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Meeting Planners Guide to Texas Convention MeetTX21.indb 1
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Earn a 5-star review on your next event when you host it at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, Lubbock's world-renowned arts facility. With breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind spaces, your attendees will feel like the stars of the show. VISITLUBBOCK.ORG
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We’re ready to meet again.
WE HEAR THAT A LOT. Whether you’re planning a small business lunch or a multi-day conference, The Woodlands combines stunning event space with natural surroundings and plenty of space to spread out. Our team can help make your event safe and memorable. We’re open and ready to meet whenever you are.
Book your best event at visitthewoodlands.com/meetagain
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Planner Resources
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
MEET TEXAS
IS DESIGNED TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE TEXAS as you determine
8
TEXAS CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAUS DIRECTORY
12
LAY OF THE LAND
14
WHAT’S NEW
16
TEXAN HERITAGE
22
LET US LEND A HAND
24 WHERE TO MEET: A HANDY QUIZ
where you want to gather and celebrate. The guide is arranged by the Texas regional designations as outlined on the map below. On pages 8 through 11, you will find contact information for convention and visitor bureaus, grouped by those regions. Pages 12 through 25 include useful articles to help you plan a successful event. To learn more about a city or geographic region for your event, refer to the regional sections beginning on page 26. Each section includes information about convention and visitor bureaus in that area.
Texas Regions 26 BIG BEND 30 GULF COAST
Amarillo
34 HILL COUNTRY Dallas Fort Worth
40 PINEY WOODS Houston
44 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 52 SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS
2 MEET TEXAS
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P H O T O : R YA N C O N I N E
Austin San Antonio
38 PANHANDLE PLAINS
2021-2022
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MEETINGS ARE A BREEZE
ED ITOR
Teresa Kenney
ART D IRECTOR Traci Zellmann
P R O DUCTION D IRECTOR Brittni Dye
P R O D U CTION COOR D INATOR Lisa Stone
P UB L I SHER/ A D V ERTIS ING Ryan Miller 972.633.2468 ryan.miller@tigeroak.com
C H I E F OPERATING OFFICER Susan Isay
Produced and printed by T I G E R O AK M E D IA 900 South Third St, Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: 612.548.3180 Fax: 612.548.3181 Reproduction of any material from this issue expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Tiger Oak assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork and reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material.
© 2 0 2 1 TIG E R O A K M E D IA IN C . A LL R IG H TS R E S E R V E D .
P H O T O : R YA N C O N I N E
Tiger Oak Publications, Inc. publishes the Meet Texas guide. All information provided herein is subject to change without notice. Tiger Oak Publications have made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in the guide, but assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions.
P R I N TE D IN TH E U . S . A .
A new kind of meeting experience. Plan your next event at Conroe’s Margaritaville Lake Resort.
VISITCONROE.COM 2021-2022
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Referring to the Lone Star State, hotelier Conrad Hilton, once said, “There’s a vastness here and I believe that the people who are born here breathe that vastness into their soul. They dream big dreams and think big thoughts, because there is nothing to hem them in.” “Dream big dreams and think big thoughts.” How’s that for a setting for your next corporate meeting, association convention or private event? Our Meet Texas guide will help you navigate the state’s 267,000 square miles to find the destination, venue and activity that is right for your group. This guide will help you get the lay of the land, provides news on the latest venue openings (some of which opened during the pandemic, no less—how’s that for Texas boldness?), and points you in the right direction when you need some expert assistance from your industry peers. So welcome to Texas—we can’t wait to meet (with) you!
Ryan Miller
On Our Cover TEXAN BOLDNESS. The Lone Star State is longhorns and cowgirls, cityscapes and untamed horizons. It’s outdoor adventure and great food and good company. Photos courtesy of Meet Texas, Roschetzkylstockphoto, eyecrave, Michael St. John
2021-2022
Publisher Meeting Planners Guide to Texas Convention
4 MEET TEXAS
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Visitor Bureaus
PHOTO: SUBINPUMSOM
DREAM BIG
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Jenn Christoferson PHOTO: SUBINPUMSOM
Frontier Texas!
Abilene Zoo
When you visit, live like a local. Stroll the Storybook Capital of America, and you’ll find characters of every kind. People journey here to feed our giraffe, absorb our heritage and bask in culture. We aren’t a big metropolitan area, but we’re big on hospitality. You’re invited. Plot an adventure at abilenevisitors.com
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T EX A S C VB DI R E C T OR Y CITY/COUNTY
CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU
PHONE/TOLL FREE
WEBSITE
BIG BEND CITY OF ALPINE 100 N 13th • Alpine, TX 79830
432.837.4144
alpinetexas.com
VISIT BIG BEND TOURISM - BREWSTER COUNTY TOURISM COUNCIL PO Box 479 • Alpine, TX 79831
877.BIG.BEND
visitbigbend.com
Del Rio
DEL RIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1915 Veterans Blvd. • Del Rio, TX 78840
830.775.3551
drchamber.com
El Paso
DESTINATION EL PASO 1 Civic Center Plaza • El Paso, TX 79901
800.351.6024
visitelpaso.com
Midland
VISIT MIDLAND 303 W Wall Street, Suite 200 • Midland, TX 79701
432.683.3381
visitmidland.com
Odessa
ODESSA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 3626 • Odessa, TX 79760
432.333.7871
odessacvb.com
Pecos
PECOS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 100 E Dot Stafford Street • Pecos, TX 79772
432.445.2406
pecostx.com
Alvin
ALVIN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 200 Depot Centre Blvd. • Alvin, TX 77511
281.585.3359
alvintexas.org
BAY AREA HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 604 Bradford Avenue • Kemah, TX 77565
281.474.9700
visitbayareahouston.com
Bay City
VISIT BAY CITY PO Box 768 • Bay City, TX 77404
979.245.8333
visitbaycity.org
Baytown
CITY OF BAYTOWN PO Box 424 • Baytown, TX 77522
281.420.5343
visitbaytown.com
Beaumont
BEAUMONT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 505 Willow Street • Beaumont, TX 77701
409.880.3749
visitbeaumonttx.com
Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 650 Ruben M. Torres Sr. Blvd. • Brownsville, TX
956.546.3721
brownsville.org
CLUTE VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1292 • Clute, TX 77531
979.265.2508
goclute.com
Deer Park
CITY OF DEER PARK 710 E San Augustine • Deer Park, TX 77536
281.479.2394
deerparktx.gov
El Campo
EL CAMPO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO Box 1400 • El Campo, TX 77437
979. 543.2713
elcampochamber.com
Galveston
GALVESTON ISLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1080 • Galveston, TX 77553
409.797.5146
galveston.com
Harlingen
HARLINGEN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 311 E Tyler Ave. • Harlingen, TX 78550
956.622.5053
visitharlingentexas.com
VISIT HOUSTON 4 Houston Center, 1331 Lamar, Suite 700 • Houston, TX 77010
713.437.5200
visithoustontexas.com
CITY OF KATY 901 Avenue C • Katy, TX 77493
281.391.8653
cityofkaty.com
CITY OF KINGSVILLE PO Box 1428 • Kingsville, TX 78363
361.592.8516
kingsvilletexas.com
Lake Jackson
BRAZOSPORT CONVENTION & VISITORS COUNCIL 300 Abner Jackson Pkwy. • Lake Jackson, TX 77566
979.285.2501
visitbrazosport.com
League City
LEAGUE CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 300 W Walker • League City, TX 77573
281.554.1021
visitleaguecity.com
Nederland
NEDERLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1515 Boston Avenue • Nederland, TX 77627
409.722.0279
nederlandtx.com
Orange
ORANGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 520 • Orange, TX 77631
409.883.1011
orangetexas.org
Pasadena
CITY OF PASADENA 7902 Fairmont Parkway • Pasadena, TX 77507
281.487.4331
ci.pasadena.tx.us
Pearland
PEARLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 11200 Broadway, Suite 1390 • Pearland, TX 77584
281.997.5970
visitpearland.com
PORT ARANSAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURIST BUREAU 403 W Cotter Ave • Port Aransas, TX 78373
361.749.5919
portaransas.org
Port Arthur
PORT ARTHUR CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 3401 Cultural Center Drive • Port Arthur, TX 77642
800.235.7822
visitportarthurtx.com
Port Isabel
CITY OF PORT ISABEL 305 E Maxan Street • Port Isabel, TX 78578
956.943.0719
pieventcenter.com
Portland
VISIT PORTLAND 1512 Wildcat Drive • Portland, TX 78374
361.777.4651
portlandtx.com
Rockport
ROCKPORT-FULTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 319 Broadway Street • Rockport, TX 78382
361.729.6445
rockport-fulton.org
CITY OF ROSENBERG PO Box 32 • Rosenberg, TX 77471
832.595.3330
rosenbergtx.gov
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 7355 Padre Blvd. • South Padre Island, TX 78597
956.761.3000
sopadre.com
VISIT SUGAR LAND CONVENTION & VISITOR SERVICES PO Box 110 • Sugar Land, TX 77487
281.275.2045
visitsugarlandtx.com
Victoria
EXPLORE VICTORIA TEXAS P.O. Box 1758 • Victoria, TX 77901
361.485.3116
visitvictoriatexas.com
Wharton
WHARTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 225 N Richmond Road • Wharton, TX 77488
979.532.1862
whartontexs.com
Alpine Brewster County
GULF COAST Kemah
Clute
Houston Katy Kingsville
Port Aransas
Rosenberg South Padre Island Sugar Land
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TEXA S CVB DI RE CT ORY CITY/COUNTY
CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU
PHONE/TOLL FREE
WEBSITE
HILL COUNTRY Austin
VISIT AUSTIN 111 Congress Ave, Suite 700 • Austin, TX 78701
866.GO.AUSTIN
Blanco
BLANCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 300 Main Street • Blanco, TX 78606
830.833.5101
visitblancotexas.com
Boerne
VISIT BOERNE 1407 S Main • Boerne, TX 78066
830.249.7277
visitboerne.org
Brady
BRADY/ MCCULLOCH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS CENTER 101 E 1st Street • Brady, TX 76825
325.597.3491
bradytx.com
BROWNWOOD CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 880 • Brownwood, TX 76804
325.646.9535
visitbrownwood.com
CITY OF BUDA TOURISM DEPARTMENT PO Box 1218 • Buda, TX 78610
512.295.7170
budatxtourism.com
CITY OF CEDAR PARK TOURISM DEPARTMENT 450 Cypress Creek, Building 3 • Cedar Park, TX 78613
512.401.5060
cedarparkfun.com
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION PO Box 52 • Concan, TX 78838
830.232.4310
visituvaldecounty.com
DRIPPING SPRINGS VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 206 • Dripping Springs, TX 78620
512.858.4740
destinationdrippingsprings.com
VISIT EARLY TEXAS PO Box 3100 • Early, TX 76803
325.649.9300
visitearlytexas.com
Fredericksburg
FREDERICKSBURG CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAU 302 E Austin Street • Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830.997.6523
visitfredericksburgtx.com
Georgetown
GEORGETOWN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 409 • Georgetown, TX 78627
512.930.3545
visitgeorgetown.com
CITY OF HUTTO 401 W. Front Street • Hutto, TX 78634
512.759.4029
visithutto.com
KERRVILLE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 2108 Sidney Baker • Kerrville, TX 78028
830.792.3535
kerrvilletexascvb.com
LAMPASAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER 200 S Hwy 281 • Lampasas, TX 76550
512.556.5172
lampasaschamber.org
LLANO VISITOR CENTER & CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 100 Train Station Drive • Llano, TX 78643
325.247.5354
llanochamber.org
MARBLE FALLS/LAKE LBJ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 916 Second Street • Marble Falls, TX 78654
830.693.2815
marblefalls.org
GREATER NEW BRAUNFELS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 390 S. Seguin Ave. • New Braunfels, TX 78130
830.625.2385
innewbraunfels.com
Pflugerville
CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE PO Box 589 • Pflugerville, TX 78691
512.990.6113
pfuntx.com
Round Rock
ROUND ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 231 East Main Street, Suite 150 • Round Rock, TX 78664
512.218.7094
sportscapitaloftexas.com
San Marcos
SAN MARCOS CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAU 617 N Interstate 35 • San Marcos, TX 78666
512.393.5930
toursanmarcos.com
Taylor
TAYLOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1519 N Main • Taylor, TX 76574
512.352.6364
taylorchamber.org
Uvalde
UVALDE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 300 E. Main St. • Uvalde, TX 78801
830.232.4310
visituvalde.com
Abilene
ABILENE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1101 N 1st St • Abilene, TX 79601
325.676.2556
abilenevisitors.com
Amarillo
AMARILLO CONVENTION & VISITOR COUNCIL 1000 S Polk • Amarillo, TX 79101
800.692.1338
visitamarillo.com
Andrews
ANDREWS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 700 W Broadway Street • Andrews, TX 79714
432.523.2695
andrewstx.com
BIG SPRING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 113 E 3rd St • Big Spring, TX 79720
432.263.8235
visitbigspring.com
CHILDRESS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO Box 35 • Childress, TX 79201
940.937.2567
cityofchildress.com/ chamber-of-commerce
DUMAS/MOORE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS CENTER 1901 S Dumas Avenue • Dumas, TX 79029
806.935.2123
dumaschamber.com
Levelland
LEVELLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1101 Avenue H • Levelland, TX 79336
806.894.3157
levelland.com
Lubbock
VISIT LUBBOCK 1500 Broadway Fl 6 • Lubbock, TX 79401
806.747.5232
visitlubbock.org
MINERAL WELLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1408 • Mineral Wells, TX 76068
940.325.2557
visitmineralwells.org
SAN ANGELO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 418 W Avenue B • San Angelo, TX 76903
325.655.4136
visitsanangelo.org
Seminole
CITY OF SEMINOLE 302 S Main • Seminole, TX 79360
432.758.3736
seminoleedc.com
Seymour
CITY OF SEYMOUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PO Box 31 • Seymour, TX 76380
940.889.3148
cityofseymour.org
SNYDER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO Box 840 • Snyder, TX 79550
325.573.3558
snyderchamber.org
Sweetwater
SWEETWATER & NOLAN COUNTY, THE CHAMBER PO Box 1148 • Sweetwater, TX 79556
325.235.5488
sweetwatertexas.org
Wichita Falls
WICHITA FALLS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1000 5th Street • Wichita Falls, TX 76301
800.799.6732
wichitafalls.org
Brownwood Buda Cedar Park Concan Dripping Springs Early
Hutto Kerrville Lampasas Llano Marble Falls New Braunfels
visitaustin.org
PANHANDLE PLAINS
Big Spring Childress Dumas
Mineral Wells San Angelo
Snyder
2021-2022
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T EX A S C VB DI R E C T OR Y PINEY WOODS CLEVELAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 210 Peach Avenue • Cleveland, TX 77327
281.592.2395
clevelandtexas.com
Conroe
CONROE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 505 W Davis Street • Conroe, TX 77301
936.522.3500
playinconroe.com
Gilmer
GILMER CIVIC CENTER PO Box 760 • Gilmer, TX 75644
903.797.8888
gilmer-tx.com
SABINE COUNTY TOURISM 125 N Texas Street • Hemphill, TX 75948
409.787.1047
visitsabinecounty.com
Henderson
HENDERSON TOURISM DEPARTMENT 400 W Main Street • Henderson, TX 75652
903.657.6551
visithendersontx.com
Huntsville
HUNTSVILLE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM 7600 Hwy 75 South • Huntsville, TX 77340
936.291.9726
huntsvilletexas.com
Kilgore
KILGORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU 813 N Kilgore Street • Kilgore, TX 75662
903.984.5022
kilgorechamber.com
Lindale
CITY OF LINDALE PO Box 130 • Lindale, TX 75771
903.881.5103
lindaletx.gov
LONGVIEW CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 300 W. Cotton Street • Longview, TX 75606
903.753.3281
visitlongviewtexas.com
LUFKIN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1615 S Chestnut Street • Lufkin, TX 75901
936.633.0349
visitlufkin.com
Marshall
MARSHALL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 310 N Washington • Marshall, TX 75670
903.702.7777
marshalltexas.net
Mineola
CITY OF MINEOLA, DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND TOURISM PO Box 179 • Mineola, TX 75773
903.569.6813
mineola.com
MOUNT PLEASANT/TITUS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1604 N Jefferson Avenue • Mount Pleasant, TX 75455
903.572.8567
mtpleasanttx.com
NACOGDOCHES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 200 E Main Street • Nacogdoches, TX 75961
936.564.7351
visitnacogdoches.org
EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT PO Box 1019 • New Caney, TX 77357
281.354.4419
emctx.com
PALESTINE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION • 825 W Spring Street • Palestine, TX 75801
903.723.3014
visitpalestine.com
SHENANDOAH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 19265 David Memorial Drive • Shenandoah, TX 77385
281.292.5953
visitshenandoahtx.com
VISIT TYLER 315 N. Broadway • Tyler, TX 75702
903.592.1661
tylertexas.com
THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. • The Woodlands, TX 77381
281.363.2447
visitthewoodlands.com
ADDISON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PO Box 9010 • Addison, TX 75001-9010
972.450.7076
addisontexas.net
ALLEN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 301 Century Parkway • Allen, TX 75013
214.509.4669
visitallentexas.com
Arlington
ARLINGTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1905 E Randol Mill Road • Arlington, TX 76011
800.433.5374
arlington.org
Balch Springs
CITY OF BALCH SPRINGS VISITORS CENTER 13503 Alexander Road • Balch Springs, TX 75181
972.286.4477
cityofbalchsprings.com
Bastrop
BASTROP COUNTY 211 Jackson Street • Bastrop, TX 78602
512.581.7100
explorebastropcounty.com
Bastrop
VISIT BASTROP PO Box 1200 • Bastrop, TX 78602
505.264.2078
visitbastrop.com
BRENHAM/WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CVB 314 S Austin Street • Brenham, TX 77833
979.836.3695
visitbrenhamtexas.com
CANTON VISITORS BUREAU 119 N Buffalo St • Canton, TX 75103
903.567.1849
visitcantontx.com
Cedar Hill
CITY OF CEDAR HILL TOURISM 285 Uptown Blvd., Building 100 • Cedar Hill, TX 75104
972.272.2902
visitcedarhilltx.com
Cleburne
CLEBURNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1511 W Henderson • Cleburne, TX 76033
817.645.2455
visitcleburne.com
CLIFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 115 N Avenue D • Clifton, TX 76634
254.675.3720
cliftontexas.org
EXPERIENCE BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION 614 Holleman Drive E • College Station, TX 77840
979.260.9898
experiencebcs.com
Columbus
COLUMBUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU 425 Spring Street, Ste. 100 • Columbus, TX 78934
979.732.8385
columbustexas.org
Comanche
COMANCHE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 65 • Comanche, TX 78934
325.356.3233
comanchetxchamber.org
Cuero
CUERO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AGRICULTURE & VISITORS BUREAU 210 E Main Street, Ste. A • Cuero, TX 77954
361.275.2112
cuero.org
Dallas
VISIT DALLAS 325 N Saint Paul Street • Dallas, TX 75201
214.571.1000
visitdallas.com
Denton
DENTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 414 Parkway • Denton, TX 76201
940.382.7895
discoverdenton.com
DeSoto
DESOTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO Box 1209 • DeSoto, TX 75123
972.224.3565
desotochamber.org
CITY OF DUNCANVILLE - DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • 203 E Wheatland Road • Duncanville, TX 75116
972.780.5074
duncanville.com
ENNIS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1237 • Ennis, TX 75120
972.878.4748
visitennis.org
FARMERS BRANCH TOURISM DEPARTMENT 13000 William Dodson Pkwy • Farmers Branch, TX 75234
972.247.3131
discoverfarmersbranch.com
Cleveland
Hemphill
Longview Lufkin
Mount Pleasant Nacogdoches New Caney Palestine Shenandoah Tyler The Woodlands
PR AIRIES AND L AKES Addison Allen
Brenham Canton
Clifton College Station
Duncanville Ennis Farmers Branch
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TEXA S CVB DI RE CT ORY Fort Worth
VISIT FORT WORTH • 111 W 4th Street, Ste. 200 • Fort Worth, TX 76102
800.433.5747
fortworth.com
VISIT FRISCO • 6801 Gaylord Parkway • Frisco, TX 75034
972.292.5250
visitfrisco.com
Gainesville
GAINESVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO Box 518 • Gainesville, TX 76241
940.665.2831
gainesvillecofc.com
Gatesville
GATESVILLE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 110 N 8th Street • Gatesville, TX 76528
254.499.0102
ci.gatesville.tx.us
Garland
GARLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 211 N Fifth Street • Garland, TX 75040
972.205.2749
visitgarlandtx.com
Giddings
GIDDINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 183 E Hempstead • Giddings, TX 78942
979.542.3455
giddingstx.com
Glen Rose
GLEN ROSE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1949 • Glen Rose, TX 76043
254.897.3081
glenrosetexas.net
Gonzales
GONZALES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 820 St. Joseph Street • Gonzales, TX 78629
830.672.2815
gonzalestexas.com
Granbury
VISIT GRANBURY • 201 E Pearl Street • Granbury, TX 76048
817.573.5548
visitgranbury.com
CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE 2170 N Belt Line Rd • Grand Prairie, TX 75050
972.595.5400
visitgrandprairietx.com
GRAPEVINE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 636 S Main Street • Grapevine, TX 76051
817.410.3185
grapevinetexasusa.com
Hico
BILLY THE KID MUSEUM & VISITORS CENTER PO Box 232 • Hico, TX 76457
254.796.2523
billythekidmuseum.com
Irving
IRVING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 500 W Las Colinas Blvd. • Irving, TX 75039
972.252.7476
irvingtexas.com
Killeen
KILLEEN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 3601 S W S Young Drive • Killeen, TX 76542
254.501.3888
visitkilleen.com
CITY OF LA GRANGE • 151 E Colorado Street • La Grange, TX 78945
979.968.3017
visitlagrangetx.com
Lancaster
CITY OF LANCASTER • 211 S Henry Street • Lancaster, TX 75146
972.218.1310
lancaster-tx.com
Lewisville
LEWISVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 299002 • Lewisville, TX 75029
972.219.3726
visitlewisville.com
Frisco
Grand Prairie Grapevine
La Grange
Madisonville
CITY OF MADISONVILLE • 113 W Trinity • Madisonville, TX 77864
936.348.9333
madisonvilletexas.us
Mansfield
MANSFIELD CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 210 Smith Street • Mansfield, TX 76063
817.804.5785
visitmansfieldtexas.com
McKinney
MCKINNEY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 200 W Virginia • McKinney, TX 75069
214.544.1407
visitmckinney.com
Mesquite
MESQUITE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 850137 • Mesquite, TX 75185
972.204.4928
realtexasflavor.com
Paris
LAMAR COUNTY/PARIS VISITOR AND CONVENTION COUNCIL 8 W Plaza • Paris, TX 75460
903.784.2501
paristexas.com
Plano
VISIT PLANO • 7600 Widrose Ave. • Plano, TX 75074
972.941.5843
planocvb.com
RICHARDSON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 830309 • Richardson, TX 75083
972.744.4036
richardsontexas.org
ROCKWALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 697 E Interstate 30 • Rockwall, TX 75087
972.771.5733
rockwallchamber.org
Sealy
SEALY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 586 • Sealy, TX 77474
979.885.3222
visitsealy.com
Seguin
SEGUIN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 116 N Camp Street • Seguin, TX 78155
830.401.0810
visitseguin.com
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE • 1400 Main Street • Southlake, TX 76092
817.748.8039
visitsouthlaketexas.com
STEPHENVILLE TOURISM AND VISITORS BUREAU 298 W Washington • Stephenville, TX 76401
254.918.1212
stephenvilletx.gov
HOPKINS COUNTY/SULPHUR SPRINGS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1200 Houston Street • Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903.885.8071
hopkinscountyciviccenter.info
Temple
TEMPLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 101 N Main Street • Temple, TX 76501
254.298.5379
discovertemple.com
Terrell
TERRELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • P.O. Box 97 • Terrell, TX 75160
972.563.5703
terrelltexas.com
THE COLONY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 6900 Main Street • The Colony, TX 75056
877.264.4386
visitthecolonytx.com
WACO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 2570 • Waco, TX 76702
254.750.5810
wacoheartoftexas.com
Waxahachie
WAXAHACHIE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2000 Civic Center Lane • Waxahachie, TX 75165
469.309.4040
waxahachiecvb.com
Weatherford
WEATHERFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER PO Box 310 • Weatherford, TX 76086
817.596.3801
weatherford-chamber.com
ALICE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 612 E Main Street • Alice, TX 78332
361.664.3454
alicetxchamber.org
BEE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1705 N St. Mary’s Street • Beeville, TX 77701
409.880.3749
experiencebeecounty.org
EAGLE PASS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO Box 1188 • Eagle Pass, TX 78853
830.773.3224
eaglepasstexas.com
EDINBURG CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 85 • Edinburg, TX 78540
956.383.4974
edinburg.com
LAREDO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 501 San Agustin Avenue • Laredo, TX 78040
956.795.2200
visitlaredo.com
MCALLEN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 790 • McAllen, TX 78505
956.682.2871
mcallencvb.com
VISIT SAN ANTONIO 203 S Saint Marys Street, Suite 200 • San Antonio, TX 78205
210.207.6700
visitsanantonio.com
WESLACO AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 275 S Kansas • Weslaco, TX 78596
956.968.2102
weslaco.com
Richardson Rockwall
Southlake Stephenville Sulphur Springs
The Colony Waco
SOUTH TEX AS PL AINS Alice Beeville Eagle Pass Edinburg Laredo McAllen San Antonio Weslaco
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G U L F COA S T
LAY OF THE LAND Not quite sure where El Paso is in relation to Dallas? Wondering what your guests can do post-meeting or event? Although the best way to experience Texas, is to, well, experience Texas, we can help you get your bearings. By Teresa Kenney
DID YOU KNOW THAT Texas has the largest columnfree exhibit hall in the world at 1 million square feet (you can find it at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas)? The state also has 17-plus million (that’s six zeroes) square feet of meeting space statewide and more than 330,000 hotel rooms. Not to mention its 267,000 square miles of wide-open spaces for team-building and outdoor group activities, 800 golf courses, and an abundance of natural—and more than a few quirky manmade—wonders.
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Deciding to meet in Texas is the first step in organizing a memorable event. Deciding where to meet in Texas is the second. Here’s a handy guide to help you get the lay of the land.
BIG BEND Location: West Texas, cities include El Paso, Midland, Odessa, Marfa Meeting or Event Backdrop: Rio Grande River, Chisos Mountains, Chihuahuan Desert May We Suggest One Stop: Big Bend National Park is home to immense
canyons, the Chisos Mountain range, 1,100 square miles of the Chihuahan Desert and more species of birds, plants, cactus, butterflies, bats and reptiles than any other national park in the U.S. It’s the perfect destination for a group hike, horseback ride, rafting trip or photo safari. A number of outfitters in the area can provide guides for groups, along with meals and equipment. Visit nps.gov/bibe/ planyourvisit/outfitters.htm.
GULF COAST Location: Along the Gulf of Mexico, cities include Galveston, Corpus Christi, Houston,
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AUS T I N
T H E R AW L S G O L F, L U B B O C K
Beaumont, South Padre Island Meeting or Event Backdrop: The Gulf of Mexico, city skylines, Neches River May We Suggest One Stop: Fifty-plus years ago, those famous words were transmitted from the surface of the moon to televisions across the U.S.: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” See where it all happened by taking a group tour of Space Center Houston, where you view the mission control room, which served as communications central between the astronauts in space and their crew on the ground.
HILL COUNTRY Location: Central Texas, cities include Austin, San Marcos, Fredericksburg, Round Rock
BIG BEND
and seasonal tours, including “Women in Texas History,” “Heroes of the Texas Revolution,” and “Rest in Peace: Texas Capitol Halloween.” After touring the building, take some time to explore the monuments and immaculately landscaped grounds surrounding it.
PINEY WOODS
Meeting or Event Backdrop: Rolling hills, city skylines, State Capitol, Lake Travis
Location: East Texas, cities include Conroe, Huntsville, The Woodlands, Nacogdoches
May We Suggest One Stop: If you’re meeting in our state capital, Austin, be sure to take a tour of our Capitol Building. The gorgeous ornate structure is a National Historic Landmark and was designed in Italian renaissance revival style and modeled after the U.S. Capitol. Group tours are available, as are specialty
Meeting or Event Backdrop: Towering pines, sparkling lakes, Sabine River, Big Thicket wetlands May We Suggest One Stop: Take a scenic tour aboard the vintage, 19thcentury train of the Texas State Railroad. Your
four-hour, 25-mile trip will take you through dense forests, past rolling hills and by meandering rivers. Established in 1881, the railroad was built by inmates of the nearby Rusk Penitentiary and used to transport goods and passengers. In 1976, it opened as a tourist line. Private parties are available as well. Visit texasstaterailroad.net.
PANHANDLE PLAINS Location: Northernmost area of Texas, cities include Lubbock, Abilene, Amarillo Meeting or Event Backdrop: Flat and grassy land, deeply carved canyons such as Palo Duro Canyon, Colorado and Brazos rivers May We Suggest One Stop: Located off of Route 66 west of Amarillo,
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F O R T WO R T H S TO C K YA R DS
C A D I L L AC R A N C H
Meeting or Event Backdrop: City skylines, sparkling lakes, dinosaur tracks, Brazos River, rolling prairies
you’ll find Cadillac Ranch. This unique roadside attraction features an empty field with 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs standing upright in a row, buried nose-first in the ground. If you bring spray paint, make sure to document your work with photos because odds are, whatever you create will only last a few hours before the next visitor creates over it.
PRAIRIES AND LAKES Location: North and north central Texas, cities include Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Frisco
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May We Suggest One Stop: Step into the Old West at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Featuring the world’s only twicea-day cattle drive, the National Historic District destination is also home to one-ofa-kind shops and restaurants, the Military Museum of Fort Worth and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. And if you want to intermingle a little work with your fun, there are a number of event venues located in the district, too. Visit fortworthstockyards.org.
SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS Location: Borders Hill Country to the north, Mexico to the south and west, cities
include San Antonio, Laredo, McAllen Meeting or Event Backdrop: San Antonio River, Rio Grande Valley, subtropical woodlands May We Suggest One Stop: Don’t forget the Alamo! In 1836, 189 defenders of Texas independence held The Alamo against some 4,000 Mexican troops for 13 days. The Alamo and four Spanish colonial missions that were founded in the early 1700s make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. These five destinations were designated a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 2015. Guided tours are available, and you can even hold a special event on the Alamo grounds. Indoor and outdoor spaces are available. Visit thealamo.org.
P H O T O : T R AV E L T E X A S
THE ALAMO
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M A R K E T S Q UA R E DA N C E RS
LOCAL FLAVOR Crossroads of Culture Create Memorable Meetings. By Dave Krupinksi, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO, VISIT SAN ANTONIO
THE SAYING “EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS!” is especially true when it comes to ways for planners to tailor Lone Star meetings that are as unique and memorable as they are productive. In Texas, you should expect everything from world-class venues and cuisine to down-home barbecues and neighborly hospitality. Texas meetings are ideal to brand using local flavors and culture. Working with destination management organizations and convention and visitor bureaus is always the best place to start, as on-the-ground partners are experts on the local scene and can tap into resources creating a turnkey experience. At Visit San Antonio, for example, unique and authentic experiences are a specialty, and we pride ourselves in helping groups create truly unique and authentic meetings that attendees will not soon forget.
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But all over Texas there are so many ways to integrate Texas culture and authenticity into a meeting. Culinary, entertainment, tours and event venues are just a few tools. The culinary experience in Texas can span from award-winning barbecue and authentic Tex-Mex, to freshly caught Gulf Coast seafood and the latest chef-driven, contemporary cuisine. Texas continues to gain national attention with its cutting-edge culinary scene. Local chefs are often inspired by local ingredients, as well as the rich and diverse cultures prevalent in the state. Another way to bring events alive is with entertainment, and there is no limit of options in Texas. The diversity in San Antonio offers strains of Tejano or Conjunto music, traditional mariachis, a country western band, swirling Ballet Folklorico dancers, modern rock/blues/ indie, German polka and more, all of which can make events fun and memorable. Just north of San Antonio is Austin, where the official motto is the “Live Music Capital of the World” and entertainment options are limitless. Houston and Dallas/Ft. Worth also have excellent choices from
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Dave Krupinksi is chief operating officer and interim president & CEO of Visit San Antonio. For more information on meeting in San Antonio, visit visitsanantonio.com, email vsaconv@visitsanantonio.com or phone (210) 244-2000.
M C N AY A R T M US E U M
THE SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART
great blues or jazz bands to Texas Western swing bands, along with many other genres. Tours and excursions are also great ways to incorporate local culture into your meeting. Whether experiencing a city’s rich history, taking a tour through the arts district, or exploring eclectic neighborhoods, tours and excursions are excellent tools to create a truly experiential event. In addition, Texas’s burgeoning wine industry creates many opportunities for tasting, day trips, and special events. Venues are key as well. Going for the more traditional Texas theme, options include those that take visitors back to the Old West, with ranch-like off-site venues—think open spits and fire-grilled goodness—to rodeos and even honky-tonks. Natural, outdoorsy backdrops abound: from the Piney Woods of East Texas, the sands of Texas beaches, the splendor of West Texas and Big Bend area, the wonder of places like Palo Duro Canyon in the Panhandle, parasailing off the coast and more. The rolling topography of the Texas Hill Country is tranquil and pristine. As Texas has always been a blend of cultures, there are opportunities for events like “NIOSA” (Night in Old San Antonio) where attendees can enjoy German, Spanish, Mexican, and traditional favorites tapping into some of the many cultures that settled Texas. Urban-chic is also an option. You will find world-class performing arts venues, cosmopolitan hubs and beautiful museums that are the perfect places for group events reaching for that over-the-top “wow” appeal. No matter where you meet in Texas, melding local culture into your meeting brings authenticity, color, texture, depth and ensures lasting memories for attendees.
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WHAT’S NEW The past year’s challenges didn’t slow Texans down. The Lone Star state welcomed a number of new venues—many of which opened up while everything else was shutting down. By Teresa Kenney
OPENED 2020 Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston opened in June 2020 on the shores of Lake Conroe. Set on 186 waterfront acres, the 20-story resort features 303 luxury suites, as well as 32 lakefront cottages with boat slips available. Amenities include five signature Margaritaville-inspired restaurants and bars anchored by LandShark Bar & Grill. The threeacre Jolly Mon Water Park features a lazy river,
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pools for all ages, waterslides, a splash zone, and a year-round heated pool. Additional recreational activities include an 18-hole golf course, miniature golf course, pickleball and tennis courts, and a 10,000-squarefoot Fins Up Fitness Center. Boating, fishing, and waterskiing rentals are available, and the resort’s 18,000-square-foot St. Somewhere Spa provides a relaxing oasis for landlubbers.The resort also offers 72,000-square-feet of indooroutdoor meeting space.
In November 2020, Thompson Dallas opened. Featuring 219 rooms, including 52 suites, two penthouse suites, and two culinary destinations, the hotel is located in the historic George Dahl-designed building, The National. The fourth floor National Ballroom has 14,000 square feet of uninterrupted space, three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, 20-foot ceilings, private suites that overlook the space, as well as the ability to load-in directly to the ballroom. Two acres of indooroutdoor space on the ninth floor are home to a full-service spa, fitness and wellness center, and a resort-style pool, as well as Nine at The National, a casual daily dining venue that serves breakfast and lunch. The 10th floor features Catbird, a restaurant, lounge, and rooftop bar. Grapevine’s Hotel Vin opened in September 2020. The property has more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including the Bordeaux ballroom, and an additional 38,000 square feet at its outdoor plaza. Hotel Vin features 120 guest rooms, including six suites and one presidential suite,
P H O T O S : M A R G A R I TAV I L L E ; H O T E L V I N ; J U L I E S O E F E R ; D E L TA H O T E L S B Y M A R R I O T T D A L L A S S O U T H L A K E
M A RGA R I TAV I L L E L A K E R E S O R T
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as well as Bacchus Kitchen + Bar, an all-day dining venue and full-service bar. Additional amenities include the Rioja Rooftop Terrace and the on-site wine tasting room, Riedel Room. Hotel Vin is connected to Harvest Hall, an expansive European-style food hall and entertainment destination. It is also located in front of the new TEXRail line, which connects DFW International Airport to downtown Fort Worth.
P H O T O S : M A R G A R I TAV I L L E ; H O T E L V I N ; J U L I E S O E F E R ; D E L TA H O T E L S B Y M A R R I O T T D A L L A S S O U T H L A K E
H OT E L V I N
Delta Hotels by Marriott™ Dallas Southlake opened in November 2020. The six-story, 240-room hotel includes 10,000 square feet of meeting and conference space consisting of eight meeting rooms, including the Chisholm Trail Ballroom. Additional amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, a grab-and-go food market, fullservice fitness center, outdoor pool and the hotel’s signature Sky Creek Kitchen + Bar. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Southlake will anchor a 16-acre mixed-use development that also features office and retail space. The hotel is 15 minutes to DFW International Airport. The Dodge Jones Youth Sports Center opened in February 2020. The center features four regulation basketball courts, four youth basketball courts, eight regulation volleyball courts, meeting rooms and conference space. The venue offers state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
T H O M P S O N DA L L A S
D E LTA H OT E L S BY M A R R I OT T ™ DA L L A S S O U T H L A K E
The Kimpton Pittman Hotel opened in Dallas’ storied Deep Ellum neighborhood in August 2020. Making its home in the historic Knights of Pythias Temple, the 165-room hotel was designed in 1916 by prominent African American architect and son-in-law of Booker T. Washington, William S. Pittman. In keeping with the musical spirit of the neighborhood, the property has partnered with record shop Good Records to curate the “Kimpton Pittman Collection” vinyl set which, upon request, guests can enjoy from the comfort of their rooms or purchase to take home as a memento of their stay. Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness
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center, complimentary PUBLIC bicycle rentals, a ground-level outdoor pool, the modern American tavern, Elm & Good, and more than 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
OPENED EARLY 2021 Hotel Drover, a 200-room Autograph Collection boutique hotel and rustic resort in the Fort Worth Stockyards opened in the spring of 2021. Named for the legendary drovers who roamed the Texas plains for decades,
moving livestock over long distances, Hotel Drover is a celebration of the stockyards’ Western legacy. The property includes 12,000 square feet of indoor “rustic luxe” meeting and event space and 40,000 square feet of outdoor event space. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, pool, the world’s first-ever Lucchese Collection Store and the upscale all-day dining concept, 97 West Kitchen & Bar. The 14-story, 255-guestroom Marriott Dallas Uptown opened in early 2021. It features
13,000 square feet of meeting space, as well as a full-service ground-floor restaurant, a casual all-day café plus lobby lounge, a fitness center, and a pool deck with panoramic views. The interior design concept reflects Dallas’s Uptown community: An art installation behind the reception desk features reclaimed wood as a backdrop to scenes of local landscapes, terrain, outdoor activities and neighborhoods. The hotel is within walking distance of shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities.
PHOTO: LAURE JOLIET
K I M P TO N P I T TM A N H OT E L
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s g n i t e Me
IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
W A C O
C O N V E N T I O N
C E N T E R
PHOTO: LAURE JOLIET
OPEN FOR BUSINESS WITH SAFETY IN MIND
Carla Pendergraft, Director of Marketing 100 Washington Avenue | Waco, TX 76701 254.750.5806 | carlap@wacotx.gov wacocc.com
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A TEXAN AGENDA In 2020, MPI held its 2020 World Education Congress in Grapevine at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Under the theme “Reunite for Recovery,” the event set the bar for future, hybrid large-scale international events. M E E T I N G P RO FE S S I O N A L S I N T E R N AT I O N A L’S WO R L D E D U C AT I O N CO N G R E S S ( W E C) I N G R A P E V I N E
LET US LEND A HAND The dynamic Texas meetings and events industry is ready to help.
National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) NACE ALAMO (SAN ANTONIO) sanantonionace.com NACE AUSTIN naceaustin.com NACE DALLAS/FORT WORTH dfwnace.com NACE HOUSTON nacehouston.net
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) GULF STATES CHAPTER gulfstates.pcma.org
International Live Events Association (ILEA)
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
ILEA AUSTIN Ileaaustin.com | info@ileaaustin.com 800.688.4737 | 312.321.6853
DALLAS/FORT WORTH CHAPTER mpiweb.org/chapters/dallas-fort-worth chapadmin@mpidfw.org | 972.233.9107
ILEA DALLAS Ileadallas.com | info@ileadallas.com
HOUSTON CHAPTER mpiweb.org/chapters/houston-area mpihac@comcast.net
ILEA HOUSTON Ileahouston.com | ileahoustonchapter@gmail.com ILEA SAN ANTONIO ileasantantonio.com communications@ileasanantonio.com
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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CHAPTER mpiweb.org/chapters/texas-hill-country admin@mpithcc.org | 512.847.2227
American Planning Association (APA) TEXAS CHAPTER txplanning.org
Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) AUSTIN CHAPTER gbta-austinbta.org | info@gbta-austinbta.org TEXAS (HOUSTON) CHAPTER texasbta.org | info@texasbta.org DALLAS/FT. WORTH CHAPTER Dfw-bta.org SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER Santantoniobta.org
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) CENTRAL TEXAS CHAPTER iaeectc.com jyhughes@gvtc.com | 830.935.2694 DALLAS FORT WORTH CHAPTER iaeedfw.com
PHOTO: D JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
WHEN PLANNING A DESTINATION MEETING OR EVENT, it’s always nice to work with a friendly face. Lucky for you, here in Texas, we are bursting at the seams with those—particularly in the meetings and events industry. In fact, the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide—Meeting Professionals International (MPI)—is headquartered in Dallas. Looking for a hand? Need some on-the-ground assistance? Wonder who is the best vendor to turn to for lighting, catering or floral displays? Well, look no further than your colleagues in meetings and events associations.
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Midland Fuels MeEtings VisitMidland works with meeting and event planners to ensure a successful event through every step of selection, planning, and execution. With over 200,000 square feet of meeting space, 5,721 hotel rooms, and 26 daily flights services by the Midland International Air and Space Port, Midland, Texas is the perfect destination for your next meeting or convention. November 2019, the brand new Bush Convention Center opened its doors. The state-of-the-art 75,000 square foot facility includes 20,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, 3,000 square feet of meeting space, 6,000 square feet of ballroom/meeting rooms, pre-function space, audio/visual and technology capabilities, a green room, outdoor plaza, and much more. The Midland County Horseshoe is a versatile 100-acre complex with over 59,000 square feet of meeting space, 17,000 square feet of open air terrace space, and additional dirt floor arena space. In 2016, the Horseshoe added an outdoor amphitheater that can accommodate up to 4,500 patrons, along with a brand new indoor VIP lounge.
PHOTO: D JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
VisitMidland happily provides a number of complimentary services, including securing group rates at Midland hotels, preparing and sending press releases, ordering incentive materials such as customized maps, name badges, welcome badges, specialty items, arranging tours, and crafting itineraries.
Contact us to see if your event qualifies for our free services. VisitMidland.com | (800) 624-6435 | 303 W. Wall Street, Suite 200, Midland, Texas 79701
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E.
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D.
F.
P H O T O S : E R I C O V E R T O N ; L O R I E L E I G H ; L A U R E N L O G A N P H O T O G R A P H Y; I S T O C K . C O M / MJO0O7; PIERCE INGRAM; WESTTEXASFISH
A.
B.
C.
G.
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DECISIONS, DECISIONS IT’S EASY TO UNDERSTAND why we Texans are so proud of our state. You can live in the Lone Star State your whole life and still never have time to discover all of its hidden gems and jaw-dropping vistas. Each national convention, regional conference, glittery gala, community festival and business retreat is a completely unique experience, and yet they are all elevated by one shared trait: Texas hospitality. Whether you choose to meet in one of our small towns or large urban centers, a historic hotel with an Old West feel or a state-of-the-art convention center with forward-thinking technology, your event will have a distinctly Texan flavor that your attendees will savor for years to come. Still can’t decide where you want to meet in Texas? Maybe the questions below can help you narrow down a spot:
MY GROUP NEEDS TO BE NEAR:
WHEN I THINK OF TEXAS, I THINK OF:
A. Feel the sand between their toes and work on our tans.
POST-MEETINGS, MY GROUP WANTS TO:
A. The hottest foodie trends. This group loves to eat.
A. Outer Space.
B. Explore the Mission Trail. We love history.
B. The mountains. No wait! The desert. Oh, I can’t decide.
C. Listen to new and emerging bands.
C. Government offices. We’ve got work to do.
D. Walk among real dinosaur footprints. E. Explore the forest by train. F. Take a walk along the river. G. Go stargazing.
D. The arts—they inspire us! E. Gardens. They help us unwind and recharge.
B. Land, lots of land and the starry skies above. C. President Lyndon Johnson’s swagger. D. JR Ewing and family. E. The Yellow Rose of Texas. F. The Alamo. G. The Texas heartland.
F. The streets of Laredo. G. Route 66.
KEY | IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY: A’s: Check out the communities of the Gulf Coast Region.
B’s: Explore the Big Bend Region.
C’s: Head to Hill Country.
D’s: Prairies and Lakes will suit you just fine.
E’s: Piney Woods is a smart choice.
F’s: Don’t miss the cities and towns of South Texas Plains.
G’s: Panhandle Plains is your top choice.
If you’ve checked off a mix of them all, we understand. It’s hard for us to choose a favorite Texas region, too.
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BIG BEND COUNTRY MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS, FORESTS AND PLAINS—Texas’s Big Bend Country is a beautifully orchestrated mix of extremes. Named for the bend the Rio Grande River makes as it curves along the border of Texas and Mexico, Big Bend is home to Big Bend National Park, an 880,000-acre wilderness playground with stunning geography, jaw-
P H O T O : T R AV E L T E X A S
dropping vistas and endless opportunities for group adventures.
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BIG BEND COUNTRY
DISCOVER MORE
ABOUT YOUR MEETING SPACE!
HOW DISCOVER ODESSA CAN HELP PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING! • • • • • • •
P H O T O : T R AV E L T E X A S
• • •
Assistance with hotel accommodations and venue spacing Financial Assistance available for qualifying events Volunteer and assist with registration Assistance with transportation We will travel to present our proposal to your board or committee Schedule a hotel stay for a site visit of venue possibilities Promote your event through our social media, website, and coordinate with local news Provide welcome bags for all attendees Provide speaker/VIP gifts Provide Name badges for all attendees and guests
• Only 10 miles from the Midland International Air & Space Port (serviced by American, Southwest & United Airlines) • Highway transportation on Interstate 20, U.S. 385, and Texas Highway 191
More than 300,000 square feet of meeting space with all the amenities.
Fifty Hotel properties name brands including Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham & IHG properties with low weekend rates
Amanda Johnson • 432-333-7872 • DiscoverOdessa.org
2021-2022
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E L PA S O
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BIG BEND COUNTRY
The City of Del Rio Civic Center offers spacious facilities for conventions, stage shows, trade exhibits, and social events. The complex consists of two large ballrooms, a 2,000 square foot banquet and exhibit hall, and two 1,000 square foot meeting rooms. It is centrally located, accessible by Hwy-90, and minutes from historic downtown Del Rio, the International Bridge, Lake Amistad, Laughlin A.F.B. and the Del Rio International Airport.
DEL RIO CIVIC CENTER 1915 Veterans Blvd. Del Rio, Texas 78840 830-774-8641 lhernandez@cityofdelrio.com
Start HERE. CONNECT to the WORLD
P H O T O S : T R AV E L T E X A S
aa.com @flydrt
830-775-3551 drchamber.com debbie@drchamber.com
2021-2022
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S O U T H PA D R E I S L A N D
GULF COAST REGION MORE THAN 624 MILES of coastline skirts the Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to the Mexican border. In Texas’s Gulf Coast region, you can feel the warm saltwater spray in Galveston, taste the flavors of Houston’s famous restaurant scene or be inspired by a flock of whooping cranes at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This is where the unimaginable was made possible when mission control placed man on the moon.
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Just imagine what your group could achieve meeting here!
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SUGAR LAND CONVENTION & VISITORS SERVICES
Just 20 minutes southwest of downtown Houston, Sugar Land serves up big city amenities with small town hospitality. Sugar Land’s top-ranked hotels, premiere attractions, and walkability at Town Square offers a variety of venues that will have you thinking of your meeting in a whole new way. Sugar Land offers more than 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and 1,400 guest rooms. From corporate outings and tradeshows to social events and team-buildings, you are sure to find your perfect fit. Visit Sugar Land Convention & Visitor Services strives to make your meetings sweeter so give us a call today! VisitSugarLandTX.com 198 Kempner St. Bldg. B • Sugar Land, TX 77498 281.275.2045 • tourism@sugarlandtx.gov
Looking for a new destination to host your next small meeting, event or board retreat? Prepare to love Pearland – located in the Gulf Coast region of Texas within 10 miles from Hobby airport and downtown Houston. You’ll find over 80,000 sq. ft. of venue space city wide, including 12 name-brand hotels in Pearland. Host a teambuilding activity at a craft brewery, play disc-golf in a park, have fun axe throwing, or golf at one of three championship courses. Pearland pairs personalized service and exceptional planning support for your next off-site meeting, prepare to love it.
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VisitPearland.com/planyourevent 11200 Broadway Street, Suite 1390 Pearland, TX 77584 281.997.5970
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GULF COAST REGION
SOUTH PADRE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
Meetings are better with a view, and on South Padre Island, it’s nothing but views! Take your event to the next level and go tropical. With 34 miles of beautiful white sand and clear emerald water, South Padre Island is one of the world’s most exquisite barrier islands – and the only tropical Island in Texas. While travelers flock here for the sun, sand, and sea, South Padre Island also offers all the essentials for planning an event that will inform, inspire and improve your organization’s sense of camaraderie, both in and out of the boardroom. Meeting planners love South Padre Island’s innovative venues and excellent hotel options, making our island the perfect balance between work and play. As “Texas’ Best Beach,” and with more than 5,000 guest rooms, attendees can choose from a wide selection of beach and bayside hotels and vacation rentals, all perfectly situated to help you explore South Padre Island. The South Padre Island Convention Centre was designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, to impress attendees while serving the needs of the event planner. The Centre’s 45,000 total square feet of versatile convention and exhibit space ensures great flexibility for you and your attendees. sopadre.com 7355 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, TX 78597 956.761.3000
Sweeten up your meeting in SUGAR LAND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN DIVERSITY
Just 20 minutes southwest of downtown Houston, you’ll find the top-rated Houston Marriott Sugar Land that sits in the heart of the city, offering 300 guests rooms and more than 26,500 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, all within walking distance of more than 30 unique restaurants and retailers, free parking, accessibility to interstate highways, and adjacent to fortune 500 companies.
EXPERIENCE ONE-OF-A-KIND VENUES
VisitSugarLandTX.com/meetings tourism@sugarlandtx.gov | (281)275-2045
2021-2022
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HILL COUNTRY NAMED FOR ITS ROLLING LANDSCAPE, Hill Country dramatically comes alive with color each spring when bluebonnets (Texas’s state flower) and other wild flowers bloom. The region is home to our state capital, Austin, with all its offbeat charm. You’ll also discover welcoming small towns, like Bandera (the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World”) and the German-centric Fredericksburg, along with natural attractions, such as Enchanted Rock. It’s a colorful backdrop for any
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gathering—business or otherwise.
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HILL COUNTRY G RU E N E
Retreat ... Relax in Kerrville
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The Capital of the Texas Hill Country!
Bring your next meeting to Kerrville, where the spring-fed Guadalupe River winds through historic downtown, creating a myriad of opportunities for team building. KerrvilleTexasCVB.com 800-221-7958 • One hour west of San Antonio on I-10 2021-2022
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Nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River is one of the Texas Hill Country’s best kept secrets. Rich in history and host to a diverse selection of things to see, do, taste and experience; Kerrville is a must-see. Only a 60-mile scenic drive west from San Antonio and home to a variety of event spaces to choose from in area, the sky is truly the limit on the type of meeting or entertainment possibilities one would have to choose from to plan or attend. The Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center and the Y.O. Ranch Hotel & Conference Center give you the luxury of booking not only your event space but allow you to accommodate your attendees overnight needs in one convenient location. Both properties provide ample in house amenities to not only keep your attendees entertained when not in sessions, but accompanying spouses and children as well. The Hill Country Youth Event Center provides a highly versatile multi-event space with a scenic Hill Country backdrop to make any affair memorable. With their ability to play host to an array of expo’s, showcases, and meetings; your event will sure to be a success among all of your attendees.No one understands the importance of your meeting’s success better than the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau! We pride ourselves in comprehending each group’s individual needs, and then tailoring our services to optimize everyone’s experience while visiting our beautiful city. Regardless of your events size or needs our sales staff is on standby to assist you in finding the right fit.
HILL COUNTRY
MEET IN KERRVILLE
KerrvilleTexasCVB.com 2108 Sidney Baker • Kerrville, Texas 78028 830.792.3535 • cvbsales@ktc.com
BOERNE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
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Conveniently located less than 30 minutes from downtown San Antonio, Boerne is the hub of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Boerne’s award-winning historic Hill Country Mile welcomes you to indulge in upscale dining, high-end boutique shopping, and sightseeing at a more relaxed pace. The newly opened, full service, Bevy Hotel and Conference Center boasts over 15,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space including an IACCcertified conference center, and 120 contemporary guest rooms and suites. Boerne is also home to another 8 quality limited service hotels totaling 435 comfortable rooms with a variety of meeting spaces and services. visitboerne.org 282 N. Main St • Boerne, TX 78006 830.249.7277 • info@visitboerne.org
BOERNE
As UNIQUE As Our Name
Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau
2021-2022
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PANHANDLE PLAINS LOCATED IN THE NORTHERNMOST REGION OF TEXAS, the Panhandle Plains boast rolling plains, flat plateaus, deep canyons and night skies filled with glittering stars as far as you can see. Here you’ll find everything from the kitschy, such as Cadillac Ranch—an outdoor sculpture of half-buried
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Cadillacs—and the nostalgic, such as the famous Route 66. Your guests will have stars in their eyes.
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When planning your upcoming meeting, rest assured that the Visit Lubbock team is dedicated to ensuring an unmatched and unforgettable gathering. It’s our team’s attention to detail and steadfast dedication to the visiting groups that keep meeting planners coming back. We offer a variety of complimentary services including hands-on planning for both meeting sessions as well as excursions, to guarantee each group – big or small – experiences true West Texas hospitality. If travelling by car or plane, making your way to the “Hub City” is easier than it may seem. There are five major highways that make traveling by car easy but depending on where you’re traveling from, flying may be the best, most cost-efficient option. The Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is five minutes from downtown and services major airlines like American, United and Southwest. These airlines offer non-stop flights from areas like Dallas or Houston. Once here, getting around is convenient with multiple taxi, share ride and limo services. Whether you’re hosting an intimate meeting or a large convention, Lubbock has the right accommodations to meet your needs. Browse through space options with complete information on capacity and site amenities. For the “wow” factor, consider hosting your meeting in a winery, such as McPherson Cellars located downtown, a museum rich in history like the American Windmill Museum, or at the new DoubleTree by Hilton. When the time is right, we are here to serve you! For more information on scheduling your next event, contact a member of the Visit Lubbock sales team. #LiveLoveLubbock
PANHANDLE PLAINS
VISIT LUBBOCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
Visitlubbock.org 1500 Broadway , Suite 600 Lubbock, TX 79401 806.747.5232 • amy@visitlubbock.org
ABILENE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
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Located just two hours west of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area under the wide West Texas sky, Abilene is a spectacular destination for conferences, meetings, and sports tournaments. Planners can choose from banquet spaces in historic homes to spacious auditoriums with the latest AV equipment. The Abilene Convention Center is a great choice for conferences and meetings due to its more than 2,000-capacity auditorium and exhibit hall, along with meeting rooms of varying sizes. Located in the heart of downtown, the convention center is surrounded by historic buildings with outdoor and indoor spaces and ballrooms ideal for after-hours gatherings, such as the SoDA District Courtyard. Located in a revitalized entertainment district, the courtyard features distinct spaces that, together, can accommodate up to 500 guests. Imbued with ample historic charm, these venues offer a breathtaking backdrop for weddings, receptions and exhibits. For equestrian competitions, parties, concerts or trade shows, book the Taylor County Expo Center. The sprawling complex offers classrooms to accommodate 500 people on up to a 7,500-seat coliseum. One of the most impressive equestrian centers in the Southwest, its $55 million expansion wraps up in 2021. The friendly Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau staff are happy to assist with discounted group rates at restaurants, lodging services, media and public relations, volunteer support and more. Submit a request for proposals and let’s get the ball rolling. Abilenevisitors.com 1101 North First Street • Abilene, Texas 79601 325-676-2556 • Kim@abilenevisitors.com
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PINEY WOODS JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE GOT TEXAS’S INCOMPARABLE natural beauty all figured out, our state goes and switches it up on you. In the Piney Woods region of East Texas, towering trees draped in moss sub for tumbling tumbleweeds and the roaring waves of the gulf make room for Piney Woods’s meandering rivers and sparkling fish-laden lakes (more than 30 of them at last count). While your group is here, you can visit one of the country’s largest rose gardens, take in a concert at one of the world’s top outdoor music venues, explore the scenery aboard a historic steam engine, or paddle your way through the maze of bayous, bald cypress trees and sloughs of Caddo Lake—one of the world’s natural treasures.
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MEET SAFELY IN THE WOODLANDS
W
elcome to a better meetings destination. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings that include sprawling golf courses and peaceful forests, a thriving arts and music scene, unique event venues and a vast variety of upscale shopping, dining and entertainment, meeting planners and attendees praise The Woodlands as a refreshing escape from big cities. With plenty of space to meet and spread out, The Woodlands is a safe choice for hosting meetings and events. Offering a wide variety of top-rated venues, many of which are new or newly renovated, The Woodlands boasts 14 distinct hotel properties, more than 2,200 guest rooms and 190,000 square feet of customizable meeting space, along with an expert sales team who can provide planning assistance, complimentary services, recommendations and options that can be tailored to suit your specific needs. Guests will be overwhelmed with possibility when it comes to leisure activities in The Woodlands, so pencil in some free-time on the schedule! Over 220 miles of
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hike and bike trails beckon to be traveled, swan boat and kayak rentals are available to explore by water, parks and venues offer live music and public art installations, and nationally recognized shopping and dining options are plentiful. Whether you’re planning a small business lunch or a multi-day conference, our team can help you make your event safe and memorable. We’re open and ready to meet whenever you are.
visitthewoodlands.com 2801 Technology Forest Blvd • The Woodlands, TX 77381 281.367.1151 • josie.lewis@visitthewoodlands.com
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new
Rosy spaces
same
Smiling faces For your next event
VisitTyler.com
VISIT TYLER TEXAS
Visit Tyler, Texas where you’ll have a bloomin’ good time! Tyler, known as the Rose Capital of America, is the perfect destination for your next meeting. Here you’ll find a bouquet of possibilities; from the world-famous Tyler Rose Garden, Azalea District, and area sporting lakes, to championship golf courses, unique shops, and a nationally famous zoo – Tyler offers a uniquely stress-free getaway your delegates will enjoy! Tyler offers 3,000+ hotel rooms, 1 full service hotel, 30 select service hotels with limited meeting space, 5 extended stay hotels, and a new meeting space coming soon!
visittyler.com 110 N College Ave. • Tyler, TX 75702 903.593.6905 • slee@tylertexas.com
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PINEY WOODS VisitMarshall
VisitMarshallTX
VISIT MARSHALL
Marshall is the ideal East Texas destination for small conferences, meetings, workshops, corporate retreats, family reunions and more. Located at the junction of HWY 59 and Interstate 20, just 2 hours East of Dallas and 45 minutes West of Shreveport, getting to Marshall is a breeze. The Marshall Convention Center offers 10,000 square feet of meeting space or meet outside the box at one of the intimate spaces in our Downtown, which boasts 12 eateries, specialty shops, boutiques, and the historically renovated Memorial City Hall Performance Center. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the close proximity to Caddo Lake featuring boating, camping, hiking & biking. Contact the Visit Marshall Staff to assist with your meeting today. visitmarshalltexas.com 211 N Washington Ave • Marshall, TX 75670 903.702.7777 • James.Mallori@marshalltexas.net
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PRAIRIES AND LAKES REGION LOCATED IN NORTH CENTRAL AND CENTRAL TEXAS, the Prairies and Lakes region is home to dinosaur footprints and historic stockyards, Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, Blue Bell Ice Cream and Billy Bob’s Texas—the largest honky tonk in the world. Woodlands are interspersed with prairie land, and vibrant urban centers are complemented by town squares that date back to the Wild West. Add to that a big
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dollop of Southern hospitality, and what more could your group ask for?
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AT T R I T I O N - F R E E
PRAIRIES AND LAKES REGION
Unrisky Business
Visit Irving has your safety and peace of mind as its number one priority. Accommodations, restaurants and entertainment venues have implemented social distancing and extensive safety protocols, so you can have peace-of-mind when you visit. Plus, VIP Safety Kits that include masks, hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes for attendees, and offers to planners such as waived attrition and cancellation fees* are available. Generous hotel concessions include rebates, food and beverage discounts, room upgrades, bonus in-room amenities and other complimentary services. P H O T O : T R AV E L T E X A S
*Offer good through June 2021 with the possibility of an extension.
IRVING ROCKS Flexibility and Safe Meetings
meetirvingtx.com • (972) 252 7476
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(800) 2 IRVING • #visitirving
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DA L L A S
As an industry built around handshaking and networking, the importance of in-person interaction is well-recognized and well-understood. Irving’s extensive safety protocols allow you the peace-of-mind to plan your next in-person event. Our industry partners are offering flexibility and favorable terms to mitigate financial risk. Generous hotel concessions include rebates, discounts, upgrades and amenities, double-brand points, A/V discounts and complimentary services. The convention center’s double-the-space program provides room for social distancing at no additional cost. And while any ballroom can be set for social distancing, the convention center’s unique design provides covered outdoor meeting spaces. Open-air venues abound in Irving – from patios, courtyards, even waterfront terraces to large event lawns and festival plazas. With a beautiful lake and Venetian-like waterways throughout the master-planned community of Las Colinas, Irving is charming, clean, and safe. The area’s Las Colinas Urban Center is home to a walkable entertainment district anchored by The Irving Convention Center, its Westin headquarter hotel and the Toyota Music Factory which features a thriving music and foodie scene, plus unique event venues, ranging from off-site meeting spaces to special event sites. When you choose Irving, you’ll find everything you expect a meeting destination to offer… an at-your-service attitude, first-tier accessibility, accommodations, and amenities. The dynamics just aren’t the same in a chat box. In Irving, we are optimistic about the recovery of our beloved industry and all set, masked and socially distanced to welcome you. www.irvingtexas.com 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. •Irving, TX 75039 (800) 2- IRVING • Lfojtasek@irvingtexas.com
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VISIT IRVING
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PRAIRIES AND LAKES REGION Photo by Angela Germany
P H O T O : T R AV E L T E X A S
WAXAHACHIE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
For more than 150 years, Waxahachie has been a destination for locals and visitors alike. Today, it’s still the go-to place with over 120 delicious restaurants throughout the city and numerous antique stores, boutiques and specialty shops in the Historic Downtown District. In addition to the wonderful shopping and dining, downtown Waxahachie is home the legendary Ellis County Courthouse, the most photographed courthouse in the state of Texas, plus historic museums, art galleries and easy access to the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail. Waxahachie also hosts exciting festivals and special events throughout the year like Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Gingerbread Trail Home Tour, Texas Country Reporter Festival, Bethlehem Revisited and many more. The Waxahachie Civic Center is a beautiful state-of-the-art, spacious facility that will knock your boots off and is well equipped to host a wide variety of events. Hosting hundreds of boardroom meetings, ballroom galas, weddings and corporate conventions each year, the Waxahachie Civic Center is ready to be the home of your next event. For your convenience, the Waxahachie CVB is located inside the Waxahachie Civic Center so you will experience down-home hospitality from two different departments all under one roof to ensure the success of your event. “The Waxahachie CVB staff can be handson to assist you with hotel rooms, convention services like registration and anything else that you might need in the city to make your event and attendees feel special,” said Laurie Mosley, Waxahachie CVB Director. Waxahachie is conveniently located only 30 minutes south of Dallas at the intersection of I-35E & Highway 287. Waxahachie – A Place in Your Heart, Texas. waxahachiecvb.com 2000 Civic Center Lane • Waxahachie, TX 75165 469-309-4040 2021-2022
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VISIT ADDISON
Located in the heart of the DFW Metroplex, Addison puts your meeting at the center of dining, upscale shopping, music, and more to help set your next meeting apart. An urban walkable oasis of only 4.4 square miles, Addison, Texas offers the energy, vibrancy, and perks of a big city, with over 180 diverse restaurants and 22 quality hotels with over 4,000 rooms to meet your needs. Home to over 200,000 square feet of meeting space Addison can accommodate almost any size event, and our unique venues make offsite meeting planning a breeze. Addison, at the Center of it All! VisitAddison.com 14681 Midway Rd. Suite 200, Addison, TX 75001 972.450.7079 • info@visitaddison.com
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PAC ETI N G S E M F O FE ET QUARE S M I LES 0 0 ,0 QUARE 200 S .4 4 N HI ALL WI T
PRAIRIES AND LAKES REGION
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waco convention & Visitors bureau Waco is the perfect location for convention groups from 30 to 1,000. Waco offers 4,000 hotel rooms currently, with 300+ blockable rooms close to the Waco Convention Center. The spacious 144,000 sq. ft. Waco Convention Center is perfect for convention groups, with a 33,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, signature ballroom with 14,000 sq. ft. featuring stunning views, and 14 breakout rooms. The Convention Center is a GBAC-STAR™ Accredited Facility for safety and adheres to best practices and social distancing mandates Restaurants, shopping, and the beautiful Brazos River are all within walking distance of your meetings. Your attendees will be able to park their cars and leave them for the duration of the meeting. The famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, is just a few blocks away from the Convention Center. Admission is free and includes access to Magnolia Market, a garden store, coffee shop, Silos Baking Co., wiffle ball and lawn games, food trucks, and plenty of photo ops. Other attractions include the Dr Pepper Museum, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Cameron Park Zoo, and more. Several tour companies offer tours of the area. On the Brazos River, boat tours are offered, along with paddleboarding and kayaking.
wacoheartoftexas.com 100 Washington Avenue | Waco, TX 76701 254.750.5806 | carlap@wacotx.gov 2021-2022
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VISIT BRENHAM
Brenham/Washington County is the perfect balance of small town charm and big conveniences. Halfway between Houston and Austin, the area is great for small meetings and board retreats. Eleven name-brand hotels plus top-notch bed and breakfast facilities offer lodging options for every budget. Brenham’s relaxed historic downtown welcomes visitors with a mix of quality shopping and dining selections. Nearby touring destinations include Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site; The Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton; Antique Rose Emporium and the original site of Baylor University in Independence; and quaint Chappell Hill. Visitbrenhamtexas.com 115 W Main Street • Brenham, Texas 77833 979-337-7565 hmertz@visitbrenhamtexas.com
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PRAIRIES AND LAKES REGION
VISIT BASTROP, DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION
Texas hospitality was truly born here. Meet in Bastrop and change your perspective. If you’re visiting for an event, whether a working conference, an outdoor wedding or a special group retreat – the relaxed atmosphere of Bastrop will help you and your guests get away. Attendees will be delighted by our small-town charm, front-porch access to the great outdoors and vibrant history and culture. Easy access to the airport and entertainment, an array of food options and a variety of accommodations, from cabins with rustic history to a luxury resorts, means every traveler can find something to love during meetings and events held in our neck of the woods. Hold an elegant gathering for 15 or 1,500 at the world-class Hyatt Regency Lost Pines with more than 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Make meetings easy with unique spaces at the 26,400 -square-foot Bastrop Convention Center in the heart of downtown Bastrop. This facility can accommodate up to 800 guests for a range of events from conventions, corporate meetings, weddings, concerts, banquets and more. For an experience you can only have in small-town Texas, book your event in the middle of our historic Main Street and create a storybook moment punctuated with stars. No matter the choice, you’ll get the Bastrop standard of genuine service, friendly faces and a unique story that’ll make the memories of your meeting and events here even richer.
info@visitbastrop.com 1408 B Chestnut St. • Bastrop, TX 78602 512.332.8990
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SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS THERE’S NOTHING “PLAIN” about the South Texas Plains region. It’s here where you’ll find the Alamo, Natural Bridge Caverns, historic Spanish missions, the World Birding Center and the famed King Ranch. The landscape varies from rugged brush to lush woodlands, and residents who call it home include Texas tortoises, Texas horned lizards and green jays (in fact, the lower Rio Grande Valley is the only place this colorful bird can be found in the U.S.). With all that to explore, picture the post-meeting possibilities!
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San Antonio is committed to safety. And inspiration. San Antonio is open for business and committed to your safety and your satisfaction. The San Antonio International Airport is leading the way in safety being the first airport in the world to deploy the Xenex LightStrike disinfectant robot. In addition, the Henry B. González Convention Center is the first in Texas to achieve GBAC Accreditation for achieving the industry’s highest standards for cleaning and disinfecting. San Antonio has always been one of the most attractive and appealing business destinations. Now it’s one of the safest. To learn more, go to meetings.visitsanantonio.com.
Meetings.visitsanantonio.com
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N AT U R A L B R I D G E C AV E R N S
MEET, LEARN AND PLAY IN SAN ANTONIO
meetings.visitsanantonio.com 317 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 210-244-2000 vsaconv@visitsanantonio.com
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Memorable meetings happen in memorable places. Like San Antonio. Centrally located and basking in year-round mild weather, this picturesque city blends rich history and contemporary amenities, as well as spacious venues and outdoor spaces for hosting safe and productive meetings and events. San Antonio truly inspires. Here, your team has all the resources to tap into new and inspired ways to avoid “business as usual.” The recently transformed 1.6 million square foot Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is the ultimate, state-of-the-art “think tank” where innovative ideas are born. It also happens to be the first in Texas to receive the Global BioRisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Accreditation. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center sits on the banks of the River Walk and within walking distance to hotels, restaurants, museums, attractions and large outdoor areas such as HemisFair (literally steps away from the Convention Center). When you meet in San Antonio, you’ll have an unforgettable experience that stretches beyond the conference room. As a top travel destination in Texas, San Antonio is a big draw for visitors thanks to its accessibility of location, downtown’s walkability, price and wide variety of options.
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With Over 43 Hotels For All Budgets 2 Full Service Hotels Embassy Suites 154 Sleeping Rooms 5,002 sq. ft. Meeting Space La Posada 208 Sleeping Rooms Over 13,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space Other Meeting Facilities Sames Auto Arena 27,000 sq. ft. Column-free Floor Texas A&M International University An array of meeting spaces from ballroom, auditorium and theater to breakout rooms all with state-of-the-art technology
| VisitLaredo.com
LAREDO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
Laredo is located deep in the heart of South Texas on MM1 of Interstate 35, just a few hours away from Austin and San Antonio, its location makes it an ideal drive-in meeting destination. Perfect for meetings during the day and entertainment at night, Laredo is the perfect destination for meetings and business travel, it offers over 40 lodging options that will leave you rested and ready for added adventure. “Unity. History. Cultura.” highlights the positively rich bi-cultural environment that can be experienced by all.” Make Laredo your next conference destination!
visitlaredo.com P H O T O : T R AV E L T E X A S
101 Salinas Ave. Laredo, TX 78040 956.795.2200
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ZERO ATTRITION THROUGH 2021
Imagine a world where “can’t” doesn’t exist. Imagine all you can do in Arlington, Texas. Located just 15 minutes from DFW airport, Arlington offers everything you need to make your next event memorable—from our diverse collection of flexible venues, to our growing hotel inventory, to a CVB team that excels at turning Arlington’s unique assets into experiences that make attendees say, “wow!” To instill even more confidence about booking with us, we have instituted a special No Attrition Through 2021 offer for meeting and event planners. Our team is dedicated to taking precautions for a clean and healthy experience with distancing options that make sense for your event. Give us a call, and let’s talk about what we can do for you.
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M E ET U S I N
GEORGETOWN, TX Georgetown is a quick 30-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, ensuring that your attendees will be near the hustle but far enough away from the bustle. Allowing for serious connecting and easy commuting. Ready to plan your next event? Let our experts in planning help you enhance your meeting and greeting experience in Georgetown. Cari Miller
Tourism Manager 512-930-3585 cari.miller@georgetown.org
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