BEYOND THE BORDERS FIND THE LIMELIGHT IN KETCHUM, IDAHO
M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
Rocking THE MIC 3 TEXAN EMCEES DISCUSS THEIR CRAFT
MEET IN THE PA N H A N D L E
Destination: Amarillo {16}
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The best meetings happen
with a glass of wine. Plan your next meeting in Lubbock at the newest winery in downtown,
Burklee Hill Vineyards. Planners can order Texas High Plains wine by the glass, or a bottle, and pair it with a selection of pizzas or a cheese board. The venue offers space for nearly 100 attendees in their private event room along with complimentary Wi-Fi. Make sure the next time you meet, a glass of Texas High Plains vino is on the agenda.
VISITLUBBOCK.ORG
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#LIVELOVELUBBOCK
7/2/2020 9:58:37 AM
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 TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 1
7/2/2020 9:58:38 AM
Summer 2020 TEXAS MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE
IN EVERY ISSUE 16 DESTINATION Head to the Panhandle for a destination meeting in Amarillo. By Teresa Kenney 32 PROFILE Nickole Kerner Bobley shines the spotlight on public art. By Teresa Kenney
MEETING NOTES 6 SIGNATURE DRINK Add some Dippin’ Dots to your daiquiri. 6 OPENING SOON New spot set to open in the Stockyards. 6 CSR Hotel brand serves up meals. 8 TECHNOLOGY Connect with 6Connex.
10 NOW OPEN Frisco welcomes new hotel. 10 BEST PRACTICES Remington Hotel introduces new health measures. 12 EVENT PROFILE ARTFEEL brings one community together to share and celebrate. 12 NEW SPACE Stagecoach introduces new venue. 14 BEYOND THE BORDERS Head to the Limelight in Ketchum, Idaho. By Linda Hagen Miller
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FEATURE
21
Mic Drop Three Texan masters of ceremonies take center stage. By Teresa Kenney
INDUSTRY UPDATES 26 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local community. Compiled by Teresa Kenney
30 SNAPSHOTS Austin ILEA’s Day of Education. By Teresa Kenney
BEYOND THE BORDERS FIND THE LIMELIGHT IN KETCHUM, IDAHO
M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
Rocking THE MIC 3 TEXAN EMCEES DISCUSS THEIR CRAFT
MEET IN THE PA N H A N D L E
Destination: Amarillo {16}
ON THE COVER
Multifaceted emcee TiWanna “TK” Kenney says she loves connecting with audiences. Photo by Romina Olson
P H O T O : B E A U B U M PA S
8 COVID-19 Get Shift Done
| SUMMER 2020
7/2/2020 9:58:39 AM
P H O T O : B E A U B U M PA 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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EDITOR'S LETTER
We Will Meet Again
TERESA.KENNEY@TIGEROAK.COM
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
P H OTO : A L A N A L A B A S T R O
Teresa Kenney, editor
THE CHALLENGES THIS YEAR HAS PRESENTED have been, to say the least, difficult. They’ve touched every aspect of our lives: our health, our business, our finances and our emotional wellbeing. No industry was hit harder by the coronavirus than the hospitality industry. Restaurants closed their doors to dine-in business; planners were forced to cancel face-to-face meetings and events; and hotels and tourism saw a tremendous drop in business as people stayed home. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we are a resilient bunch—a supportive bunch, a collaborative bunch. As the world shut down, meeting and event planners and others in the industry opened their hearts and shared ideas. ILEA chapters across the state wasted no time in offering virtual education, whether it was on reopening live events, addressing race relations or exploring the future of the industry. MPI produced an online summit on navigating the new normal. And throughout this issue, you’ll see other actions members of our industry have taken and continue to take to address our changing world. If there is one industry that can adapt and lead in changing times, it is ours. This we do know: Meetings will go live again. People need to meet face-to-face. So, we’ve included three lively personalities in our feature story, “Mic Drop,” who can help you rev up your audience when that time comes. We also take you on a road trip to the Panhandle city of Amarillo—because we will hit the road again as well, and Amarillo is a perfect spot to plan your next destination meeting. It has everything you look for in a Texas meeting backdrop: a quirky flair, Western character, artsy vibe and ruggedly beautiful landscape. And please take time to read our profile on Nickole Kerner Bobley. She didn’t start out on a journey to become an event planner—she just wanted to improve her health. In the process, however, she brought her community together through a collaborative and imaginative cultural gathering. As always, thank you for spending some time with us. And stay safe.
| SUMMER 2020
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Do you love it?
SUMMER 2020
D HOLIDAYS EXTENDE
meets
Ocean AMERICA’S RIVIERA Santa Barbara
dinner
WATERSIDE
BAR RAISING THE THE EMERGING EXPERIENCE ECONOMY IS
a winemaker Take a peek at Resort & Spa hosted at Meritage
VENUES ALONG LAKES AND
RIVERS ARE SCENIC SPOTS
FOR GROUPS
//
WINTER
Plan seasonal office parties into 2018
OUTSIDE THE
CITY
FRESH POW
suburbs means Traveling to the planners more options for
make Area ski slopes bear winter easier to
THE NEXT LEVEL OF
DINING ON HIGH
mountains in stylish
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M SMAGS.CO MEETING
2018
MEETINGS M SMAGS.CO MEETING
EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Teresa Kenney Mike Munzenrider Megan Gosch Lauren Pahmeier Linda Hagen Miller
//
FALL
2017
Jackpot!
Grand County’s
STATUS UPDATE
on trends and how CVBs weigh in planners (26) they best support
Deidra Anderson Angela Beissel
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Jeremy Wieland
the Flip to page 30 to meet Impossible Burger, a plant-based patty that replicates meat.
BREAK FOR MINDFULNESS
Pushing pause during meetings recharges attendees
M SMAGS.CO MEETING
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Ryan Miller 469.264.7657 ryan.miller@tigeroak.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES
2017
CREATIVE EXPRESSION s Minnesota abound (47) with artsy venues
FEELS LIKE HOME
at the little things Find comfort in and inns (28) these small hotels
Travel to local cities familiar names
April McCauley Jared Lawson Kristin Mastantuono Angela Beissel
FALL
SS SMALL BUSINE THEIR OWNERS SHARE S SUCCESS STORIE (38)
SAME BUT DIFFERENTwith
CREDIT MANAGER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST
//
Off the Beaten Path
Courtney Nielsen Traci Zellmann Olivia Curti
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PROJECT COORDINATOR
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//
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PLANNERS and maintaining Pro tips on building vendors relationships with
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SUMMER
2017
TON PRIVATE DINING GATHER IN GALVES ISLAND CITY ABOUNDS IN THIS
MOTELS MOTOR MODERNIZED A COMEBACK COURTS ARE MAKING
$6.00 USA
// MAGS.COM MEETINGS
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.
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See what’s new for 2018 in food, décor, technology and venues
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
2018 // W I N T E R
options Entertainment and venue (32) are limitless in Las Vegas
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 • Diana Pfaff, Irving CVB John Shore, Shore Public Relations • Laurie Sprouse, Ultimate Ventures • Leigh Stem, AFR Event Furnishings Dayne Sullivan, Adventures LLC • Marla Watson-Werst, PeaPod Productions DESIGN DIRECTOR ART DIRECTORS
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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
SIGNATURE DRINK»
A DRINK TO DIPPIN’ TO What’s better than Dippin’ Dots ice cream on a hot summer day? How about a daiquiri topped with the delicious treat? You read that right: The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is treating guests at the River Bluff Water Experience to an unusual, but delicious beverage while they enjoy the expansive 9-acre water park oasis.
STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI RECIPE: » 4 oz. light rum » 1/2 cup fresh strawberries » 1/2 cup frozen strawberries » 2 oz. fresh lime juice (approximately one lime) Add rum, fresh and frozen strawberries and lime to blender. Blend until smooth. Top with Dippin’ Dots flavor of your choice. marriott.com
CSR»
FEED MAROON
Two Valencia Hotel Group properties in Bryan College Station—The George, and Cavalry Court—recently partnered with Dorm Dish to help Aggie students who were in need of meals. Called Feed Maroon, the idea for the program sparked out of a simple conversation among Carlos Pernia, director of food and beverage of the two hotels, Brian Hall, founder of the nonprofit Friday Harbour, and Austin Fanning, founder of Dorm Dish. A GoFundMe was organized by Dorm Dish to help generate funds to provide these meals. Within a matter of days, the money began flowing in. The George, Cavalry Court and Dorm Dish provided microwavable dinners to the students, with Valencia Group’s catering service providing lunch. Meals were picked up at Cavalry Court’s onsite restaurant, The Canteen. valenciahotelgroup.com
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OPENING SOON»
NEW HOTEL SET TO OPEN THIS FALL IN DALL AS . Coming to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards this fall, Hotel Drover is a 200-room Autograph Collection boutique hotel and rustic resort. Named for the legendary drovers, who roamed the Texas plains for decades moving livestock over long distances, Hotel Drover is a celebration of the stockyards’ Western legacy. The property will include 40,000 square feet of indoor “rustic luxe” and outdoor meeting and event space. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, pool, the world’s first-ever Lucchese Collection Store and the upscale all-day dining concept, 97 West Kitchen & Bar. hoteldrover.com
P H OTO S : J W M A R R I OT T S A N A N TO N I O ; C E L A N O D E S I G N I N C .
Hotel brand serves up meals for students in need.
| SUMMER 2020
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EMPOWERED BY PURPOSE TO
P H OTO S : J W M A R R I OT T S A N A N TO N I O ; C E L A N O D E S I G N I N C .
MAKE YOUR VISION OUR MISSION.
Our Team has remained actively engaged behind the scenes, preparing daily to host your next event. We understand the current state of affairs has likely affected your event plans, but rest assured that we’ll be ready when the time is right. The Austin Convention Center staff is continuing to make improvements to our facility, working diligently to make sure we remain the most well-prepared event space in the country. We can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on!
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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
TECHNOLOGY»
CONNECT WITH 6CONNEX
Texas company helps businesses meet up online.
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COVID-19»
Feeding the Community Industry comes together to Get Shift Done.
The hospitality industry was hit particularly hard by the coronavirus, due to public fears of, and state restrictions on, traveling and group gatherings. Get Shift Done for North Texas Initiative was launched to employ affected hourly workers in the hospitality industry to perform shifts for nonprofit organizations and institutions in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Local business and community leaders Anurag Jain and Patrick Brandt launched the idea with support from their respective companies, community leaders, restaurant owners and nonprofit organizations, including the North Texas Food Bank, where Jain serves as chairman of the board. The Shiftsmart platform and operations team managed the onboarding, matching, scheduling, dispatching and routing of workers to perform shifts. Restaurants scheduled their staff shifts at North Texas-based nonprofit organizations, preparing, assembling and delivering meals at a wage rate of $10/hour, paid from the Get Shift Done for North Texas Fund. Any remaining funds will be used to support nonprofit organizations that provide workforce development and hunger relief. getshiftdone.org
P H OTO S : I S TO C K .CO M / @ C A N E R OZ K A N
San Antonio-based 6Connex, a global leader of virtual environment solutions, which works primarily on virtual trade shows, has been busy lately. The company has seen its business of virtual events grow by 1,000%, and has been fielding requests from national sports leagues, large school districts and global corporations. Different from webinar tools such as Zoom and WebEX, 6Connex can host large-scale virtual events for groups of 300 or 30,000, offering each participant access to virtual lobbies, exhibitor halls, networking lounges and a variety of customized spaces, all designed to deliver an immersive and interactive experience. 6Connex can replicate any high-profile, large-scale event, making the whole experience virtual through a secure, cloud-based platform. Best of all? They can do it in less than eight weeks. 6connex.com
| SUMMER 2020
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P H OTO S : I S TO C K .CO M / @ C A N E R OZ K A N
BEST PRACTICES»
TO YOUR HEALTH
D
allas-based Remington Hotels has rolled out new guidelines for all its properties that include enhanced cleaning protocols and updated training systems. The company is collaborating on best practices with multiple brand partners, including Marriott and Hilton, to protect the well-being of guests and associates in response to COVID-19. Remington Hotels aligned with an industrial hygienist to develop a COVID-19 miti-
gation program for all hotels that outlines procedures in the event of a guest or associate being infected. Each Remington Hotels property is also now utilizing EPAregistered disinfectant products with proven efficacy in killing respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Additional steps taken to enhance cleaning procedures include: All hotels have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, with an emphasis on disinfecting protocol
focused on “high touch” areas, including door handles, public bathrooms, reception, stairwells, lobby furnishings/hard surfaces, guest laundry facilities, elevators and push buttons, corner pantries and bell carts. Food offerings have been converted to prepared grab-and-go bags not to be consumed in public areas of hotels. In addition to thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting rooms between guest departures and arrivals, Remington Hotels utilizes OpenKey as a “contactless” digital entry tool that limits guest and employee contact. The brand also offers Pure Rooms at all properties, to promote well-being in the guest rooms by providing purified air, hypoallergenic environments and allergyfriendly options. An updated training program ensures associates are well versed in the new cleaning and guest interaction protocols. Mandatory temperature checks of all associates have been instituted when the associate starts their shift and additional times are spaced out throughout the remainder of the shift. Associates are mandated to wash their hands a minimum of every two hours, following CDC guidelines. Additionally, associates are required to wear gloves and masks at all times. Remington Hotels is supplying each of its 87 hotels with the proper protective gear to ensure associates can safely welcome guests and work together, including reusable masks from fellow Texas-based company, Dallas Wear Uniforms. The company, which traditionally makes uniforms for sports teams, has repurposed its factory to manufacture PPE due to COVID-19. remingtonhotels.com
NOW OPEN»
Frisco Welcomes New Hotel
The 18-story, 303-room Hyatt Regency Frisco-Dallas is now open for business. Located within Frisco’s Stonebriar Centre, the hotel includes a 27,500-square-foot conference center with Regency and Junior ballrooms and additional breakout spaces, most with floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light. Additional amenities include on-site dining options, including Copper & Steel Table and Bar and the Steel Horse Cabana. hyatt.com
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P H O T O S : R A M O N C P U R C E L L P H O T O G R A P H Y ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y F R I S C O - D A L L A S
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
| SUMMER 2020
7/2/2020 9:58:48 AM
P H O T O S : R A M O N C P U R C E L L P H O T O G R A P H Y ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y F R I S C O - D A L L A S
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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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
NEW SPACE»
Meet at the Stagecoach
Salado’s iconic Stagecoach Inn has opened a new event venue: Longhorn Ballroom. Able to accommodate as many as 200 guests, making it the largest event venue in Bell County, the new Longhorn Ballroom features an adaptable layout able to accommodate any type of event, and includes access to state-of-the-art A/V equipment, Wi-Fi and an on-site restroom and kitchen. Along with the new Longhorn Ballroom, the Stagecoach Inn features several other event spaces that can accommodate both smaller and more substantial groups, including the Sam Houston Room, the Chisholm Trail Room, Ruth’s Room and Dion’s Room. The newly refurbished 159-year-old, 48-room Stagecoach Inn is a Central Texas landmark nestled among lush landscaping adjacent to Salado Creek. stagecoachsalado.com
At ARTFEEL, the entire community of The Woodlands is encouraged to take the stage. Held quarterly, the public art appreciation show takes place on the outdoor stage of Market Street—the community’s open-air retail district. Each event spotlights a particular public artwork and asks area residents to share how that artwork makes them feel. Some people sing, some dance, some play instruments, some storytell, read a literary excerpt or perform spoken-word poetry. Others showand-tell their own artwork in progress or share a sentimental object from home. And some say just one word— the emotion the artwork has evoked in them. The rules are there are no rules. Everyone gets two minutes or less to express themselves using the artwork in the spotlight as a creative prompt. Now in its third year, ARTFEEL is produced by The Woodlands Arts Council and hosted by local arts and culture writer Nickole Kerner Bobley (see profile on page 32), with Sweekman Artists and The Sarah Kelly School of Music providing featured musical artists. The live show also serves as a gathering place for area art clubs to display their latest works and announce upcoming events, classes and workshops. thewoodlandsartscouncil.org
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P H O T O S : J O A N T I LT O N ; S TA G E C O A C H I N N
EVENT PROFILE»
| SUMMER 2020
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P H O T O S : J O A N T I LT O N ; S TA G E C O A C H I N N
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
BEYOND THE BORDER»
IN THE LIMELIGHT
The four-season playground of Ketchum, Idaho, is an ideal beyond-the-Texas-border adventure for groups and conferences. B Y L I N D A H A G E N M I L L E R IN 1929, WHEN A FORWARD-THINKING KETCHUM, IDAHO, BUSINESSMAN NAMED CARL E. BRANDT pumped water from the nearby Guyer Hot Springs into a large natatorium and surrounded it with 31 cabins, he created one of the earliest resorts in the state. Six years later, the Union Pacific Railroad purchased 4,300 acres Ketchum and Sun Valley have changed since those early days of long wooden skis and rudimentary lifts, but thankfully, not too much. Towering Bald Mountain and the rugged Sawtooth Range still dominate the horizon, and the night sky remains brilliantly starstudded. There is so little light pollution, in fact, that the area is part of the International Dark Sky Reserve. It is the 12th such reserve in the world and the third largest. The 99-room Limelight Hotel in Ketchum epitomizes the outdoorsy, frontier atmosphere of the town. Sustainable, pet-friendly,
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super casual but packed with amenities, the Limelight is an ideal meeting place for groups that want to get away from it all without roughing it. Or losing cell service. “People usually fall in love with Sun Valley first for the skiing, but then they discover the hiking, river rafting, golf, mountain biking, shooting, fly-fishing, road biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, spa experiences and so much more,” says Bert Witsil, Limelight Hotel Ketchum senior sales manager. Flexible function rooms include space that can easily be configured for retreats, meet-
ings and classrooms. Larger meeting rooms include the outdoor 4,900-square-foot Plaza, which can accommodate up to 450 people, and the 2,700-square-foot Living Room, which can accommodate nearly 300. Breakout and additional spaces are available for smaller groups. You’ll find high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. The Limelight is just five minutes from the pristine ski runs of Sun Valley Ski Resort, where skiers and snowboarders can experience more than 100 runs, 3,400 vertical feet and some 2,000 acres of terrain. Novices
P H O T O S : K E V I N S Y M S ; R AY J . G A D D ( F O O D )
and founded the Sun Valley Ski Resort.
| SUMMER 2020
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can learn or perfect their runs at the Dollar Mountain Progression Park. Witsil reports that the Limelight Hotel recently hosted the North American Burn Society’s annual conference. The group’s agenda included both professional training and fun. After morning meetings, attendees headed to the mountains and skied or snowboarded until 3 p.m., then met again for a late afternoon/evening session. As Witsil says, there is no shortage of outdoor activities all year long. Indoors around town you’ll find over a dozen art galleries, several live theater companies and free summer symphony concerts. “Groups enjoy these activities, as well as organized team-building events,” says Witsil. “We also partner with various third-party team-building providers who can custom design itineraries for groups.” History buffs should stop at the Sun Valley Museum of History to delve into the town’s historical journey from mining mecca to ski destination. Pick up a walking-tour brochure for a self-guided stroll packed full of the glimmer and grit of Ketchum’s past, with the charm and mountain-resort cool of its present. And fans of author Ernest Hemingway will quickly understand why the adrenalineseeking writer made this his hometown. He arrived in 1939 and took up residence at a hotel where, when not hunting or fly-fishing, he completed “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Papa Hemingway was in and out of Ketchum for years and finally bought a house there before his death in 1961. Pay your respects at the Ketchum Cemetery, where the writer is buried. Connecting flights from Dallas and Houston are available or, alternatively, your group can fly nonstop to Boise and enjoy a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive through the Bennett Hills and Camas Prairie, before heading into the mountains.
Get Connected LIMELIGHT HOTEL KETCHUM limelighthotels.com/ketchum VISIT SUN VALLEY | visitsunvalley.com
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DESTINATION AMARILLO
Palo Duro Canyon
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
Embassy Suites Amarillo Downtown
THE YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS Head to the Panhandle for a destination meeting in Amarillo.
BY TERESA KENNEY
ACCORDING TO THE CITY’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AMARILLO—which is Spanish for “yellow”—earned its name from the color of the subsoil of Amarillo Creek and the flowers of the area’s yucca plants. The Texas Panhandle city is at the crossroads of the desert and southern plains, as well as a tenacious ranching lifestyle and a creative urban vibe. Here, you’ll find the wild beauty of the Palo Duro Canyon and the quirky artistry of Cadillac
The Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council (CVC) serves as your guide while planning your visit here—and they’ve received rave reviews for their efforts. “The Charles H. Roan Association was very pleased and thankful with the cooperation and benefits received from the Amarillo CVC. … This was the best
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reunion in many years,” says Thomas Patten, who helped organize the USS Charles H. Roan Reunion in the city. W H E R E T O S TAY Amarillo has more than 6,000 hotel rooms with even more on the way.
The 110-room Barfield is a luxury boutique hotel scheduled to open this fall in the historic downtown Barfield Building. The sophisticated property will include nearly 2,500 square feet of meeting and event space. Embassy Suites Amarillo Downtown is located adjacent to the Amarillo Civic Center
P H OTO S : V I S I T A M A R I L LO
Ranch. You’ll also find plenty of appealing venues and activities for your next destination meeting.
| SUMMER 2020
7/2/2020 9:59:09 AM
P H OTO S : V I S I T A M A R I L LO
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LIVE HYPERLINKS TO RESOURCES AND STORY REFERENCES
ZOOM
IMAGES AND TEXT FOR EASY READING
7/2/2020 9:59:09 AM
DESTINATION AMARILLO
Mack Dick Pavilion
Cadillac Ranch
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
WHERE TO MEET Amarillo offers planners plenty of options for meeting off-site, as well. The 340,000-square-foot Amarillo Civic Center includes the 4,870-seat Cal Farley Coliseum and the 2,300-seat Civic Center Auditorium. It also has two exhibit halls, two ballrooms and additional meeting rooms. Across the street, you’ll find the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, which includes the 1,300-seat Carol Bush Emeny Performance Hall, the Gilliland Education Room, a three-level lobby, numerous dressing
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rooms and a backstage green room. Texas’s largest history museum, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, is found in Amarillo and can serve as a backdrop for an off-site event. Spaces include the twostory Derrick Room, the Hazlewood Lecture Hall and the 4,325-square-foot Pioneer Hall. Add some cowhand to your event with a gathering held at River Breaks Ranch or Los Cedros Ranch. River Breaks offers teambuilding activities and challenges, such as horse racing and team roping, and Los Cedros will treat your group to a chuckwagon experience, complete with a guitar-picking cowboy, wranglers and historians. You can even host an event in the rugged landscape of the Palo Duro Canyon—the second-largest canyon in the country. The state park’s Mack Dick Pavilion can host groups of up to 169 and has air conditioning, a commercial kitchen, restrooms, tables and chairs. P O S T- M E E T I N G T O - D O S Post-meeting, treat your group to some culture with a tour of a museum, such as Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian or the Amarillo Museum of Art. Take a hike in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Head to the Starlight Ranch Event Center, one of Amarillo’s top outdoor music venues for live music, dancing, food and more. Take on the famous 72-oz. Steak Challenge by yourself or as a group at
BY THE NUMBERS
240,000-plus: THE POPULATION OF THE AMARILLO METROPOLITAN AREA 120 miles: THE LENGTH OF THE PALO DURO CANYON 32: THE NUMBER OF MILES OF JOGGING TRAILS 3rd largest: THE AMARILLO AIRPORT HAS THE THIRD LARGEST RUNWAY IN THE WORLD AND IS DESIGNATED AS AN ALTERNATE LANDING SITE FOR THE SPACE SHUTTLE
Big Texan Steak Ranch. Book a private movie showing at Cinergy Amarillo (followed by some bowling or virtual games) or take in a baseball game at the Hodgetown Stadium, home of the Sod Poodles, Amarillo’s minor league baseball team. And whatever you do, make time to head out to the iconic Cadillac Ranch and leave your spray paint mark on this experiential art sculpture, which features 10 cars buried nosefirst in the ground. “We are still hearing accolades about how wonderful and welcoming Amarillo was. As a member of the Board of the Texas Cultural Arts Trust I am proud to say I am from Amarillo,” says Laura Street, Texas Women for the Arts.
Get Connected AMARILLO CONVENTION AND VISITOR COUNCIL visitamarillo.com
P H OTO S : V I S I T A M A R I L LO ; J G R I F F I S S M I T H
and the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. The hotel’s amenities include a 24-hour fitness center with heated indoor pool and whirlpool. The property has nearly 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 10,000-plus-square-foot ballroom. Additional hotels with meeting and event space include the 151-room Holiday Inn Amarillo West Medical Center with 11,000 square feet of meeting space, 1Hotel with 15,000 square feet of meeting space, the newly refurbished Fifth Season Inn and Suites with 8,500 square feet of meeting and event space, and Drury Inn and Suites Amarillo with more than 3,200 square feet of meeting and event space. Also coming soon is the dualhotel-brand property, the Four Points by Sheraton and Fairfield Inn and Suites.
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LET’S MEET AGAIN
SEE WHAT’S GOING ON IN
VISITFRISCO.COM/MEETINGS 20
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THE WESTIN STONEBRIAR HOTEL & GOLF CLUB FRISCO, TEXAS
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MIC
THREE TEXAN MASTERS O F C E R E M O N I E S TA K E C E N T E R S TA G E .
Great lighting is key. Smart décor is a must. But the mood of any gala, auction or awards ceremony lies largely on the shoulders of its master of ceremonies. Who you choose to represent your cause or organization on stage can be the difference between an event that is “ho-hum” or “electrifying.” Texas Meetings + Events reached out to three of Texas’s favorite emcees. They shared with us how they got where they are—and what they’re doing now—along with some sage advice.
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TIWANNA A. KENNEY T Tell me a little bit about what you do for a living. I work with nonprofits to help them realize their wildest fundraising dreams. I serve as an event strategist preplanning and then serve as an auctioneer/fundraiser/emcee at their events. I work all around the country and honestly, could not have imagined the immense joy that would come from helping people. I am licensed and actively work in California, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington state. I have the opportunity to partner and volunteer with incredible nonprofits doing, what I like to call, the “heartwork.” It is a life-changing and humbling experience. In these times of COVID-19, we are still working to serve nonprofits by changing course with virtual events. This has been quite an interesting learning process, but we have spent hours working to find the best techniques to continue raising money for our nonprofit partners. Donors want to give, and it is important that we maintain and communicate with them. Virtual events can be elaborate, or they can be small productions full of heart. I have found the most important part of going virtual is telling a great story. You have to deliver the information in a way that can touch the heart through the eyes, so visuals are integral. What was your first emcee job? My first emcee job was at a conference for college planning, while in banking. I spent a lot of time working with parents for financial education/college planning/federal student aid, and the work was presentation heavy.
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astoundingauctions.com tk@astoundingauctions.com
P H OTO S : R O M I N A O L S O N ; (O P P O S I T E ) TO N Y G A R C I A
iWanna “TK” Kenney is a self-described “woman of the world,” growing up a little bit everywhere—her father was in the army and her mother worked for the Department of Defense. She lived in Berlin when the wall came down, and it was there in Germany where she found her passion for helping others see the beauty in themselves and their differences. Kenney moved to Austin in 2006 to attend culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu, deciding cooking was the best way to feed the soul. Her resume also includes a stint in the financial services industry—a perfect complement for a fundraising auctioneer.
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P H OTO S : R O M I N A O L S O N ; (O P P O S I T E ) TO N Y G A R C I A
What do you like about emceeing? I love connecting with audiences and finding their energy. It’s a challenge walking onto a stage with 200 people—even more so with 2,000. When I think about the fact that I am there to quickly find the commonalities with that many people, it is a challenge I gladly take on. Some like humor; others want facts, data and statistics. But no matter what, I deliver charisma and respect to those I am in front of. What was your most memorable event? I will go to my first gala emcee event. It was...interesting. I was finding my niche with a crowd that was extremely diverse in culture, age and backgrounds. Finding the common ground of happiness, joy and what gets them pumped up to stay engaged throughout the program took me through many personalities. I laugh at the videos because my voice was pitchy—I was hyper excited—and any reaction I received from them made me turn that energy up three notches. We had a great time, but boy oh boy am I happy that I have found my new presence. Do you have any tips for event planners looking to hire an emcee? It is important that you know the energy you want in an emcee or moderator before you begin the search. A good question to ask yourself is what do you want the guests to feel when they are walking out of the door? Your emcee is the pacesetter. They are responsible for keeping the program on track, lifting the spirits if something goes awry, keeping time, sometimes filling time, and watching and feeling the energy in the room. It’s so much more than reading a script. Also, think about whether or not you are willing to write a script or if you want an emcee to use talking points and expound. Those are good bases to start with. The local newscaster is great; however, if you want a specific dynamism, you may need to look a little further.
chuckcureau.com
CHUCK CUREAU O
ne of San Antonio’s most sought-after emcees, Chuck Cureau was born into a military family and traveled the world as a child, living in Greece, England and all over the United States. After settling in San Antonio, he studied television journalism and acting. He took a job as a tour guide at SeaWorld San Antonio to improve his public-speaking skills and soon became fascinated with training animals as a way to educate and entertain the public. So, at the age of 21, he taught himself to swim and took a job as a whale and dolphin trainer. Cureau has hosted countless events for organizations, such as Valero, the City of San Antonio, the Miss San Antonio Pageant, SeaWorld San Antonio and the San Antonio Spurs. He has also had featured acting roles in “The Life of David Gale” (with Kate Winslett), “The Boys of Ghost Town,” “The Sunsetters” and “Spy Kids 4.” Tell me a little bit about what you do for a living. Currently I’m public relations director at SeaWorld San Antonio. I’m also an event emcee, NBA arena announcer, SeaWorld marine mammal trainer, actor and karaoke champion. In addition, I’ve served as a national spokesperson for SeaWorld and
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Busch Gardens, appearing as an animal ambassador on several popular national talk shows. What was your first emcee job? I was the host of a radio show at the age of 12 on the Armed Forces Radio Network in Greece.
What was your most memorable emcee event? So many to choose from! There have been several instances during Spurs games when I have met people with special needs or significant illnesses. It’s always rewarding to take a moment to spend time with them and enjoy their company, hear their story and meet their loved ones. I’ve had those same loved ones approach me, sometimes months after the event, and tell me how that moment of connection made them feel. I am particularly struck by one young child who was battling cancer, and I stopped to share a moment and a laugh with her. After her passing, her parents told me that it was a very happy time for their daughter and one that they will never forget. Do you have any tips for event planners looking to hire an emcee? When looking for an emcee, make sure you hire someone who can deliver your message and achieve your ultimate goal. Experienced emcees can balance funny and having a big personality while reining it all in and transitioning to the purpose of the event. To make an emcee’s job easier, please find time to give them as much background information on the event and cause as you can. Take them on a tour of your business/nonprofit and inform them of the history of the event. Provide them with a script, run-of-show and additional talking points that they can pull from to use opportunistically during the event. The more we know about the organization, the better we can achieve your goal. Some sort of script is essential but allow the emcee to modify it to make it his or her own. Meet days before the event to go over the script so they can offer suggestions. Your emcee is not only a speaker, but also, in the case of experienced ones, a consultant who can help make the event run smoother and have a better flow. Emcee work takes training, practice and preparation, and emcees should be compensated for their work. Just as an event has a budget for the venue, food, A/V equipment and entertainment (DJ or band), event planners should budget for emcee services. An emcee’s compensation should be based not on the number of hours that they will work at an event, but rather by the value they bring to the event.
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stevekemble.net steve.kemble@airmail.net
STEVE KEMBLE E
vent planner and emcee Steve Kemble, known as “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru,” was recently profiled in The New York Times and has been named one of the top 10 event planners in the world by Departures magazine. He has thrown bashes for the likes of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, the Dallas Cowboys and Oprah Winfrey, and has made a number of TV appearances on shows ranging from “Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition” to CBS’s “The Early Show.” Kemble’s first job out of college was with the event staff for U.S. Congressman Jim Collins. After Collins failed to unseat U.S. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, Kemble joined the Dallas Chamber of Commerce public relations department and later served on the Statue of Liberty Restoration campaign under Lee Iacocca. At only 26 years of age, Kemble founded his event-planning company, Steve Kemble Event Design. His work has been showcased in publications such as Real Simple Weddings, and, as a celebrity party planner, his tips and advice have been featured in magazines such as US Weekly, People, and Every Day with Rachel Ray. He also founded the Dallas chapter of International Live Events Association and served as the president of the Dallas chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). He has garnered more than 25 industry awards, including MPI Planner of the Year. He has been inducted into the event industry hall of fame and is the youngest recipient of the Special Event GALA Lifetime Achievement Award. Tell me a little bit about what you do for a living. Over the past decade, I’ve expanded my brand to include TV, radio and emceeing, appearing on “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” “E’s Oscar’s Red Carpet,” and NBC’s “Globes’ Red Carpet,” among others. I’m also active in the National Association of Catering and Events and served on its national board of directors. I was a founding member of the SEARCH Foundation and went on to serve as the chairman of the organization.
P H O T O : B E A U B U M PA S
What do you like about emceeing? I really enjoy the connection with the audience and the fun we have. I’ll jump off stage and interview someone spontaneously or will pull someone onstage and dance with them! Once establishing a rapport with the audience, it’s thrilling to then switch modes and deliver the message of the event, be it fundraising for a nonprofit, bringing awareness to a cause or helping to motivate a workforce.
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What was your first emcee job? Back in 2008, I was the event planner for a major corporate event, and the emcee for the evening had a flight cancellation due to weather and could not make the event. My client turned to me and said, “I think you would be great! Would you fill in?” I said, “100%!” And with that, I found my love for emceeing events! What do you like about emceeing? It is both exhilarating and exciting! I truly believe it is the role of the emcee to send the audience positive and energetic vibes, which will contribute to them having a memorable evening, and in many cases resulting in the organization raising much-needed funds! What was your most memorable emcee event? I was the emcee for the Vine & Dine Dinner and Auction to benefit Ability Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. While on the stage during the live auction portion of the evening, a gentleman raised his hand and asked if I would be willing to auction off the jacket I was wearing on stage. (In the emcee world, I am very much known for my wardrobe. I will usually dress in the theme of the event and change four or five times during the course of the evening.) I responded, “Sure I will. Can we start the bidding at $2,000?” He said, “Yes!” A bidding war ensued, and the jacket I was wearing that evening sold for $6,500, with all the money going to the charity. That felt so good!
Do you have any tips for event planners looking to hire an emcee? Make time for a conference call or face-to-face meeting to allow us to get to know each other better and provide information that helps me be as prepared as possible: » Date of event » Time of event » Type of event (fundraising, awards gala, celebratory, etc.) » Location of event (venue, city, state, country) » Demographics of the audience » Run of show » Script (even if it’s only a draft) » Other speakers or notable guests » Any “Nos” to avoid (politics, humor, etc.) » Other entertainment
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REGIONAL NEWS
LBJ Pavilion
VENUE NEWS»
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa has completed its renovation of its LBJ Pavilion and Chief’s Pavilion. The updates include the installment of floor-to-ceiling windows, air conditioning and heating. The LBJ Pavilion provides 6,000 square feet for events with up to 400 people. The venue showcases direct views of the Colorado River and features an oversize fireplace and a large adjoining deck. Chief’s Pavilion provides 2,000 square feet of customizable space and can host up to 210 people. The resort also updated its 12,300-squarefoot Plantation Lawn with natural-looking AstroTurf. The update provides a more ecofriendly and durable lawn setting for meetings and events. Additional landscaping enhancements were made throughout the property including new pathways that allow easier access from guest room patios to the Riversong Lawn. In total, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa provides more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and 240,000 square feet of outdoor event space. lostpines.regency.hyatt.com The Fairmont Dallas recently renovated
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Fairmont Dallas
its second-floor meeting room pre-function areas, hallways and the nearly 18,000-squarefoot Regency Ballroom. The Regency Ballroom is the largest meeting and event room at the hotel and now boasts an updated look with new chandeliers, carpet, curtains and paint. A frosted window treatment will be added to all of the windows, which will create a sense of modern luxury while still encouraging natural light to enter the ballroom.
Other enhancements include the addition of a technology nook to the pre-function area, with several plug-ins for charging portable electronic devices. The hotel is also replacing its current skylights with energy-efficient recessed lighting throughout the pre-function areas and hallway. Bathrooms on the second floor have also been updated with new fixtures, including energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly faucets. fairmont.com
P H O T O S : H YAT T R E G E N C Y L O S T P I N E S R E S O R T & S PA ; FA I R M O N T D A L L A S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) V I R G I N H O T E L S D A L L A S
Renovation News
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P H O T O S : H YAT T R E G E N C Y L O S T P I N E S R E S O R T & S PA ; FA I R M O N T D A L L A S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) V I R G I N H O T E L S D A L L A S
VENUE NEWS»
Social Distancing Is in Fashion Virgin Hotels Dallas is taking an artful approach to welcome locals and visitors back while encouraging social distancing. A new installation, “Together Again: Reconnecting Through Fashion and Art,” was curated by fashion consultant Kristen Cole and features 12 mannequins styled in colorful, expressive pieces from notable fashion designers, including Christopher John Rogers, Marina Moscone, Rosie Assoulin, Gigi Burris, as well as fashion house Archive Vintage. The installation is displayed in vignettes throughout various public spaces of the hotel. A number of new pieces of art will debut as well, including a collection of surreal fashion photographs by Manolo Campion and a bright graphic vinyl installation by Andrew Kuo, which creatively encourages social distancing. The installation will be on view throughout the summer. virginhotels.com/dallas
Now Open The Biscuit Bar is now open in Arlington’s Champions Park. The 3,024-square-foot restaurant is the franchise’s fourth location and features a two-story covered patio with views of AT&T Stadium. In addition to delivery and takeout services, the restaurant can provide catering of its made-from-scratch biscuits— complete with sweet and savory toppings—for up to 100 people. thebiscuitbar.com Virgin Hotels Dallas
AWARDS»
Leadership Recognition TxDOT’s Travel Information Division has selected tourism industry veteran Mark Thompson as the winner of the 2020 “Gene Phillips Hospitality Award.” The award recognizes Thompson’s distinguished career and industry leadership, as well as his
support of TxDOT’s Travel Information Centers and the state’s $80.3 billion travel industry. Thompson is well-respected, with more than 35 years in the Texas tourism industry. He has served as the executive director of Visit Plano for 21 years, and previously headed the convention and visitors bureaus for South Padre Island and Tyler. The industry has recognized him with numerous awards, including the Texas Travel Alliance’s “Tall in
Texas Award” and “Mark of Distinction,” and the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus’ “Marion Szurek Legacy Award.” He is professionally certified through Destinations International and Meeting Planners International. The “Gene Phillips Hospitality Award” is named in honor of the late Gene Phillips, who managed Aquarena Springs in San Marcos and was an influential driving force in the emerging tourism industry during the 1970s.
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REGIONAL NEWS
PEOPLE NEWS» Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa has appointed Keith Spinden as general manager. Spinden has worked with the Hyatt Corporation for more than 32 years. He began his career in the culinary field, and his first role with the company was as a cook at Hyatt Regency Greenwich in Connecticut. Remington Hotels has appointed Joe Masi as senior vice president of operations. Masi has more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including international work in Russia, China, Indonesia and Korea. Masi joins Remington Hotels from Schulte Hospitality Group, where he served as vice president of operations. Rob Carl was named
Trisha Tatro, assistant
director of the Austin Convention Center Department, has been named interim director of the department. Tatro has been assistant director since 2018 and is a member of the Austin Convention Center Department’s executive team.
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UNVEILING»
Art & Wellness Hyatt Regency Austin unveiled a 100-foot mural showcasing the city’s famous urban bat colony and South Congress Bridge. The mural is located above the Texas Ballroom meeting space and spans the hotel’s second floor overlooking the atrium lobby. The hotel also introduced new graffiti columns directly outside the Texas Ballroom, which depict iconic Austin street art. For guests who want to create their own street art, the hotel now offers an interactive graffiti wall activity where guests can become a street artist for the day. Through this hightech activity, attendees take turns putting on virtual reality goggles and use the room as their canvas while adding to their group’s cre-
ation. The final art piece can then be projected onto the meeting space’s walls during the group’s reception or event. To complement the new interior artwork, the hotel recently enhanced its menu of wellness group activities, which includes mindfulness exercises, guided meditations and healthy snack breaks. The enhanced wellness menu features a variety of activities, including a guided gratitude scavenger hunt throughout the property and surrounding area. A few examples of scavenger hunt hints include “find something you are thankful for in nature” or “find something that you can use to make a gift for someone.” Each hint leads the group member to a station set up with items specific to the program or meeting. HyattRegencyAustin.com.
P H O T O S : R A C H E L K AY
vice president of facilities and capital planning for Remington Hotels. Carl returns to Remington Hotels after serving as senior vice president for FelCor Lodging Trust and senior director, construction and planning, at Phoenix American Hospitality. Carl was vice president of purchasing and project management for Remington Hotels from 1995 until 2006.
| SUMMER 2020 PHOTO
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Bring your next successful meeting or convention to Wichita Falls, Texas. However you choose to spend your time here, you won’t be disappointed!!
P H O T O S : R A C H E L K AY
. Complimentary event planning services . Group wine trail, casino and historical tours . Affordable hotel and rental rates . Free Parking
For a Memorable Meeting PHOTO OF 6TH STREET WINERY BY: LEOG PHOTOGRAPHY
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Plan your next event: wichitafalls.org
| 940.761.6820
7/2/2020 9:59:26 AM
SNAPSHOTS ILEA AUSTIN’S DAY OF EDUCATION
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This past February, members of the Austin chapter of ILEA met at the Community Impact Center for the chapter’s annual Day of Education. The day was followed by a celebratory happy hour at County Line at the Lake. Sponsors of the event included Community Impact Center, Rootcellar Catering, Estrella Chacon, Panacea, Werd, Creative Kong, Gypsy Floral, Uptown Valet, Thomas Printworks, Creative Coffee, The Westin Austin at the Domain, and ILC Films.
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1. Tiffanie Rosier, Allstar Photobooth. 2. Drew Dunavan, Werd. 3. Dessert by County Line at the Lake. 4. Kristina Franz, County Line at the Lake, and Deseree Hierholzer, Premiere Events. 5. Presentation by Elizabeth Nutting with Production Canada. 6. Sara Champagne, MyEventIsTheBomb, and Tayler Herrington, County Line on the Hill. 7. Jordan Flowers, Jordan Flowers & Events. 8. Elizabeth Alderson, Austin Detours, and Jonathon Jow, Simple Booth. 9. The A/V, lighting and rigging group during the Event Wars session. –Photos by Estrella Chacón Photographer
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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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WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE PLANNING OF YOUR NEXT MEETING OR EVENT.
www.VisitMcKinney.com/TME
888-649-8499
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PEOPLE PROFILE NICKOLE KERNER BOBLEY
THE HEALING ARTS
How one art lover organized a movement in a small Texas community. BY TERESA KENNEY
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I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N
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ickole Kerner Bobley describes her childhood in The Woodlands as charmed. Summer days were spent exploring the community just north of Houston. One of her favorite activities was watching the installation of The Woodlands’ iconic public art. She and her friends would sit in awe, perched on their bikes, as the giant cranes carefully positioned the sculptures in place. It had a lasting impact on her. “I attribute my adult love of art to where I lived,” she notes. She left the small town for college, earning a master’s in film production at the American Film Institute. She and her husband were living in New York when they made the decision to return to her hometown to raise their family. At that time in her life, she was dealing with the challenges of two autoimmune diseases. Finding it increasingly difficult to walk, she was told by her doctor that she needed to exercise to regain her mobility. For inspiration, she turned to an old friend: the public art of The Woodlands. With the assistance of a cane, she began going on private “art crawls” of the Waterway Art Bench Collection, using each bench as a new goal post. She also kept a journal about how the different artworks made her feel. “I would relive a lot of memories by looking at the art. It invigorated me,” she says. After many weeks, she reached the final art bench. She no longer needed assistance from a cane. It was an emotional turning point in her medical treatment plan and in the new relationship she had forged with public art. It was here the idea for ARTFEEL began to form. She reached out to the local arts council with plans to promote the art as healing. What started out as an idea for a coffee table book morphed into an ongoing celebration of the local arts (see page 12 for a story on ARTFEEL), complete with music, dance, poetry and artisans. The accidental event planner also writes a weekly column for the community newspaper and is one of the residents at the forefront of a movement to bring the arts front and center in The Woodlands. “Public art is for us to enjoy,” says Bobley. “If you don’t engage with it, you’re really THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL | thewoodlandsartscouncil.org missing out.”
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s g n i t Mee
IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N
W A C O
C O N V E N T I O N
C E N T E R
MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS FROM 30 TO 3,000
Rhonda Sullivan, Director of Sales 100 Washington Avenue | Waco, TX 76701 800.321.9226 | 254.750.5810 wacocc.com
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THE MOMENT YOUR AUSTIN EXPERIENCE REACHED NEW HEIGHTS
FAIRMONT AUSTIN
NAMED BY CVENT AS A TOP 5 MEETINGS & EVENTS HOTEL IN THE UNITED STATES
101 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 rfp-aus@farmont.com 512.451.4573 FairmontATX FairmontATX TXMESU20.indb 4
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