Texas Meetings + Events Spring 2020

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TRENDS IN

BLOOM EXPERTS SHARE WHAT’S IN AND OUT IN FLORAL DESIGN

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NOT FAR FROM DALLAS. Just when you think you’ve seen every kind of conference center, we invite you to discover Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant. With 100,000 square feet of meeting space, 776 well-appointed hotel rooms, and entertainment and dining options to suit the most discerning guests, we’re not just a meeting venue. We’re a destination.

choctawcasinos.com

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ROUND ROCK, TX

FIVE-STAR EVENTS IN THE LONE STAR STATE

› 200,000+ SQUARE FEET OF FLEXIBLE CONVENTION SPACE › LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE OF AUSTIN, TEXAS › 400+ YEARS OF COMBINED TEAM EXPERIENCE

This year, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is expanding its personalized convention experience to Round Rock, Texas.

Though there’s space for thousands, first-class service and flexible meeting spaces enhance events big and small. With a luxurious spa and enticing on-site restaurants, your event is sure to be even more incredible.

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA

|

ROUND ROCK, TX - 2020

› 975 GUEST ROOMS

KalahariMeetings.com

|

SANDUSKY, OH

|

Call 855-411-4605 to learn more

WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

©2020 Kalahari Management Co. LLC

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HOLD A GATOR. HOLD A MEETING.

Beaumont has a lot to offer. Creative incentives. VIP planning.

Unique venues. And after face-time with colleagues, the opportunity to get up close and personal with the locals.

Meet innovative. Meet extraordinary. MeetBeaumont.com

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1-800-392-4401 | Freddie Willard, Director of Sales

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Spring 2020 TEXAS MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE

34

What’s Blooming in Floral Design Designers share what’s in and what’s out for centerpieces and other flower displays.

By Teresa Kenney

28

DEPARTMENTS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 20 TREND REPORT How to strategically use scent to enhance guest experience.

24 VENUE REPORT Bookish venues make for bestselling events. By Teresa Kenney 28 DESTINATION Denton is a true original.

By Teresa Kenney

56 PEOPLE PROFILE Hope Stokes shares her love for her hometown. By Teresa Kenney

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P H O T O S : A N DY B ’ S ; L I S A H A U S E

By Tiffany Rose Goodyear

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C

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“TAKE OUR TECH FOR A SPIN” our tech stats

802.11

2,500+

a/g/n/ac Wireless Network

CAT 6 Copper UTP Ports

1,000+

Multi-mode and single-mode Fiber Optic ports

20,000

Wireless devices can connect simultaneously

SERVICES OFFERED The Austin Convention Center has a full suite of services that are provided to you to ensure peak performance throughout your event. These services are in place to design an environment

P H O T O S : A N DY B ’ S ; L I S A H A U S E

specifically scaled to your event needs. This customization includes: Wireless Internet Access

Wired Internet Access

Network Service & Support

Voice Service & Support

Network support Our team is ready to provide expert assistance to any networking needs you may have during your event. With constant network monitoring, we can quickly solve issues that come up, and proactively address areas of concern.

CHECK US AT:

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w w w. a u s t i n c o n v e n t i o n c e n t e r .c o m

request a proposAL: Phone 512.404.4200

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Spring

2020 12

MEETING NOTES 12 TASTE Pharm Table can introduce ayurveda to your next event.

12 SIGNATURE DRINK Cibolo Moon spices up the strawberry margarita.

Courtesy of Cibolo

14 ACTIVITIES KidZania lets kids play at work.

14 NOW OPEN HALL Arts Hotel opens in Dallas.

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16 OPENING SOON Commodore Perry Estate is set to open this year in Austin.

16 FLASHBACK Hotel Havana is history on the River Walk.

18 CVB SPOTLIGHT Get to know Sugar Land.

48 INFOGRAPHIC Kimpton’s 2020 Culinary and Cocktails Forecast.

Cou r t es y of K i mpt on Hot el s a nd R es t au r a nt s

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ON THE COVER

Floral arrangements

by Austin’s Malleret Designs.

Photo by Lisa Hause

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50 REGIONAL NEWS Which local venues are expanding, who has been promoted or hired, what companies have received awards and recognition.

54 SNAPSHOTS The Dallas Chapter of ILEA has a doggone good time.

B y Teres a Ken ney

P H OTO S : AU S T I N P U B L I C L I B R A RY; J E S S I C A G I E S E Y; N I C K S I M O N I T E

INDUSTRY UPDATE

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P H OTO S : AU S T I N P U B L I C L I B R A RY; J E S S I C A G I E S E Y; N I C K S I M O N I T E

Taylor County Expo Center

Welcome home, Hilton.

In 1927 in downtown Abilene, Texas, an enterprising young Conrad Hilton opened a first-class hotel, the second to bear his name, at an historic site just yards from this exciting new property.

Doubletree by Hilton Full-Service Convention Hotel Open Summer 2022 - Downtown Abilene • • • • • • • •

206 guest rooms 38,700 square feet of public meeting space 12.000-square-foot ballroom Restaurant/bar/lounge Free parking & Wifi Swimming pool & terrace Adjacent to Abilene Convention Center Walk to dining, shopping, cultural venues

Abilene’s central location, accommodating venues, friendly people, and helpful convention bureau make event planning easy.

Request a Proposal: 800-727-7704 abilenevisitors.com

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New in 2020: $55 million expansion and renovations throughout grounds. Already open: new livestock barn, horse stalls and covered arena.

Dodge Jones Youth Sports Center

Opened February 2020: Up your game in this 55,500-square-foot, complex with 4 basketball courts, 8 volleyball courts, NCAA Division 1 class maple floorsing, PlaySight and state-of-the-art amenities.

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Spring Has Sprung COMEDIAN AND ACTOR ROBIN WILLIAMS ONCE NOTED, “Spring is nature’s way of

Teresa Kenney, editor TERESA.KENNEY@TIGEROAK.COM

saying, ‘Let’s party.’” And that is certainly true in Texas, where festivals begin blooming as soon as the wildflowers return to the fields.

I live north of Houston in The Woodlands, and one of the annual events I always look forward to is the Waterway Arts Festival. Houston has the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; San Antonio has its Fiesta. Austin welcomes South by Southwest, and the Dallas Arboretum is abloom with its annual Dallas Blooms. Some of the more quirky or unique festivities that spring brings to the Lone Star State are the World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, the Llano Fiddle Fest and the Texas SandFest in Port Aransas. What are some of the spring festivals you look forward to attending each year?

In this issue of Texas Meetings + Events, we pay homage to spring with our feature on floral trends (page 34). We asked four experts what’s in, what’s out and what they would love for planners to know when choosing flowers for their meetings and events.

We also take a road trip to Denton, a city of originals (page 28). This college town in Texas’s horse country is a great spot for a destination meeting or event.

For those of you looking to author a bestselling event, “check out” our venue report on bookish spaces (page 24). Texas libraries are smart options for private gatherings or galas, and we promise no one will shush your guests while they’re having fun.

And don’t miss our profile on industry leader Hope Stokes. Director of brand management for the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council, Stokes takes pride in promoting her hometown.

Thank you for spending your time with us. As always, please reach out with any story ideas or news to teresa.kenney@tigeroak.com. In fact, share some photos of you enjoying a spring Texas festival on our Facebook page! I look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers,

Find, Friend, Follow

Find us online at tx.meetingsmags.com, and make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay in the loop between issues. / T XMEE TINGSMAGS

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@T XMEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSE VENTSMAGS

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SPRING 2020

tx.meetingsmags.com

EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Teresa Kenney Mike Munzenrider Megan Gosch Lauren Pahmeier Tiffany Rose Goodyear Kassidy Tarala

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Chris Arredondo, Eclipse Entertainment • Yvette Audrain, Simply Mox • Andy Austin, Andy Austin Entertainment Kelly Bagnall, Dykema Gossett PLLC • Deborah Elias, Elias Events • Lisa Dalton, Hotel Palomar Dallas Kevin Foster, Conference & Catering Consultant Services • Christy Hill-Howard, Christy Hill Events Rob Keating, M&M Event Rentals • Steve Kemble, Steve Kemble Event Design • Cindy Lo, Red Velvet Events Inc. Terri McBride, Austin Convention Center • Jim Monroe, J. Monroe Designs • Catherine New, The Statler • Diana Pfaff, Irving CVB • Laurie Sprouse, Ultimate Ventures • Leigh Stem, AFR Event Furnishings • Dayne Sullivan, Adventures LLC • Marla Watson-Werst, PeaPod Productions DESIGN DIRECTOR ART DIRECTORS

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PROJECT COORDINATORS CIRCULATION DIRECTOR SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CREDIT MANAGER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Courtney Nielsen Traci Zellmann Taylor Kilgore Olivia Curti Dianne Talmage Brittni Dye, Kristina Vis Jeremy Wieland Josh Jaskulka Chris Adamietz April McCauley Jared Lawson Kristin Mastantuono Angela Beissel

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES Ryan Miller 469.264.7657 ryan.miller@tigeroak.com

FAR BEYOND EXPECTATIONS. DEEP IN THE HEART. THE WESTERN DESTINATION ON THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK.

California Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Colorado Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Illinois Meetings + Events • 312.755.1133 Michigan Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Minnesota Meetings + Events • 612.548.3148 Mountain Meetings • 303.617.0548 Northeast Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Northwest Meetings + Events • 253.732.7133 Reprints: For high-quality reprints of 500 or more call 1-800-637-0334 or email reprints@tigeroak.com.

For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 1-800-637-0334 or customerservice@tigeroak.com Texas Meetings + Events accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

T IGE R OA K M E D I A

FOUNDER & CEO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

R. Craig Bednar Susan Isay Jim Younger

900 South Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: 612.548.3180 Fax: 612.548.3181 Published quarterly Texas Meetings + Events, Spring 2020 © 2020 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A.

JACK GUENTHER PAVILION AT THE BRISCOE FOR PROOF ONLY - PROOF 1 Magazine Ad will run: TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 9 Texas Meetings + Events, Spring 2020 Ad Size: 1/3 vertical 2.25”x10” TXMESP20_Book.indb 9

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EXPERIENCE OUR ICONIC EMPIRE

CaesarsMeansBusiness.com | 855-633-8238

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Meeting Notes SIGNATURE DRINK 12

NOW OPEN

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FLASHBACK

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CVB SPOTLIGHT

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MEETING MAGIC

Glowforge creates meaningful moments with 3D laser printers.

LIKE MAGIC, Glowforge can bring your attendees’ digital design dreams to life with its 3D laser printers.

From phone stands and luggage tags to key chains and coffee sleeves, Glowforge can print customized souvenirs for each of your attendees to take home after what will be one of the most memorable events they’ve ever experienced.

“There are a ton of ways meetings planners can use Glowforge printers at meetings and events,” says Dan Shapiro, CEO and founder. “Glowforge printers on an expo floor are sure to wow attendees and get them engaged at any event. We’ve seen Glowforge printers drive booth traffic, drawing constant streams of people coming to a booth to watch.”

Attendees can create their own designs by doodling with a pen, and Glowforge can then engrave their designs on anything from a notebook to a luggage tag.

With materials costing about 25 cents per person, Glowforge uses leather, wood, acrylic and even chocolate to create customized souvenirs in less than five minutes.

“Glowforge can print any souvenir you can think up within minutes. This means you can print trophies for the team members who drove the most leads right in front of them. Or you can challenge the team to a team-building activity to see who can come up with the most creative design to print on a Glowforge,” Shapiro says. “You can also quickly commemorate the event on the spot by adding the date and a theme of the meeting onto a keepsake for folks to take home.

The possibilities are truly endless.”

—Kassidy Tarala

P H OTO : G LOW F O R G E

“Meeting planners can also leverage Glowforge to make a ton of swag, corporate

giveaways and event marketing items right from the office or home ahead of the conference to shave costs and time associated with outsourcing event preparation,” Shapiro adds.

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

TASTE»

To Your Health

San Antonio restaurant Pharm Table is dedicated to reinventing comfort foods while eliminating those inflammatory ingredients with chronic health implications, such as dairy, wheat and processed sugar. Chef/owner Elizabeth Johnson promotes a largely plantbased diet, with smaller portions of clean animal proteins. She takes much of her inspiration from the ayurvedic diet.

Ayurveda is the conjugation of two Sanskrit words, meaning “life” (ayus) and “science” (veda). The ayurvedic diet is an anti-inflammatory approach to eating that focuses on a person’s unique constitution. Johnson suggests event planners incorporate the philosophy of ayurveda into group meetings through body, mind and spirit programming. This could include serving foods relevant to each season and the three body types; incorporating exercise activities that promote health and

movement; and bringing people outdoors to enjoy some of San Antonio’s treasures, such as its rivers, missions and public art. Pharm Table can help facilitate by customizing activities with local health and wellness professionals. pharmtable.com

Strawberry-Wow!

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa’s restaurant, Cibolo Moon, is the first T-certified (“t” as in tequila) restaurant in Texas. The restaurant received the “Award T Recognition” from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila. As part of the recognition, the Cibolo Moon staff has been trained on tequila history, guidelines and production, as well as agave cultivation and harvesting. Try this tasty margarita recipe—complete with an extra kick—courtesy of Cibolo.

Strawberry Jalapeño-Infused Margarita INGREDIENTS:

–1.5 oz. strawberry jalapeño tequila –0.5 oz. Patrón Citrónge –1 oz. fresh lime juice –1 oz. agave nectar –Lime wedge and jalapeño for garnish

METHOD:

Combine tequila, Citrónge, lime juice and agave nectar. Rim margarita glass with salt and fill with ice. Pour mixture over ice with strainer and garnish with a lime wedge and jalapeño.

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P H O T O S : L A N É P I TA R D ; J E S S I C A G I E S E Y ; J W M A R R I O T T S A N A N T O N I O

SIGNATURE DRINK»

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P H O T O S : L A N É P I TA R D ; J E S S I C A G I E S E Y ; J W M A R R I O T T S A N A N T O N I O

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

ACTIVITY»

CAREER DAY

At KidZania, kids can play at work.

If you’re headed to the Dallas area for a family-friendly group outing or conference, you will definitely want to check out Frisco’s newest attraction: KidZania. The 80,000-square-foot experiential learning space allows kids to explore the everyday workdays of firefighters, construction workers, journalists, fashion designers and more.

In the KidZania city, there are child-sized destinations, such as a hospital, police station, supermarket, radio station and theater.

Kids can role-play in realistic simulations, such as fighting fires, piloting airplanes, acting in plays, designing robots, performing surgery and going on secret missions. Each KidZania is tailored to the city in which it’s located, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles and an economy fueled by a currency called KidZos. The Frisco location is the first in the U.S. usa.kidzania.com

ARTFUL ACCOMMODATIONS HALL Arts Hotel opens in Dallas.

This past December, the HALL Arts Hotel opened in Dallas. Located in the largest contiguous arts district in the country, the hotel features 183 rooms, 19 suites, a rooftop pool, restaurant and lounge, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

With a passion for the arts woven into the very DNA of the property, the hotel boasts a diverse collection of impactful, thought-provoking works of art that cel-

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ebrate established and emerging talents.

The property collaborated with the former chief curator of the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies Program, Virginia Shore, and longtime art advocate and HALL Group curator Patricia Meadows, to curate a collection of specially commissioned pieces.

Highlights in the collection include a piece at the hotel entrance by Alison Watt, a contemporary Scottish painter known for her realistic depiction of drapery and figures. Spencer Finch’s “Asteroid,” an ethe-

real light installation, hangs in the dining room of the on-site restaurant. And in the lobby’s entryway you’ll find Lava Thomas's "Resistance Reverb: Movements 1 & 2,” a nod to the historical use of tambourines by protestors and advocates during times of activism.

HALL Arts Hotel offers more than 6,000 square feet of meeting and events space, including two multipurpose salon spaces, the HALL Arts Boardroom, a 2,500-square-foot grand ballroom and an outdoor urban garden. hallartshotel.com

P H OTO S : M A R K F I S H E R ; H A L L A R T S H OT E L

NOW OPEN»

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P H OTO S : M A R K F I S H E R ; H A L L A R T S H OT E L

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

FLASHBACK»

TROPICAL TRIBUTE OPENING SOON»

Estate of Mind Historic resort to open in Austin.

Situated on 10 secluded acres along Waller Creek in Austin, the historic Commodore Perry Estate is set to open later this year. The resort-style hotel is in the heart of the city and offers an ultra-luxury experience brimming with style and charm. A new garden-inspired culinary concept, Lutie’s, will serve lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Built during the Jazz Age in 1928, Commodore Perry Estate was originally the country home of Commodore Edgar and Lutie Perry. Today, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Set in the neighborhood of Hancock Park, it includes five suites in the original mansion and 42 rooms and seven suites in a newly built three-story inn. The property also features a chapel and gardens enclosed within a walled compound in the style of a historic country estate.

The resort showcases designer touches by creative director Ken Fulk.

Fulk has brought together a mix of custom and heirloom vintage pieces, creating an atmosphere that feels collected over time.

“When I first saw Commodore Perry Estate, I was simply mesmerized. It was as if a European country estate had been transported to a bucolic Texas hill country landscape,” says Fulk. “We strived to craft experiences that combined a relaxed European elegance and true gracious Texas hospitality with an ease and comfort to every experience that will welcome members and visitors to sit back and enjoy themselves.” aubergeresorts.com

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San Antonio wholesale grocer Edward Franz Melcher opened Hotel Havana in 1914 as a guest house for his customers. Melcher infused the building with a tropical allure through the use of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on the River Walk. In 2010, it came under the ownership of the hospitality organization Bunkhouse.

The 27-room boutique hotel showcases the original Bastrop pine floors, soaring 20-foot ceilings, colonial shuttered windows, and terraces evoking romance and luxury. It offers a number of spaces in which groups of up to 150 can meet and celebrate, including Ocho, the hotel’s restaurant, situated in a glass conservatory overlooking the River Walk. Additional spaces include the bar, library, terrace, breezeway and patio, as well as a meeting room that can accommodate 30 guests for plated dinners or meetings. havanasanantonio.com

P H O T O S : C O M M O D O R E P E R R Y E S TAT E ; H O T E L H AVA N A ; N I C K S I M O N I T E

Hotel Havana conjures up the romance of its namesake.

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the perfect galveston island retreats for business or pleasure

P H O T O S : C O M M O D O R E P E R R Y E S TAT E ; H O T E L H AVA N A ; N I C K S I M O N I T E

ASK ABOUT WYNDHAM’S GO MEET PROGRAM

Hotel Galvez & Spa and The Tremont House have long been the locations of choice for corporate retreats in Galveston. The beachfront location of Hotel Galvez & Spa offers expansive Gulf views, the island’s finest spa, the Galvez Bar & Grill and an award-winning Sunday brunch. The Tremont House, located in the historic Strand District, is within walking distance of a wide array of shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Both hotels provide ideal venues for intimate and grand gatherings in a unique and historic setting. Call today and let us assist you in meeting your goals.

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2024 SEAWALL BLVD., GALVESTON ISLAND, TX

2300 SHIP’S MECHANIC ROW, GALVESTON ISLAND, TX

409.765.7721 | HotelGalvez.com | @hotelgalvez

409.763.0300 | TheTremontHouse.com | @tremonthouse

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

TXM+E: What are some of your favorite things

to do in the community?

Preza: On any given weekend, I take advantage

of the free programming at Town Square, like catching a movie alfresco with my family.

I also enjoy escaping into nature through Cullinan Park’s naturally preserved trails with expansive forestation. But something I take pride in is going to Smart Financial Centre to see varied performances like the Russian Nutcracker Ballet with my mom, taking my niece to see Jojo Siwa or getting a single ticket to catch one of my favorite comedians, Dave Chappelle.

TXM+E: Why should groups meet in Sugar Land?

Preza: The options to program a perfect meet-

ing experience are limitless. Not only is Sugar Land safe, clean and aesthetically pleasing, there are more than a dozen activities and entertainment offerings and hotel options all within a 10-mile radius of the Houston Marriott Sugar Land conference center, located in Town Square. For a meeting planner, Sugar Land offers logistical ease, an ideal location, and creative and imaginative entertainment and educational spaces.

CVB SPOTLIGHT»

GET TO KNOW SUGAR LAND Teresa Preza first came to Sugar Land 14 years ago while pursuing a job in event management. Today, she’s assistant director of economic development for the city. Here are some of her reasons for calling Sugar Land her “home sweet home.”

TXM+E: What do you love about living in Sugar Land?

Preza: The plethora of options to live a fully entertained experience: from seeing my music idol

Mariah Carey at Smart Financial Centre with my friends, to hanging out with the family in the Town Square Plaza after dinner at the one-of-a-kind Jupiter Pizza & Waffles Co. on the weekends, to catching a baseball game at Constellation Field on a hot summer day. Sugar Land truly offers big city amenities while still keeping the charm and warmth of a safe community.

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planners should know about Sugar Land as ha destination?

Preza: Location, diversity and charm. Perfectly situated right off of U.S. 69 and within 20 minutes from downtown Houston, Sugar Land is strategically located to accommodate travelers flying or driving to their meeting. Also, Sugar Land is housed within one of the most diverse counties in the nation, making it the ideal place for creative and imaginative programming and entertainment. Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the nation, Sugar Land offers ease, safety and walkability to not just its residents, but also to its businesses and visitors.

Get Connected VISIT SUGAR LAND visitsugarlandtx.com

P H O T O S : C O DY D U T Y ; S M A R T F I N A N C I A L C E N T R E

TXM+E: What are the top three things event

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P H O T O S : C O DY D U T Y ; S M A R T F I N A N C I A L C E N T R E

CORPORATE MEETINGS - WEDDING CELEBRATIONS - RETREATS

BOOK YOUR EVENT AT

SSHR.COM | 281-334-1000 2500 South Shore Blvd. League City, Tx 77573 Located Halfway Between Houston And Galveston, One Mile From Kemah Boardwalk.

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TREND REPORT USING SCENTS IN AN EVENT

Tiffany Rose Goodyear speaking at ILEA Denver’s ScentEvent meeting.

SCENTS MAKE SENSE

How to strategically use scent to enhance guest experience.

BY T I F FA N Y ROSE G OODY E A R

EVENT PROFESSIONALS ARE CONSTANTLY THINKING ABOUT how to best stimulate our guests’ senses in order to create the most memorable experience and greatest impact, whether it’s a wedding, corporate meeting or event, fundraiser or social gathering. Many people focus on only three of the five senses: taste, sight and sound. Rarely do planners pay attention to touch or smell. Strategically paying attention to scent and how it interacts with other sensory experiences can greatly impact the overall quality

The fact of the matter is events and venues all have a unique smell whether or not you plan for it. Strategically scenting an event space can become another instrument in your symphony of creating magical and memorable experiences.

Often overlooked or dismissed, scent is important to the way in which human beings interpret their surroundings and create meaning every day. In fact, the sense of smell is the only sensory receptor that is fully developed at birth. It is also the receptor that is most closely linked to memory. Our ability to taste is directly linked to smell. Our taste buds are chemoreceptors and have the ability to detect and distinguish chemicals; it is the aroma of

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food that brings the flavors to life.

Scenting spaces is not something new. It has been used as a tool for creating sacred space for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The ritualistic use of incense is an integral part of Catholic Mass. And in ancient Mesoamerica, indigenous tribes used a resin from the copal tree as part of their rituals to create sacred space.

The reason it’s important to think about scenting your selected venue is because the space is already scented. Either the space has its own distinct smell, which is not always pleasing, or you are bringing in scents through the fragrance of flowers or aromas from food.

Much of the scent industry is based on neutralizing offensive odors. This can be a useful tool when thinking about bathrooms for your events. Bringing a candle or small reed diffuser into these intimate areas can create positive experiences for guests. Another way to bring scent into an event is to strategically pair the scent to match the theme.

For International Live Events Association (ILEA) Denver’s ScentEvent meeting at GrantHumphreys Mansion in September, The Sentologist, a pioneering consulting firm that creates sensory-based experiences, worked closely with the caterer to create four unique spaces. Each of these spaces included complementary décor that was paired with a culinary

P H O T O S : B R A D L E Y VA N H E R B S T

of an event.

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We should meet here every year.

WE HEAR THAT A LOT.

P H O T O S : B R A D L E Y VA N H E R B S T

Here, power brokers carry clubs.

With over 160,000 square feet of world-class meeting spaces alongside more than 28,000 acres of nationally acclaimed shopping, dining and leisure activities, The Woodlands is the perfect place to mix business and pleasure.

Plan your meeting at visitthewoodlands.com/betterevents

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TREND REPORT USING SCENTS IN AN EVENT

creation. At the entrance to the event, The Sentologist paired a Red Hook Manhattan with the scent of red leather, which had notes of oud, tobacco and bergamot.

To show diversity in the use of scent, the planners created spring and fall rooms with food, décor and scent to bring them to life. For spring, a scent called springtime with notes of white tea, green leaf and jasmine was harmonized with ricotta toast topped with peas, walnut and pesto. The room was filled with fresh, non-fragrant flowers. For fall, a fragrance called Amish harvest was used with notes of clove, cinnamon and dried fruit. This was complemented with a savory course featuring a fall salad and cotechino with polenta. The

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décor was a cornucopia of pumpkins. Dessert provided by Yours Truly Cupcake featured bisvi (a traditional Swedish dessert), Kahlua French macarons and cookie sandwiches. The sweets and coffee service were paired with peppermint wafting through the air.

“Incorporating strategic scent brings brand stories to life in a way that is both visceral and inspiring,” says Dovie Lopez, regional sales manager of ACCESS Destination Services and past president of ILEA Denver. “I hired The Sentologist to create unique scent experiences to complement some of our largest events.

Recently, The Sentologist created a scent called Winter Tree to enhance our ‘Into the Forest’ theme. Coupled with over-the-top décor and

bespoke catering, the scent was the keystone to transporting the more than 700 guests from a hotel into a forest.”

If you have the opportunity to add a scent, make sure to do so in an area that is separate from other smells or pairs with them.

Choose scents the same way you choose other event elements and weave them into the theme, overall look, décor and audience demographic. Remember that all spaces and events have a distinct smell and that you have the opportunity to alter the aroma to elevate your guests’ experience.

Get Connected THE SENTOLOGIST | sentology.com | 202.812.1218

P H O T O : B R A D L E Y VA N H E R B S T

At ILEA’s ScentEvent, sweets were paired with the scent of peppermint.

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P H O T O : B R A D L E Y VA N H E R B S T

VENUE REPORT BOOKISH VENUES

Houston Public Library - Clayton House

PAGE-TURNING GATHERINGS Book a bookish venue for a bestselling event.

BY TERESA KENNEY

WANT TO ADD A LITERARY FLAVOR TO YOUR NEXT EVENT—LITERALLY? Host a gathering at a library to add a scholarly tone to your fête. You could even go all-in with a literature-themed dress code. Here are some suggestions for a “novel” approach to event planning.

Houston Public Library | houstonlibrary.org

The Houston Public Library’s Julia Ideson Building offers an elegant setting with a rich history. The 1926 building features Spanish Renaissance architecture that reflects Texas’s Spanish-Mexican heritage. The building houses the Houston Metropolitan Research Center and is named for the first head librarian of the Houston Public Library. As director of the library, Ideson oversaw its growth through two world wars and the Great Depression.

The building’s romantic interior features reflective Spanish brick floors, high arched windows and a grand staircase. Artwork includes an original mural depicting the first fundraising campaign for the library, which took place in the 1800s. Planners can rent the Tudor Gallery, which is framed by large marble pillars and oak trim, and crowned by

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an elaborately detailed ceiling. The Reading Room, with its original wood fixtures, is also available for private events.

The African American Library at the Gregory School was built in 1926 as Houston’s first public school for African Americans.

Today, it’s home to treasured archival collections of African American history. The building features a glass lobby with city skyline views, pavers embedded with traditional West African symbols and a 3-foot-tall wall of patterned oxidized copper panels. Groups can reserve its two meeting rooms, the foyer or the reference room.

The library’s historic Clayton House was built in 1917 by William Lockhart Clayton as a private residence. It was deeded in 1958 to the City of Houston to be used as a library and today houses the system’s genealogy collection. The Victorian home includes a number

of spaces for gatherings.

And the system’s Central Library includes a variety of spaces for private events, including the 2,100-square-foot Program Place and the 1,781-square-foot concourse Meeting Room.

Please note: Not all spaces are available for use by private groups—some are restricted to civic, educational and nonprofit organizations. Be sure to check the meeting room guidelines provided online.

Austin Austin Central Library | library.austintexas.gov

Austin's Central Library, located in the city’s Seaholm EcoDistrict, has a number of spaces to choose from when planning a private event or meeting. The building overlooks Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek and is across from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. The library’s 4,749-square-foot special event center

P H O T O : J I M E VA N S

Houston

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Denton, TX MeetInDenton.com

P H O T O : J I M E VA N S

25,000,000+ sq ft of * meeting and event space * 99.5% of it outdoors.

If you prefer to hold your events indoors in well-lit, air-conditioned comfort, you owe it to yourself to check out our spacious, new 70,000 sq ft Convention Center and Hotel Complex. Perfect for work or play, Denton is a winner for conference planners and attendees—large enough to host international conferences, seminars and athletic competitions, but small enough to focus attention on your success!

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VENUE REPORT BOOKISH VENUES

Dallas

George W. Bush Library and Museum bushcenter.org

George W. Bush Library and Museum

Your guests will get the presidential treatment at this venue located on the campus of Southern Methodist University. Spaces can accommodate up to 400 guests and include the 2,850-square-foot main lobby, the 2,550-square-foot Freedom Hall and the 4,692-square-foot Ceremonial Courtyard, which is adding a 4,500-square-foot climatecontrolled clear tent this spring. In addition, on-site restaurant Café 43 is available for seated dinners of up to 96 and indoor-outdoor receptions for up to 150 guests.

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum houses millions of documents and records from the George W. Bush administration. The venue’s exhibits include a full-size replica of the Oval Office, “Nation Under Attack,” and the interactive Decision Points Theater.

P H OTO S : AU S T I N P U B L I C L I B R A RY; T H I S B E G R AC E P H OTO G R A P H Y; B U S H C E N T E R

Austin Central Library

offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake, prefunction space, a coatroom, greenroom, a covered patio area for open-air networking, and barn-style doors leading backstage. The space includes projectors, an in-room audio system, lecterns, a stage, chairs and tables. It can accommodate groups of up to 474.

Planners can also reserve the lake-view roof garden, which includes a deck. The 3,600-plussquare-foot garden—which features a live oak as well as other indigenous plants and trees— includes indoor seating for inclement weather, and the deck is partially shaded. It can accommodate up to 225 for a reception.

For intimate outdoor gatherings, the library’s amphitheater features stone seating and excellent acoustics for readings. It can accommodate 25.

The library’s gallery features rotating art displays. Located on the second floor of the building, the room boasts views of the lake. It can accommodate up to 175 for a reception or 100 for a banquet.

A demonstration area was created for cooking presentations, but it can also be used for lectures or panels, offering fixed seating for 80.

George W. Bush Library and Museum

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sPECIALIZING IN SMALL MARKET MEETINGS

888-649-8499

P H OTO S : AU S T I N P U B L I C L I B R A RY; T H I S B E G R AC E P H OTO G R A P H Y; B U S H C E N T E R

www.VisitMcKinney.com/TME

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DESTINATION DENTON

A TRUE ORIGINAL

Denton offers groups a fresh and authentic experience.

BY TERESA KENNEY

WITH ITS CASUAL COLLEGE TOWN VIBE, thriving music and arts scenes, and independent cowboy culture, Denton is a city of originals.

So, it only makes sense that planners looking for a unique location would choose the north Texas city.

“Denton appeals to groups of all sizes as it is located just 25 miles from DFW International Airport, offering convenient accessibility from nearly anywhere in the world, while providing groups a truly unique and charming Texas meeting experience,” says Mike Pistana, vice president of Discover Denton. “[It] provides groups a desirable combination

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of small-town friendly service, charm and value, with award-winning amenities and offerings that are typically reserved for large metropolitan destinations.”

To get you started on planning your next destination event in Denton, here are some “original” suggestions.

W H E R E T O S TAY Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton Denton Convention Center

hilton.com This AAA Four Diamond, award-winning property is a full-service hotel in the heart of Denton’s Rayzor Ranch Town Center. The 318-room hotel features nearly 58,000 square feet of meeting space. And for those looking to incorporate sustainability into the agenda, it is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified.

P H OTO S : S T E P H E N A . M A S K E R ( O P P O S I T E ) V R X S T U D I O S ; B U F FA L O VA L L E Y E V E N T S C E N T E R

Denton County Courthouse

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P H OTO S : S T E P H E N A . M A S K E R ( O P P O S I T E ) V R X S T U D I O S ; B U F FA L O VA L L E Y E V E N T S C E N T E R

Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton Denton Convention Center

Springhill Suites by Marriott Denton

marriott.com Springhill Suites by Marriott is a 129-room hotel with 5,000 square feet of meeting space.

Residence Inn by Marriott Denton

marriott.com The studio, one- and two-bedroom suite hotel features more than 3,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites

bestwestern.com The inn has 1,500 square feet of meeting space in addition to 74 guest rooms.

Hilton Garden Inn Denton

hilton.com The Hilton Garden Inn offers 101 rooms and 2,700 square feet of meeting space/banquet facilities, as well as an on-site restaurant.

WHERE TO MEET Denton Convention Center

discoverdenton.com Part of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Hotel complex, the center offers 70,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 26,400-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate banquet events of up to 1,500 guests.

Buffalo Valley Event Center

Monroe Pearson Event Center

monroepearson.com An industrial chic meeting and event venue with skylights and exposed brick walls, Monroe Pearson is located just off the historic Denton Downtown Square. It can accommodate up to 350 guests.

North Texas Fair and Rodeo

Buffalo Valley Event Center

Patterson-Appleton Arts Center

buffalovalleyeventcenter.com Buffalo Valley offers 13,500 square feet of event space set on a beautiful 100-acre working buffalo ranch.

dentonarts.com Built in 1929 as Denton’s steam power plant, today the center is home to two galleries, a studio, dance rehearsal hall and sculpture

ntfair.com Planners can choose from both indoor and outdoor spaces for their events, including the rodeo arena, West Wing Exhibit Building, Fair Hall and livestock barns.

garden. Its 5,000-square-foot Festival Hall features soaring ceilings and original industrial details.

University of North Texas

unt.edu Bring out the college spirit in your group by meeting on campus in the 10,000-square-foot Emerald Ballroom at The University Union— with additional breakout space and conference rooms—or the Apogee Club Level at the North Texas Football Stadium.

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BY THE NUMBERS

Andy B’s of Denton

136,268 POPULATION OF DENTON (2017) 50,000-plus THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ATTENDING UNIVERSITY IN DENTON 300-plus THE NUMBER OF WORKING HORSE FARMS IN DENTON COUNTY 100-plus THE NUMBER OF BANDS MAKING MUSIC IN DENTON 30 THE NUMBER OF PARKS IN DENTON

W H AT T O D O

Andy B’s of Denton

North Texas Horse Country Tour

bowlandybs.com This lively entertainment complex features a state-of-the-art bowling experience with an upscale VIP lounge, fully loaded game floor, an upscale restaurant and bar, multilevel laser tag arena, escape rooms and more.

Denton County features one of the largest concentrations of horse farms in the United States. Your group can take a behind-thescenes tour of some of the 350 premier horse farms and working ranches in the area (arrange for a tour through Discover Denton). Horse breeds in the county include quarter horses, thoroughbreds, Arabians, paints and Appaloosa warmbloods.

Denton County Courthouse on-theSquare Museum

dentoncounty.gov Built in 1896, the Denton County Courthouse is the centerpiece of the downtown square and houses artifacts and significant documents.

The building was restored in 2004 using the original blueprints.

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thebreakroomdenton.com Ever get so overwhelmed that you want to break something? Well, welcome to Breakroom, a self-proclaimed recreational stress management venue that allows you to grab a bat or golf club, along with some old TVs, computers or bottles, and smash your stress away.

FOR PL ANNING A S S I S TA N C E For assistance with planning your destination meeting in Denton, reach out to the professionals at Discover Denton. They can help you with site inspections, welcome bags, promotion, and planning spousal and group activities.

“With our 125-year-old county courthouse centering the historic downtown square, a vibrant and internationally acclaimed music scene and over 2,500 hotel rooms and 100,000plus square feet of meeting and event space, Denton is truly a charming, yet complete destination for group and event planners,” says Pistana.

Craft brewery and pub tour

Get Connected:

Take a tour of some of the best beer spots around Historic Downtown Denton.

DISCOVER DENTON discoverdenton.com

The Breakroom

P H O T O S : A X L T H O M A S ; A N DY B ’ S

Denton County Brewing Co.

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P H O T O S : A X L T H O M A S ; A N DY B ’ S

A New Era of Texas Hospitality

2020 special offers now available. Call 682.277.4975 and prepare to be wowed. loewshotels.com/arlington-live

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CORPORATE AND CUSTOM EVENTS RANCH STYLE THREE UNIQUE ROOMS GRAND PORCH, LAWN & STAGE GOURMET KITCHEN H LIVESTOCK ARENA FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS H 817-624-1111 RIVERRANCHSTOCKYARDS.COM

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All work, no play?

Celebrate your next successful meeting in Odessa, Texas.

You expect a lot from a meeting destination. That’s why Odessa is the perfect destination for your next meeting or conference. Our great people and amazing climate make Odessa a perfect place to meet any time of year. Discover Odessa's professional staff will make sure all the details are handled so there’s time for both work and play.

Odessa features: Discover Odessa will help you: •Secure hotel accommodations •Over forty quality hotels, including the new •Arrange venue facilities Marriott Hotel and Conference Center •Assist and coordinate group •More than 300,000 square feet of meeting activities space with all the amenities •Coordinate local details •World-class performances at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center •Great restaurants and plenty of entertainment options

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432-333-7871

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WHAT’ S

BLOOMING I N FLO R AL D E SIG N Designers share what’s in and what’s out for centerpieces and other flower displays.

BY TERESA KENNEY

It’s bluebonnet season in Texas! That time of the year when Hill Country roads are clogged with cars full of amateur photographer parents and their pint-sized Texans, jostling for position in fields of sky blue. While our love of our state flower shows no sign of ever slowing down, when it comes to the floral displays at galas and fêtes across the state, we can be a fickle bunch. So, Texas Meetings + Events magazine spoke with the experts to get the scoop on this year’s floral trends.

(Interviews have been edited for flow and clarity.)

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OUR EXPERT: Marcela Bogado, founder and creative director of Malleret Designs WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER: Austin HOW YOU CAN REACH HER: malleret.com

TRENDS SHE’S SEEING IN FLOWERS, PLANTS, COLORS AND ACCESSORIES:

“Malleret Designs has the opportunity to work with many local startups in the Austin area, as well as big, established corporations. They are open to being creative in design so that they can have an impact on their local and international guests. Austin has great resources to offer them.

• For vases and pots, the trend is for hand-painted ceramic natural terra cotta clay planters and pots with neutral colors: jute baskets, glass vases—there are no restrictions on what you design. These can also be linked to helping a cause, such as women’s small businesses in other countries. It then has a purpose and a sense of inclusion.”

P H OTO S : L I S A H AU S E

ON WHAT NOT TO DO FOR FLORAL DÉCOR:

• Corporate sustainability is very important and clients will bring this into their events gradually over the next few years.

• We are also seeing a big trend in incorporating small potting plants as part of the tablescapes, as well as big statements for entrances, backdrops and stage décor.

• We continue to see the use of succulents and cacti. Since there is such a large variety of types, designers can be very creative with different textures, colors and decorative containers.

• For colors, it’s the big vibrant vibe—a bright splash of bold colors for florals and containers.

• Non-floral custom art installation décor is something that we are seeing more every year. We love doing these as well, as we are a creative studio.

“We highly recommend our clients let us handle all installations. If there are any budget restrictions, we suggest they focus on one statement piece rather than many small ones.”

ON WHAT PLANNERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLORAL DESIGN:

“Corporate events are time sensitive. From the time they order, get approval and then respond to us, sometimes it can be challenging to quickly deliver the end product while meeting expectations and budgets.

To do so, we encounter fees that clients may not always understand. So, we let our clients know that we also have timing constraints when ordering from our vendors and wholesalers.”

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OUR EXPERT: David Garcia, Statue of Design WHERE YOU CAN FIND HIM: San Antonio HOW YOU CAN REACH HIM: statueofdesign.com

FLOWER FO REC AST

The International Floral Distributors each year teams up with Produce Marketing Association and a designer to create the “Flower Trends Forecast.” For 2020, the organization enlisted Helen Miller, AIFD, CAFA, CF, and Derek Woodruff, AIFD, CFD, CF, PFCI, AAF. Miller owns Flowers & Such in Adrian, Michigan. Her work has been showcased in publications such as Floral Management, Florists Review, and The Knot. Woodruff is a two-time winner of the American Institute of Floral Designer’s Bobbi Cup and the Michigan Floral Association’s Designer of the Year. He operates Floral Underground in Traverse City, Michigan. Here are some of the trends they see for this year.

TO P TR EN D I N G FLOWERS FO R 2020 : 1. Peonies 2. Garden roses 3. Ranunculus 4. Dahlias 5. Butterfly ranunculus

6. Spray roses 7. Chrysanthemum disbuds 8. Tender vines 9. Hydrangea 10. Tillandsia

They also picked “Black Tie + Barefoot” as the most prevalent flower trend for weddings and events. According to the report, this décor style features “moody colored flowers and soft feminine textures. The trend has a romantic feel and hints of a sophisticated Bohemian style. The look is created using muted and muddy color flowers combined with lacy and airy foliages, unexpectedly paired with dried flowers and tender vines. The color palette will be grayed tones of pink, lavender, blue and green, with a heather-ish pink being the most prevalent. Roses, peonies, dahlias and a host of flowing vines will be most popular for creating ‘Black Tie + Barefoot’ décor.”

For more trends visit flowertrendsforecast.com.

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P H O T O S : S TAT U E O F D E S I G N (OPPOSITE) KURTIS KRONK

ON DESIGN TRENDS FOR CORPORATE EVENTS:

“Corporate floral design trends are very much reliant on their theme or design concepts. It’s difficult to pigeonhole them, as every corporate theme is different. For instance, we did a recent corporate gala that was heavy on white floral, vast amounts of greens and illuminated LED lights. That same week we did a tropicalthemed event that had pink and coral tropical florals and foliage.

“My best answer to trends for corporate is that they want to incorporate large statement focal arrangements or flower/greenery walls for photo-ops. It makes sense given that we are in the age of selfies. We have designed dozens of backdrops this past year, which included fresh floral walls, solid greenery walls, step and repeats and entryway statement florals.

‘Bigger the better’ is so Texas. The most recent

floral wall we designed was massive: 12 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with shelf displays of champagne glasses for clients.”

the seasonal variety florals allow us to suggest what is available during the time frame for client events.”

ON WHAT TREND HE WISHES WAS PAST TENSE:

ON WHAT EVERY PLANNER SHOULD KEEP IN MIND:

“Pampas grass and dried florals. This trend began over two years ago and is still at its peak. While it is great for texture and volume in design work, it is temperamental and messy.

It’s something to consider when using as centerpieces, as it can shed all over the table and guests’ clothing.”

“Most florists are not just limited to floral. A good designer will have a creative ability to think outside the box and find a way to incorporate mixed media and other design elements to enhance floral décor.

“As a florist, we are very aware of the design trends and themes that are constantly requested. If a client is wanting something ‘different’ and not something that has been done before, it would be suggested and helpful to include the florist as part of the planning meeting. A good florist has knowledge of design and theme concepts that are not so usual.”

ON WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN WORKING WITH A FLORAL DESIGNER:

“I always find it best for clients to not come in with a set expectation of varieties to use. It’s helpful to have design inspiration and themes to present to your florist. Our knowledge on

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OUR EXPERT: Jordan Flowers (and, yes, that’s really her name), owner and designer of Jordan Flowers & Events WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER: Austin HOW YOU CAN REACH HER: jordanflowersandevents.com

WHAT’S IN AND WHAT’S OUT:

“The classic fresh-cut-flower-vase-centerpiece arrangement is increasingly becoming a thing of the past. There is a growing trend of resourcefulness amongst my clients. They would prefer to buy simple, reusable and easy-to-care-for live plants or dish gardens as centerpieces and stage props. Most of the plants are created to reflect the style of the business or corporation: green, clean, natural, airy sustainable and modern. Even the pots and containers that are used are more natural and earth-toned.”

ON WHAT TREND SHE WISHES WAS PAST TENSE:

“While live plants are the newest natural element trending at events, somehow painting tropical leaves and flowers has managed to creep into becoming a new event trend, as well. It’s taking the natural beauty out of the picture to create neon or paint-splattered pops of color.”

“Costs can easily add up when throwing an event, but whatever you do, do not hire a friend or family member to save money or help quick-start their business. If you want your event to run smoothly, as a business should, I highly advise using a professional local planner or coordinator and prevent any future feuds.”

WHAT EVERY PLANNER SHOULD KEEP IN MIND:

“As a planner it is important to know when the florist has access to the venue and its rules.

In regard to floral décor, I wish/hope planners would donate the arrangements to nursing homes or give them to others who could reuse and enjoy them after events and help us make happiness bloom.”

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P H O T O S : K AY L A S N E L L ( O P P O S I T E ) KC E V E N T S A N D F L O R A L S

ON HOW NOT TO SAVE MONEY:

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P H O T O S : K AY L A S N E L L ( O P P O S I T E ) KC E V E N T S A N D F L O R A L S

choose them based on what they believe will be the cheapest. They should always consider the theme of the event and the company's overall look for the event. While taking those things into consideration, also focus on the target audience of the company.”

OUR EXPERT: Sherronda Scoggins, owner and designer of KC Events WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER: Houston HOW YOU CAN REACH HER: kceventsandflorals.com

ON TRENDS IN FLOWERS…

“More dried and preserved flowers are being used in designs paired with geometric shapes.

More pampas grass and preserved foliage with color is being used.” …AND ACCESSORIES:

“More corporate clients are leaning toward more luxury-style vases that are metal and have geometric shapes when going with bold color. When they are going for that more earthy look, they tend to do more woodenboxed or concrete vessels that have more texture and depth.”

ON WHAT COLORS ARE HOT THIS YEAR:

“Different hues with really bold color, as well as very neutral and earthy tones, are being used.”

ON WHAT TREND SHE WISHES WAS PAST TENSE:

“If there is one trend that I wish would go away it’s the all mixed green arrangements. Let's face it: Florists like greens but we love flowers.”

ON WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN CHOOSING FLOWERS:

“When choosing flowers, one should never

WHAT EVERY EVENT PLANNER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLORAL DÉCOR:

“Floral décor is about design, aesthetics, floral choices and labor. Every flower has a different price point. The overall look and design may differ based on the type and amount of flowers, if the vessels are purchased or rented, and the type and style of the décor. Every city has a florist that can produce the results from an image a planner may find, but cost will vary on the region and the florist.

“When you let a designer design based on your budget, rather than locking them into a picture you found on the internet, you get a better bang for your buck. They can create based on your vision and help you choose flowers and designs that can bring your vision to life. Let your designer have some creative control within guidelines and let them educate you on flowers and the design process so you can better educate your clients.”

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Abilene recently earned designation as a “Music Friendly Community” through the Texas Music Office, demonstrating a commitment to nurture and promote live performances throughout the city.

TEXAS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU SHOWCASE New Convention Hotel a Welcome Addition to Downtown Abilene In 1927 in downtown Abilene, Texas, an enterprising young Conrad Hilton opened a first-class hotel, the second to bear his name, at an historic site just yards from this exciting new property. Now, the same area is abuzz with anticipation to welcome his return. Developers will break ground soon on a Doubletree by Hilton in the heart of downtown. The 206-room, full-service conference hotel will be a dynamic addition to the city center, which has undergone a renaissance in recent years. Located next to the Abilene Convention Center in the

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bustling business and cultural district, the property will offer 38,700-square-feet of meeting space, a 12,000-square-foot ballroom, and full-service restaurant, among other perks. Planners will want to book space early for future conferences, as it is certain to be in high demand when completed summer of 2022.

Located just two hours west of Fort Worth, Abilene is ideal for statewide and regional meetings. The affordable, mid-size city is easy to navigate, offers a broad range of lodging, accommodating meeting venues, and professional event support. Request a proposal or reach out to the pros at the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau at abilenevisitors.com.

Destination El Paso While El Paso is known for its friendliness, authentic Mexican food and being the safest city in the U.S., it’s quickly becoming America’s next great meeting, event and tournament hub.

El Paso delivers on a budget in ways cities in more-familiar markets can’t. We can do things like offer an authentic Mexicanfood tour, Broadway show tickets and party suites at our award-winning Triple-A baseball/USL soccer stadium … all without breaking the bank.

Downtown El Paso is in the midst of a renaissance. With a $500 million investment and several big projects underway, El Paso is experiencing unprecedented

P H OTO CO U R T E SY O F : S T E V E B U T M A N

Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau

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The Denton Square is a hub for entertainment.

Hotel Indigo Pool

growth! If it’s been a while since you’ve had your meeting here, you’ll be stunned when you see what’s been going on.

The return of our vintage streetcars. An art-filled city square. An award-winning Triple-A ballpark/USL soccer stadium. New shops. New clubs. New restaurants. Plus, new hotels are on the way, doubling our number of rooms within walking distance of our convention center!

Discover Denton Located on top of the DFW Metroplex and 25 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Denton offers more than 2,500 hotel guest rooms, representing more than 25 hotel brands. The crown jewel of the Denton meetings scene is the state-of-the-art AAA Four Diamond award-winning LEED Goldcertified Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center, which boasts 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space and 318 two-room suites.

In addition, Denton has amazingly unique off-site venues, restaurants, craft-breweries,

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lounges, year-around festivals,and customizable off-site excursions. The historic Downtown Square is one of Denton’s entertaining neighborhoods, boasting special events from a myriad of festivals to concerts on the lawn, and is surrounded by dozens of retail shops and a vibrant culinary scene.

Come experience our small-town friendly service with big-town passion, charm and value. If you’re looking to be different, memorable and productive, Denton has the perfect recipe for your next group, conference and meeting needs. Are you ready to Discover Denton?

Embassy Suites Ballroom The Embassy Suites boasts 70,000 square feet of meeting space for gatherings.

Experience Bryan College Located just a “HOWDY” away, Bryan College Station is seated in the “Texas Triangle” between Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio. This puts the area three hours away from 87 percent of Texas’

population, making the location easily accessible by both car and plane.

Rooted deep in tradition and boasting a history of art and culture, Bryan College Station offers more than just unique meeting venues, but also things to do to keep your guests entertained long after the meeting ends. Take a trip to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum located on the Texas A&M University campus, experience a wine tasting and tour at Messina Hof, and visit the eclectic restaurants, shops, and art galleries in Downtown Bryan.

With 60-plus hotels, over 6,000 guest rooms, and 250,000-plus square feet of meeting space, it’s not a matter of can you host your next event here, but rather, which space you prefer. With our free renowned servicing for your event and incentive plans to match, Experience Bryan College Station ensures a quality experience.

Visit McKinney Picturesque and vibrant, McKinney offers a diverse array of meeting space, overnight

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F : S T E P H E N A M A S K E R ; D E S T I N AT I O N E L PA S O ; T E X A S A & M H OT E L A N D CO N F E R E N C E C E N T E R

Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center Double Queen

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P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F : S T E P H E N A M A S K E R ; D E S T I N AT I O N E L PA S O ; T E X A S A & M H OT E L A N D CO N F E R E N C E C E N T E R

Your Success is our Success.

Make plans for holding your event at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Reno. Top notch service complete with state-of-the-art meeting rooms, tech savvy amenities and the only resort connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Dine in top-ranked restaurants and unwind at Spa Atlantis, the only Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa in northern Nevada. Book a worldclass experience today.

PLATINUM CHOICE

Contact the Sales Department at 800.994.5900 or visit us at atlantiscasino.com/texasmeetings to submit an RFP.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Downtown McKinney

Make wellness unskippable in South Padre

accommodations and free-time activities perfect for your conference, small meeting, or other event. This growing city, situated just 30 miles north of Dallas, features a quaint, heritage-rich downtown square and Cultural District filled with a mix of restaurants, specialty shops, wineries, a boutique hotel and venues steeped in history. If your attendees would enjoy more outdoorsy surroundings, check out the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary or Myers Park & Event Center. Visit McKinney is prepared to assist you in planning and executing your meeting or event, and securing hotels, venue, catering, guest speakers and more. We are also happy to help you coordinate downtime activities for your attendees who might enjoy team building at a comedy club, a tour of the historic district, the competition of an escape room or sampling McKinney's best culinary options during one of our popular food tours. No matter where you meet in McKinney, you and your attendees are sure to have a memorable experience!

Making wellness unskippable—that’s so Padre. Corporate wellness is a recruiting tool, a way to save money on insurance, and for many companies, a defining element of their culture. Of course, meeting on a beautiful tropical island at the tip of Texas (served by a great airport!) is one step in a wellness itinerary, but it takes more. It takes a multi-faceted approach that creates a wellness experience that sets your meeting apart from the rest.

Check out our white paper on the Five Ways You Can Make Wellness Work. We have tips on involving leadership, how to impact agendas, and making sure wellness activities are realistic.

Visit sopadre.com/wellness-whitepaper and download our white paper. Learn about our amazing facilities, our unbeatable sunrises over the Gulf of Mexico and sunsets over Laguna Madre Bay, our

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The Atkins Group

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Nothing is sweeter than 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 guest 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, and easy accessibility to interstate highways.

EXPERIENCE ONE-OF-A-KIND VENUES

VisitSugarLandTX.com/meetings tourism@sugarlandtx.gov | (281)275-2045

This is

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F : V I S I T M C K I N N E Y ; T H E AT K I N S G R O U P

so padre

Meetings are more enjoyable on South Padre Island. Here, you’ll find everything you need to meet your lodging, food and beverage and meeting space needs. All in a scenic island setting that’s so perfect.

Get down to business at sopadre.com/meetings

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Magnolia Market

dedication to saving sea turtles, and our unbeatable beach vibe. A great meeting deserves a location that creates a wellness vibe. It’s so Padre.

The Industry’s Most Powerful Resource Tool meetingsmags.com 150,000 Resource Listings One-Click RFP Expert Advice Weekly Local and National News City/Destination Profiles

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Colorado Springs offers year-round meeting experiences at amazing heights.

From full-service properties to private retreat centers, there’s something to fit your group’s size, budget and goals.

The newest full-service hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Colorado Springs with 168 guest rooms, four meeting rooms and Pikes Peak views. The Colorado Springs Marriott’s $15 million renovation includes upgrades to guest rooms, fitness center and conference area.

Be one of the first groups to hold an event or meeting in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, opening in May 2020. For an off-site activity, have an authentic outing at the Flying W Ranch.

Enjoy barbecue under the stars and sing along with the Flying W Wranglers.

Getting to Colorado Springs is convenient and quick through the Colorado Springs Airport, serviced by all airlines with non-stop and one-stop flights.

The airport is located just 11 miles from

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F : C I T Y O F WA C O

Visit Colorado

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Downtown Colorado Springs, so attendees will be at their hotel in no time.

Go above and beyond the traditional attendee experience and reach new heights in Colorado Springs.

Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau Let it be known: Waco is the perfect meetings location for mid-sized convention groups. The 144,000-square-foot Waco Convention Center is perfect for groups ranging from 400 to 1,000-plus attendees. Next door is the Hilton Hotel, and a Courtyard by Marriott across the street.

Six hundred hotel rooms are under construction. Make time to visit the famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, owned by TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines.

We believe in keynote speakers that would rather spark an idea than follow an agenda.

Attendees who seek a balance between PowerPoint and play. Conventions that are anything but conventional. We don’t believe in “planners.”

GET CONNECTED ABILENE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 909.937.3000 gocvb.org DESTINATION EL PASO 915.534.0600 visitelpaso.com/meetinep

We believe in visionaries.

Visionaries welcome VisitCOS.com/meet

DISCOVER DENTON 940.382.7895 discoverdenton.com EXPERIENCE BRYAN COLLEGE 979.260.9898 experiencebcs.com/meetings

THE NEXT LEVEL OF THE

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F : C I T Y O F WA C O

WATERSIDE

VENUES ALONG LAKES AND RIVERS

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Area ski slopes make winter easier to bear

Do you love it?

2018

18 WINTER 20 A G S . C O M //

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CHANGE DIRECTION Grand County’s beauty

VISIT MCKINNEY 888.849.6499 visitmckinney.com

OUTSIDE THE CITY

means Traveling to the suburbs planners more options for

HOLIDAYS EXTENDED

RAISING THE BAREXPERIENCE ECONOMY IS EMERGING

FORECAST

the course

See what’s new for 2018 in food, décor, technology and venues

Flip to page 30 to meet the Impossible Burger, a plant-based patty that replicates meat.

Then keep it coming.

BREAK FOR MINDFULNESS

Pushing pause during meetings recharges attendees

THE ATKINS GROUP 210.444.2500 theatkinsgroup.com

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FALL

2017

Off the Beaten Path

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SMALL BUSINESS THEIR OWNERS SHARE SUCCESS STORIES (38)

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CREATIVE EXPRESSION Minnesota abounds (47) with artsy venues

FEELS LIKE HOME

little things at Find comfort in the and inns (28) these small hotels

SAME BUT DIFFERENTwith

Travel to local cities familiar names

WACO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 800.321.9226 wacoheartoftexas.com

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2018

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for Art galleries make inspiring event spaces

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and maintaining Pro tips on building vendors relationships with

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and receive quarterly issues chockful of regional content.

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In Case of Emergency

Pro tips to prepare you for (41) the worst-case scenario

STAY IN STAMFORD

town This Connecticut from elicits high praise meeting-goers

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S’CHUG

Industry Update RENOVATIONS 50

ACTIVITIES

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51%

predict plant-based meat alternatives will solidify their mainstream status in 2020 (no longer just a cult following), and we’ll see more plant-based takes on traditional meat dishes.

CULINARY

31%

of chefs say it’s no longer enough to have just one or two gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and keto options on the menu.

FOODIE TIME KIMPTON’S 2020 CULINARY & COCKTAILS TREND FORECAST IDENTIFIES THE F&B TRENDS TO WATCH THIS YEAR. Research courtesy of Kimpton Ho t e l s & R e s t a u r a n t s

One-hundred-thirty chefs, sommeliers, general managers and bartenders from 75-plus Kimpton

Levantine cuisine, including Israeli, Turkish and Lebanese, is predicted as the most influential style for menus in 2020, according to nearly 40% of chefs surveyed.

S’chug, a Mediterranean hot sauce, and muhammara, a red pepper and walnut spread found in Turkish and Levantine dishes, topped the list for spreads and sauces in this year’s forecast.

Schmaltz, or rendered chicken or goose fat, will also be trending in 2020, according to a quarter of Kimpton chefs. Keep an eye out for schmaltz croutons accompanying roasted chicken dishes, and schmaltz as the new olive oil for dipping baked bread.

30%

of chefs predicted vegetable tartare will be infiltrating restaurant menus in the New Year.

TAMARIND

Ingredients with sour flavor profiles like rhubarb, tamarind and vinegar will grow in popularity, with nearly 23% of chefs selecting sour as their favorite experimental flavor. Chefs also noted that funky flavors will make their way into breakfast staples, including licorice and salty syrups and savory oatmeal made with bone broth.

dishes, flavors, ingredients and philosophies that will be explored in 2020. Below are a handful of the findings; read the full report at kimptonhotels.com/culinary-trends.

Unusual seeds like lotus, basil and water lily are predicted as one of the trendiest ingredients according to 31% of chefs surveyed.

RHUBARB

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restaurants and bars reveal the

LOTUS SEEDS

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INFOGRAPHIC HAZY IPA

WHISKY HIGHBALL

COFFEE SPRITZ

SPICE SACHETS IN COCKTAILS

GROWN-UP SUNDAE, SAVORY DESSERT ITEMS

Liquor “Grown-up sundaes” using locally sourced, often unexpected ingredients will be one of the top dessert trends, according to 1 in 5 chefs.

I L L U S T R AT I O N S : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

Savory items will be featured more prominently in desserts— expect to see uniquesavory meets-sweet pairings like black pepper or sesame ice cream and truffle macarons.

Veganism will influence dessert menus as well, as 47% of respondents highlighted vegan desserts as the strongest sweet-tooth trend for 2020. Try it in lemon tarts made with cashews, coconut and lemon zest or vegan chocolate peanut butter cheesecake.

Aromatic (inedible) garnishes were cited as one of the up-and-coming trends bartenders are most excited to experiment with in 2020. Examples include spice sachets with cloves and allspice, burning sticks of wood or even absorbent, scented squares of paper clipped to glassware.

Influences from Mediterranean regions will shape bar menus according to 46% of respondents—we’ll see light, refreshing, often low-alcohol spritzes all over bar menus in 2020.

These lower sugar, crisper cocktails are the next evolution of the Spanish gin & tonic.

More than a quarter of bartenders are most excited about sour beers in the year ahead, followed by hazy or juicy IPAs and high alcohol kombuchas as a beer alternative.

This year’s biggest wine trend will be the emergence of more natural wines, or wines farmed organically without adding or removing anything in the cellar.

Orange wines and pét-nat sparkling wines are also becoming more popular with wine aficionados.

Expect to see the rise of alternativegrain spirits like baiju, shōchū and soju, spirits that originated in China, Japan and Korea, respectively.

Whisky highballs— a trend largely driven by the popularity of lighter Japanese whiskies—are predicted to gain a cult following next year, followed closely by spiked seltzers and the return of the paloma.

Mezcal will continue to dominate in 2020, with more than a third of respondents choosing it as the predicted spirit of choice this year.

Bartenders are having fun with the smoky spirit and using it to reimagine traditional cocktails.

NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Many experts are predicting coffee spritzes as the hot (cold) drink of 2020. The other top coffee trends for 2020 include nitro coffee on tap, cold brew alternatives and CBD coffee.

Botanical-infused sparkling drinks are cited as the nonalcoholic trend bartenders will most likely experiment with, followed up by alcohol-free spirits and upleveled teas with exotic fruit flavors like guanabana, lulo and passion fruit.

Some 42% of bartenders surveyed are excited to embrace the noalcohol culture as part of their overall bar experience in the year ahead.

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REGIONAL NEWS

NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS» Hotel Drover has appointed Kristin Assad vice president and general manager.

Assad has 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently at The Joule in downtown Dallas.

Remington Hotels has promoted Sloan Dean from COO to CEO and president.

Remington Hotels has promoted Stan Kennedy from senior vice president, operations, to COO. Remington Hotels has appointed Jarrad Evans chief investment officer.

The Art of Renovation The 506-room Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport hotel has completed a major renovation to all guest rooms, as well as its restaurant, public spaces and fitness center. The hotel also created a new 2,955-square-foot Westin Club lounge, one of the largest in the entire Dallas Fort Worth area.

One of the hotel’s new art installations is a three-dimensional wall feature in the lobby that abstracts an aerial view of the local landscape and lakes. The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport hotel is located in Irving, minutes away from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and near destinations such as Globe Life Park, Toyota

Music Factory, Grapevine Mills shopping mall, Historic Downtown Grapevine, Las Colinas business and shopping district and Hackberry Creek Country Club.

The hotel has nearly 35,000 square feet of meeting and event space and provides complimentary shuttle service to the airport, complimentary onsite parking, valet parking, pet-friendly rooms, a full breakfast buffet, a rooftop pool, in-room spa services, and a fitness gear lending program in partnership with New Balance. The hotel’s restaurant and lounge, BYRN Western Grill and Lounge, offers classic American fare, and a cafe featuring Starbucks coffee products is also available for guests needing a caffeine boost. marriott.com

AWARDS»

Fore the Best Avid Golfer magazine named Coyote Ridge Golf Club one of the top luxury golf courses in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. In its “The Best of Public Golf 2019” issue, Avid Golfer awarded the Carrollton course three top accolades: one of the best golf courses in the “Top Luxury Courses” category, third place in the “2019 Dallas/Fort Worth Rankings East” and the “Best Pro Shop, Hands Down” award.

The 18-hole course has a 26,000-square-foot luxury clubhouse, restaurant and bar, state-of-the-art pro shop, two private dining and meeting rooms, and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 guests. All dining and meeting rooms are available to the public. coyoteridgegolfclub.com

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RENOVATIONS»

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REGIONAL NEWS

ACTIVITIES»

REV UP YOUR MEETINGS

»»Multilevel racetracks with electric go-karts »»Two-story black light laser tag arenas »»Arcade games »»RacerXClub simulators »»Ropes course (with a zip line in The Colony location) »»Virtual reality experiences In addition, Katy will have a mini-golf course, while The Colony will feature duckpin bowling. Both locations will have

multiple dining options and event space (4,000 square feet in The Colony and 4,600 square feet in Katy).

In The Colony, the entertainment and gaming center is located adjacent

to Nebraska Furniture Mart in Warren Buffett’s new and growing Grandscape development. In Katy, the venue is located at the corner of Grand Parkway and Interstate 10. andrettikarting.com

New Group Activities Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is now offering interactive art and wellness classes for groups, including the Canvas, Corks and Countrysides activity, a Spa Blend Bar experience, and yoga and meditation classes.

The Canvas, Corks, and Countrysides activity takes place overlooking the Hill Country scenery from the resort’s Windflower Spa porch. Participants are greeted with canvases, paint brushes and a glass of wine, and a local San Antonio artist helps them paint the scenery with expert tips and instruction.

For the Spa Blend Bar experience, attendees work together to create a signature scent that can be made into a custom salt scrub, sugar scrub or lotion. At the conclusion of the activity, each participant receives their one-of-a-kind spa product in a Mason jar as a take-home amenity. hyattregency.com

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P H O T O S : A N D R E T T I I N D O O R K A R T I N G A N D G A M E S ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y H I L L C O U N T R Y R E S O R T A N D S PA ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M O R A N C I T YC E N T R E ; T E X I C A N C O U R T

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games is bringing its heart-pounding entertainment activities to locations in both The Colony and Katy.

Named after the legendary racing family, Andretti Indoor Karting and Games offers nearly 100,000 square feet of action in The Colony and 88,000 square feet in Katy, including:

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P H O T O S : A N D R E T T I I N D O O R K A R T I N G A N D G A M E S ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y H I L L C O U N T R Y R E S O R T A N D S PA ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M O R A N C I T YC E N T R E ; T E X I C A N C O U R T

The Moran CITYCENTRE

Texican Court

HOTEL NEWS»

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Houston Hotel Sorella has been rebranded as The Moran CITYCENTRE. The hotel features a 15,000-square-foot meetings and events facility. For planners requiring additional space, the 30,000-squarefoot Norris Conference Centers/The Red Oak Ballroom is situated just off the lobby lounge. themoranhotel.com

BUCKET LIST

Texican Court was named one of USA Today’s “Ten Bucket-List Hotels In The Dallas Area Worth Traveling For.” Contributing writer Ilene Jacobs said that Texican Court is recommended because, “If you want to avoid cookie-cutter chains, this one-of-a-kind property will be well worth your stay.” texicancourt.com

OUR E-NEWSLETTER

AT your FINGERTIPS. - - - CALENDAR EVENTS - - - - - LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS - - - - - PEOPLE NEWS - - - - - WEEKLY UPDATES - - -

SUBSCRIBE for FREE at

M E E TI N G S M AG S .CO M

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SNAPSHOTS DALLAS ILEA HOLIDAY MIXER

1

Doggone Good Time

2 3

The Dallas Chapter of ILEA extended its 2019 holiday networking event to two days of giving. First, members volunteered their time at the DFW Humane Society in Irving, offering a hand while giving out hugs and belly rubs. Then, days later, they gathered at Te Deseo, where guests donated pet toys, treats and food to the Humane Society.

4

1. Sean Cunningham. 2. Three team members of the Humane Society (far left and far right) pose with ILEA members Eddie Parker, Connie Adams, Bianca Anderson, Sarah Chung and Stephanie Jayko, CSEP. 3. Attendees got to snuggle with some new furry friends.

4. Marshall Leak, Sarah Chung and Brian Acheson, CSEP. 5. Stacie Wainscott, Bridget Mena and ILEA Dallas guest.

6. Bianca Anderson makes a purr-fect new friend. 7. Bianca Anderson and Sarah Chung. 8. Pete Willis, Renee Steele, Tatum Velonis and Emily Ellebracht. —Photos by Christie’s Photographic Solutions

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SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PHOTOS To have your meeting or event photos featured here, contact the editor at teresa.kenney@tigeroak.com.

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Where Business Meets Adventure •

Over 250,000 square feet of flexible meeting space

•

10 championship golf courses

•

Countless outdoor adventure activities

•

Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip

702.267.2670

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PEOPLE PROFILE HOPE STOKES

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT MARKETING AMARILLO? My favorite part about marketing Amarillo is that I have the opportunity to share my passion for Amarillo with the world.

Amarilloans have this deep connection with our city that I’ve never seen anywhere else. Amarillo is now an oasis on the high plains, but it wasn’t always. Early settlers had to accept that they had little to no control over their environment and formed a partnership with the land. When things got rough, they found comfort in their faith and community, but they never gave up on the land. That camaraderie between the land and the people is the base of our heritage and has translated into a deep respect for our area and community that is ingrained in all Amarilloans. The passion we have for our city is almost palpable, and once people see it, they want to get a taste.

Hope Stokes shares her passion for her hometown.

BY TERESA KENNEY

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better champion of Amarillo than Hope Stokes, director of brand management for the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council. Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle city, she graduated from nearby West Texas A&M University and her first job in the tourism industry was as an intern at the council. Stokes shared with us her love of her hometown.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVENT IN AMARILLO? My favorite event in Amarillo is the Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off. It’s my favorite event because 100 cooking teams provide tons of food, and with a typical attendance of over 6,000, you get to see people from all over Amarillo come together to have drinks and enjoy some of the best barbecue in the city.

Get Connected visitamarillo.com

I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

STOKED ON AMARILLO

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Hands down it’s simply sharing Amarillo with others. I grew up here, so I know this city like the back of my hand. That gives me the opportunity to showcase Amarillo in a way that fits everyone’s interests. I was guilty of thinking, “There’s nothing to do in Amarillo,” in my younger years, and I couldn’t have been more wrong. I live for the opportunity to either change the way people think about Amarillo or introduce them to everything Amarillo has to offer.

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