We have experienced steady and consistent growth in the meetings and conventions business year over year and are gaining more and more recognition as a destination and future years look very strong for Oklahoma City.”

The Cox Convention Center in is one of the most centrally located convention centers in the nation and just across the street from three of the downtown hotels which combined offer more than 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s nearly 16,000 hotel rooms. Not to mention it is just steps away from the thriving Bricktown Entertainment District. A glass-enclosed skywalk connects the adjacent Renaissance Hotel to the Cox Convention Center’s second floor, featuring an impressive 25,000-square-foot ballroom.

Additional meeting rooms total 27,500 square feet of convention and pre-convene space.

And the meetings bar is likely to be set even higher in the future: Oklahoma City voters approved funding to build a new $280 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.

TIME TO LOOK INTO THIS PLACE. WE’RE BUSINESS-MINDED AND WARM-HEARTED. HARD-WORKING AND EASY-GOING.

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The west / oregon

Oregon Convention Center 777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97232 • (503) 235-7575; (800) 791-2250 Fax: (503) 731-7802; oregoncc.org Sensational Setting

The Oregon Convention Center (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.

Experienced Staff

The OCC has over 110 experienced full-time staff ready to serve you.

Many employees have been here since the center opened in 1990. If this is a return visit, take comfort in the knowledge that we are familiar with you and your event. Customer service is our specialty and we are committed to making each and every event a success.

Convenient Parking Garage

Our parking garage features 800 spaces on two underground levels. The garage entrances are on NE First Avenue and NE Lloyd Boulevard.

Hourly parking rates are available. Additional exhibitor and vendor parking, including parking for oversized vehicles, can be provided in our outdoor satellite lots by request.

Exhibitor-Friendly

The 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.

Network and Internet Access

The OCC offers Internet access capable of handling the most demanding network applications. We can even support your highspeed WIFI needs. You may select scaled service, from 512 Kbps up to 10 Mbps or more, depending upon your requirements and budget.

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Convenient pay-as-you-go WIFI access is also available to attendees throughout the facility.

An Industry Leader in Sustainable Business Practices

The OCC was the first convention center in the country to receive LEED®-EB certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program, and is currently LEED® Silver certified. The center has also been acknowledged for its forward thinking practices by a BEST Award from the City of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development, a Salmon-Safe certification, and IAAM’s Venue Excellence Award. The facility makes extensive use of natural light, natural habitat vegetation in the landscaping, energy efficient fixtures, and adheres to aggressive recycling, composting and water conservation programs.

Oregon Convention Center replaces lights for energy and cost savings

The Oregon Convention Center recently completed a major $760,000 lighting retrofit of its exhibit hall and lobby spaces. In the exhibit halls, 1,096 metal halide fixtures, covering about 255,000 square feet, were replaced with induction lighting that is expected to cut lighting energy usage in half! The new lighting has a brighter, more natural appearance and eliminates the “warm up” time needed for typical metal halide fixtures.

In the center’s lobby spaces, ceramic halide fixtures and new LED bulbs will replace a variety of incandescent fixtures, in some cases reducing energy use by 90%! Overall, the expected annual energy savings is about 2,721,578 kWh, representing an estimated cost savings of $130,636 per year.

At the Center of Success

National conventions love Oregon and the OCC. The surrounding area’s scenery, some of the most spectacular on the planet, is artfully complimented 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.

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the west / california

Sacramento Convention Center

This capital city has a convention center with 134,000 square feet of exhibit space and 31 meeting rooms.

1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 • (916) 808-5291 • Fax (916) 808-7687 • www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com

T

he 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 Complex Located 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 square feet of contiguous Exhibit Hall space on one floor, another 61,000 square feet 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 (3) 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 (2) short blocks to the main entrance of the Center.

Hotel Inventory Within 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.

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Attractions With 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 & Beverage Award-winning Classique Catering is the celebrated caterer at the Convention Center and manages on-site Wolfgang Pucks Express and Starbucks coffeehouse. Classique Catering is a division of Centerplate and pride themselves on excellent service and quality product.

“The City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Convention Center offer you the best of both worlds – a diverse city with first-class amenities.”

–Judith A. Goldbar, General Manager

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

texas

texas

Aransas Pass Civic Center

Austin Convention Center

700 W Wheeler Ave. Aransas Pass, TX 78336 (361) 758-0009; Fax: (361) 758-8657 aransaspassciviccenter.com Executive Director: Annette Schonhoeft

Only 25 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi and within 5 minutes of the beaches and many types of water sports. Whether it’s for a few people or a thousand, a meeting, a trade show, or a banquet, the new (opened in 2009) Aransas Pass Civic Center, is ready to be customer-tailored to meet your specific needs; 6 breakout rooms, 15, 375-sq.-ft. divisible Grand Ballroom, 26,362 sq. ft. of Exhibit Space; wifi, web conference capability, 25-foot projector screens, projectors and screens in all rooms; A divisible Grand Ballroom, convenient meeting rooms, and a beautiful outdoor, 8,500-sq.ft. Courtyard with sound/lighting & stage adaptable for a multitude of events. Near the Gulf and all of the beach you can handle!

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texas

500 E. Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78701 (512) 404-4000; Fax: (512) 404-4416 austinconventioncenter.com Director of Sales: Lisa Kidder The Live Music Capital of the World

Rated one of the country’s most technologically advanced convention centers, the Austin Convention Center has a convenient downtown location near the city’s famous entertainment districts. The multi-level facility spans six city blocks, featuring 374,255 sq. ft. Meeting/ Exhibit space, including 5 column-free, contiguous Exhibit Halls (256,097 sq. ft total exhibit space), 7 ballrooms (43,300 sq. ft. is largest) and 54 meeting rooms; 6,000 downtown hotel rooms; Complimentary high-speed, high density wireless services throughout. In-building cellular antenna systems; On-site engineers; proven track record of handling 6,000 simultaneous connections; pre-function spaces offer downtown views; new walkway that connects 3rd and 4th levels. Attractions: State Capitol; Sixth Street, Warehouse and PAGE Second Street Entertainment Districts; LBJ Presidential Library.

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texas

El Paso Convention & Performing Arts Centers

George R. Brown Convention Center

El Paso, Texas — where four centuries of tradition and two cultures merge into one colorful community — is emerging as the Southwest’s next great meeting hub. With a multimilliondollar Downtown revitalization, El Paso The Judson F. Williams Convention Center, in the heart of Downtown, boasts an impressive 133,000 sq. ft. of meeting/ exhibit space – 3 lobbies, 21,000-sq.-ft. Hall A, 27,000-sq-ft Hall B & 32,000-sq-ft Hall C; 17 Meeting Rooms (14,900 sq. ft. total space); 2,000-seat Historic Plaza Theatre, 2,500-seat Abraham Chavez Theater. The convention campus features expansive venues, museums and galleries; 400 Hotel Rooms within walking distance; 9,000+ city wide.

Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the George R. Brown Convention Center is within comfortable walking distance of several major attractions –12-acre Discovery Green park, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, the new Houston Pavilions entertainment hub.

GRB features 1,200,000 sq. ft. of exhibition, meeting and registration space, including 639,000 contiguous sq. ft. on five street-level exhibit halls. Two exhibit halls on third level are accessible to trucks via ramps and drive-in doors. Other facilities include a 31,500-sq.-ft. ballroom, 3,600-seat tiered amphitheater, exhibit hall with retractable seating for 6,600, 100 meeting rooms, four exterior balconies. 5,000 hotel rooms within one mile, PAGE 50,000 citywide.

One Civic Center Plaza El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 534-0600; (800) 351-6024 Fax: (915) 534-0687 visitelpaso.com Director of Convention Development: Brooke Underwood, Real Adventure is Still Alive

Texas

Hurst Conference Center 1601 Campus Drive Hurst, TX 76054 (817) 581-0044; Fax: (817) 581-0033 hurstcc.com Executive Director: Charlton Northington cnorthington@hurstcc.com Success Meets Here

Hurst is a progressive city of 32,000, is strategically situated in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, providing easy access to the full range of the area attractions, including restaurants, night life, worldclass shopping and historical hot spots. The Hurst Conference Center offers 50,000+ sq. ft. of Meeting/Event Space – 7 Meeting Rooms; 14,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom; 13,000-sq.-ft. Gallery with 40’ floor to ceiling windows, Executive Boardroom, and Patio Garden/Outdoor Veranda features 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: Cowboys Stadium, Six Flags, Northeast Mall (Nordstrom, Dillards, Macy’s), Ballpark at Arlington, Fort Worth PAGE Stockyards , Delaney Vineyards and Winery.

104 wASHINGTON

1001 Avenida de las Americas Houston, TX 77010 (713) 853-8000; (800) 427-4697 Fax: (713) 853-8090 www.HoustonConventionCtr.com General Manager: Luther Villagomez

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utah

Salt Palace Convention Center

100 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (801) 534-4777; fax: (801) 534-6383 saltpalace.com Director of Sales/Marketing: Tessa Baysinger (801) 534-6348, TBaysinger@SaltPalace.com

Nestled in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, the Salt Palace Convention Center is the perfect place for meetings of any size or occasion. From delicate snowflake chandeliers to a gorgeous five-story main concourse and centralized location, the Salt Palace is part architectural showpiece, part modern art sculpture and all business. 160,000 sq. ft of Meeting Space, including 67 Meeting Rooms, 45,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom: (size, square feet) square feet 48,600-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit (515,000 sq. ft. Total Exhibit Space) wide range of high-speed Internet services; Cornerstone AV (in-house AV company); Utah Food Services (onsite caterer). 7,300 hotel rooms (and 140+ restaurants and cafés, 38 bars & clubs) in the Convention District.

washington

Three Rivers Convention Center

Lynnwood Convention Center

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, Web Casting, 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 pleasing color palette that invokes the natural beauty of the region, common sense functionality and high-tech amenities make it endlessly adaptable to any configuration your event requires. 750 Hotel Rooms nearby. Attractions: 200+ wineries; 7 world-class golf courses. Sacagawea Heritage Trail; The Hanford PAGE Reach National Monument.

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The Lynnwood Convention Center is ideally located just 15 minutes north of downtown Seattle, and just off Interstate 5 in Snohomish County. The venue offers an alternative, yet affordable facility for meetings, conferences and smaller trade shows – 22,000 sq. ft., of meeting space, 11 meeting rooms, 11,748-sq.-ft Ballroom. (720 person dining capacity; 1,200person general session capacity), SAVOR Lynnwood; services extend from a casual morning coffee break for 25 to elegantly catered events for up to 700; 500 1st-class Hotel Rooms nearby; only 15-minute drive from Seattle’s world class attractions; Lynnwood offers an abundance of shopping and outdoor activities, boasting the county’s largest shopping center, golf courses, parks, biking/walking trails and great dining options.

7016 W. Grandridge Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336 (509) 737-3700; Fax: (509) 735-9431 threeriversconventioncenter.com Director of Sales: Heather Breymeyer Enjoy your experience.

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3711 196th Street S.W. Lynnwood, WA 98036 (425) 778-7155; (888) 778-7155 Fax: (425) 778-7965 lynnwoodcc.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Angie Mykel amykel@lynnwoodcc.com

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

west / california

San Diego The Perfect Convention Destination

San Diego Convention Center 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 525-5000: Fax: (619) 525-5005 • visitsandiego.com Proud to Host PCMA 2012 Annual Meeting!

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nown for our 70 miles of pristine beaches, laid-back lifestyle and near perfect weather, San Diego is the ideal place to come for inspiration during your next convention, conference or annual meeting. Our city is a gateway to international trade, business and commerce, making it a hotbed for creativity and innovation.

That’s just one of the many reasons why the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) decided to bring more than 3,500 of the industry’s leading association, corporate and independent meeting planners to the San Diego Convention Center in January 2012. Like PCMA, the San Diego Convention Center specializes in gathering together domestic and international visionaries to discuss the growing challenges of business and industry in one of the most beautiful bayside settings in North America.

Our award-winning facility is also a favorite among healthcare meeting planners. Recently the Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association (HCEA) ranked San Diego the #1 destination for healthcare meetings. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), that held its annual meeting in San Diego in 2011 and is one of the largest annual medical conventions, says the San Diego Convention Center has all of the right elements to help make their convention – or any other healthcare meeting – shine.

“The San Diego Convention Center has all the right elements – space, sleeping rooms, weather, dining, shopping, entertainment and convenient airport access,” says Susan McSorley, Director, Convention and Meeting Service at AAOS. “It also offers a unique experience with the Sails Pavilion. It brings the outside in. (If you’re a meeting planner) take advantage of the bay views and hold a reception on one of the terraces. Our attendees really enjoy San Diego.”

With 525,701 square feet (sf ) of contiguous exhibit space, 204,114 sf of overall meeting space, two 40,000 sf ballrooms, 72 meeting rooms, 184,514 sf of outdoor terrace space, and a 90,000 sf column-free Sails Pavillion, the San Diego Convention Center is ready host your next event by the sparkling San Diego Bay.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

• 11,000 premier hotel rooms within 1.5 miles of the Center • 3 miles from the airport • 100 restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego Convention Center VISITSANDIEGO.COM

Discover more about San Diego at www.visitsandiego.com

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Canada

Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Nova Scotia Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan

alberta

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

120 Ninth Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G OP3 (800) 822-2697; (403) 261-8500 Fax: (403) 261-8510 calgary-convention.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Heather Lundy

The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre is a multi-purpose, newly-expanded, fully-equipped venue featuring 132,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space; 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 65,000+ sq. ft. of exhibit space, five foyer areas and 27 breakout rooms; Terrace View Room is Elegant 5th 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 and fiber-optic services; directly connected to 1,100+ Hotel Rooms through indoor pathways; 11,000 Hotel Rooms citywide; Attractions: Downtown Calgary vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment; Epcor Centre for Performing Arts; the Glenbow Museum; spectacular hiking and skiing in Canadian Rockies.

Ontario

Direct Energy Centre Exhibition Place Toronto, M6K 3C3 (416) 263-3000; Fax: (416) 263-3049 directenergycentre.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Laura Purdy

Situated at Exhibition Place, Canada’s largest facility for conventions, exhibitions and events – 192 acre waterfront campus located in downtown Toronto home to a variety of venues also including: Allstream Centre, Better Living Centre, Queen Elizabeth Building.

Exhibition Place is a lively entertainment/meeting venue providing new and exciting events to 5.3 million people a year. Direct Energy Centre features 1,072,000 sq. ft.

Meeting/Exhibition Space (eight Halls including RICOH Coliseum); 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 24 Meeting Rooms, Presentation Theatre (100 Permanent fixed seats).

High-tech public address system; complete range of sound systems; In-house Web casting capability directly from the show floor, video conferencing, internal & external networking. 35,000 hotel rooms citywide.

Ontario

Available on

Search Keyword: Facilitiesonline

Facilities & Destinations

TM

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre 255 Front Street West Toronto, Canada M5V 2W6 (416) 585-8000; Fax: (416) 585-8198 Executive Vice President: John Houghton mtccc.com “Our PEOPLE are the centre”

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 trade and convention facility and one of the finest in North America; 2+ million sq. ft. state-of-the-art meeting/event space/460,000 sq. ft. of flexible exhibit space; 64 furnished meeting rooms (104,000 sq. ft. of space) 2 multi-purpose ballrooms encompassing 78,000 sq. ft.; 1,330-seat John Bassett Theatre; High-speed Internet access using a T3 connection; Wireless Internet access; Customized wired and wireless data networks; Customized voice networks; Digital PBX; Virtual internal networks; On-site technical support; 12,000 first-class hotel rooms within walking distance of the Centre; Theatre district only five-minute walk; Air Canada Centre; Rogers Centre; Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament; StageWest All-Suite Hotel & Theatre Restaurant.

Ontario

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Scotiabank Convention Centre Niagara 6815 Stanley Ave Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3Y9 (905) 357-6222; (888) 997-6222 Fax: (905) 357-6212 fallsconventions.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Jeff Dixon UnConventional Experiences!

The newly opened, 288,000-sq.-ft. (LEED) Silver Level designed facility features: 82,000sq.-ft. Free Span Exhibition Hall (accommodates 400+ 10ft x 10ft display booths); 17,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 26,000 sq. ft. of Flexible Meeting/Breakout Space; 1,000-seat Theatre; Centerplate – Centre’s exclusive Food & Beverage provider; 5,000 within walking distance of center. Niagara Falls is an international brand name, showcasing an impressive array of natural wonders, sights, and attractions distinguishing this world-class destination.

Nearby attractions include: Niagara Falls, Casinos, Restaurants & night life; Buffalo Niagara International Airport – 30 minutes away; Toronto Pearson International – 90 PAGE 113 minutes.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

UnConventional Experiences

have arrived in Niagara!

®

Fallsview District (Niagara Falls, Canada)

The Scotiabank Convention Centre, in Niagara Falls, Canada (SCCN), is now open! As Niagara’s largest innovator of the unconventional, the 288,000 sq. ft. SCCN is committed to delivering colourful and dynamic experiences that are Vivid, Abundant, and Original!

• Built to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification of Silver

Main Lobby

• an 82,000 square foot free span Exhibition

Level

Hall

• a distinctive 17,000 square foot Ballroom • 26,500 square feet of Flexible

Meeting & Breakout Space • an intimate 1,000 seat Theatre with live performances • State-of-the-Art Acoustic and Presentation Technologies • regionally & seasonally inspired culinary creations prepared and designed by Centerplate in partnership with the Centre’s endorsing celebrity Chef Anna Olson (Food Network Canada) Anna Olson

Now Ope n!

Niag ar Can a Falls, ada

1.888.997.6222

| sales@ fallsconventions.com

fallsconventions.com

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Convention Center

100 Convention Blvd., San Juan, PR 00907 (800) 214-0420 Fax: (773) 753-1634 prconvention.com Associate Vice President Sales: Rosa M. Luke, rluke@prcb.org “Smooth”

At 580,000 sq. ft., the award-winning Puerto Rico Convention Center is the Caribbean’s largest and most technologically-advanced meeting facility. It offers budget friendly amenities, beautiful surroundings, stunning views, and world renowned service to make your experience a smooth one; 36,200 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 15 meeting rooms on two levels, divisible into 28 sections; 4 on level one and 11 on level two; 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 & centerpiece to 113-acre waterfront development featuring hotels, walkways, fountains and restaurants.

PAGE 11

Puerto Rico

Sheraton Puerto Convention Center Hotel & Casino

200 Convention Boulevard San Juan, PR 00907 (787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535 Fax: (787) 993-3525 sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenter Director of Sales & Marketing: Jeremy Marquardt You 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 Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino is truly remarkable landmark. 10 minutes from the international airport; five from historic Old San Juan. Meeting Space: 35,000 sq. ft. – 9 breakout rooms; 16,290-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 1,480 Theater Seating; adjacent to Puerto Rico Convention Center – 580,000+ sq. ft. of function space; Spa; Fitness center; Event Staff; on-site catering team; 503 Guest Rooms; 16 gaming tables, 500 of the latest slot machines, exceptional entertainment options. numerous dining, PAGE 117 shopping and nightlife venues.

L istings A - Z Albuquerque Convention Center................................ 100 Alerus Center................................................................... 82 Alliant Energy Center...................................................... 88 Anaheim Convention Center.......................................... 92 Aransas Pass Civic Center............................................. 110 Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center................ 51 Atlantic City Convention Center.................................... 30 Austin Convention Center............................................ 110 Baton Rouge Convention & Visitors Bureau ................ 58 Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex................ 51 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center....................... 30 Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.............. 30 Branson Convention Center........................................... 72 Calgary TELUS Convention Center.............................. 112 Charleston Civic Center.................................................. 48 Charlotte Convention Center......................................... 62 Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.......... 51 Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau ....... 62 The Classic Center........................................................... 58 Clay County Regional Events Center............................. 71 Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center............. 82 Cobb Galleria Centre...................................................... 58 Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau........ 100 Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center................. 62 Greater Columbus Convention Center.......................... 82 Connecticut Convention Center.................................... 30 Cox Convention Center................................................ 100 Currents – The Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium................................................... 30 Visit Denver.................................................................... 100 DeVos Place..................................................................... 72 Greater Des Moines CVB................................................ 71 Direct Energy Centre..................................................... 112 El Paso Convention & Performing Arts Centers......... 110 Fairplex............................................................................. 92 Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center........................................................................... 51

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Frontier Airlines Center................................................... 88 Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau...................... 51 George R. Brown Convention Center.......................... 110 The Georgia Center, the University of Georgia’s Conference Center & Hotel........................................ 58 Georgia International Convention Center..................... 58 Georgia World Congress Center................................... 58 Experience Grand Rapids............................................... 72 Hampton Roads Convention Center............................. 46 Hawaii Convention Center............................................ 100 Hilton Atlanta................................................................... 58 Hilton Garden Inn at Fairfax........................................... 46 Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.......................................................... 51 Hurst Conference Center.............................................. 110 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center................................ 31 Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau.......................... 56 John S. Knight Center/Akron.......................................... 82 JW Marriott Indianapolis................................................. 71 Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association............. 82 Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities..... 82 Kansas Expocentre.......................................................... 72 Knoxville Convention & Visitors Bureau........................ 62 Lake George Area in NY’s Adirondacks......................... 31 Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center........ 92 Lynnwood Convention Center...................................... 110 Meadowlands Exposition Center................................... 31 Metro Toronto Convention Centre.............................. 112 Miami Beach Convention Center................................... 56 Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB............................................. 62 Monona Terrace Convention Center............................. 88 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center...... 62 Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau........................... 46 OnCenter Complex......................................................... 31 Ocean Center / Daytona Beach..................................... 56 Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau............ 100 Ontario Convention Center............................................ 92

Orange County Convention Center............................... 56 Oregon Convention Center.......................................... 100 Palm Springs Convention Center................................... 92 Pheasant Run Resort........................................................ 71 Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau................... 31 Visit Pittsburgh................................................................. 31 Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.......................... 56 Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.......................................................... 43 Puerto Rico Convention Center................................... 114 Rhode Island Convention Center................................... 43 Racine Civic Centre......................................................... 88 RiverCenter/Adler Theatre.............................................. 71 Rochester Riverside Convention Center........................ 31 Roland E. Powell Convention Center............................. 46 Sacramento Convention Center..................................... 92 Salina Bicentennial Center.............................................. 72 Salt Palace Convention Center..................................... 110 San Diego Convention Center..................................... 100 The Sanford Center......................................................... 72 Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.............. 58 Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center/Valley Forge................................ 43 Scotiabank Convention Centre.................................... 112 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino............................. 56 Sheraton Puerto Rico.................................................... 114 Springfield, MO Convention & Visitors Bureau............ 82 Swiftel Center................................................................... 82 Tampa Convention Center.............................................. 58 Three Rivers Convention Center.................................. 110 Tinley Park Convention Center...................................... 71 United Wireless Arena/McGouirk Conference Center...................................................... 72 Vicksburg Convention Center........................................ 62 University of Virginia Alumni Association...................... 48 Virginia Beach Convention Center................................. 48 Walter E. Washington Convention Center.................... 48

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Convention Center 100 Convention Blvd., San Juan, PR 00907 Phone: (800) 214-0420 Fax: (773) 753-1634 www.prconvention.com

C

elebrating six years of operation, the Puerto Rico Convention Center creates a singular destination for conventions, trade shows, consumer shows and congresses, and places Puerto Rico at the forefront of meeting and exhibition destinations. With its signature wave-like roof line and a 13-story glass curtain offering spectacular views of the San Juan harbor and area beaches, this magnificent and welcoming facility is not only the newest convention center in the Caribbean, but the most technologically advanced facility in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Puerto Rico Convention Center incorporates the quality and standards expected from a full-service world-class convention facility.

Its size compares favorably with the largest facilities in the hemisphere.

There are almost 580,000 square feet/53,882 square meters of overall gross space, including 152,700 square feet/14,186 square meters of exhibition space; 39,000 square feet/3,670 square meters of ballroom, the largest in the Caribbean; an additional 36,200 square feet/3,363 square meters of meeting rooms; and some 200,000 square feet/18,580 square meters of pre-function areas and support space. Two-phase expansions are planned for the Convention Center, enabling an increase of up to 450,000 gross square feet/41,805 square meters of contiguous exhibition halls, with a total of 180,000 square feet/16,722 square meters of meeting and ballroom space.

Cutting-edge technology at the Center includes video-conferencing, simultaneous language translation, full fiber optic broadband and wireless Internet access. Controllable lighting, electrical and utility connections are readily accessible through state-of-the-art floor boxes in the Exhibition Hall; a production control balcony with sound and lighting controls in the Ballroom, as well as an integrated audio system with the capability for remote recording of programs and programmable lighting controls in the Ballroom and meeting rooms make the Center the most technologicallyadvanced meeting place in the Caribbean and Latin America. In addition,

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

the Center offers an array of on-site services, including an award-winning food and beverage team, a full-service business center, dedicated event staff, on-site production rigging and sound and light staff, as well as closed-circuit television and security systems to monitor all installations.

The Puerto Rico Convention Center is the core component of the 113acre “lifestyle” urban development project strategically located between the Condado hotel district and the historic city of Old San Juan known as the Puerto Rico Convention Center District.

Considered one of the largest and most ambitious waterfront development projects in the history of the U.S. and its territories, it was conceived as a vibrant urban gathering place. Once complete, visitors to the District will experience the distinctiveness of Puerto Rico in what will become one of the Island’s most sought-after spots for business, shopping and recreation. Elements of the District include hotels, restaurants, movie theaters and other entertainment venues.

The latest development within the District was the recent opening of the Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel. Serving as the headquarter hotel to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, the Starwood property is the first building ever built in the Caribbean under the guidelines of the U.S Green Building Council. The property features 35,000 square feet of state-of-the-art flexible meeting space in a conference center setting, including a 16,300-square-foot ballroom, divisible into eight rooms; and a smaller, 7,700-square-foot ballroom distinctively remarked by the natural lighting and views plus seven other meeting rooms, some that can be divided. Additional hotels that will begin construction this year include a 300-room Marriott Courtyard Convention District Hotel and another Starwood property, the 252-room Aloft Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel.

The Puerto Rico Convention Center is located just 13 minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Condado tourist area and Old San Juan.

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Puerto Rico

Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino

For unforgettable fun and excitement, you only need to take a short stroll from your room.

200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907 (787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535 • Fax: (787) 993-3525 www.sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenter

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ocated in the Puerto Rico Convention District between the airport and historic Old San Juan, the new Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino offers the perfect retreat for your next association gathering.

The hotel is ideally situated to offer both convenience and an atmosphere of inspiration. There’s no passport required to land in San Juan, and the hotel is just a short drive from the airport. You and your guests will be just moments from the renowned shopping, dining and entertainment of Old San Juan.

However, for unforgettable fun and excitement, you only need to take a short stroll from your room. The onsite casino features 16 gaming tables, 500 of the latest slot machines and exceptional entertainment options. Within the convention center area is also home to numerous dining, shopping and nightlife venues.

The state-of-the-art facility can easily accommodate every event, from the largest gatherings to most intimate meetings. Within the hotel, you’ll find 35,000 square feet of flexible function spaces throughout nine distinctive meeting spaces. The expansive 17,000square-foot San Juan Grand Ballroom can easily accommodate as many as 1,800 guests. And for a more casual atmosphere, a 57,000square-foot outdoor sundeck is available to take advantage of the beautiful tropical weather.

The adjacent Puerto Rico Convention Center offers an additional 580,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space. The center is one of the largest and most technologically advanced in the Caribbean and welcomes groups of as many as 10,000.

Getting down to business is a pleasure at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino. The hotel is the first in the Caribbean to offer The Link @ Sheraton, featuring highspeed Internet access in a comfortable setting—so it’s easy and rewarding to stay in touch with the office, family or friends. A fullservice Business Center is also equipped with a wide range of office machines and services for any last minute or unexpected needs.

When your event adjourns, your guests will relax and enjoy the

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tropical locale with a wide range of great amenities and services.

You’ll find an expansive four-story-high sun deck with amazing views across the Bay of San Juan. An infinity pool, whirlpool and adults-only wading pool offer great outdoor fun. To help you stay in shape when you’re on the road, the hotel offers a fully equipped fitness center, as well as a rejuvenating, full-service spa with six treatment rooms.

For your dining pleasure, you’ll find exceptional catering options from our experienced culinary team. Several additional restaurants are also available onsite, including a poolside bar & grill to help everyone make the most of their relaxation time.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll retire to 503 spacious and revitalizing guest rooms in Puerto Rico. Our contemporary rooms and suites offer high-speed Internet access, large flat screen televisions, single-cup coffee brewers, well-lit work areas and the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed. For an added level of convenience, guests can upgrade to the exclusive Club Level rooms, each featuring a private outdoor terrace and upgraded in-room amenities, as well as access to a private lounge.

The Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino invites you to come experience a new approach to Caribbean events.

Complete an RFP online at sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncent er or call (787) 993-3500.

Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Big Moments are Better when Shared Exceeding expectations is what sets a Sheraton apart — now more than ever. Join us as we celebrate our all-new hotel in Puerto Rico, featuring more than 35,000 square feet of event space, eclectic guest rooms and dining options from intimate to grand — all in one inspiring tropical setting.

Book at sheratonpuertoricohotelcasino.com or call 787 993 3500.

©2011 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sheraton and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

The Facilities & Destinations

B u y er ’ s G u i d e Experient

THE SOURCE FOR INTEGRATED MEETING AND EVENT SOLUTIONS For more information on Experient Contact: Amy Munn (866) 516-1461 • amy.munn@experient-inc.com • www.experient-inc.com Experient is the source for integrated meeting and event services. Formed in August 2006 (by joining industry leaders Conferon, ExpoExchange and ITS), Experient is the single contact for all Meeting Management, Trade Show Production and Registration and Housing needs. As your partner, Experient will become a member of your team, understanding all the goals of your event, and use proven techniques, creative methods and powerful industry connections to provide a distinct and memorable event experience and drive your business. The Top seven reasons why Experient is the best choice to be your integrated meeting and event partner: (1) Integrated resources; (2) Economies of scale; (3) Single source efficiency; (4) Best practice sharing; (5) Experienced people; (6) Leadership role; (7) Consultative approach.

Keppler Speakers

4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 516-4000; Fax: (703) 516-4819 www.kepplerspeakers.com Senior 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.

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pc/nametag® PRODUCTS FOR GREAT MEETINGS

124 Horizon Dr., Verona, WI 53593 (877) 626-3824; Fax: (800) 233-9787 www.pcnametag.com President: Nick Topitzes; ntopitzes@pcnametag.com; sales@pcnametag.com Founder Nick Topitzes first developed PC/Nametag®, the first software package to print nametags for meetings and conferences, with his computer and printer. Over the years, it’s been updated and improved. The business has expanded to include hundreds of products and incentive items that make the job of planning meetings easier while enhancing the attendee experience. Product lines include Nametag Holders, Inserts, Pouches & Organizers, Necklaces & Lanyards, Awards & Gifts, Bags, Totes, Envelopes & Cases, Banners, Signs & Table Covers, Binders & Portfolios, Buttons & Appliques, Drinkware, Pens & Highlighters, Ribbons and Customized Products.

Do you want your product or service to reach 50,000+ Association & Corporate Meeting Planners?

If your answer is yes, then the F&D Buyer’s Guide is how.

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Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

Ask about a custom package for your next event and discover just how affordable excellence can be.

call (509) 737-3705 for more information or a personal tour today!

www.threeriversconventioncenter.com | sales@3riverscampus.com |

t r i - c i t i e s ,

w a s h i n g t o n

|

Spotlight Interview: Religious Meetings

Continued from page 17

F&D: A recent RCMA report – “The State of Religious Meetings” – shows a breakdown of venues your members book – Downtown Meeting Hotels, Conference Centers, Convention/Civic Centers, etc. Downtown Meeting Hotels receive the largest share of religious meetings. What do you think accounts for their popularity among RCMA members?

D.W.: Frequently the downtown hotels have the largest ballrooms, breakout rooms and sleeping rooms. Also, that’s where much of the “action” is...i.e. variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, stores and ease of access to the Convention Center. For the larger meetings, they can use both the hotel and the Convention Center.

Also, when the governing bodies meet, they meet for several days.

F&D: Conference Centers are a strong second, why?

D.W.: Conference Centers frequently provide facilities and meals at less cost. Also, there are often less distractions. In contrast to downtown hotels, conference centers are frequently located in more rural areas and do not have the distractions of department stores, theaters, game emporiums, noise of traffic, which are more suitable to meetings of a governing body of a denomination, which may be smaller, require more intimate setting and last several days.

F&D: So they don’t want the distractions that might be appealing to other non-RCMA meetings?

D.W.: Exactly, they are really all business. Delegates are often elected to represent their church or parish at these conferences; it’s an obligation to go. That is different than attending a rally, which may only take place for a few hours, so the venue should be different. Some meetings can last as long as 10 days, so food, service, technology and the ability of a place to feel comfortable and be conducive to the meeting for that period of time is very important. Part of the decision is still cost, so often these meetings will be held at a Conference Center during off-season times of the year – a ski resort but not during the winter, for example – so they can get the best rates. A ski resort in summer or a golf course in the north with snow piled high may be just the place for the budget minded, as well as those who seek a retreat atmosphere.

F&D: Has attendance to RCMA events been affected by the economy?

D.W.: Yes and no. Yes, we had a decline in attendance at our World Conference the past two years, but had a 7.3 percent increase this year.

Advertiser Index Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau..................... 73 Alerus Center...................................................................... 74 Alliant Energy Center.......................................................... 75 Aransas Pass Civic Center................................................... 96 Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center...................... 53 Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority..................... 28 Austin Convention Center..................................................... 9 Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex....................... 55 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center............................. 37 Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.................... 35 Charleston Civic Center...................................................... 47 Clay County Regional Events Center.................................. 77 Greater Columbus Convention Center................................ 79 Cox Convention Center...................................................... 95 Currents – The Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium............... 33 Visit Denver........................................................................ 15 Fairplex............................................................................... 99 Frontier Airlines Center.............................................. Cover 4 George R. Brown Convention Center................................. 13 Hawaii Convention Center................................................ 103 Hilton Garden Inn at Fairfax................................................ 48 Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau................................................................ 56 Hurst Conference Center.................................................. 104 Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau................................ 57 Jacob Javits Convention Center......................................... 39 Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities............ 81 Kansas Expocentre.............................................................. 83 Knoxville Convention & Visitors Bureau.............................. 59 Master Connection Associates.......................................... 118 Meadowlands Exposition Center........................................ 41 Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau................................................................ 61

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Monona Terrace Convention Center................................... 84 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center............... 3 Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau................................ 46 Ocean Center / Daytona Beach........................................... 65 Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau................... 105 Orange County Convention Center.................................... 67 Oregon Convention Center.............................................. 107 Pheasant Run Resort........................................................... 85 Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau................. Cover 2 Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau................................................................ 43 Puerto Rico Convention Center.......................................... 11 Racine Civic Centre............................................................. 86 Rhode Island Convention Center.......................................... 5 RiverCenter/Adler Theatre.................................................. 87 Rochester Riverside Convention Center..................... Cover 3 Roland E. Powell Convention Center.................................. 49 Salina Bicentennial Center.................................................. 88 The Sanford Center............................................................. 89 Sacramento Convention Center........................................ 109 San Diego Convention Center.......................................... 111 Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau..................... 69 Scotiabank Convention Centre......................................... 113 Sheraton Puerto Rico........................................................ 117 Smart City Networks......................................................... 118 SMG................................................................................... 6-7 Swiftel Center..................................................................... 90 Three Rivers Convention Center....................................... 119 Tinley Park Convention Center........................................... 76 United Wireless Arena/McGouirk Conference Center......... 91 Vicksburg Convention Center............................................. 70 Virginia Beach CVB............................................................. 50 Vicksburg Convention Center............................................. 70 Facilities & Destinations 2011 SuperBook

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