Texas Meetings + Events Spring 2022

BY ASSOCIATION

THREE INDUSTRY LEADERS SHARE THEIR STORIES

SPRING PARTY

BOTANICAL GARDENS AS EVENT VENUES

TEAMBUILDING

HOUSTON HOTEL INTRODUCES GROUP EXPERIENCES

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // S P R I N G 2 0 2 2

Big Bold Grapevine delivers exceptional venues for groups and gatherings

&

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M O

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WELCOME BACK! IT’S TIME TO GET BACK TO DOING WHAT WE DO BEST

MAKING YOUR VISION OUR MISSION Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas Five contiguous exhibit halls with 247,052 square feet of column-free space Surrounded by 12,000+ hotel rooms within walking distance

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Our facility is proud to be recognized for cleaning and disinfecting to a higher standard to keep our space clean and safe for occupancy.

BACK TO 100% CAPACITY The Austin Convention Center is officially back to 100 percent capacity with no social distancing requirements, giving you complete freedom in how you set up your event.

4/14/22 2:13 PM

Making memorable Making meetings meetings memorable. memorable 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.

Opening it’s doors in Spring of 2023, Abilene’s state-of-the-art downtown convention hotel will host the bustling activity in the heart of Abilene.

With more than 200 guest rooms, a three-meal restaurant with private dining, a 12,151 square foot ballroom and more, this will be the premiere meeting space in West Central Texas.

Makeyour yourevents events memorable memorable by Make your events memorable by booking bookinga ameeting, meeting, Make by booking meeting, Make your events memorable by booking aa meeting, convention or convention or group group today! today! convention group today! convention group today!

Downtown Abilene DoubleTree by Hilton | Opening Spring of 2023 Downtown Abilene DoubleTree by Hilton | Opening Spring of 2023 Vist abilenevisitors.com/downtown_hotel for moreSpring information and reservation options.

Downtown Abilene DoubleTree DoubleTree by

by Hilton Hilton || Opening Opening of 2023 2023 Downtown Abilene of Vist abilenevisitors.com/downtown_hotel for moreSpring information and reservation options.

Vist abilenevisitors.com/downtown_hotel for more information and reservation reservation options. options.

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Contents

SPRING 2 02 2

Meeting Notes //

26

12 Teambuilding

C. Baldwin introduces experiential activations.

13 Now Open

Feature //

1902 Nightclub launches in San Antonio.

Profiles in Leadership

BY TERESA KENNEY

14 Signature Drink

Conversations with three presidents of the Lone Star State’s meetings and events associations.

14 Coming Soon

Raspberry Habañero Margarita from Cibolo Moon.

Fort Worth set to welcome Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall.

In Every Issue //

6 President’s Letter

Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center celebrates largest convention since the pandemic.

18 Venue Report

Industry Update //

Gather among the blooms of a botanical garden.

32 A New Era

22 Destination

Re-imagining meetings and events, research by American Express Meetings & Events.

Heard it through the Grapevine—Texas, that is.

40 People Profile

34 Regional News

Ashley White finds her home in the hospitality industry.

SPRING PARTY

The latest updates for meeting and event planners in the Lone Star State.

TEAMBUILDING

BOTANICAL GARDENS AS EVENT VENUES

HOUSTON HOTEL INTRODUCES GROUP EXPERIENCES

On the Cover

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // S P R I N G 2 0 2 2

Big Bold

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine offers more than 490,000 square feet of meeting and event space—plus so much more.

Grapevine delivers exceptional venues for groups and gatherings

&

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PHOTO COURTESY GAYLORD TEXAN 4/13/22 11:41 AM

Beaumont Mural Fest

P H O T O : K E N YA N G U I D R Y

BY ASSOCIATION

THREE INDUSTRY LEADERS SHARE THEIR STORIES

Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center

16 Convention News

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P H O T O : K E N YA N G U I D R Y

SPRING 2022

MEET IN CONROE, TEXAS. SOON.

tx.meetingsmags.com

PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – NATIONAL SALES RYAN MILLER 469.264.7657 | RYAN.MILLER@TIGEROAK.COM

GROUP EDITOR KATELYN BLOOMQUIST SENIOR EDITOR TODD BERGER EDITOR TERESA KENNEY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TONYA SUTFIN ART DIRECTORS MICAH EDEL, TRACI ZELLMANN

PRODUCTION MANAGER LY NGUYEN DIGITAL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON ADVERTISING COORDINATOR MIKAYLA SNYDER SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT MADELINE BRAVERMAN

CONVENTION CENTER OPENS SPRING 2023

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS ARTHUR MORRISSEY EVENT OPERATIONS MANAGER RICK KRUEGER COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST TEGHAN MURPHY MARKETING + EVENTS COORDINATOR RACHEL TAYLOR

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS KATHIE GORECKI ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE NATASHA BAJJU

REPRINTS For high-quality reprints of 500 or more, call 612.371.5882 or email Lnguyen@greenspring.com.

For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 866.660.6247.

9401 James Avenue S., Suite 152, Bloomington, MN 55431 Phone 612.371.5800 Fax 612.371.5801

a n y o v a Z Alex AGER ES MAN itconroe.com L A S P is GROU alex@v 876 .3

936.522

HOUR MEDIA CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo

The pages between the covers of this magazine (except for any inserted material) are made from wood fiber that was procured from forests that are sustainably managed to remain healthy, productive, and biologically diverse.

Michigan Meetings + Events is published quarterly © 2022 Greenspring Media. All rights reserved.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

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P RES I DENT ’ S NOT E

The Journey Ahead

tx.meetingsmags.com txmeetingsmags

“A river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but its persistence.”

» IF YOU ARE READING THIS, you know a thing or two about perseverance.

In fact, you likely personify it. While myriad industries were affected by COVID, perhaps none came to a screeching halt quite like meetings and events.

As the pandemic raged on, many industries endured fits and starts to their ability to reopen, while meeting planners and DMOs remained fully immersed in a nightmarish Zoomland waiting for employees to return, travel to resume and hotel occupancy rates to rise.

And yet here we are … cautiously emerging from behind our masks wanting to believe that this time it’s for real. That we’ve made it—stronger, wiser, forever changed as individuals and organizations.

At Greenspring Media, we genuinely couldn’t be more thrilled to navigate this “new norm” with you. Just before the pandemic’s onslaught, our parent company Hour Media was in negotiations to purchase the Meetings + Events and Custom Publishing divisions of Tiger Oak Media. Although the pandemic grossly stretched our desired timeline, the wait was worth it.

And now we are in a unique position to help this industry forge a solid path to recovery. How will we do it? By expanding the audience reach to new highs, reinvigorating content by listening and engaging with meetings and events professionals, and sharing best practices through these pages and across our digital platforms.

We will do this all with one goal in mind: to help you navigate this post-pandemic world and to drive business for both your organization as well as our loyal advertising partners across the country.

Thankfully, the amazing editorial, sales and production team that has been devoted to these publications for decades is on board and will play instrumental roles in achieving that goal, as well as bringing back—in person—our Best Of programs.

Greenspring Media has worked closely with the hospitality, meetings and events industries along with their suppliers and partners throughout our 55-year history.

We understand the challenges you have faced, we see the bright opportunities on the horizon, and we look forward to the journey to get there, together.

TAMMY GALVIN

President tgalvin@greenspring.com

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A convention that doesn’t feel

so conventional?

NEW CONVENTION CENTER COMING IN 2024

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 — and a CVB team that excels at turning Arlington’s unique assets into experiences that make attendees say, “Wow!” Arlington is also growing by the day. Our new 888-room luxury hotel and Arlington Convention Center is coming in 2024. So whether you’re planning for an event in the next few months or next few years, Arlington is ready. Email us at sales@arlington.org, and let’s talk about what we CAN DO for you.

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HUDDLE UP.

MAKE ROUND ROCK PART OF YOUR TEAM.

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M E E TI NG NOTE S Products, Places & Inspiration

P H O T O : M I XO L O G Y M I X E R

TEAMBUILDING KITS » MIXOLOGY MIXER has launched several new teambuilding and stress-relief kits that offer fun virtual experiences. From coffee and chocolate tastings to hypnotherapy, Mixology Mixer’s activities are a great way to recalibrate and spend time together.

Founded by celebrity event planner Loni Paige, Miami-based Mixology Mixer was created during the pandemic to employ out-of-work bartenders while restaurants and bars closed around the country.

Attendees are sure to be pleased when a Mixology Mixer box shows up on their doorsteps! Here’s a sampler of virtual experience kits available.

STRESS RELIEF

Stress/Anxiety Relief Hypnotherapy: Dan Candell, who travels the world teaching people to release anxiety quickly and gain confidence on demand via hypnosis, leads this teambuilding session. The kit includes a daily gratitude journal, eye mask, mini bottle of bubbles, 20-minute guided hypnosis,

and one-hour virtual hypnotherapy class with explanations on stress and anxiety.

TASTINGS

But First, Coffee: Guided by Mixology Mixer’s experts, attendees learn about two different varieties of coffee. The kit includes a pour-over coffee maker, a coffee grinder, two types of coffee beans and biscotti.

CREATIVITY

Paint & Sip: Groups are sure to bond while designing their own personalized wine glasses and learning about two different wines on a virtual call with a wine expert. The kit consists of two bottles of wine, two plastic wine tumbler glasses, and a variety of paints, glitter, rhinestones and glue to create a masterpiece.

mixologymixer.com

COMPILED

BY BETH BUEHLER

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M EETI N G N OT E S Products, Places & Inspiration

Teambuilding //

ACTIVATE FUN » HOUSTON’S C. BALDWIN has curated a host of experiential group activations, including cocktail throwdowns, a guided downtown stroll, and puppies and ice cream.

Cocktail Throwdown: In this spirited activity, the group is divided into smaller bartending teams. Each team is challenged with creating the best-tasting cocktail from scratch and then naming and branding their drink for a global buyer. The hotel engages local distributors to make the experience authentic.

Field Day at Allen Center: A fresh take on classic field day games, this option includes sack races, wheelbarrow relays, egg-on-a-spoon races, long jump competitions, and tug-of-war challenges. Trained facilitators are on hand to explain the rules and oversee the contestants as they go head-to-head.

A Downtown Stroll: Get ready for some selfies. C. Baldwin has designed a handpainted walking map for guests to use as they explore downtown’s hottest spots, plus a few hidden gems. The 2-mile, Instagram-worthy walk features art installations and stops at local favorites for drinks, food and fun.

Puppies + Ice Cream: I scream, you scream, who doesn’t scream for puppies and ice cream? C. Baldwin has teamed up with Houston’s ASPCA and BARC for a 30-minute Puppies + Ice Cream break to infuse a conference with cuteness. Guests can cuddle with foster puppies while indulging in some small-batch ice cream. A portion of all proceeds is donated to the animal shelters.

Casino Style Gambling: Offering games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, Texas Hold’em poker, bingo and SpinToWin, this activity can be a fun way to incorporate

fundraising for a local charity into a conference or convention.

Honkey-Tonk Two-Step: Learn the basic line dancing moves of the two-step before splitting into teams to create your own unique dance. The hotel can even arrange for a few rides on a mechanical bull to get the full Texas experience.

To p C h e f - H o u s t o n : Top Chef i s returning to Houston, so it only makes sense for groups to try their hand at the competition as well. Teams begin with the same amount of base ingredients and must effectively communicate and collaborate to earn specialty ingredients to infuse dishes with a true taste of Texas, Italy or whatever cuisine they choose. A panel of judges—handpicked from hotel employees and your guest list—chooses the top dish.

P H OTO S : C O U R T E S Y C . B A L DW I N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) : C O U R T E S Y 1 9 0 2 N I G H TC L U B

C. Baldwin introduces group activations.

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Now Open //

New Venue, Historic Location

1902 Nightclub opens in San Antonio.

P H OTO S : C O U R T E S Y C . B A L DW I N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) : C O U R T E S Y 1 9 0 2 N I G H TC L U B

San Antonio welcomed a new hot spot last fall with the opening of 1902 Nightclub. Located in the historic St. Paul Square district, the 119-year-old property was formerly the Sunset Station Train Depot and was known as “the building of 1,000 lights” thanks to the electric lights installed during its construction.

Designed in Spanish Mission Revival style and located in The Espee, a complex of eight venues, 1902 Nightclub features a stained-glass oculus, grand staircase, stucco walls, low-pitched clay tile roofs and vaulted ceilings.

In addition to hosting musicians and other entertainers, the venue is available for private rentals and can accommodate 150 people for a seated event or 900 for a cocktail party.

The venue also can be combined with The Espee for a total of 25,000 square feet of event space that can accommodate 5,000 guests.

1902satx.com

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M EETI N G N OT E S Products, Places & Inspiration

Coming Soon //

A FRESH VENUE TO LOVE

Signature Drink //

Infuse Your Margarita Located at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, Cibolo Moon is spicing up the traditional margarita with its Raspberry Habañero Margarita, and you can create your own version at home.

INGREDIENTS: – 1.5 ounces raspberry habañero infusion (see directions at right) – .5 ounce Patron Citronge – 1 ounce lime juice – 1 ounce agave – Raspberries and lime wedge for garnish In a mixing tin, combine tequila, Patron Citronge, lime juice and agave. With a strainer, pour the mixture over ice in a 12-ounce margarita glass garnished with a salted rim, lime wedge and raspberries.

TEQUILA INFUSION DIRECTIONS: Choose your tequila and flavors: Use a 100% blue agave silver or blanco tequila. Blanco tequilas work best because they are unaged, thus are the freshest and can take on the most flavor. Herbs, spices and fruits are most commonly used for infusions. For best results, use fresh ingredients only.

Prepare the ingredients: Choose a clean, airtight jar (a quart-size mason jar works well). Wash fresh ingredients, place them inside the jar, and fill it with tequila. Shake a few times and cover tightly with a lid. For raspberries and citrus fruit, wash and slice thinly. For habañero peppers, score and leave whole or cut in half. Leave the seeds in for a spicy kick or remove them for less spice.

Infusion time: You will want to store your infusion in a cool, dark place and shake it a few times a day for the duration of the infusion. On average, the ingredients should stay in the tequila for three to five days.

Some of your more intense flavors will only need three days; less intense flavors should stay in the jar for a full week or more. You should do a taste test every few days to see if the flavors are sufficient.

» TANNAHILL’S TAVERN & MUSIC Hall—a new live music venue, restaurant and private event space—will open this year at Fort Worth Stockyards in the historic Horse & Mule Barns of the Mule Alley redevelopment.

L ed by ow ner/chef T i m L ove, t he venue is named for Love’s son and will feature state-of-the-art audio and lighting capabilities and accommodate up to 1,000 concert-goers. Additionally, the landmark building will be equipped with extensive kitchen facilities designed to accommodate pre-event dining, full concert concessions and multiple-course meals for up to 500 guests.

Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall will host a variety of performers in partnership with Live Nation. The venue boasts nearly 26,000 square feet of completely renovated space with the main floor featuring a main stage, restaurant, branded merchandise retail shop and a large double-sided bar to serve tavern- and concert-goers. Upstairs, a mezzanine features three, 20-person VIP suites, a separate lounge area and a private bar—all of which promise views of the main stage.

Tim Love is the chef and owner of Love Management, which includes Lonesome Dove Western Bistro (Fort Worth, Austin and Knoxville), Woodshed Smokehouse (Fort Worth and Houston), Love Shack (Fort Worth, DFW Airport, Knoxville and Houston), Queenie’s Steakhouse (Denton), White Elephant Saloon (Fort Worth), Gemelle and Atico (Fort Worth), Hotel Otto (Fort Worth) and Paloma Suerte (Fort Worth). tannahills.com @tannahillstavern

P H O T O : J W M A R R I O T T S A N A N T O N I O H I L L C O U N T R Y R E S O R T & S PA

Chef Love to open live music and private event space.

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THE

WILD WEST COMES TO LIFE IN THE 806

From bright orange sunsets to the vast landscapes across the South Plains, Lubbock, Texas paints a perfect picture of the wild west. As a region known for its relentless spirit and can-do attitude, Lubbock shows off the best of its agricultural heritage during events. See how you can bring your next meeting to life in West Texas!

P H O T O : J W M A R R I O T T S A N A N T O N I O H I L L C O U N T R Y R E S O R T & S PA

VISITLUBBOCK.ORG

#LIVELOVELUBBOCK

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M EETI N G N OT E S Products, Places & Inspiration

Convention News //

BACK TO BUSINESS Houston welcomes George B. Brown Convention Center’s largest postpandemic B2B meeting.

P H OTO S : K R I S TO F F E R T R I P P L A A R ; JA I M E L E I G H S O N N I E R

The largest face-to-face, business-to-business meeting held since the pandemic took place in George R. Brown Convention Center in February. The Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show drew more than 6,200 attendees, sponsors and exhibitors from across the country.

This is also the group’s first meeting in Houston.

NCBA represents more than 175,000 cattle producers and feeders, and the annual Cattle Convention provides an important opportunity for networking, making deals, receiving cutting-edge information and exploring the meeting destination.

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Unique Meetings Unique Group Activities • Unique Incentives

in

The Heart of Aggieland

®

Unique Events • Unique Shopping

P H OTO S : K R I S TO F F E R T R I P P L A A R ; JA I M E L E I G H S O N N I E R

Unique Experiences

@VisitCSTX meet.cstx.gov TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 17

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VEN UE RE P ORT Botanical Gardens

Garden Party

Planners and guests agree: There are real benefits to gathering in the blooms in Texas.

The Dallas Arboretum has been named one of the best arboretums in the world.

» APRIL SHOWERS bring May flowers or so goes the childhood rhyme. But thanks to the number of world-class botanical gardens in the Lone Star State, groups can enjoy floral surroundings for events any time of the year.

Holding a gathering at a botanical garden automatically sets the mood for guests of a gala or corporate celebration. Houston attorney Marcie Rhodes was a guest at a private event held at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and describes the venue as a “natural but impeccably manicured backdrop.” The event was “sparkling and the beautiful outdoor setting made everything shine,” she says.

Moreover, private event renta ls of botanical gardens are often used to fund important research regarding the conservation of plants and the natural environment. The 66-acre Dallas Arboretum, for example, has been listed among the top arboretums in the world and includes a complete life science laboratory.

It a lso ha s been na med one of t he best event venues in the country by The Salonnière, a website dedicated to the art of party hosting. Planners can choose from four venues including the 5,000-squarefoot Rosine Hall, which accommodates seated dinners for up to 350 guests or lectures for a maximum of 600. Additional venues include the 21,000-square-foot DeGolyer Estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places; A Tasteful Place, a glass-walled culinary venue; and Alex Camp House, a two-story home with a lush lawn and views of White Rock Lake.

Botanical gardens also offer a glimpse into different cultures and serve as a learning environment. In Texas’ Gulf Coast

P H O T O : D A L L A S A R B O R E T U M ; ( O P P O S I T E , C L O C K W I S E ) : PA U L P E L C ; J E S S I C A P L E D G E R P H O T O G R A P H Y ; D A L L A S A R B O R E T U M

TERESA KENNEY

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P H O T O : D A L L A S A R B O R E T U M ; ( O P P O S I T E , C L O C K W I S E ) : PA U L P E L C ; J E S S I C A P L E D G E R P H O T O G R A P H Y ; D A L L A S A R B O R E T U M

Clockwise: the Houston Botanic Garden offers a variety of spaces in which to meet and celebrate; the Dallas Arboretum patio space

region, the 50-foot-by-100-foot, climate-controlled Global Collection Garden Tent at Houston Botanic Garden overlooks the 3-acre Global Collection Garden, which features plants from tropical, subtropical and arid zones from around the world.

“Groups who meet at the garden can arrange for access to the paths and trails,” explains Justin Lacey, director of communications and community engagement. “Last Christmas, we had three companies plan their holiday parties in our Global Collection Garden Tent, and they all went in on the event budget for the decor and event furniture. The three events coincided with our holiday lights trail, so their guests could take advantage of that as well.”

Events also can be held in the Culinary Garden’s 30-foot-by-50-foot, climate-controlled tent located among edible and medicinal plants, including Mexican mint marigold, spineless prickly pear, turmeric, sugar cane and Turkish sage.

Thanks to varying climates, the gardens themselves can be, albeit peripherally, a testament to the perseverance of the farmers and gardeners of Texas’ past. Facing drought, high winds, scorching sun and heavy soil, the founders of Amarillo’s first garden club had their work cut out for them in 1929. The tenacity and success of that first club inspired the founding of Amarillo Botanical Gardens in 1968. The 4.4-acre attraction in Medical Center Park is a popular choice for area

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VEN UE RE P ORT Botanical Gardens

Flower Power

Top: the Lake Pavilion at Clark Gardens Bottom: Houston Botanic Garden

Did you know that in 1901, the Texas legislature was deep in a debate over which flower was going to represent the state?

As all good Texans know, the bluebonnet won out—thanks, no doubt, to the gorgeous blanket of Instagram-ready color that covers Hill Country each spring.

But the real debate came after.

Which bluebonnet should be on the state emblem? Some Texans wanted lupinas subcarnosus, others the lupinus texensis. The discord was finally put to rest in 1971 when lawmakers decided that the state flower would include both species, plus “any other variety of bluebonnet not heretofore recorded.”

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amarillobotanicalgardens.org clarkgardens.org dallasarboretum.org hbg.org

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P H O T O S : C O U R T E S Y C L A R K G A R D E N S ; PA U L P E L C

galas and events. Planners can choose from a va riety of indoor a nd outdoor spaces for private events, and groups of up to 320 can be accommodated in various outdoor garden spaces.

With their beautiful and serene natural settings, gardens also can serve as a muchneeded mental health respite from the chaos of the past few years and provide planners with no-headache (or at the very least, headache-reducing) planning assistance. Clark Gardens , located in North Texas between Weatherford and Mineral Wells, was once the private garden of Max and Billie Clark and opened its gates to the public in 2000.

Clark Gardens offers all-inclusive corporate retreat packages, including breakfast, lunch and teambuilding activities.

Among the many spaces that planners can choose from are the 5,000-squarefoot Bowling Green (for up to 350 guests), Channel Garden with two covered and furnished pavilions, a chapel, and East Tent, a 6,000-square-foot permanent tented venue surrounded by antique roses and featuring chandelier lighting, a permanent stage, dance floor and bar area.

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BRING YOUR NEXT

Whether it’s a corporate event or a social celebration, make it special at South Shore Harbour Resort. Group room rate

P H O T O S : C O U R T E S Y C L A R K G A R D E N S ; PA U L P E L C

specials are available.

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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DE ST I NAT ION Grapevine

Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center has shops, entertainment, event spaces and dining options—including the lounge, Glass Cactus (above).

Heard It Through the Grapevine » LOCATED JUST 10 MINUTES from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Grapevine might be a smaller town, but it delivers Texas-style big when it comes to meetings and events.

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) selected Grapevine for its 2020 World Education Congress. “Grapevine was a perfect location for our World Education Congress,” notes Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA , senior v ice president of experience for MPI. “Our welcome celebration at the downtown train depot was a short drive and offered our participants the opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience and a lively outdoor concert.

The downtown shops and restaurants welcomed our group warmly and offered a variety of entertainment options for our group to extend their trip.”

While only 54,000 residents (give or take a few hundred) call the city home, more than 1 million square feet of meeting and event space is readily available, and 21 hotels are within the city limits.

Need some help navigating all that square footage? We’ll get you started.

ALL UNDER ONE ROOF Talk about mixing business with pleasure.

Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center overlooks Lake Grapevine and

TERESA KENNEY

offers 1,814 g uest rooms, 127 suites, 490,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a 10-acre waterpark along with garden atriums, four restaurants, shopping, a full-service spa and a fitness center.

“The Gaylord Texan had wonderful space, rooms and amenities for us to hold our conference in a single location,” says Gregg.

Another family friendly, bleisure-ready convention venue is Great Wolf Lodge, which has an 80,000-square-foot water park (the only indoor water park in North Texas). The 600-suite resort also features 23,414 square feet of indoor meeting space and a 6,000-square-foot outdoor venue with a 2,700-square-foot pavilion.

P H O T O : G AY L O R D T E X A N R E S O R T A N D C O N F E R E N C E C E N T E R

Planning a meeting in North Texas? We have a town for you.

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Not Just for Cowboys Located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Hotel Drover, an award-winning, 200-room Autograph Collection® Hotel by Marriott, focuses on simple pleasures and genuine hospitality. With nearly 40,000 square feet of gathering space and rustic-luxe venues that can accommodate up to 600 guests, your legendary experience awaits for intimate meetings and inclusive celebrations.

P H O T O : G AY L O R D T E X A N R E S O R T A N D C O N F E R E N C E C E N T E R

A S F E AT U R E D I N

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DE ST I NAT ION Grapevine

THE TRIED AND TRUE Just five minutes from DFW, Grapevine Convention Center ha s more tha n 14,000 square feet of meeting space. Onsite catering is through Twelve09 Catering, but outside catering is also permitted. The divisible Concord Room can accommodate up to 550 for a banquet or 950 theater-style.

Additional smaller spaces and breakout rooms also are available.

THE NEW The newest kid on the block in downtown Grapevine is Harvest Hall, a huge, European-style food and entertainment destination. In addition to seven kitchen stalls and two bars, the hall has event space.

Third Rail provides indoor and outdoor entertaining options for up to 160, and the 120-room boutique Hotel Vin has 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including two ballrooms and a wine room.

THE POST AGENDA Lagniappe Productions takes its name from the New Orleans tradition of giving something a little extra. The entertainment company specializes in award-winning Wild West comedy productions, traveling stunt shows, murder mysteries, teambuilding activities and more. Groups can be entertained onsite at Texas Star Dinner Theatre or offsite at your venue or one of the Lagniappe Productions’ partners, such as Beaumont Ranch, Billy Bob’s Texas, Circle R Ranch, Gaylord Texan Resort and Gilley’s Dallas.

Hotel Vin (top), features 120 rooms and 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space; Messina Hof (bottom) is on Grapevine’s Urban Wine Trail.

And no trip to Grapevine is complete without a tasting trip along the Urban Wine Trail. The city was named for the wild mustang grapes that blanketed the area in the 1800s. Today, Grapevine is known as a leader in the wine industry with popular community events such as Grapefest, the largest wine festival in the southwest.

Daniel Hirsch, director of marketing and brand management for Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau, says, “We take pride in creating the best overall experience for our guests, which is one of the many reasons why meeting planners love coming to Grapevine.” grapevinetexasusa.com

P H OTO S : AU TO G R A P H CO L L E C T I O N ; M E S S I N A H O F

THE UNUSUAL Bring history to life with a private event at Nash Farms, a heritage museum that depicts 19th-century farm life. The venue grows heirloom crops and raises livestock such as sheep and turkey and has an 1869 farmhouse and historic barn. Private events are held alfresco.

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CorkysGamingBistro.com | 817-857-6401 3520 Grapevine Mills Blvd N., Grapevine, TX 76051

AXE THROWING

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ESCAPE ROOMS CLASSIC ARCADE

P H OTO S : AU TO G R A P H CO L L E C T I O N ; M E S S I N A H O F

Corky’s caters to private events such as holiday parties, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette events, team-building exercises, and many other get-togethers—large or small.

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profiles

in

leadership THE LONE STAR STATE’S EVENT AND PLANNING ASSOCIATIONS ARE LED BY SOME OF OUR STATE’S MOST IMPRESSIVE INDUSTRY INSIDERS. WE INTERVIEWED THREE.

BY TERESA KENNEY

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Industry associations are a valuable tool for meeting and event professionals when they are leveraged effectively. Associations can help build a network within the industry and provide readily available resources when members need assistance or have questions. They also allow participants to showcase their work and build on career skills by assuming leadership roles. Texas Meetings + Events spoke with three association presidents to shed light on the important role these organizations play in the industry.

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ROBERT SANCHEZ, CMP CO-FOUNDER: S3 GLOBAL EVENTS ASSOCIATION AND LEADERSHIP ROLE President: Meeting Professionals International | Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter HIGHLIGHTS an immigrant who worked his way up the industry ladder from the front desk to the corner office.

Saved someone’s life. Grew up in the timeshare business.

t your current job, what is your role?

I wear many hats including co-founder, chief revenue officer, business development, account manager and meeting planner. As a third-party independent planner, you are both a planner and a supplier, even though most of my clients are referrals or were previous clients from my hotel and convention and visitors bureau days.

How long have you been in the meetings and events industry? I’ve been in

the meeting and events industry for 15 years and in the hospitality industry for 20, including positions in marketing, revenue management and operations.

What was your first job in the industry?

My family was in the timeshare business, so I was able to experience amazing destinations and resorts growing up, and I got hooked. I decided to pursue a career in hospitality and a degree at Texas Tech University’s restaurant, hotel and institutiona l management program. So, of course, my first jobs were as a front desk associate at a Holiday Inn and an internship at a motel in Branson, Missouri.

There, I learned every department as I made reservations manually, inspected

–ROBERT SANCHEZ

rooms, checked guests in, unloaded and del ivered t hei r lugga ge, scooped ice cream, made sandwiches, cleaned rooms and performed audits, all in one shift. I learned early on that it takes all departments to come together and collaborate as a team to succeed.

What do you love most about your job?

I love being a creative solutions partner.

I get to use my diverse knowledge to create memorable experiences while finding mutual opportunity solutions for my partner clients and suppliers. I have been on both sides [of the vendor relationship], which allows me to be a trusted adviser to my clients and a good partner to my suppliers, providing a mutual win for all.

What has been the biggest challenge in your work? As an immigrant, learning a

new language and culture was challenging, but nothing could prepare us for a pandemic. COVID-19 wreaked havoc on our industry, and we’ve lost many friends to the illness and through layoffs.

What is your favorite career memory?

It has been a fulfilling career so far with so many good memories. One vivid memory was when I had to save a meeting attendee’s life by performing CPR after running up five f lights of stairs. Another great memory was being trusted by a new customer to successfully create my first event as an independent meeting planner. However, one of my most memorable was being voted by my peers to lead one of the largest chapters of Meeting Professionals International as this year’s president. I cherish all my learning opportunities that help me grow personally and professionally.

What are your favorite words of wisdom?

Success is always more fun when your whole team wins. There is nothing permanent except change. Attitude is everything.

HOPE: Help One Person Everyday.

Any favorite business book recommendations? “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of

Leadership” by John C. Maxwell, “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek. s3globalevents.com /in/robert-sanchez-cmp

P H OTO S : CO U R T E SY R O B E R T S A N C H E Z ; (O P P O S I T E ) L I S A H AU S E P H OTO G R A P H Y

A

Success is always more fun when your whole team wins.

Conversely, the pandemic also created an opportunity to learn new ways to create events for a larger audience, solidified partnerships with suppliers through contract negotiations, and reinforced the need to hire senior level and accredited certified meeting professionals.

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P H OTO S : CO U R T E SY R O B E R T S A N C H E Z ; (O P P O S I T E ) L I S A H AU S E P H OTO G R A P H Y

H

ow long have you been in the meetings and events industry, and what was your first job? I’ve been in the industry

something does go unexpectedly, they still return to the club. Nothing is worse than seeing someone with whom you’ve had an experience that was not up to their expectations. (Yes, it has happened!)

What do you love most about your job? I get to create lifelong memories for

What is your favorite career memory?

for 13 years. My first job was as a server at a private country club in Atlanta, Georgia.

our members and their guests. Working in a private club, we have a built-up membership in which I see a lot of the same people over and over again. I get to plan graduations that turn into weddings, that turn into baby showers, that turn into children’s birthday parties. It’s basically a circle of life through special events. I love when a couple comes in to plan a 40-year anniversary party in the same room of the clubhouse where they were married. It’s so wonderful to hear them recap memories of previous events that have affected their lives in which I was able to be a part of.

What has been the biggest challenge in your work? Besides COVID of course,

my biggest challenge is also what I love so much about my job. As mentioned, I get to see a lot of the same people repeatedly to plan their different life events. This can be challenging because I’m expected to raise the bar every single time. The next event is always expected to be better than the last. It can be a lot of pressure, and if

My favorite memory goes back to when I was a banquet captain over 10 years ago.

We were executing a dinner for our current and previous board members at a club that I got my start at in Atlanta. The dinner was nine courses with a wine pairing for each course, and it required synchronized service. The evening went flawlessly from start to finish. Every single team member was at their absolute best, and we held to the timeline by the exact minute. It was, as I like to call, a “unicorn” event.

I LOVE WHEN A COUPLE COMES IN TO PLAN A 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY IN THE SAME ROOM OF THE CLUBHOUSE WHERE THEY WERE MARRIED.

What is your favorite quote? “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

This quote is from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve actually practiced this saying. Too often in a conf lict we want the other party to understand us, without first understanding them. It has opened my eyes to being more compassionate and patient, as well as to learn how to compromise, especially in holding the current position as president of ILEA Austin Chapter.

Any favorite business book recommendations? “Never Eat Alone” by Keith

Ferrazzi. I read this book probably about 15 years ago, and I still go back to reference it from time to time. He explains the art of networking in an organic way as well as the power of relationships, and most importantly, in my opinion, dinner parties. westwoodcountryclub.com /in/melissaminto

–MELISSA MINTO

MELISSA MINTO DIRECTOR OF CATERING & EVENTS: WESTOOD COUNTRY CLUB ASSOCIATION AND LEADERSHIP ROLE President: International Live Events Association | Austin Chapter

HIGHLIGHTS started out as a server in a private country club before working her way up the ladder and overseeing a flawless VIP “unicorn” event. Believes it’s important to be compassionate and patient and to learn compromise. Works with clients through an entire lifecycle of events.

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SCOTT MICHAELS OWNER: STRATOSPHERE BAND & SCOTT MICHAELS ENTERTAINMENT ASSOCIATION AND LEADERSHIP ROLE President: International Live Events Association | Dallas Chapter

HIGHLIGHTS raised in a musical family, he has played professionally since age 12. Performed for former president Bill Clinton and the Temptations. Was a member of the Disney collegiate all-star band.

H

ow long have you been in the meetings and events industry? It’s a family

business! I started performing professionally at the age of 12 in Detroit, Michigan, having been raised by a family of musicians. My father is a professional drummer, vocalist and bandleader, and my mother performed professionally for most of my youth. There was always music playing in the house, and I truly never considered any other path other than performing. I have been blessed to follow my dream from a very young age. Now having the opportunity to share Stratosphere in the luxury event market is truly a blessing.

At your current job, what is your role?

I am the owner of Scott Michaels Entertainment and bandleader, emcee and musical director for Stratosphere.

What was your first job in the industry?

My first professional show was working in the pit orchestra for a theater performance of “Gypsy.”

What do you love most about your job?

I absolutely love being on stage in front of a crowd. There is nothing like connecting

–SCOTT MICHAELS

with an audience and creating something special for a new group of people each and every night.

What has been the biggest challenge in your work? With the band keeping such a

steady schedule of events all over the country, it takes careful planning and logistics to manage the daily calendar while also focusing on creating the perfect work/ life balance.

What is your favorite career memory?

There are so many amazing memories from over the years. I am grateful for having the opportunity to tour Europe several times before the age of 21. I was also a member of the Disney Collegiate All-Star Band in 2000, where I performed daily at Disney parks. Almost 10 years of my career were spent performing on multiple major American cruise lines. And I’m thankful to have performed at events for PGA Masters champion Sergio Garcia, former President Bill Clinton, actress Goldie Hawn, singer Trace Adkins, and the bands The Temptations and Four Tops just to name a few.

What is your favorite quote? From

Charles Swindoll: “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.”

Any favorite business book recommendations? There are so many. One of the

first that I discovered, which had a huge inf luence on me, was “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey.

I revisit this book often and highly suggest it to everyone. stratosphere.band /in/scottplaysdrums

P H OTO : J E F F B R U M M E T T

There is nothing like connecting with an audience and creating something special…

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CENTRE’D AROUND YOU. Make an impact with your next event at Boise Centre. Our versatile meeting and event spaces, modern amenities, and expert event planning team is at your service to ensure an unforgettable event experience. Located in the middle of the city’s energetic, walkable downtown Boise Centre is surrounded by local breweries, restaurants, shops, hotels and is minutes from outdoor adventures.

• Convenient downtown location • Numerous direct flights and seven minutes from the airport • Surrounded by restaurants, breweries, and nightlife • Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance • Outdoor activities close by hiking, rafting, biking, and more

boisecentre.com

P H OTO : J E F F B R U M M E T T

Booking a meeting in Laredo, Texas means plenty of options for accommodations, incredible facilities of all sizes, and personalized service, all at affordable prices. And when it’s time to unwind, the nightlife on Iturbide St. and all throughout downtown welcomes anyone ready for a good time. Book your meeting today and see if your group qualifies for incentives.

visitlaredo.com 1.800.361.3360 Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau

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I ND U STRY U PDATE Infographic

Re-Imagining Meetings & Events for a New Era The industry has acquired the necessary perspective, technical skills and endurance to thoughtfully retool its approach. And there is optimism!

T

WO-THIRDS (67%) of meetings and events planning professionals believe in-person meeting levels will return to pre-pandemic numbers within one to two years. This is one of the key findings from the 2022 Global Meetings and Events Forecast, produced by American Express Meetings & Events.

The 2022 forecast is based on a survey of 500 meetings and events professionals and interviews with top industry experts that took place from June to July 2021. Respondents represented corporations, associations, buyers and suppliers across 31 countries.

HIGH - LEVEL HIGHLIGHTS

In-person gatherings

RESEARCH COURTESY OF AMERICAN EXPRESS MEETINGS & EVENTS

Face-to-face meetings and events are projected to grow in 2022, with 81% of events expected to have an in-person element. However, the industry is neither expecting nor planning a return to business as usual, and instead professionals intend to take lessons learned during the pandemic to improve the value, effectiveness and sustainability of future events.

Virtual/hybrid options Despite the rise of in-person meetings and events, virtual and hybrid formats will continue to play a key role.

Hybrid meetings are expected to gain traction as they help expand reach to wider audiences, provide a built-in virtual contingency plan and increase return on investment.

A larger number of attendees are expected across all event types and formats.

Quality of life Focus on the individual will continue well beyond the pandemic and is expected to transform the attendee experience at meetings and events. Organizations also are paying close attention to the environment and diversity, equity and inclusion. The sustainability practices most cited were minimizing paper use and applying energy-saving and waste reduction measures.

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F R E S H S TA R T FO R R E V ITA LI Z E D I N D U S T RY “As we look to 2022, we expect the optimism, resourcefulness and innovation we’ve seen in the sector over the past two years lead to a new era of thoughtful, tech-forward, responsible meeting and event strategies,” says Gerardo Tejado, general manager of American Express Meetings & Events.

19% Virtual only

Anchored by safety and flexibility

39% Hybrid

42%

In-person only

We’re going to see more of each other 81% of meetings in 2022 are expected to have a face-to-face component

We’re tackling digital fatigue with fun How do you keep virtual and in-person attendees engaged?

45% Entertainment, polls, activities and games

To get back to in-person gatherings, respondents say the two most important factors are:

The top 3 meeting types with the largest projected growth in 2022

1.

Internal team meeting/ training

58%

55%

Confidence in duty-of-care components for attendee health and safety

Supplier flexibility

2.

Sustainability matters more than ever

83

%

Small/simple meeting

3.

Comfort with technology is increasing Planners have increased their tech know-how

73

%

Client/ customer advisory board

31%

Food and beverage experience (delivered to virtual attendees)

31% Wellness activities

of organizations take sustainability into account when planning meetings and events

are very optimistic about their ability to use technology for enhancing the meeting experience in 2022 vs. 61% in 2021

Mobile App Usage More than three-quarters of respondents say their organizations currently use or plan to use mobile apps for meetings.

Yes No Don’t know

NORTH AMERICA 73% 19% 9%

EUROPE 63% 27% 11%

CENTRAL/ S. AMERICA 88% 10% 3%

ASIA PACIFIC 84% 14% 2%

amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/meetings-and-events

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I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

Now Open //

HOTEL WITH A STORIED PAST

Travel //

Community Cares //

NONSTOP TO AUSTIN Transportation access is one of the top considerations when planning a large convention. Now, with the introduction of nonstop f lights, organizing a national and international convention in Austin has become more convenient for planners and attendees. Virgin Atlantic will launch nonstop service between Austin and London Heathrow.

This will be the airline’s first new route from the United States since 2015. The four-times-a-week service is set to launch May 25.

In addition, Texas-based Southwest Airlines is adding a nonstop route from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Cozumel, Mexico. The service begins June 11 and is a Saturday flight.

HELPING TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING The hospitality industry can play an important role in fighting human trafficking. As of January 1, a new state law requires annual human trafficking prevention training for commercial lodging industry employees. The legislation was advocated for by the Texas hotel industry, in coordination with major hotel brands and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

As part of this ongoing effort, Dallas-based G6 Hospitality, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6, has announced its continued commitment to helping end human trafficking in all forms and to helping increase awareness of this global crime.

The company recently partnered with A21, a leading organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking at local, domestic and international levels. In addition, G6 has announced a new partnership with It’s a Penalty campaign, which operates during major sporting events to prevent abuse, exploitation and trafficking worldwide.

G6 Hospitality has taken a proactive, zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking, implementing an awareness, training and response program. All Motel 6 & Studio 6 property team members are required to participate in the company’s Room Next Door anti-human trafficking training or the Asian American Hospitality Association’s “BEST” anti-human trafficking training.

P H OTO S : N A S H H AG E N

» THERE’S A NEW KID on the block with one heck of a storied past: Renaissance Saint Elm Dallas Downtown Hotel is now open for business. The 177-room hotel opened in February and features Brasserie Toussaint, serving French cuisine with Asian flare. Additional amenities include Café Toussaint, a 24/7 fitness center, and 5,600 square feet of meeting and event space.

Owned by developer John Kirtland and managed by Azul Hospitality Group, the downtown hotel occupies the historic Tower Petroleum Building, which originally opened in 1932. Over the past 90 years, the building served as home to Tower Theater (which was part of Theater Row on Elm Street), FBI offices and Cambria Downtown Dallas.

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Henders

SO MUCH. SO CLOSE. SO NEVADA.

P H OTO S : N A S H H AG E N

Trek along hundreds of miles of trails. Cruise or cast a line on the waters of Lake Mead. Paddleboard, jet pack, or kayak at Lake Las Vegas. Play at one of our nine championship golf courses. All of this, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

Visithendersonnv.com

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I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

Group Tours //

PAINTING THE TOWN Since its inception in 2017, Beaumont’s downtown mural project has welcomed a dozen murals to the city, providing a lively streetscape for residents and visitors alike. In March, the city kicked off its inaugural Mural Fest with 16 artists from around the nation creating masterpieces. For five days, the artists, who have cult-like followings from around the country, painted as many walls as they could, more than doubling Beaumont’s mural count overnight.

The event also included artisan popup galleries, free craft projects, live music and food trucks. The festival was produced by Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau in collaboration with Houston-born muralist, artist and educator J Muzacz and Pour09 Bar & Rooftop. Golden Mural Paints donated much of the paint.

While meeting in Beaumont, your group can take a self-guided tour of the art as inspiration for your own projects. A listing of the murals can be found on gobeau.co.

WHATAGAMES HIGHLIGHTS WHATABURGER CONVENTION Winter Olympians weren’t the only people battling for the gold recently. A Texas favorite, Whataburger, held its own biennial event: WhataGames. Held in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center on March 24-26, the event tested the restaurant-running skills of Whataburger’s operating partners and their teams.

Competing for $5,000 awarded to each member of the winning team, more than 850 teams started the competition last summer with 16 finalist teams earning a spot in the championship games that culminated with a dinner and awards ceremony.

The event was created in 1996 as a training exercise and is the featured event during the Whataburger Convention. The convention hosts Whataburger corporate

and regional representatives, franchisees, suppliers and their guests.

In 1950, the first Whataburger opened as a roadside stand in Corpus Christi. Headquartered in San Antonio, the company has more than 870 locations in 14 states and sales of more than $3 billion annually. whataburger.com

P H O T O : K E N YA N G U I D R Y

Events //

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IT’S TIME!

Come Meet

It’s all here. All the things in Plano that you love to see and do and enjoy are all ready to safely love you back.

There are plenty of reasons people choose Waco

as their meeting destination: it’s centrally located, easy to navigate, has great accommodations and is reasonably priced.

But it’s our easygoing atmosphere, the slightly quirky downtown shops and friendly locals that have people dismissing the idea that gatherings have to be held in big cities with fast food on every corner. People are ready for something different, something more genuine. Like Waco.

P H O T O : K E N YA N G U I D R Y

WELCOME TO THE ‘MEET ALTERNATIVE’ OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

WACO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU wacoheartoftexas.com

800.922.6386

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I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

People News //

NEW HIRES AND PROMOTIONS Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe has appointed Jennifer Perkins to its event management team.

Previously, she served as the tennis and fitness manager at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands.

NEW PROGRAM NAME & HOTEL RENOVATION T he Un iver sit y of Hou s t on C on r a d N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management has changed its name to the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. Paula Myrick Short, senior vice president for academic affairs, says, “The new name not only ref lects the role of Hilton College as a global leader in hospitality education, but also supports its mission to prepare the industry’s future leaders.”

A market research firm conducted an eight-month query process for the name change. Funded by an anonymous donor, more than 30 one-on-one interviews were conducted, followed by a far-reaching survey that yielded some 350 responses from alumni, advisory board members, students, faculty, staff, recruiters, and

deans and directors from hospita lity programs around the world.

When Hilton College was established in 1969, there were 39 students and three adjunct professors. Today, there are about 1,000 students from 30 countries, 32 fulltime faculty and seven degree programs.

The college has graduated nearly 10,000 students who work in hospitality leadership positions around the world. Hilton College is the only hospitality program in the world where students work and take classes in an internationally branded, full-service hotel.

Currently, Hilton University of Houston (the college’s teaching hotel) is undergoing a $30.4 million expansion and renovation.

The project includes the addition of a fivestory, 70-room guest tower scheduled to open early next year.

Margaritaville Lake Resort also has promoted Peggy Bennett from retail manager to events manager.

Bennett has been with the resort since it opened, managing the retail department, including inventory management, promotion, and training and scheduling staff.

Greg Pawlowski has been

named executive chef of il Modo. The restaurant is located within The Harper in Fort Worth. Pawlowski studied at the Culina r y Institute of America in New York before going on to work under Wolfgang Puck.

Prior to joining il Modo, he was employed

by Westin Hotels & Resorts and W Hotels.

Planning //

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Communities across Texas have started planning their summer calendar of events, including the ever-popular outdoor movie nights. For community, association and nonprofit event planners, Austin-based Ultimate Outdoor Entertainment and Ultimate Outdoor Movies have made it more financially accessible to organize these events. The two organizations launched a nationwide Outdoor Movie Licensing grant program that helps groups fund the licensing cost associated with organizing and running outdoor movie nights.

To apply, organizations should complete the form found on ultimateoutdoormoviegrant.org or freeoutdoormovielicensing.org. All organizations that apply for grants are eligible for discounts on full-service outdoor screen rentals. ultimateoutdoormoviegrant.org

P H OTO S : K I R K S E Y A R C H I T E C T U R E ; J E S S I C A M O R G A N ; K E N R I G H T P H OTO G R A P H Y; A D O B E S TO C K ; (O P P O S I T E ) DA L L A S CO N V E N T I O N C E N T E R ; F L A N N E L JA X ’ S

Renovations //

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Coming Soon //

P H OTO S : K I R K S E Y A R C H I T E C T U R E ; J E S S I C A M O R G A N ; K E N R I G H T P H OTO G R A P H Y; A D O B E S TO C K ; (O P P O S I T E ) DA L L A S CO N V E N T I O N C E N T E R ; F L A N N E L JA X ’ S

GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW DALLAS CONVENTION CENTER The Dallas City Council has approved plans for a new 2.5-million-square-foot convention center located adjacent to the current Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The new center will feature 800,000 square feet of exhibit space and 400,000 square feet of breakout space, including a 100,000-square-foot ballroom.

Construction on the $2 billion center is expected to begin in 2024 with completion in 2028.

The planned convention center will feature large, elevated ballrooms with outdoor event terraces featuring views of Trinity River and downtown Dallas. The center is expected to nearly double annual attendance and associated revenue for the city.

Teambuilding //

CHANNEL YOUR INNER LUMBERJACK As the team at FlannelJax’s likes to say, “Don’t just break the ice … smash through it with an axe!” It’s teambuilding on steroids or at least the kind you can conquer in plaid shirts or loosened ties.

The Details » FlannelJax’s, a lumberjack-themed entertainment center with six locations around the U.S., offers a variety of axe-throwing games and lumberjack sports like crosscut sawing and thump the stump, where players race to hammer a nail into a stump with a hatchet. At holiday parties, client and employee appreciation events, and networking sessions, groups are led by one of the facility’s lumberjacks or lane coaches to ensure everyone stays safe and enjoys the experience.

Event specialists are available to help groups customize their FlannelJax’s experience, assisting with details such as catering, drink packages, games and prizes.

The Locations » Founded in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2018, FlannelJax’s has expanded to include locations in Arvada, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Roanoke, Texas; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Seattle, Washington. flanneljaxs.com

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P EOPLE PROFI L E Ashley White

T

Hospitality with Heart Ashley White finds her home in the industry.

BY TERESA KENNEY

» FROM ARRANGING FAMILIARIZATION TRIPS and expediting RFPs to providing swag or planning assistance, convention and visitors bureaus are a tremendous resource for meeting and event planners. They serve as an invaluable team member when organizing an event outside of your home base. Ashley White, director of marketing for Visit The Woodlands, shares her path to and passion for CVBs and the hospitality industry.

What drew you to your career?

I wanted a career that would help make a positive impact in my local community.

Shortly after graduating college, I was recommended for a job at Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the time, I was not very familiar with the hospitality industry, but I was interested.

Now, 15 years later, I can definitely say the hospitality industry is my home.

What is your favorite career memory?

My family always attends The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. During our first visit, I was struggling to decide between two pieces of art, so I asked my oldest son for his opinion. His answer was so insightful, I decided to buy the piece he recommended, and to this day, it hangs by my bedside table. It captures the memory of that day for me perfectly and will always hold a special place in my heart. That’s exactly what we’re trying to create for visitors who come to The Woodlands: a memory they can cherish long after they leave.

Any advice for someone who wants to enter the industry? The industry is full of incredibly talented people who are inspiring, passionate and always looking toward the future. I encourage industry newcomers to be curious and ask questions. They’ll find others will share their knowledge and collaborate on ideas. For me, this industry feels like a family. visitthewoodlands.com @visitthewoodlands

P H O T O : D E R R I C K B R YA N T P H O T O G R A P H Y

What is the best part of your job?

I’ve often referred to destination marketers as storytellers. Whether we tell it through an ad campaign, social media, website content or pitching media, we are telling the story of our destination and asking someone to trust us with their next vacation or special occasion. I am honored when someone chooses The Woodlands. People aren’t just choosing to spend their money here; they’re choosing to spend their time here, which is far more valuable. Knowing that we get to be a part of helping people create lasting memories is both exciting and humbling.

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This doesn’t feel like work.

WE HEAR THAT A LOT.

P H O T O : D E R R I C K B R YA N T P H O T O G R A P H Y

The Woodlands combines stunning event space with natural surroundings and plenty of room to spread out. Here, events come together effortlessly. We have all the hosting capabilities of a larger city, neighboring proximity to major Houston airports, and one of the region’s top shopping, dining and entertainment areas for your group to enjoy.

Combining business with pleasure has never felt so effortless.

See what sets us apart at TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 3 visitthewoodlands.com/txmeetings

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Safe Is the New Sexy

Safe is the new sexy and Irving rocks safe meetings. The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas has re-imagined how your group meets, providing unique banquet options, exhibition opportunities and safety protocols so you can book with confidence and peace of mind. Built for business and primed for play, memorable meetings are just steps from world-class live entertainment, unique venues, and a thriving culinary scene. The beat goes on in Irving, and we hope you'll rock your next meeting with us!

IRVING ROCKS

irvingmeetings.com • (972) 252 7476

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Flexibility & Safe Meetings

(800) 2 IRVING • #visitirving TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 4

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