Texas Meetings + Events Winter 2019 by Greenspring Media

TEXAS MEETINGS + EVENTS // WINTER 2019 M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // W I N T E R 2 0 1 9

BEST OF 2019 // EDITOR’S PICKS

Best of TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

2019 24 categories including

BEST HOLIDAY PARTY VENUE, DÉCOR/FLORAL PROVIDER, PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY, RESTAURANT WITH PRIVATE DINING SPACE and more!

PLUS

5 EDITOR’S PICKS

Harmony “The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau worked in perfect harmony with my team and our vendors to make my meeting a tremendous success.” – Sarah B. (Richardson, TX)

A visitors district with contemporary flair, world-class entertainment and numerous dining options. Here, recreation takes the form of pulse-pounding beats, extraordinary cuisine and 250,000 square feet of unequaled entertainment. The perfect stage for an unforgettable meeting, and a front row seat to the very best in live music when the work day is done. IRVING ROCKS Business and Pleasure

irvingtexas.com • irvingconventioncenter.com

(972) 252 7476 • (800) 2 IRVING • #visitirving

SHIFT YOUR MEETING INTO HIGH GEAR in New Braunfels. New Braunfels offers plenty of space for your group to get together, talk shop, and then enjoy some of the finer things in life. Our world-class convention center can host meetings with up to 1,443 attendees. Local businesses feature conference spaces, catering, and equipment rental, plus a slew of restaurants, outfitters, shops and a vibrant nightlife. You’ll find relaxation alongside ROI, right here in New Braunfels.

Start planning your next event: MeetInNewBraunfels.com • 1-800-572-2626

        

ASK ABOUT WYNDHAM’S GO MEET PROGRAM

H G  S  T T H have long been the locations of choice for corporate retreats in Galveston. The beachfront location of Hotel Galvez & Spa offers expansive Gulf views, the island’s finest spa, the Galvez Bar & Grill and an award-winning Sunday brunch. The Tremont House, located in the historic Strand District, is within walking distance of a wide array of shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Both hotels provide ideal venues for intimate and grand gatherings in a unique and historic setting. Call today and let us assist you in meeting your goals.

2024 SEAWALL BLVD., GALVESTON ISLAND, TX

2300 SHIP’S MECHANIC ROW, GALVESTON ISLAND, TX

409.765.7721 | www.HotelGalvez.com

409.763.0300 | www.TheTremontHouse.com

Winter 2019 TEXAS MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS 20 TREND REPORT What’s new in hotel amenity trends. By Melissa Sersland

FEATURES

22 MEET & EAT A deliciously indulgent dessert trend is giving diners the opportunity to dig in together. By Melissa Sersland

Best of 2019

Congratulations are in order for the outstanding winners and runners-up of the Texas M+E Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards!

26 VENUE REPORT These gorgeous hotels are perfect for posting.

B y Mel i ss a Ser sla nd

By Anna Keller

Editor’s Picks Laurie L. Dove gives a nod to her favorites in the Lone Star State.

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72 PEOPLE PROFILE Find out what chef Stephan Pyles has planned for the restaurant and bar concepts at Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center. By Morgan Halaska

P H OTO S : B E L L A F LO R A P H OTO BY S T E P H A N I E B R A Z Z L E ; L A K E AU S T I N R E S O R T; E L CO S M I CO P H OTO BY N I C K S I M O N I T E

8 EDITOR’S LETTER

“TAKE OUR TECH FOR A SPIN” our tech stats

802.11

2,500+

P H OTO S : B E L L A F LO R A P H OTO BY S T E P H A N I E B R A Z Z L E ; L A K E AU S T I N R E S O R T; E L CO S M I CO P H OTO BY N I C K S I M O N I T E

a/g/n/ac Wireless Network

CAT 6 Copper UTP Ports

1,000+

Multi-mode and single-mode Fiber Optic ports

20,000

Wireless devices can connect simultaneously

SERVICES OFFERED The Austin Convention Center has a full suite of services that are provided to you to ensure peak performance throughout your event. These services are in place to design an environment speciﬁcally scaled to your event needs. This customization includes: Wireless Internet Access

Wired Internet Access

Network Service & Support

Voice Service & Support

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

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

request a proposAL: Phone 512.404.4200

Winter

2019

MEETING NOTES 11 PEERSPACE The online marketplace pairs planners with creative, one-of-a-kind meeting spaces. By Megan Gosch 12 RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION It’s time for Gallery on the Park at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio to shine. By R. Chad Dove 13 VENUE SPOTLIGHT PINSTACK elevates the bowling experience. By Laurie L. Dove

13 ROOM WITH A VIEW Take a closer look at Salado’s Stagecoach Inn. By R. Chad Dove 14 GIFT IDEA J. Welch olive oil is the perfect holiday gift. By R. Chad Dove

17 EXPERT ADVICE Make this your best year yet with hosting tips from our experts. By Stephanie Selaiden and Jessica Sher

17 TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY Relive the best parts of being a kid at Camp No Counselors. By Laurie L. Dove

INDUSTRY UPDATE 56

60 INFOGRAPHIC USA is ranked the No. 1 destination in the Eventex Top 20 Destinations for Meetings and Events Index. Research courtesy of Eventex

ON THE COVER

Design/Styling: Ivory & Vine; Floral: Bella Flora; Rentals: Bella Acento; Venue: Grand Ivory. Phot o by A n gel ic a Ma r ie Phot og r aphy

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64 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local community. Compiled by R. Chad Dove 70 SNAPSHOTS MPI Houston Area Chapter hosts the third annual “A Night Among the Stars” awards gala at the newly opened Marriott Marquis Houston

P H O T O S : C A M P N O C O U N S E L O R S ; S TA G E C O A C H I N N ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y H I L L C O U N T R Y

16 SIGNATURE DRINK Pitch Black, courtesy of Fine China at The Statler

Spirit of

DISCOVERY

P H O T O S : C A M P N O C O U N S E L O R S ; S TA G E C O A C H I N N ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y H I L L C O U N T R Y

Discover Odessa All work, no play?

Celebrate your next successful meeting in Odessa, Texas. You expect a lot from a meeting destination. That’s why Odessa is the perfect destination for your next meeting or conference. Our great people and amazing climate make Odessa a perfect place to meet any time of year. The Odessa Convention & Visitors Bureau’s professional staff will make sure all the details are handled so there’s time for both work and play. Odessa features: • Forty quality hotels, including the new Marriott Hotel and Convention Center set to open in 2019

The Odessa CVB will help you: • Secure hotel accommodations

• More than 300,000 square feet of meeting space with all the amenities

• Assist and coordinate group activities

• World-class performances at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

• Arrange venue facilities • Coordinate local details such as staffing and UIL sports preparation and submission

• Great restaurants and plenty of entertainment options Convention & Visitors Bureau

Call us today to get the ball rolling on your next successful meeting.

432-333-7871 | odessacvb.com | #DestinationOdessa

EDITOR'S LETTER

Best Time of the Year

Laurie L. Dove, editor LAURIE.DOVE@TIGEROAK.COM

IT’S THE MOST MAGICAL TIME OF THE YEAR! And, while this may coincide with the holidays, I’m actually referring to our annual Best of issue. We asked our readers to nominate and then vote for their favorites across the great state of Texas—and we are excited to share the results. Every winner and runner-up deserves recognition in our Best of because, day in and day out, they are working hard to make a difference in the meetings and events industry. It’s an honor to recognize them. I encourage you to visit page 31 and peruse the list of winners and runners-up. You may be surprised to see who made the list, and better still, you may find a trusted new source. On page 40, I’ve included a short list of some of the best places that I’ve encountered this year, and they’re ready to host your events—indoors or out. For this issue, writer Melissa Sersland toured Texas to find some of the state’s most unique hotel amenities. “From classic hotel elements that promote mindfulness to fun group activities that promote team-building, these hotels and resorts have kicked up their amenity offerings to provide unique guest experiences,” Sersland writes. These are interesting extras that won’t disappoint, whether you are planning an incentive getaway or a single- or multiday meeting. We’ve also uncovered scenery that will make your Instagram posts shine. If memorable (and documentable and sharable) is your goal, keep our guide handy—we know you’ll put it to good use. Take the Adolphus Hotel, for example. There are literally dozens of gorgeous little spots perfect for a selfie session, or for a hosted photo shoot. “Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Adolphus Hotel was initially built in 1912 on what was intended to be the location of Dallas City Hall. (Hotel founder Adolphus Busch—also founder of Anheuser Busch—wanted the location so badly that he paid to move City Hall a few blocks down the street!),” writes Anna Keller. Where’s your favorite place for a photo shoot? Send a quick email and let me know!

Happy planning,

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

WINTER 2019

tx.meetingsmags.com

EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS EDITORIAL INTERNS

Laurie L. Dove

Masterpiece

Morgan Halaska Megan Gosch Julianna Fazio Melissa Sersland, Anna Keller, R. Chad Dove Jenna Barbari, Brianna Smiley, Josephine Werni, Kendall Van Horne

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Chris Arredondo, Eclipse Entertainment • Yvette Audrain, Simply Mox • Andy Austin, Andy Austin Entertainment Kelly Bagnall, Dykema Gossett PLLC • Deborah Elias, Elias Events • Lisa Dalton, Hotel Palomar Dallas Kevin Foster, Conference & Catering Consultant Services • Christy Hill-Howard, Christy Hill Events Rob Keating, M&M Event Rentals • Steve Kemble, Steve Kemble Event Design • Cindy Lo, Red Velvet Events Inc. Terri McBride, Austin Convention Center • Jim Monroe, J. Monroe Designs • 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 SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PROJECT COORDINATORS

Courtney Nielsen Traci Zellmann Taylor Severson Dianne Talmage Rebeca Solares Ho

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Jeremy Wieland

EVENT MANAGER

Kelsey Copeland

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT CREDIT MANAGER ACCOUNTANT

Ly’Neys Hill April McCauley Katie Bodin

WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Sandy Powell Angela Beissel

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES

Ryan Miller 469.264.7657 ryan.miller@tigeroak.com

California Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Colorado Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Illinois Meetings + Events • 312.755.1133 Michigan Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Minnesota Meetings + Events • 612.787.3148 Mountain Meetings • 303.617.0548 | 425.429.8200 Northeast Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Northwest Meetings + Events • 425.429.8200

IRVING ROCKS

Innovative Meeting and Event Space

Reprints: For high-quality reprints of 500 or more call 1-800-637-0334 or email reprints@tigeroak.com. For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 1-800-637-0334 or customerservice@tigeroak.com Texas Meetings + Events accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

T IGE R OA K M E D I A

FOUNDER & CEO PRESIDENT CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

R. Craig Bednar Tony Bednar Barb Steinhauser Susan Isay Jim Younger

irvingtexas.com irvingconventioncenter.com (972) 252 7476 (800) 2 IRVING

#visitirving

Printed in the U.S.A.

FOR PROOF ONLY - PROOF 1 Magazine Ad will run:TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 9 Texas Meetings + Events, Winter 2019 Ad Size: 1/3 vertical 2.25”x10” This proof does not reflect the image quality of the final printed piece. Photos or im-

› 200,000 SQUARE FEET OF FLEXIBLE CONVENTION SPACE › 975 GUEST ROOMS › 10+ FOOD & BEVERAGE OPTIONS › 4 EXCEPTIONAL RETAIL EXPERIENCES

EVERYTHING’S BETTER IN TEXAS (INCLUDING RESULTS) In 2020, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is bringing its award-winning amenities, firstclass service and 400+ years of combined team experience to Round Rock, Texas. We’ve got everything you need for a beyondexpectations event – all under one roof! ROUND ROCK, TX

KalahariMeetings.com

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Meeting Notes VENUE SPOTLIGHT

GIFT GUIDE

SIGNATURE DRINK 16

TEAM-BUILDING

Get Connected PEERSPACE peerspace.com team@peerspace.com

Uncovering Off-Site Gems

New platform helps planners discover unconventional meeting spaces.

P H O T O : P E E R S PA C E

meetings and events trend toward out-of-the-box, interactive experiences in nontraditional venues, planners are on the hunt for new and creative locales. Enter Peerspace: the Airbnb-style space sharing platform, pairing planners with unconventional and underutilized venues that fuel more effective meetings. “Peerspace was founded on the idea (and research shows) that location is key when it comes to meeting productivity,” says Rony Chammas, co-founder and chief product officer of Peerspace. “Meeting in a unique or comfortable space with features like natural light, plants or interesting artwork or architecture can boost inspiration and productivity. It’s all about finding those one-of-a-kind, unexpected spaces to help your team meet more creatively.” Those looking to break away from windowless conference rooms and drab ballrooms can find hidden gems in the local art galleries,

lofts, photography studios, warehouses, museums and even movie set locations listed on the platform. Users simply scroll through the platform’s online marketplace (which currently hosts over 8,000 listings in 46 states) to find the perfect space to host anything from workshops and corporate retreats to teambuilding events and fitness classes. Venues are Peerspace reviewed and approved, and include a detailed description of the space, guest capacity, rental price and user reviews, as well as high-quality photos (Peerspace offers professional photography for high-potential listings). Venues can be booked online at the click of a button. “We’ve made finding and booking a space as simple and streamlined as possible so planners can actually enjoy that process of discovery,” says Chammas. “We want to make discovering and working in new and unique spaces easy and exciting.” —By Megan Gosch

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION»

GALLERY ON THE PARK

The Historic St. Anthony Hotel debuts a new restaurant.

“As we’re part of a hotel that was established by Texas’ great cattle barons, it’s only fitting that our culinary focus be on the most delicious facets of Texas-centric cuisine,” says Mark Yanke, president and managing director of The St. Anthony Hotel. “Redefining the property’s culinary experience is the next step after The St. Anthony Hotel’s multimillion-dollar restoration. Our atmosphere is transformative; it’s a setting that transcends time and surpasses the standards for luxury service. Now with Gallery On the Park, our food and beverage experience is just as evocative.” marriott.com —R. Chad Dove

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P H O T O S : M A R R I O T T : P I N S TA C K ; S TA G E C O A C H I N N

he St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio recently launched Gallery On the Park, its newest eatery. The restaurant is nestled in the St. Anthony atrium with floorto-ceiling views of the historic Travis Park. The wall space in the restaurant is decorated with works of art, which are available for purchase. The Gallery On the Park menu features creative twists on Texas regional cuisine such as the BBQ salmon Cobb, the New York Strip B.L.T. or the pork belly grilled cheese.

P H O T O S : M A R R I O T T : P I N S TA C K ; S TA G E C O A C H I N N

ROOM WITH A VIEW»

STAGECOACH INN The newly renovated rooms at this Texas hotel offer views of the historic village of Salado.

VENUE SPOTLIGHT»

A VIP BOWLING SUITE?

This unique venue in North Texas is ideal for holidays—or any time. BY L AUR IE L . DOV E

PINSTACK is a favorite destination for bowling and entertainment in North Texas and offers three locations in the region—Plano, Las Colinas and Allen. The state-of-the-art bowling centers feature a VIP bowling suite, a full-service restaurant, an indoor climbing wall and a twostory laser tag facility. Each 45,000-square-foot PINSTACK was built to incorporate the latest technology, and was designed with attractive and bold finishes to create a one-of-a-kind venue for corporate or group events. PINSTACK offers meeting space with advanced audio-visual capabilities, Wi-Fi, onsite event planners and private seating for up to 200 guests. The bowling and entertainment

centers provide a variety of packages for groups or on-site planners can customize an event to fit your needs. Some additional activities available at PINSTACK include bumper cars and a high-ropes course situated 20 feet above 100 of the newest video games and simulators available. In addition to all of the fun activities, the entertainment centers offer a chef-inspired menu featuring local and regional cuisine. The menu includes an array of appetizers, pizzas, burgers and entrees like almond-crusted salmon, grilled chicken and flat iron steak. PINSTACK’s bar features a list of signature cocktails, import and domestic beer and a substantial wine selection. pinstackbowl.com

The Stagecoach Inn in Salado recently reopened following a two year, multiphase renovation. The historic property was built in the 1860s and now features 48 guest rooms, including four suites with balconies and outdoor patios. The hotel is located on Main Street and nestled among six acres of ancient oak trees along the southern banks of Salado Creek. The project included the installation of hand-built custom beds, lighting and textiles, as well as plant-lined private outdoor lounge areas. The Stagecoach Inn provides groups with 7,000 square feet of multipurpose event space, with more coming in 2019. Additional amenities include the Stagecoach Inn Restaurant, The Shady Villa Bar and a heated outdoor pool. “We are excited to finally be able to share what we’ve been working on the past two years,” says co-developer Clark Lyda. “Stagecoach Inn and its generations of guests hold a special place in our hearts and we hope the efforts to revitalize and honor this treasured landmark will be appreciated by all who walk through its doors.” stagecoachsalado.com —R. Chad Dove

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

EVENT VENUE»

GIFT GUIDE»

TASTY GIFTS Book a Venue by the Hour Online? Welcome to Peerspace.com.

BY BELINDA LICHT Y CL A R K E

Event space rental has entered a new era. Spurred by the incredible success of Airbnb as a unique and affordable housing option for travelers, new options for renting affordable meeting and event space have been created. Peerspace is one example of a company making finding affordable space easier than ever. Similar to Airbnb, private owners list their spaces online for rent by the hour, day or event night, if the space is a private home. Launched in 2014, Peerspace has more than 10,000 listings nationwide and aims to connect professionals and businesses to great spaces. Currently, Peerspace offers rental options in Austin with plans for Dallas and Houston in the future. Austin resident Mary Negus uses Peerspace to rent her large, modern home for meetings and events. Negus’ house, “The Crown Jewel” as it’s cleverly named, offers nearly 1,700 square feet of space for $75 an hour, and has been rented for everything from product focus groups to team meetings. Negus adds that Peerspace is an effective way to help meeting planners find more affordable space for their gatherings. “Many groups that come to meet and work at The Crown Jewel are small groups that can’t afford a commercial space,” Negus says. “I am

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an international meeting planner, and I know how quickly the costs can rise. I also know what is desired when hosting a meeting: office supplies; extra HDMI cables, complimentary coffee and snacks, and hospitable support that is readily available.” Julia Menegay, COO of the Texas Nurses Association, booked Negus’ house for her next meeting. “We didn’t want a traditional conference room, and one of my colleagues mentioned Peerspace,” Menegay says. “It was so easy to use and I was able to narrow the search to the area and size that we need and see the cost without submitting a request. Mary responded quickly and I was able to arrange a visit before we finalized everything. The space will be perfect for our casual meeting.” Courtney Landers is the director of events for another Peerspace venue, the Mercury Hall Wedding and Event space, just minutes from downtown Austin. The venue includes lush gardens and a terrace in addition to 2,237 square feet of event space inside. “Our venue is a historical building, so it has lots of character,” Landers explains. For meeting planners, party planners, and anyone hosting an event, Peerspace offers a diverse mix of alternative—and affordable—venues for any event.

J WELCH FARMS is a family-owned and -operated farm located just outside of Victoria. The Welch family planted a 120-acre olive orchard at their corn and cotton farm four years ago, and recently began producing cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and other products. The company offers eight unique flavors of olive oil, three balsamic vinegars and a dipping spice. The locally harvested and bottled products can be purchased as individual gifts or J Welch Farms offers an assortment of gift set options to fit a variety of tastes. Flavors include Basil, Garlic, Rosemary, Mesquite, Jalepeño, Caliente Jalepeño, Lemon and Lime. The products are now available in gallon jugs and as a bag-in-abox, ideal for company cafeterias and kitchens. Additionally, J Welch Farms will provide private labeling for any gift products. jwelchfarms.com

P H O T O S : P E E R S PA C E ; J W E L C H FA R M S

Give the gift of Texas-made olive oils and more.

TEXAS

WE SPECIALIZE IN SMALL MARKET MEETINGS

P H O T O S : P E E R S PA C E ; J W E L C H FA R M S

VisitMcKinney.com/TME|888-649-8499

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

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

SIGNATURE DRINK»

“I sought to incorporate contrasting visuals and flavors in Fine China’s beverage program. The solid black color of the Pitch Black has guests assuming that it would taste dark and rich. However, this drink is actually refreshing and light in flavor (and has quickly become one of our favorite cocktails in the restaurant).”

INGREDIENTS: —.25 bar spoon activated charcoal —.5 oz. simple syrup —.75 oz. lemon juice —.5 oz. St-Germain —.5 oz. Suze —1.5 oz. Fords Gin

COURTESY OF FINE CHINA AT THE STATLER finechinadallas.com | thestatlerdallas.com

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METHOD: 1. Combine all ingredients in shaker tin with ice and shake. 2. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a flower.

P H O T O S : F I N E C H I N A AT T H E S TAT L E R ; C A M P N O C O U N S E L O R S

—Kyle Hilla, beverage director of The Statler

EXPERT ADVICE»

TEAM-BUILDING»

HOSTING TIPS

Make the most of your holiday parties with advice from these experts. BY STEPHANIE SEL AIDEN AND JESSICA SHER

MANY OF US WILL BE HOSTING—or helping others host—gatherings in the new year. Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran party host, we’ve gathered a few tips from two industry professionals with three of La Corsha Hospitality Group’s Austin concepts, to help de-stress your holiday events. ¶ Sales Manager Stephanie Selaiden of Green Pastures and Catering Sales Manager Jessica Sher of Boiler Nine and Second Bar + Kitchen offer some helpful hints to turn even the simplest party into an event to remember.

CAMP NO COUNSELORS Introduce your troops to this unique team-building summer camp for adults. Selaiden’s holiday party tips

1. Attend Your Event

1. Location, Location, Location

2. Let Them Drink Red

Is your event the start of an evening out on the town or the finale of a marathon conference day? Either way, make sure attendees of your event are close to wherever they are off to next, whether it be back to hotel rooms or off to the bars.

3. Show You Care

2. Give Options: Set menus are convenient and can make any event feel special, but they can also make guests feel limited in what they can enjoy. My personal favorite for groups of 10-30 guests is a three-course family style menu.

Guests are attending your event because they like you. Make sure you don’t spend the night serving drinks or preparing food.

P H O T O S : F I N E C H I N A AT T H E S TAT L E R ; C A M P N O C O U N S E L O R S

Sher’s holiday party tips (for larger events year-round)

Make sure your guests feel at home, let them wear their amazing new heels, let them drink red wine, and if something spills, it’s a sign of a good party, right?

This can be as easy as your favorite seasoning or homemade popcorn. A small takeaway to remember the evening is a classy touch and a nice way to say thank you for coming.

3. That Personal Touch: Whether you provide handwritten name tents, personalized menus or co-brand a signature cocktail, your eye for detail will make your guests feel that much more special.

Green Pastures is a Victorian estate built in the late 19th century just south of downtown Austin. The property has been the site of a multitude of elegant parties, wedding receptions and other grand occasions since opening to the public in 1946. Boiler Nine is located in the historic Seaholm Power Plant at 800 West Cesar Chavez in Austin. Many original architectural elements have been preserved in the 110,000-squarefoot landmark built in 1949. Situated in the Second Street District in downtown Austin, Second Bar + Kitchen is a modern American restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients and local artisan products. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

CAMP NO COUNSELORS (CNC) was founded by Adam Tichauer and featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Campers experience a weekend of the best parts of being a kid along with the best of what being an adult has to offer. The company hosts 24 camps nationally, featuring classic camp activities like kickball, talent shows, and arts and crafts, and combines them with nightly themed parties, open bars and big meals. The camps began in New York and have since expanded to about a dozen cities across the country, with the Austin camp being one of the company’s biggest and most popular. CNC packages are completely customizable and while the camps are scheduled for 24 summer dates, the company can create this experience yearround in virtually any city to accommodate corporate groups. The events can be branded with logos, banners and company shirts. campnocounselors.com —Laurie L. Dove

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

TECH»

Bots over Brains

E VE NTBOTS , BY SCIE N SIO WINS 2018 MPI TECH S H OWCA S E .

TECH»

A POCKET-SIZED PRESENTATION TOOL

Fasetto’s new product makes for seamless meetings while engaging attendees. When it comes to meetings and events, tech issues are universal. Fasetto, an innovative Wisconsin-based tech company, aims to change that with the November launch of its new gadget Forum. “Forum is a safety net,” Fasetto CEO Coy Christmas explains. “You can sleep in 15 minutes later because you will be confident that setting-up will go according to plan.” Designed as an integrated presentation solution, Forum creates a wireless network for participants to join—allowing them to view presentations on their own device and interact with the presenter—independent of Wi-Fi connection or the challenges that come with presenting in unfamiliar spaces. “While Forum knocks down logistical presentation hurdles, it was ultimately designed to make engaging with the audience easier,” says Christmas. Presenters using Forum can conduct live polls, respond to questions, and share files and contact information with their audience, all in one convenient place. Fasetto also plans to work continuously to provide users with new Forum features that will be released through software updates. holdaforum.com; 715.718.2464 —Jenna Barbari

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The perfect team member always responds to questions correctly, never calls in sick and works around the clock without complaint. While these qualities may be hard to come by in humans, EventBots, by Sciensio—chatbots which use artificial intelligence to answer attendee questions—can make the lives of event staff members infinitely easier. EventBots, by Sciensio presented at the 2018 Meeting Professionals International World Education Conference and won the Tech Showcase because of their innovative and effective invention. Planners can purchase an EventBot, upload important information and details about their event, turn the bot on and go live between one week and several months before the event. Once live, attendees can text the bot to ask about event specifics like Wi-Fi, menus, schedules and parking and will receive an answer in seconds. EventBots can also be customized, allowing the bot to function not only as an information hub, but also as an extension of the event’s branding. Customizable bots can be given a name, avatar, and personalized response style to fit the tone of the event. “Everyone can text, so everyone can use a bot. It’s simple and intuitive for attendees and easy for organizers,” says Chuck Elias, CEO of EventBots, by Sciensio. Participants can ask the bot a question once and then access it again in their messages easily whenever needed. “Truly, the bots are all about engaging with event participants. It’s every planner’s goal to make the details of an event experience easy, so attendees can focus on the event itself. EventBots are a tool to help make that happen.” eventbots.com —Jenna Barbari

MEMORIES MADE HERE. • 230 renovated guest rooms and suites • 25,000 square feet of flexible event space • Golf and 130,000-square-foot fitness center and spa nearby • The Oasis Pool: Renovated 185-foot resort pool with swim-up bar

2500 South Shore Boulevard L e a g u e C i t y, Te x a s 7 7 5 7 3 sshr.com • 281.334.1000

TREND REPORT AMENITIES

The Adolphus’ barbershop offers bespoke services, including a straight-razor shave.

AMAZING AMENITIES

Don’t expect the standard extras at these Texas hotels. GUESTS HAVE COME TO EXPECT several standard amenities when they check into a hotel. But several properties offer unique amenities that make meetings, events and hotel stays especially memorable. From classic hotel elements that promote mindfulness to fun group activities that promote team-building, these hotels and resorts have kicked up their amenity offerings to provide unique guest experiences.

The Adolphus Hotel, Dallas Guests at The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas can access a barbershop right in the hotel lobby. It opened in May, part of a massive renovation of the 106-year-old hotel. The business represents a partnership between The Adolphus and Brass Tracks, an Oak Cliff-based barbershop. Guests can enjoy the barbershop’s specialty straight-razor shaves, trims and pompadours. The barbers use a variety of unique groom-

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ing products, including Brass Tack’s signature Easy Rider Beard Oil, a bergamot-scented oil that helps to detangle, soften and moisturize. Offering barbershop services to hotel guests has two key benefits for The Adolphus. First, the barbershop has allowed the hotel to position the lobby as a central gathering place. Second, the new amenity also attracts customers to The Adolphus who are not hotel guests.

Four Seasons Hotel Houston Guests at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston can now enjoy playing some of the world’s most famous golf courses without ever having to leave the city. The hotel was the world’s first location to

add a Topgolf Swing Suite, a virtual simulator that allows guests to play courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrew’s from one of two simulator bays. The Four Seasons added the Topgolf Swing Suite to its lobby in January 2017 as part of its lobby renovation. Though several Topgolf Swing Suites have opened since, there are currently only two locations in Texas. The other location is 5 Under Golf Center in Beaumont. The addition of the virtual simulator allows the hotel to achieve its vision of creating “Houston’s Living Room,” says Tom Segesta, general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “We wanted to have an engaging, energetic space where you can gather with family, friends and coworkers in a living room where you share the day’s activities and create memories over food and drink,” Segesta says. In addition to offering virtual golfing, the

P H OTO S : T H E A D O L P H U S H OT E L ; (O P P O S I T E ) F O U R S E A S O N S H OT E L H O U S TO N

BY MELISSA SERSL AND

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One of only two such locations in Texas, the Topgolf Swing Suite at The Four Seasons Houston can virtually transport golfers to courses all over the world.

suites can simulate carnival games, baseball pitching and zombie dodgeball. Up to 16 people can play golf at a time, and up to 40 people can hang out in the area to watch the games and enjoy food and drink from the hotel restaurant Bayou & Bottle. For guests who want more of a workout, the hotel’s massage and fitness center (also renovated in 2017), offers 30-minute soccer workouts taught by Michael Chabala, a former professional soccer player who played for the Houston Dynamos.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Looking for new ways to inspire collaboration and teamwork amongst your group members? The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has some unique ideas, from coordinating a catapult launch to flying a drone through an obstacle course. In the resort’s “Fire It Up Catapult Launch,” teams construct a working catapult that will launch tomatoes or eggs. Teams get two opportunities to put their catapults to

the test. In the first, guests launch eggs or tomatoes for distance using a measurement grid. The second test focuses on accuracy, requiring teams to launch objects into various-sized containers at different distances. In “Game of Drones,” teams are introduced to flying a drone and must pass a series of “basic training” events before the real drone racing may begin. Team members are each given a different role and are prompted to fly the drone through different areas of the obstacle course. Guests can then race their drones head-to-head or compete in a timed event. The JW Marriott offers videography for the event as an optional add-on. For groups that want to take on a gauntlet of challenges, the JW Marriott offers a Rodeo Olympics, including horseshoe tossing and 9-feet-tall-by-9-feet-wide hamster ball races.

Lake Austin Spa Resort Booklovers and guests looking to unwind will enjoy Lake Austin Spa Resort’s multiple lending libraries on the property. Guests can explore multiple spaces including the Garden Library, which overlooks the

resort’s expansive gardens, the Living Room library and the Lake Room library. Each space offers couches and soft seating to sink into, plus gorgeous views of Lake Austin and the surrounding property. In addition to the resort’s interior rooms, guests enjoy grabbing one of the outdoor hammocks to crack open a new book. The libraries fit with the 40-room resort’s overall atmosphere, says Jeff Holland, director of sales and marketing. “When our owner took this place over, he wanted it to have the feeling and warmth of what it would be like at a lake house, instead of an opulent hotel,” Holland says. Each of the libraries offer an eclectic collection of books. Some are written by Austin authors or feature local history, flora or fauna. Others are New York Times bestsellers or cookbooks. Although the books move around the resort as guests borrow and return them, the Lake Room library is especially nature-driven, given its location overlooking a bird sanctuary. When guests tear themselves away from reading, they can take part in an array of outdoor activities on or near the water. Groups can take part in team-building activities, or even have a quick meeting or meal on large paddleboards that can accommodate up to 10 people.

Get Connected THE ADOLPHUS HOTEL adolphus.com | 214.742.8200 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL HOUSTON fourseasons.com/houston | 713.650.1300 JW MARRIOTT SAN ANTONIO HILL COUNTRY RESORT & SPA marriott.com | 210.276.2500 LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT lakeaustin.com | 512.372.7300

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

MEET & EAT DESSERTS

Nick & Sam’s rainbow cake is presented with dramatic sparklers and dry ice.

THE MORE THE MERRIER

Small groups are getting into the trend of shareable desserts.

A DELICIOUSLY INDULGENT DESSERT trend is giving diners the op-

Chez Zee

portunity to dig in together. ¶ Shareable desserts offer a supersized

Chez Zee offers desserts impressive for both their size and variety. There are at least 20 desserts on the restaurant’s menu at any given time; the restaurant’s specials are chosen by restaurant staff during their regularly scheduled tastings and vary throughout the year. Owner Sharon Watkins says that because of the restaurant’s large portions, all of her desserts can easily be shared. “By the fact that we make four-layer cakes, they’re nine inches and four layers high,” Watkins says.

portion of sweets meant for multiple guests to enjoy. With eye-catching construction, from multiple-layer cakes to sundae bars complete with sparklers, these desserts will turn heads the moment they’re brought out from the kitchen. Better yet, enjoying a dessert as a group will create a shared experience that will build lasting memories. Since diners can enjoy a few bites without the commitment of polishing off the entire plate by themselves, shareable desserts

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cut down on the guilt for calorie-counting guests. After all, what’s sweeter to bond over than dessert?

P H OTO S : N I C K & S A M ’ S ; C H E Z Z E E

BY MELISSA SERSL AND

“You have to cut fairly big slices, so they’ve always been very shareable.” Chez Zee also prepares single pan pies meant for at least two. Chez Zee’s apple pie is served in a pool of homemade caramel sauce with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (also made in-house). For diners having trouble committing to just one of Chez Zee’s delicious desserts, the restaurant prepares a dessert sampler featuring three of the restaurant’s signature items: Coco Leches Cake, Mocha Fudge Torte and Lemon Rosemary Cake (a cross between a lemon bar, lemon pound cake and a lemon meringue pie, Watkins says). When Watkins opened Chez Zee in Austin in 1989, dessert menus in restaurants seemed more of an afterthought, she says. Recognizing an opportunity to offer something different, Watkins made the desserts in her restaurant a priority. “Everyone was making food,” Watkins says. “But not everyone made 20 fresh desserts every day. I always thought [desserts] were a lot of fun and something nobody else was doing.” Over the past 30 years, Chez Zee’s desserts have been honored as some of Austin’s best by multiple area publications, including the Austin Chronicle and Austin Monthly magazine, Watkins says. As a result, the restaurant has a strong fan base among Austin locals who aren’t afraid to request their favorite dishes from years past. Diners will regularly inquire after Chez Zee’s pumpkin cheesecake, for example. Chez Zee can also host private events for up to 150 people in The Gallery, a separate building located across a courtyard from the main restaurant.

P H OTO S : N I C K & S A M ’ S ; C H E Z Z E E

Happiest Hour Happiest Hour in Dallas offers several massive sweet and savory dishes that feed four or more guests. These include a five-pound burger (with a pound of bacon and a pound of cheddar cheese, served with five pounds of fries) and a barrel of pickles. Happiest Hour’s team drinks include the “Beerist Wheelers,” 50 ounces of five of the group’s favorite beers, and the “Hail Mary,” a bottle of flavored Stoli vodka, Red Bull Rainbow and chewy bear candies. The inspiration for all of these shareable menu items is to provide a memorable experience for

guests, says Happiest Hour General Manager Justin Beam. “The idea behind all of our Texas-sized eats and drinks is that we want to create both an experience and a lasting memory for our guests,” Beam says. “It’s a lasting memory that guests can show and tell with their friends and family in the digital space, as well as in person.” The sweetest item on the restaurant’s shareable menu is Everything but the Sink, a sundae bar that allows diners to personalize their own sundaes at their table. The dessert, which comes to the table complete with sparklers, is typically met with sur-

Top: Chez Zee’s Coconut Lemon Cake is just one of 20 shareable desserts on the menu. Below: The Pumpkin Spice Cake at Chez Zee is a group favorite.

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

At Happiest Hour, Everything but the Sink is a sundae bar that allows diners to personalize their own sundaes.

prise and “huge smiles,” Beam says. “As a general manager, it’s one of my favorite things to see in the restaurant,” Beam says. “Not only are guests surprised by the sheer scale of the dessert, they also enjoy seeing that it is actually served in a vintage sink custom-made for Happiest Hour.” The dish includes a 1.5-pound brownie and 12 scoops of assorted ice cream (ice cream flavors are chosen by the chef and include strawberry, chocolate and vanilla). Diners then have a choice to top their sundaes with banana caramel sauce, gummy bears, cherries, vanilla cream, chocolate ganache or marshmallows. This dish and other shareable menu items are a favorite for events.

Nick & Sam’s

Get Connected CHEZ ZEE chez-zee.com 512.454.2666 HAPPIEST HOUR happiesthourdallas.com 972.528.0067 NICK & SAM’S nick-sams.com 214.871.7444

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Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse is a popular location in Dallas for guests celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and other important moments. One look at the restaurant’s over-the-top desserts, and you’ll see why revelers choose the restaurant for their special occasions. Nick & Sam’s oft-photographed rainbow cake features seven layers of vanilla cake, each tinted a different color of the rainbow, with buttercream frosting. For even more color, the rainbow cake is served with

gummy bears and a side of cotton candy. The restaurant offers giant slices of other varieties of cake as well, including chocolate, red velvet and carrot cake. During football season, Nick & Sam’s makes a Cowboy-themed spin on its rainbow cake, swapping out the rainbow colors for blue and grey and topping the cake with a football helmet. For guests in town from opposing teams, the restaurant will also make cakes in their team colors. These massive slices make a perfect choice for a whole table to enjoy together, says Paulette Daly, manager for Society Catering by Nick & Sam’s. To up the presentation ante, Nick & Sam’s uses sparklers and dry ice as cake slices are delivered to the table. “We put the cake on a cart, put some sparkers on it and put dry ice around it,” Daly says. “It’s really impressive when you see it.” Diners can also order a massive serving of cotton candy, served with a glow stick to give it a neon light in the middle. The cotton candy is accompanied by chocolate truffles, chocolate chip cookies and macaroons. The overall effect brings out the kid in everyone, Daly says. “It’s so fun to watch adults turn into complete kids.”

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MEET & EAT DESSERTS

Fort Worth’s NEW Center of Attention From business leaders to brides-to-be, the

PalmWood has mastered the art of bringing people together. From our sophisticated ballroom to executive boardrooms, our event spaces provide the perfect setting. Everything is in place for you to make the

P H OTO S : H A P P I E S T H O U R

perfect first – and lasting – impression.

640 Taylor Street | Fort Worth, TX 76102 682.785.8875 | PalmWoodEvents.com Photography by Amy Karp Photography / Event Design by Sarabeth Events

El Comisco is an artistic campground that includes trailers, yurts, tepees, tents and communal hangout spots.

INSTAGRAM-WORTHY HOTELS

Set up the selfie stick, because these hotels are perfect for upping your social media game. BY ANNA KELLER

SURE, THERE ARE COUNTLESS hotels in Texas to choose from when you’re traveling for work or pleasure. Many have impressive amenities, or are conveniently located near the attractions or offices you’ll be frequenting during your stay.

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

VENUE REPORT INSTAGRAM-WORTHY HOTELS

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But, what if you want to be wowed from an aesthetic standpoint? What if you want to make your friends back home drool over pictures of your stay? If memorable (and documentable and sharable) is your goal, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the state’s most Instagram-worthy hotels, so make sure your phone is charged and you have your favorite filters selected.

The Adolphus Hotel Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Adolphus Hotel was initially built in 1912 on what was intended to be the location of Dallas City Hall. Hotel founder Adolphus Busch—also co-founder of Anheuser Busch—wanted the location so badly that he paid to move City Hall a few blocks down the street. The hotel boasts two beautiful restaurants, City

Hall Bistro (light, bright, and just waiting to be featured on Instagram) and The French Room (a fine-dining restaurant that features timeless European architecture to achieve a stunning and memorable atmosphere full of natural light). The hotel also features a new coffee shop, Otto’s Coffee and Fine Foods, that serves perfect-for-snapping latte art in an appropriately moody environment. Otto’s also features a walk-up waffle window offering fresh waffles individually wrapped and tied with a bow. Another highlight of the hotel is its barbershop, which features two barber chairs unique to the hotel. It offers straight-razor shaves and classic cuts. You will likely have to wait, though, because the chairs are typically occupied. The Adolphus has a retail shop, Commerce Goods + Supply which, among other items, sells a custom-to-The Adolphus Stetson.

Clockwise from left: A grand staircase at The Adolphus Hotel; the resort pool at Lake Austin Spa Resort; an outdoor gathering area near the pool at Lake Austin Spa Resort.

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Clockwise from left: Lake Austin Spa Resort offers stand-up paddleboarding; a close-up of a teepee interior at El Cosmico; the rooftop pool with gorgeous views at Omni Frisco Hotel.

The shop is full of local merchants’ goods and artwork, making a distinct effort to keep it Texan. The Adolphus’ rooftop pool deck boasts a view of the Dallas skyline right from the center of the pool, and the pool bar serves unique, handcrafted cocktails.

Lake Austin Spa Resort Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Austin and across the water from the Balcones Canyonlands Nature Preserve, Lake Austin Spa Resort sits on 19 waterfront acres with amazing, Instagramworthy views. With just 40 guest rooms, the intentionally small resort creates a relaxing, residential feel, and the space is full of great places to read a book or relax by the water. The resort’s organic gardens provide herbs and vegetables for guest meals, as well as drawing beautiful birds and butterflies to the property.

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The resort’s overall vibe is Hill Country luxe. There are elements of Texas, such as cedar posts, limestone buildings and huge magnolia trees throughout, but there is also modern elegance in the beautiful furnishings, interesting art and scenic outposts. “Everything about Lake Austin Spa Resort whispers relaxation and quietude,” says New York guest Milana Knowles. “From the guest rooms to walking the grounds or strolling through the organic gardens, every turn is picture perfect, and the surroundings definitely allowed me to take a much-needed break from my daily demands.”

El Cosmico This is not your average hotel. Located on 21 acres on the edge of Marfa, El Cosmico is a community lodging concept meant to create a communal retreat that cultivates artistic engagement and offers a temporary retreat from the modern world. The artistic

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VENUE REPORT INSTAGRAM-WORTHY HOTELS

Top: The Amigo camper at El Cosmico. Bottom: The lawn—perfect for an impromptu football game—at Omni Frisco Hotel.

campground consists of trailers, yurts, tepees, tents and communal hangout spots. From an accommodation standpoint, visitors can choose from a restored vintage trailer featuring vibrant décor, a safari and scout tent, a Siouxstyle teepee or a yurt campsite. The tent, teepee and yurt options offer a more rustic experience, but they all have access to the communal outdoor kitchen and bath house. El Cosmico is located within walking distance of Marfa’s main attractions, but within the campground itself there’s limited access to digital connectivity, offering true retreat. The lodging concept encourages a “get your hands dirty” philosophy through creative workshops, and cooking, craft and live music events, as well as activities like stargazing and biking.

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Omni Frisco Hotel The Omni Frisco celebrated its first birthday this summer, and it features 300 guest rooms as well as exceptional dining and retail experiences that stand out. Because Frisco is home of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, the hotel has incorporated the Cowboys’ legacy into the room décor and throughout the hotel in a subtle way, helping its strong football heritage act as a differentiator of this hotel experience. The hotel offers a one-of-a-kind retail experience with the Charlotte Jones Collection, which is named for Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer (as well as notable trendsetter), Charlotte Jones Anderson. This store is a destination retail experience, including clothing, jewelry, home goods and more—and even some exclusive and tastefully branded Cowboys items.

Get Connected EL COSMICO elcosmico.com | 432.729.1950 THE ADOLPHUS HOTEL hoteladolphus.com | 214.742.8200 LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT lakeaustin.com | 512.372.7300 OMNI FRISCO HOTEL omnihotels.com | 469.287.0000

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The Alamo

Our readers have spoken, and congratulations are in order for the outstanding winners and runners-up of the Texas Meetings + Events Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards! By Melissa Sersland

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Winners BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE IN DFW METRO (NO HOTEL)

Circle R Ranch

circlerranch.org | 817.430.1561

With a view of its pastures of grazing horses and longhorn steer, Circle R Ranch offers plenty of space for indoor and outdoor events. The ranch features both the 5,000-square-foot Chisholm Ranch House & Conference Center and the 30,000-squarefoot Western Pavilion. Groups can take advantage of unique team-building activities like the Cowboy UP! Rodeo Challenge, a bike building competition or a 4,624-square-foot wooden maze challenge. Runners-up: Billy Bob’s Texas; Texas Star Dinner Theater BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE OUTSIDE DFW METRO (NO HOTEL)

Brazos Hall

brazoshall.com | 512.380.1675

Runners-up: Norris Conference Centers; Midland County Horseshoe Arena & Pavilion BEST RESORT WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

fourseasons.com/dallas | 972.717.0700

The Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas sits on 400 acres equidistant

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Brazos Hall

from Dallas and Fort Worth. The 405-room resort can accommodate groups of 10 to 800 in 31 meeting and event rooms that total 41,000 square feet of meeting space. The Four Seasons’ upper terrace can accommodate 650 people while 1,500 guests can celebrate on the event lawn. Runners-up: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center; Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

BEST COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE

University of Texas at Austin utexas.edu | 512.471.3434

The university has a variety of venues on campus that are offered exclusively to university departments and affiliated organizations. These include the Hogg Memorial Auditorium, which can seat 1,150, the modern Student Activities Center and the 6,000-square-foot San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, which can be divided into four smaller conference rooms. All groups can use the Texas Union, however,

P H OTO S : B R A ZO S H A L L BY L I S A H AU S E ; F O U R SEASONS; CIRCLE R RANCH

Brazos Hall, a converted turn-of-the-century grain mill and warehouse, offers more than 11,000 square feet of event space in the heart of Austin’s hotel district. The rustic steel beams, wood rafters, restored pine floors and brick walls of the 8,400-square-foot Main Hall can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Guests can also enjoy views of the Austin skyline from the covered Roof Deck, which can accommodate up to 450 people.

Circle R Ranch

P H OTO S : B R A ZO S H A L L BY L I S A H AU S E ; F O U R SEASONS; CIRCLE R RANCH

Four Seasons Dallas

which was built in 1933 and offers theaters and ballrooms with traditional elegance. Runners-up: Southern Methodist University; Texas A&M University BEST HISTORIC OR CULTURAL VENUE

The Alamo

However, there are five other venues at the site that can accommodate up to 200 people. These include the newly renovated Alamo Hall and the Alamo Hall Patio, which can be combined for an indoor/outdoor event. Runners-up: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza; Kimball Art Museum

thealamo.org | 210.225.1391

Each year, 1.5 million people visit this iconic symbol of San Antonio and representation of Texas pride. The Alamo Church is currently unavailable for private ceremonies and events.

BEST HOLIDAY PARTY VENUE

Texas Star Dinner Theater

texasstardinnertheater.com | 817.310.5588

comedy western murder mystery show is so popular, the theater increases its weekly performances from two to six to keep up with demand. Guests will get into the holiday spirit sitting amongst a tree, lights, wreaths and other holiday decorations while enjoying downtown Grapevine, “The Christmas Capitol of Texas.” Groups can also book private showings. Runners-up: Circle R Ranch; Dallas Arboretum

Texas Star Dinner Theater’s holiday-themed

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Winners BEST NEW VENUE (MAY 2017-MAY 2018)

Park 31

park31.com | 210.526.0310

Groups of up to 400 people can enjoy indoor/outdoor events at Park 31, located on 33 acres of the Texas Hill Country near the Guadalupe River. The En Gedi Main Hall opens onto the Guadalupe Patio, while the Oasis Lounge has a continuous bar area that extends to the Honey Creek Patio. Park 31 also has three balconies and a two-sided fireplace. The property’s tiny house (380 square feet) can sleep two to three people and was featured on HGTV’s “Tiny Homes.”

The Adolphus

Runners-up: Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center; SODA District Courtyard; Toyota Music Factory BEST RENOVATED VENUE (MAY 2017-MAY 2018)

The Adolphus Hotel

adolphus.com | 214.742.8200

The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas’ two-year renovation project of all 407 guest rooms, The French Room restaurant, a full-service luxury spa and fitness center and the 19th floor ballroom is now complete. The Adolphus, which was built in 1912, had not had a major renovation since the 1980s. The Adolphus features 24,000 square feet of flexible meeting space in 22 rooms, including the 4,440-square-foot Century Ballroom and the 5,304-square-foot Grand Ballroom. Runners-up: South Side Ballroom, Gilley’s Dallas; Monroe Pearson Building Denton BEST ROOFTOP VENUE

Reata Restaurant reata.net | 817.336.1009

The Reata Restaurant rooftop, located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces that can accom-

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Park 31

modate up to 400 people total. The “Luna Vista” dome, a geodesic dome perched atop the rooftop deck, is fully enclosed, climatecontrolled and can accommodate up to 100 for a seated dinner. Guests can also enjoy views of Sundance Square from the two rooftop bars or the Reata’s open-air covered patio, which can seat 86. Runners-up: Brazos Hall; Tacos and Tequila BEST TEAM-BUILDING VENUE

Topgolf

topgolf.com | 214.341.9600

P H O T O S : PA R K 3 1 , T O P G O L F ; R E ATA R E S TA U R A N T, T H E A D O L P H U S

Reata Restaurant Topgolf

Topgolf will soon have 11 locations in Texas, offering competitive golf games and a topnotch food and drink menu for all ages. Players earn points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls that track distance and accuracy. Topgolf’s 3,000-square-foot signature room has a capacity of 250 guests and is located alongside the climate-controlled hitting bays for easy team-building. Runners-up: Circle R Ranch; Billy Bob’s Texas BEST AUDIO-VISUAL PROVIDER

PSAV

venuepartners.psav.com | 210.598.5467

Delivering more than 1.5 million meetings and events each year as a trusted partner in over 1,600 venue locations across the world, PSAV supports over 1,000 meeting planners and event organizers each day. Over 9,000 highly skilled, passionate team members join forces to assist with thematic content creation and management to production, staging, trade shows, audio-visual, mobile apps and other digital services. In addition to outstanding audio-visual and production assistance, PSAV also sponsors industry research to explore how elements of the meeting environment effects the attendee experience and pioneers the use of the latest technology. Runners-up: BEYOND; Pro Sounds

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Winners BEST DÉCOR/FLORAL PROVIDER

BEST CATERER (ON- OR OFF-SITE)

Bella Flora & Bella Acento

G Texas Catering

Lucy Diaz-Flores founded Bella Flora of Dallas in 2000. The floral design boutique has grown to become a full-service floral and event design studio. Bella Acento, a full-service furniture rental company and sister company to Bella Flora, launched in 2014. Bella Acento continues to build its inventory and can fabricate custom pieces in-house.

G Texas Catering is one of the most soughtafter caterers of upscale events in DFW, offering full-service bar catering and a menu emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The company also recently launched a new restaurant, “The Artisan” in the Dallas Arts District. The casual, market-style restaurant includes a terrace bar and two outdoor spaces that can be used for private events to host more than 300 guests each.

Runners-up: Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shoppe; Shag Carpet Props BEST ENTERTAINMENT (PERFORMER OR TALENT AGENCY)

Lagniappe Productions

lagniappeproductions.com | 817.337.1882

Lagniappe Productions was founded in 1978 by three young actors whose performances in gunfight shows at an amusement park prompted them to take their show to festivals, special events and corporations. Lagniappe has since produced more than 15,000 shows and become an award-winning western entertainment company specializing in Old West comedy productions, team-building events, stunt shows and comedy murder mysteries. Runners-up: Bravo Entertainment; Encore Event Entertainment BEST PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

David Pinkston

davidpinkston.net | 817.217.8128

David Pinkston has 38 years of experience as a professional cinematographer and freelance editor, working with clients including Hilton, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Pinkston has also produced award-winning international narrative shorts and teaches cinematography at the University of Texas Arlington and KD Conservatory in Dallas. Runners-up: Greg Blomberg; Jenny Demarco

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gtexascatering.com | 214.421.0774

Runners-up: Royal Fig Catering; Blue Mesa Grill BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE (FEWER THAN 200 GUEST ROOMS)

The Joule Dallas

thejouledallas.com | 214.748.1300

The Joule in Dallas features 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space in the heart of the Dallas central business district. The hotel’s event space includes a rooftop terrace with a climate-controlled glass pavilion with a retractable roof. The largest indoor venue at the hotel can accommodate up to 420 guests, while the hotel’s largest outdoor space holds up to 700 guests. Runners-up: The Driskill; NYLO Plano at Legacy BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE (MORE THAN 200 GUEST ROOMS)

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center gaylordtexan.com | 817.778.1000

The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center added 303 guest rooms and 86,000 square feet of meeting space with the completion of its new $120 million addition, the Vineyard Tower, in May. With the addition, the resort now offers 1,814 guest rooms and

P H O T O S : B E L L A F L O R A P H O T O B YA M Y K A R P ; G T E X A S C AT E R I N G ; T H E J O U L E D A L L A S

bellafloraofdallas.com | 972.445.1200

Bella Flora & Bella Acento

The Joule Dallas

G Texas Catering

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Winners

Runners-up: Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas; Omni Dallas Hotel BEST RESTAURANT WITH PRIVATE DINING SPACE

Joe T. Garcia’s

joetgarcias.com | 817.626.4356

Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant opened in 1935 in Fort Worth. While the devotion to the restaurant’s food remains unchanged, the capacity of the restaurant certainly has. Up to 300 guests can enjoy the restaurant’s lush gardens and outdoor fountains in Los Portales. Two other covered areas can accommodate up to 140 guests total and are tented during the water. Indoors, guests can enjoy the rustic charm of one of three indoor dining spaces that can accommodate between 30 and 100 people. Runners-up: III Forks; Truluck’s Seafood Steak & Crab House BEST GOLF RESORT

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

fourseasons.com/dallas | 972.717.0700

The Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas features an award-winning 18-hole, par-70 TPC golf course and the par71 Cottonwood Valley course. The resort has a PGA Master Professional on staff (one of only three employed in Dallas) and hired the only female head golf professional in the entire TPC network in 2018. In recognition of its sustainability efforts, the Four Seasons won the Environmental Leaders in Golf award last year. Runners-up: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa; Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

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BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (TOWN/AREA OVER 25,000 IN POPULATION)

Visit Dallas

visitdallas.com | 800.232.5527

With almost 50 million visitors to the Metro area annually, the Dallas-Fort Worth Arlington Metroplex is the most popular leisure and visitor destination in Texas. Visit Dallas is the first destination marketing organization to develop a Diversity & Inclusion Department. The organization also recently launched the award-winning campaign, The Margarita Mile, which won the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2018 Best Overall Project and 2018 Best Mobile/Site App. Runners-up: Grapevine CVB; Visit Forth Worth BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (TOWN/AREA UNDER 25,000 IN POPULATION)

Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

drippingspringstx.org | 512.858.4740

Located just 25 minutes west of Austin, Dripping Springs is known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” Visitors can enjoy several natural wonders such as Hamilton Pool Preserve and Pedernales Falls State Park as well as local vineyards, craft breweries and distilleries. Stop by the Dripping Springs Visitors Center to learn more about this city of 3,100 people. Runners-up: Bastrop County Historical Society Museum & Visitors Center; Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau

P H O T O S : G AY L O R D T E X A N R E S O R T & C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R ; J O E T. G A R C I A’ S ; S H A G C A R P E T P R O D U C T I O N S ; U LT I M AT E V E N T U R E S

490,000 square feet of meeting space. The Gaylord also has 4.5 acres of indoor gardens, a seasonal waterpark, indoor and outdoor pools, and great views of Lake Grapevine.

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center

Joe T. Garcia’s

BEST MEETING/EVENT PLANNING COMPANY

Ultimate Ventures

ultimateventures.com | 972.732.8433

Ultimate Ventures, a destination management and corporate events company in the DallasFort Worth area, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018. The company is the most awarded DMC in Texas and has been named one of the top 25 DMC’s in the world. Ultimate Ventures offers a range of services, including special events, team-building, group excursions and transportation logistics. Runners-up: Hello! Texas Destination Management; ACCESS Texas BEST RENTAL COMPANY

Shag Carpet Productions shagcarpetprops.com | 214.742.5252

Shag Carpet houses the largest selection of themed event décor in the Southwest in its 74,000-square-foot warehouse near Dallas’ Design District. From bars to props to furniture, Shag Carpet can help planners make any imaginable theme come to life. The company’s team of experts can assist with custom branding and signage, event design, professional delivery and installation. Runners-up: Premiere Events; Marquee Event Rentals Dallas BEST TRANSPORTATION

Shag Carpet Productions

Premier Transportation Services premierofdallas.com | 214.351.7000

Premiere Transportation Services provides the largest fleet of vehicles in North Dallas, including motor coaches, shuttle buses, vans, SUVs and sedans. Over the company’s more than 20 years of service, Premiere Transportation has received multiple national awards, including National Operator of the Year and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The Premier staff is always ready to provide exceptional customer service in any of its chauffeurdriven vehicles with 24/7 coverage.

Ultimate Ventures

Runners-up: AJL International; Carey Executive Transportation

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Editor’s Picks

A round-up of this year’s favorites By Laurie L. Dove While our readers’ choice awards cover a variety of categories, here is a nod to a handful of my favorites throughout the great state of Texas.

Lakeway Resort & Spa

ituated on the shores of Lake Travis, the rustic Lakeway Resort & Spa provides a beautiful backdrop for leisurely afternoons at the swimming pool. The 168-room property is located roughly 30 minutes northwest of downtown Austin and just steps from the Lakeway marina. The resort’s pool complex includes three outdoor pools, the Adventure Waterslide, a large hot tub and the swim-up Sunset Pool Bar. Both the hot tub and pool with bar access are for adults only. The Lakeway Resort pool complex is also home to the Sunset Pool Grill. The grill menu features appetizers such as tortilla chips and homemade salsa and a seasonal fruit bowl. For lighter fare, the grill offers a Greek salad or Caesar salad and a mesquite turkey wrap. For those who have worked up an appetite in the water, the grill offers burgers, hot dogs and one of the biggest and best Frito pies I have ever eaten. The Sunset Pool Grill menu also includes a variety chips and candies, ice cream cups or bars, swim goggles, sun screen, bottled water, juices, soda, sports drinks, ice cold beer and a large selection of cocktails. I recommend the Lakeway Paloma made with Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, fresh lime juice and grapefruit. lakewayresortandspa.com; 512.261.6600 BEST ROOFTOP EVENT VENUE

Omni Frisco Hotel

he Omni Frisco Hotel is the anchor hotel property at The Star, a 91-acre entertainment district in Frisco. The site includes the Dallas Cowboys world headquarters and practice facilities, and the Ford Center, a 12,000-seat indoor stadium. The 300-room Omni Frisco Hotel features 24,000 square feet of event space, including a 13,000-square-foot ballroom and 16 meeting rooms. It is connected

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to the Ford Center via an indoor walkway. The crown jewel of event space at the 16-story Omni Frisco is The Edge, a fourth-floor rooftop pool, bar and pool deck. The open-air event space provides planners with 3,640 square feet of space overlooking the Ford Center Lakeway plaza, the outdoor practice fields of the Dallas Cowboys and the surrounding Frisco cityscape. The space features a number of private cabanas, an infinity pool, a large terrace, a dedicated bar recessed into the hotel tower and furniture equipped with LED lighting to brand any event with color. The rooftop event space can accommodate up to 375 people. The pool area and adjacent terrace are appointed with trees and greenery, soft and modern lighting and two elliptical pergolas that loosely form the shape of a football. Soft, comfortable seating can be arranged to accommodate any event and three fire pits are available for cooler evenings. The rooftop can accommodate up to 400 guests. “The Omni Frisco Hotel is the perfect destination to host your group or next event because we offer such a wide array of meeting and event spaces,” says Jeff Smith, general manager at Omni Frisco Hotel. “Whether you require our 13,000-squarefoot ballroom or The Edge rooftop pool and deck, we have spaces that are sure to play the perfect host to your group.” omnihotels.com; 469.287.0000 BEST OUTDOOR SPACE

Lone Star Court

one Star Court is a retro-inspired court concept hotel nestled within The Domain at Austin. The 123-room boutique property was built by Valencia Hotels and draws upon the golden age of family road

Resort & Spa

trips and motor court hotels. Lone Star Court is an editor’s pick quite simply because my family and I had an absolute blast at the property during a recent business trip. The trip involved lengthy indoor meetings off-property, which made the courtyard at the hotel a welcome retreat. Once on the Lone Star Court property, I had to remind myself that I was indeed in the middle of a bustling retail district in a city of nearly one million people. It was that peaceful! The courtyard at Lone Star Court is a long oval flanked by inward-facing guest rooms, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, the Sisterdale School House and Tack Room event buildings, and a stone office building. There are a few gated walkways leading out of the space but virtually no direct lineof-sight to the outside traffic. A swimming pool with flagstone deck is the focal point of the landscaped courtyard, and there is easy access to a pavilion, fire pits and the restaurant’s outdoor seating. The landscaping was designed to echo the surrounding Texas Hill Country with native trees and shrubbery, vines growing along the outdoor stairwells and railings, and an arroyo that actually functions to channel water through the property during rainstorms. The guest rooms are appointed with vintage-inspired décor and custom-built furnishings designed by Houston-based Rottet Studios. Local snacks and beverages are

P H OTO S : CO U R T E SY O F T H E M U S E U M O F F I N E A R T S , H O U S TO N

BEST POOLSIDE RESORT MENU

P H OTO S : CO U R T E SY O F T H E M U S E U M O F F I N E A R T S , H O U S TO N

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

stocked in retro-looking Smeg refrigerators in each room—and I mean fully stocked. Despite my meetings, I was able to get in some very refreshing reading and swim time at the pool. My family staged a corn hole tournament on the lawn. Our last night was possibly the best; we enjoyed great food, drinks and live music at The Water Trough, the hotel’s restaurant. We had so much fun being outside and spending time with each other, we were already planning a return trip as we loaded our luggage into the SUV. lonestarcourt.com; 512.814.2625 BEST HOTEL RENOVATION

The French Room at The Adolphus Hotel

he historic Adolphus Hotel opened in Dallas in October 1912. The 22-story hotel was originally built by Adolphus Busch, co-founder of Anheuser Busch. At the time, the property was the tallest building in the state and the first luxury hotel in Dallas. The recent restoration and renovation of all public spaces of the hotel was spearheaded by design firm, Swoon the Studio, which was hired to reimagine three lobbies, two bars, the ballroom, a barbershop, bistro, coffee shop, retail store and the iconic French Room. The hotel now has the feel of a European estate.

Art books and furnishings were added in communal spaces and stone fireplaces were imported from France. Tall, dark wood-paneled walls and warm strategic lighting creates an elevated comfort in the public spaces. Large-paned industrial windows were installed, which create more intimate spaces within the lobby yet preserve views throughout. The hotel’s renowned restaurant, The French Room, received highly anticipated upgrades, along with the French Room Bar, which is now a deliciously dark and cozy space. Vintage portraits complement the custom-made barstools and banquettes, while black marble tables echo marble flooring and details found throughout other public spaces. The French Room Salon now features a curated collection of contemporary art with Texas ties, a piano that is said to be a sister to one that went down on the Titanic and an original marble floor which had been covered by carpet for decades. adolphus.com; 214.742.8200 BEST PRIVATE EVENT SPACE

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

he main campus of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is situated in the heart of the city’s Museum District just minutes from

downtown. The museum was established in 1900 and today includes the Audrey Jones Beck Building, the Caroline Wiess Law Buillding, the Glassell School of Art, the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden and two house museums—Rienzi and Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. With a total of 300,000 square feet of space dedicated to the display of nearly 63,000 artworks, the museum is one of the largest art museums in the nation. With such a large campus, the museum provides groups a wide array of unique venues for private events. Award-winning architect Rafael Moneo designed the Audrey Jones Beck Building, which opened in 2000. The Beck Building is home to antiques, American art, old masters works, impressionist and modern or contemporary art. Groups of up to 150 people can enjoy a seated dinner amongst the artwork or receptions of up to 1,000 can be held in the Beck Building. The two house museums are also available for private meetings, parties or receptions. The Brown Auditorium Theater is yet another space available to groups. The theater is housed offers clear sight lines and lecture-style seating for 350 attendees. On Thursdays the museum has free general admission from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and free garage parking from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. mfah.org; 713.639.7754

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Everything in One Place, So You Can Have it All.

A Hotel & Convention Center Built With Your Meeting In Mind Extraordinary Environments | Meetings Expertise | Service with a Passion Finally, a meeting hotel designed to give you exactly what you want and everything you need in one extraordinary location. Now open, the $120 million dollar Vineyard Tower expansion adds 303 additional guest rooms and 86,000 square feet of meeting space, making the resort one of the top three largest non-gaming convention center hotels in the United States. When you plan a meeting at Gaylord Texan, you really can have it all.

Part of the Marriott Family of Brands

GaylordTexanMeetings.com | (877) 677-9352 Photographs: (Left, Lone Star Atrium) (Bottom Left, Vineyard Tower Exterior; Bottom Middle, Vineyard Tower Pre-function; Bottom Right Tate Ballroom)

Gaylord National®

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National Harbor, MD (Washington, D.C. area)

Nashville, TN (Music City)

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Plano Balloon Festival

FUN FOR THE FAMILY

Visit Plano In Plano, families can get away with more. Plano is truly the land of plenty. Blending historic charm with modern luxury, the city brims with attractions and amenities that make it perfect for a family day trip or leisurely weekend getaway. The new Crayola Experience is Texas' most colorful family destination for interactive, creative play. More indoor entertainment can be found at PINSTACK, featuring a 28-lane bowling alley, a ropes course suspended 20 feet above the gaming center, two-story laser tag, bumper cars, six lanes of LED-lit rock climbing walls and hundreds of interactive games. Take your adventure outdoors and glide over the forest canopy at Plano’s Go Ape!

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Zip lines, Tarzan swings and suspended obstacles bring out your inner monkey and provide a fun challenge amid 800 acres of natural beauty at Texas’ only Go Ape! location. Discover Plano’s past by visiting The Heritage Farmstead Museum and the Interurban Railway Museum. Take a break from all the activities and bond over delicious food from over 800 restaurants. Popular entertainment, dining and shopping areas like the Downtown Plano Arts District, Legacy West, The Boardwalk at Granite Park, The District at Willow Bend and The Shops at Legacy have some of north Texas’ most unique dining and shopping. A perennial family favorite event is the Plano Balloon Festival. Held each

September, the popular event has earned Plano the title of “Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas.” More events can be found online by visiting visitplano.com.

Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau Welcome to Beaumont, home of astonishing biodiversity and historical significance. History was made here with the first major oil discovery that changed the world forever. Travelers come from long distances to enjoy Southeast Texas' outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting, birding, paddling and yes, holding live alligators. On the border of Louisiana but thoroughly Texan, Beaumont embraces both brisket and crawfish.

P H OTO : V I S I T P L A N O CO N V E N T I O N A N D V I S I TO R S B U R E AU

With museums, water parks, restaurants, parks and attractions galore—these familyfriendly meeting destinations ensure the whole gang will have a good time.

Music Fest

March 22-23 Kris Kristofferson Midland Kevin Fowler Mark Powell Roger Creager Shooter Jennings Deryl Dodd Mike Ryan Zane Williams Trent Willmon

Plot A Legendary Adventure abilenevisitors.com

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Larry’s & Fire Hydrant

Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a weekend, you’ll find comfortable and friendly accommodations along with a variety of things to do, shopping and dining options.

Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau Music and museums. Amusements, arts and antiques. History, hospitality, horse farms and higher learning. Shopping,

sports, dining and festivals. Plan your escape to Denton to discover what you’re missing. Voted # 1 Best Small Town in America by Business Insider and situated 36 miles north of Dallas and Fort Worth where I-35 East meets I-35 West, Denton, Texas is home to original, independent thinkers who exude friendliness, creativity and a love for all things unique. From the century-old courthouse and the quaint

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Beaumont offers all the comforts of a big city, but with the added coziness and convenience of a small town. Convention centers, meeting venues, hotels, restaurants with private dining and attractions are easily reachable within a short 10- to 15-minute drive from anywhere in the city. Plus you'll get extra care and personalized service from their helpful and friendly CVB sales team. Where to host your next big event? Conveniently situated just minutes from Beaumont's 3,500 hotel rooms, restaurants and attractions, Ford Park Entertainment Complex offers five versatile facilities on 221 acres including: Ford Arena, Ford Exhibit Hall, Ford Pavilion, Ford Midway and Ford Fields. With an event in Beaumont, attendees can bring the whole family along. Start by checking out the museum scene. Beaumont Children’s Museum provides children and families with an accessible environment that opens a window to the world around them through creative, interactive programming. At the Fire Museum of Texas, you can view antique equipment, take your picture in front of the world’s largest fire hydrant, or dress up in firefighter uniforms. Spindletop Gladys City/Boomtown Museum offers you the chance to step back in time and experience life during the oil boom. For more family-fun entertainment, visit Colorado Canyon, which boasts the area’s best miniature golf with two 18-hole courses, game room, gemstoneand fossil-mining in a rustic mining town and laser maze. Or, get up close and personal with live animals at Gator Country. With over 300 alligators, Caimans and crocodiles, Gator Country offers every guest the opportunity to have a handson experience. Guests can help feed live gators and take home a picture to prove it. Wrap-around decks of the restaurant make Gator Country great for off-site dinners or receptions.

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

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

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Abilene’s easy-to-navigate zoo includes a “Twigga Terrace” to hand feed the giraffe herd.

The Children’s Arts & Literacy Festival each June kicks off with a parade celebrating an acclaimed illustrator.

Abilene’s mayor unveils the “Cat in the Hat” sculpture at the Children’s Arts & Literacy Festival.

town-square to world-class shopping and internationally acclaimed talent, Denton is the vibrant setting where these diverse worlds meet. Denton ambiance, assets and amenities combine to make it a city you simply must discover for yourself, and in your own unique style. Perfect for work or play, Denton is a dream for both conference planners and attendees alike. Families will love the opportunity to check out Horse Country. The 912 square miles of lush Denton County are located just northeast of Fort Worth and extend almost to the Red River at the Oklahoma State line. Known as “Horse Country USA”, the area is

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populated with more than 300 farms and ranches, many of which are breeding and training facilities. There are an estimated 25,000 horses in Denton County. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Horse Country of North Texas by joining one of six behind-the-scenes guided tours. Tour the beautiful North Texas Horse Country aboard a luxury motorcoach while a fun and knowledgeable guide narrates the facts and backstory of the area. Six behind-thescenes tours are offered each year. The tour visits two premier horse ranches where you can get an up close and personal look at the equine industry.

Families always bring home stories after an adventure in Abilene. Long known for its western charm, the city recently earned another feather in its cowboy hat: national designation as the “Storybook Capital of America.” The new title is thanks to an ambitious public art project. The city’s walkable cultural district is dotted with bronze sculptures of favorite character from children’s books. There’s even a handy map and app you can download for a family scavenger hunt. The pieces are popular spots for selfies and group photos. In June 2019, the streets will be filled with colorful characters, when bookloving children descend on the city for the 8th Annual Children’s Arts & Literacy Festival. Each year an acclaimed illustrator is celebrated with a parade, weekend full of activities and the unveiling of a new sculpture. Another affordable way to enjoy the city is to pony up for a Round Up Pass. This handy set of tickets gets the whole posse admission into the city’s top spots: The Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas!, The Grace Museum, National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Taylor County History Center, and the 12th Armored Division WWII Museum. Adults passes are $17, while children 16 and younger cost $8. The tickets are good for a year from purchase and offer a considerable savings. “Families are always pleasantly surprised by how much bang for their buck they get in Abilene,” says Kelly Thompson, communications director. “Parking is almost always is free. Even better, the city is easy to navigate and we never have a rush hour.” Located off Interstate 20, Abilene is only a two-hour drive west of Fort Worth. You can plot your escape at abilenevisitors.com.

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Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau

This is what I call a power lunch.

WE HEAR THAT A LOT. Whether you’re planning a quick business lunch or a multi-day conference, The Woodlands is designed to make your job easier, and attendees’ experience unforgettable. Known for our unique combination of event space, leisure activities and natural surroundings, we pride ourselves as a meeting destination that surpasses expectations.

See what sets us apart at visitthewoodlands.com/plantoimpress

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Family kayaking in New Braunfels

Experience New Braunfels is a historic, yet rapidly growing city conveniently located along the IH-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin. Founded by German pioneers in 1845, the work ethic of those settlers shows in everything the modern city has become. The local culture is a juxtaposition of venerated history and contemporary expansion, offering complete modern conveniences while remaining steeped in the ethos of tradition. Event planners can take advantage of the award-winning New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce website as a one-stop logistics shop for the coordination of lodging, venues, activities, and vendors. Opportunities for break-out fun abound, from outdoor Hill Country adventure s, to shopping, dining, and a spirited live music scene. As one of the

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top vacation hotspots in Texas, New Braunfels boasts thousands of available beds, top-of-the-line amenities, and easy access from most major cities. New Braunfels is a city that's built for recreation, so it's sure to have something to please everyone on your roster. During the summer months, the cool, clean rivers are dotted with tubers, rafters, fishermen, and swimmers, and the city boasts Schlitterbahn - one of the nation's best waterparks. Shoppers will find the perfect treasure at one of the downtown boutiques or antique shops, while night owls will love the many live music venues. For families, the city features an exciting drive-through safari park, engaging children's museum, and a brand new drive-in theatre. Restaurants of every flavor are sprinkled throughout the city, so be sure to come hungry. The New Braunfels Convention

and Visitors Bureau wants to help make your next event a success, whether it's a meeting, destination wedding, or just a family vacation.

Visit El Paso Visit El Paso can help you deliver unforgettable experiences on any budget. Whether you’re interested in the area’s colorful past or its big-picture future, there’s something for everyone. Guests can journey through 400 years of history along the Mission Trail, witness the craftsmanship of Western bootmakers, or enjoy the city’s collection of 13th-18th centuries Western European masterworks. They can also spend an evening enjoying Triple-A baseball, the Downtown Arts District, or experience the magic of the historic Plaza Theatre with a performance of a top Broadway touring show. The whole family can have fun in El

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New Braunfels Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Escape from Werewolf Village

TeamBonding Olympics

Charity Bike Build

TeamBonding Experience the power of play. For over 20 years and through thousands of successful events, TeamBonding has both defined and reimagined the corporate and social events industry. Whether you are planning a work event, a gathering of friends, or a family-friendly party, let TeamBonding help you make

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the occasion memorable. They offer more than 80 different programs for you to choose—from scavenger hunts to hilarious races to charity events—and they’ve consistently led the way in progressive team-building ideas. Their passion for innovating, planning and delivering the best events always shines through, and they get genuinely excited about helping clients select the perfect program that will meet their needs. Professional event managers will take the time getting to know you and learning about your goals as they work closely with you throughout the planning process, and their talented network of facilitators will go above and beyond to ensure your activity goes smoothly. From start to finish, TeamBonding will make sure that your event is one people will be talking about for years to come. Contact TeamBonding today to be connected to one of their Client Solution Managers for program information, availability and pricing.

Cleburne Convention and Visitors Bureau Cleburne is the ideal location for your next event. Whether it’s a gala, a small meeting, a major convention or sports event, Cleburne has a wide variety of unique venues and exciting entertainment. The Cleburne Conference Center features 45,000 square feet of versatile space that can meet the most discerning needs of event and convention planners. The venue also hosts a 297-seat performing

arts center that can be used for general sessions or seminars. Cleburne offers over 700 hotel rooms and is conveniently located minutes away from the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. With an event in Cleburne, the whole family can come along and have fun. Take a walk through Buffalo Creek, which meanders through downtown Cleburne and Hulen Park with walking paths and benches to sit and relax. Learn about history at Cleburne Railroad Museum, featuring over 500 artifacts and an oral history room, or at Layland Museum, which showcases exhibits in a historic building. Movie lovers will fancy a stop at the Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum, which houses extremely rare memorabilia from the classic film. Golf lovers can tee off at Cleburne Golf Links. And if the kids want to have some fun in the sun, visit the Splash Station, a yearround water park with leisure pool, slides, spray pad, lazy river and concessions. No matter the season, Cleburne is ready to welcome your group for an event the whole family will enjoy.

Great Wolf Lodge Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park in Grapevine is the region's premier destination for conferences, meetings and events. Located just minutes from DFW International Airport, the all-suite property offers a spacious conference center, uncompromised culinary quality and a team of meeting professionals committed to your success.

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Paso. Kids can count the whiskers on the tigers in the cool park environment of the El Paso Zoo. Spend a Sunday, biking along the Rio Grande or feed baby goats at the Licon Dairy petting farm. Western Playland offers rides and roller coasters. Sports lovers won’t want to miss THE BASE; this indoor baseball and softball training facility offers a full lineup of services: lessons, batting cages, pitching tunnels, camps, clinics, workshops, and facility rentals. El Paso is especially excited to share the multimillion-dollar investment in the revitalization of downtown El Paso to include a new children’s museum; multipurpose performing arts venue; Hispanic cultural center; new and improved parks; public art projects and the first and the only TouchCity Digital History Wall in the United States—all within walking distance of the El Paso Convention Center. Visit El Paso proudly offers free meeting planning services to include locating affordable accommodations, transportation options, and additional meeting venues. They also provide complimentary welcome and promotional items

DENTON IS THE PLACE TO MEET no matter your hobby or profession

Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center New 318-suite hotel offering 70,000 sq.ft. of flexible meeting space

Call Dana Lodge for all your meeting needs 888-381-1818 • dana@discoverdenton.com discoverdenton.com

Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Visit The Woodlands Discover an event destination with family appeal in The Woodlands. For meetings and conventions that run through or up-to the weekend, a location where attendees feel welcome to bring their families along is a smart option. The Woodlands offers the best of everything, with a dedicated convention development staff to facilitate planning, many new or newly-renovated venue properties designed for customizable events, and endless family-friendly activities to enjoy. The Woodlands' two largest event properties—The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center and The Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center— offer not only ample meeting space, but also accommodations and familyfriendly amenities including swimming

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pools and on-site restaurants. After the event wraps up, guests and their families will feel compelled to stay and experience everything else The Woodlands has to offer. The many popular restaurants and shops within walking distance or via the free Town Center Trolley make exploring a breeze, even without a car. Kids will love adventuring through the George Mitchell Nature Preserve and its hike and bike trails, or finding their balance on the water via a kayak or paddleboard, available for rent at either the Riva Row or Lakes Edge Boat Houses.

The Woodlands Waterway

Be a hit with your attendees (and their plus ones!) with an event in The Woodlands.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is thrilled to bring their authentically-African themed resort experience to the South. They’re known for going beyond expectations at Kalahari, delivering first-class service and top-notch amenities. Now they’re building their biggest resort yet—a 1.5 million-square-foot complex in the city of Round Rock.

P H OTO : V I S I T T H E WO O D L A N D S CO N V E N T I O N A N D V I S I TO R B U R E AU

At Great Wolf Lodge, they understand that it's more than a meeting, it's your meeting. The true difference is that with Great Wolf Lodge, you'll partner with a team that will collaborate with you on every detail—a team fully vested in the complete success of your meeting or event. Great Wolf Lodge’s meeting rooms include innovative audio-visual solutions to accommodate any type of multimedia presentation. On-site technical support it available upon request. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is also available throughout the property. Don’t forget about the gigantic water park; it’s perfect for families in attendance. Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine offers indoor water park fun and dry-land adventures for the entire family. They feature kid-friendly activities, cabanas, a range of dining options, an adultfriendly wine down service, and more all under one roof. Your stay includes access to the 80,000-square-foot water park, kept comfy at 84-degrees year-round. Attendees of all ages will have the time of their lives, in a fun and safe environment.

START THE CONVERSATION 817.722.3955 grapevinesales@greatwolf.com 100 Great Wolf Drive • Grapevine, TX 76051 greatwolf.com/meetings

GROUPS & MEETINGS

meet UP IN A PL ACE

WHERE THE WEST BEGINS With a rich past and a rustic, western backdrop surrounding you, the Fort Worth Stockyards presents the ideal opportunity and ambience for your next corporate gathering. Our rooms and venues offer an authentic blend of history and Texas hospitality for an experience you and your guests will never forget.

F O R AN U N F O RG ETTAB LE RU STI C M E ETI N G C O NTACT : 817.710.7356 SALE S @ STO C KYAR D S STATI O N . C O M

fortworthstockyards.com/corporate-and-private-events

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Scheduled to open in 2020, the resort will include a 200,000-square-foot stateof-the-art Convention Center. Featuring 16 meeting rooms in total, two spectacular ballrooms at 40,000 and 22,000 square feet, a 50,000-square-foot outdoor event space and extensive registration and client office spaces, the newest property will have space for gatherings big or small. Their modular meeting spaces will feature the amenities guests have come to expect at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Guests will find high-def monitors and projectors along with superior lighting and A/V controls for colorful and sharp presentations. Additionally, there is free access to high-speed Wi-Fi with capacity to increase to 10 GB/s or more with advance order, plus ergonomic chairs designed to keep attendees comfortable for up to 10 hours. One thing meeting planners have always loved about the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions experience is that the meeting space, guest rooms and leisure activities are all under one roof. And that’s not going to change. Guests will continue to have easy access to the world-class Spa Kalahari & Salon. They can visit Kalahari Fitness and explore different entertainment options as well as varied dining experiences—including Double Cut, the signature steakhouse experience, Mondo Sortino’s Italian Kitchen and B-Lux Grill & Bar—and admission to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark is always included with overnight stays. There’s another reason meeting planners keep coming back to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, and that’s the people. When planning a meeting at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, planners get a dedicated and experienced team to assist. The Kalahari team will provide advice and ideas that help planners meet their meeting goals and objectives. From media and activity suggestions to catering and room layouts, their skilled team will take care of everything.

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in Cleburne BigMeet Hospitality SMALL TOWN

Branded 1867

re-established daily

The location in Round Rock makes Kalahari Resorts & Conventions an easy option for attendees. Under three hours away from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston, it’s convenient enough for guests, but just enough to feel they’re a world away.

GET CONNECTED ABILENE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 325.676.2556 ABILENEVISITORS.COM

BIG HOSPITALITY

Meet in Cleburne www.cleburneconference.com

817-556-8860

BEAUMONT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 409.880.3749 BEAUMONTCVB.COM CLEBURNE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 888.525.3287 VISITCLEBURNE.COM DENTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 940.382.7895 DISCOVERDENTON.COM GREAT WOLF LODGE 817.488.6510 GREATWOLF.COM/GRAPEVINE

P H OTO S : K A L A H A R I R E S O R T S A N D CO N V E N T I O N S

KALAHARI RESORTS & CONVENTIONS 877.780.6440 KALAHARIRESORTS.COM NEW BRAUNFELS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 800.572.2626 PLAYINNEWBRAUNFELS.COM TEAMBONDING 512.548.0332 TEAMBONDING.COM VISIT EL PASO 915.534.0600 VISITELPASO.COM VISIT PLANO 800.81.PLANO VISITPLANO.COM VISIT THE WOODLANDS 281.210.3483 VISITTHEWOODLANDS.COM

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Industry Update HOSPITALITY NEWS 64

1. USA (760)

PEOPLE NEWS

SNAPSHOTS 70

PEOPLE PROFILE 72

1. USA » 2. UNITED KINGDOM » 2. NETHERLANDS » 4. AUSTRIA » 5. ITALY » 6. POLAND » 7. BELGIUM » 8. RUSSIA » 9. IRELAND » 10. FRANCE » 11. PORTUGAL » 12. SLOVAKIA » 12. SPAIN » 14. GERMANY » 15. INDIA » 15. CZECH REPUBLIC » 17. TURKEY » 17. COSTA RICA » 17. ISRAEL » 20. FINLAND »

2. NETHERLANDS (670 - tie)

2. UNITED KINGDOM (670 - tie)

BEST OF THE BEST

USA is ranked the No. 1 destination in the Eventex Top 20 Destinations for Meetings and Events Index.

Top 20 Destinations for Meetings & Events

(760) (670) (670) (540) (480) (410) (400) (380) (330) (270) (170) (150) (150) (140) (110) (110) (100) (100) (100) (80)

Rank DESTINATION (Score)

Research courtesy of Eventex

THE EVENTEX AWARDS, founded in 2009, celebrate the most innovative, creative and effective events from around the world. Since its inception, more than a thousand entries from

Full rankings

over 85 countries have competed in the awards. In this year’s ranking of destinations, Eventex named USA the

4. AUSTRIA

No. 1 destination for meetings and events. USA stands out as the

(540)

destination of some of the best brand activations, experiential and corporate events. This is a growing trend, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts that the event industry will grow by 44 percent from 2010 to 2020, exceeding most growth predictions for other industries. For a full list of winners visit: eventex.co/winners-2018; eventex.co/all-stars/destinations; eventex.co/all-stars

5. ITALY (480)

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The index takes into account the number of wins over the past two years and allocates a weighted score for gold, silver, bronze trophies and participation. Gold is worth 100 points, silver is worth 50 points, bronze is worth 30 points, participation is worth 10 points.

INFOGRAPHIC

USA’s 2018 honors included:

BEST FESTIVAL (THIRD PLACE)

Magical Winter Lights Houston People Generation, Inc.

BEST EVENT (THIRD PLACE)

Dodge Demon Launch at the New York Auto Show George P. Johnson Experience Marketing

BEST INTERACTIVE OUTDOOR EVENT (THIRD PLACE)

BEST SPORTING EVENT (SECOND PLACE)

2017 FISA World Rowing Championship Opening Ceremony BadAss Media & Meetings

BEST GALA (THIRD PLACE)

Fortune 500 International Sales & Marketing Conference

Temple University Hospital 125th Anniversary “Acres of Diamonds” Gala

Russell Harris Event Group

BEST TECH EVENT (THIRD PLACE)

BEST POP-UP EVENT (THIRD PLACE)

Yext, Inc.

Tolo Events

ONWARD17

Bone Appetit

Tolo Events

BEST PRODUCT LAUNCH (WINNER)

Dodge Demon Launch at the New York Auto Show George P. Johnson Experience Marketing

Three U.S. companies appeared in the Top 20 Event Organizers & Agencies

11. IM CREATIVE (230)

18.

EXPERIENCE WILLOW LLC

THE OVAL OFFICE BVBA

(150)

The index takes into account the number of wins over the past three years and allocates a weighted score for gold, silver and bronze trophies. Gold is worth 100 points, silver is worth 50 points, bronze is worth 30 points.

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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REGIONAL NEWS

HOSPITALITY NEWS»

San Antonio Resort Announces Glamping Option for Events

Located in Texas Hill Country, just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa recently announced a glamping option for event planners. The meeting and event set-up is perfect enjoying the Texas outdoors in luxury. The program features dining tables, lounges, sofas and other comfortable seating. “The glamping setup brings all of the comforts and luxuries of our resort to the outdoors and is perfect for a relaxed cocktail reception or an elegant dinner for meeting attendees,” says John Hernstat, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. “With our ideal location in San Antonio’s beautiful, rolling Hill Country region, we wanted to provide a unique event experience that showcases our setting,”

Valencia Group Opens Texican Court Hotel in Irving Texican Court, a retro-inspired motor court concept hotel, recently opened in Irving. The 152 guest-room property is Valencia Group’s third court concept boutique hotel and is located directly across from the Irving Convention Center. The design of the hotel features Spanish mission-style architecture with a subtle hint of Texas. Texican Court offers three distinct courtyards, a circular swimming pool, fire pits, the Two Mules Cantina and 3,500 square feet of indoor event space. “We wanted to bring the theme song from the Spaghetti Western film, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” to life through the design of this hotel,” says Valencia Group President Doyle A. Graham, Jr. “When you listen to the song, you can envision the larger-than-life vistas filled with dramatic backdrops and excitement.

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Glamping in pure luxury is now an option at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, and planners are making it part of their events.

A guest room at Texican Court in Irving. The retro-inspired motor court features Spanish mission-style architecture with a Texas twist.

ADMIT ONE Partyfest Extravaganza April 3rd, 2019 Dallas Market Hall

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

214 652-4300 www.applauseproductions.com

We captured the essence of the tension and drama characterized by this song in the walls of this hotel to create a captivating experience for our guests.”

Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas DeSoto Opens The Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas DeSoto opened just 20 minutes south of downtown Dallas. The 97-suite property features fully equipped kitchens, the Spin2 Cycle combined laundry and fitness area, Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, an outdoor pool and more than 7,000 square feet of flexible event space. “Home2 Suites by Hilton provides ample space and a contemporary extended-stay experience for travelers visiting the area,” says Jeff Livingston, general manager. “We look forward to being a great new option offering convenience, comfort and most importantly, added value to our guests.”

Learn about our Think Outside meeting offer and explore the possibilities!

G AT E W AY C A N Y O N S . C O M | 9 7 0 . 9 3 1 . 2 4 5 8 | G AT E W AY, C O

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REGIONAL NEWS

HOSPITALITY NEWS»

The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center recently completed an expansion of its meeting and event space. The addition at the 297-room property features 30,000 square feet of event space including 15,000-squarefoot Zlotnik Family Ballroom, 5,000 square feet of pre-function space and the remaining 10,000 square feet for nine new meeting rooms and a banquet kitchen. The total meeting and event space available at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center now tops 80,000 square feet with 53 meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 1,600 people. “We’re thrilled to be offering these new, innovative spaces that groups from all over the world can utilize,” says Ted Hibler, general manager of the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center. “Whether learning, discussing or celebrating, we know the expansion will provide both guests and locals with a space they can use to collaborate and come together.”

Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center Update The six-story, 300-room Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention is scheduled to complete in January 2019. Located in Allen, the hotel is the first Delta new build by Marriott in the U.S. upon its completion; the location will be the brand standard for the Delta Hotels by Marriott brand going forward. The hotel will have 23 meeting rooms, 90,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and J&S Audio Visual will provide dedicated A/V staff on-site. The food and beverage outlets will feature celebrity chef-driven cuisine by chef Stephan Pyles (read more on page 72).

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P H O T O S : AT&T H O T E L A N D C O N F E R E N C E C E N T E R ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y H I L L C O U N T R Y R E S O R T A N D S PA

Austin Property Adds New Event Space

Top: The AT&T Hotel Zlotnik Family Ballroom. Bottom: The newly renovated Rogers-Wiseman Pavilion at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.

GET WORK DONE, HAVE SOME FUN.

RENOVATION NEWS»

P H O T O S : AT&T H O T E L A N D C O N F E R E N C E C E N T E R ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y H I L L C O U N T R Y R E S O R T A N D S PA

Renovations Underway at Austin Resort The Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin is in the midst of an extensive $150 million renovation slated for completion in May 2019. The major overhaul will feature a new tower at the resort, housing 184 new guest rooms, including 50 suites with floorto-ceiling windows. Seven additional dining outlets are being added to the property as a part of the renovation. All existing meeting spaces will be renovated and the resort will add a new pavilion, grand ballroom, six meeting rooms and a pre-function space in the new conference center. Once complete, the resort will offer more than 76,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The project will also include a new tennis complex, a new Mokara Spa, redeveloped pool areas and new design schemes in meeting places, as well as all of the existing rooms for guests. A new clubhouse at the Fazio Canyons Golf Course is also included in the renovation.

San Antonio Resort Completes Event Space Renovation The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa recently announced the completion of a renovation of the Rogers-Wiseman Pavilion. The pavilion tent was originally constructed in 2010 as a temporary venue space. “After using the Rogers-Wiseman Pavilion as a backup venue for several years, we started to notice that more and more groups were looking to book their events outdoors and surrounded by nature,” says John Hernstat, director of sales and marketing at the resort. “With groups expressing interest in the venue as their primary function space, we decided to renovate and update the tent to

Gateway to the Rockies

Over 60 hotels to choose from Over 12,000 guest rooms Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. 485,000 square feet, opening December 2018 Just minutes from Denver International Airport 9 award-winning golf courses 3 sparkling reservoirs 250 ethnic restaurants 720-484-8902 VisitAurora.com

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

REGIONAL NEWS

Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center

provide a distinctive space to showcase our beautiful Hill Country scenery while providing protection from the outdoor elements.” The venue is named after the family who owned and operated a cattle ranch on the property where the resort now sits. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa features 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space including the Luckenbach Pavilion, the Independence Ballroom, Fredericksburg Ballroom, and Hill Country Ballroom. Each of the three grand ballrooms offer individual courtyard and garden prefunction space. The resort also has a free-standing retreat that can be used for private and VIP functions.

AWARDS»

Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center Earns Certification

The new Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center recently earned IACC certification. IACC consists of more than 370 certified meeting venues in 23 countries. The nonprofit organization provides members with education, training and affiliation with other certified member organizations. Doug Pitcok ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center in College Station is a luxury destination property with cutting-edge conference facilities, signature amenities and Texas hospitality. The hotel offers 250 guest rooms, including two penthouses and 11 suites. The full-service conference center provides groups with 35,000 square feet of event space with an 8,300-square-foot ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. “We are delighted and immensely honored to receive this very prestigious recognition,” says Greg Stafford, general manager of the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center. “Membership in IACC is another mark of meeting excellence for our property as we strive to create the definitive ‘Aggieland Meeting Experience.’”

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pearland completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, which included an expanded dining area, a new fitness center and all 83 guest rooms. The property is located just south of the Sam Houston Parkway on Main Street and now offers free shuttle service to Hobby Airport. “It’s very exciting for us to have such a wonderful hotel to offer our guests. I have always believed in our brand and I have always believed in our team, but this remodel gave us that much needed boost and excitement to carry the momentum to the top,” says Vinay Shelar, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pearland.

INDUSTRY NEWS»

Perot Museum Announces Headline Exhibit for 2019

The Perot Museum recently revealed The Art of the Brick, an exhibit featuring LEGO brick creations, which will headline the 2019 season. The national travelling exhibit boasts original creations, as well as recreations of famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa, the statue of David and Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa. “Our 2019 exhibition, The Art of the Brick, melds together the worlds of art and science. In incredible fashion, our visitors can enjoy the extraordinary works created by artist Nathan Sawaya and try their hands at LEGO architecture in what has been named a CNN top 10 ‘global must-see exhibition,’” says Dr. Linda Silver, Eugene McDermott CEO of the Perot Museum.

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P H OTO S : T E X A S A & M H OT E L A N D CO N F E R E N C E C E N T E R ; P E R OT M U S E U M

Pearland Hotel Completes Renovation

Nothing has more meaning or impact than a live face to face encounter...

31st Annual PEOPLE NEWS» Stella Hotel Announces Two New Appointments Noble House Hotels & Resorts recently announced two new appointments at its BryanCollege Station property, Stella Hotel. Steve Dennis has been named general manager of the historic property. Dennis is a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry and has held a variety of positions in hotels across the United States. Tonda Campbell was recently appointed as the director of sales. A Texas native, Campbell most recently served as the area director of sales for Aimbridge Hospitality in College Station. In 2017, she was nominated for Director of Sales of the Year.

P H OTO S : T E X A S A & M H OT E L A N D CO N F E R E N C E C E N T E R ; P E R OT M U S E U M

Omni Hotels Hires New General Manager for Austin Property

The Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, located just outside of downtown Austin, recently named Todd Raessler as general manager. Raessler has worked with Marriott Hotels and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, most recently serving as general manager for the St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai, Hawaii. “A veteran in the hospitality industry, Todd brings an incredible depth of resort experience to our Omni leadership team,” says Peter Strebel, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts.

Benchmark Names GM for New College Station Property

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels appointed Greg Stafford as general manager for the company’s new property, the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center in College Station. Stafford is a 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, serving in numerous roles, including his most recent post as general manager for the Logan Hotel and Spa in Philadelphia. “I am thrilled to welcome Greg to this exciting new property on the campus of Texas A&M University,” says Jay Rocha, vice president of operations for Benchmark. “I can’t think of anyone more qualified or prepared to lead the operation and management of this remarkable new hotel and conference center.”

Event Planners & Suppliers

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SNAPSHOTS MPI HOUSTON

A Night Among the Stars’

1. Luther Villagomez and Gabe Garza, MPI-HAC president. 2. Blended Beauty Entertainment/Live Photo Wall by J&D Entertainment. 3. James Brown, dynamic emcee for MPI-HAC. 4. Luther Villagomez, 2018 ANATS honoree, CEO of Houston First Corporation and manager of George R. Brown Convention Center, alongside his wife, Karen Villagomez of Visit Houston, and their family. 5. President-Elect of MPI Houston Area Chapter, Christy Spisak of Cosmo Cool Concepts Inc. with Dan O’Brien, co-owner of J&D Entertainment. 6. Lounge furniture provided by CORT Event Furnishings and event design and production by iDesign Meetings. 7. Floral design sponsored by Blooms Design Studio. 8. Incoming 2018-2019 Board of Directors for MPI Houston Area Chapter. Bottom row, from left: Juliana Wathen, Cosmo Cool Concepts; Ilde Salazar, The Woodlands Resort; Lori Roberts, CMP, Hilton Houston Post Oak; Christy Spisak, Cosmo Cool Concepts; Gabe Garza, Marriott Marquis Houston; Linda Hampton, CMP, Norris Conference Centers; Megan Flowers, VisitPearland; Shannon Smith, Boys and Girls Country. Top row, from left: Elizabeth Brazil, independent meeting planner; Thuy Pham, The Four Seasons Hotel Houston; Ursula Sloan, Steak48; and Niki Wade, Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria. 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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P H OTO S CO U R T E SY O F D J O N E S P H OTO G R A P H Y

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Houston Area Chapter hosted the third annual “A Night Among the Stars” awards gala at the newly opened Marriott Marquis Houston. The 2018 honoree was Luther Villagomez, CEO of Houston First Corporation and manager of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

P H OTO S CO U R T E SY O F D J O N E S P H OTO G R A P H Y

Exceeding expectations by creating experiences.

Please call 800.994.5900 or visit atlantiscasino.com/texas to submit an RFP

PEOPLE PROFILE STEPHAN PYLES

Southwestern cuisine, and the platform for becoming the first James Beard Award winner in the American Southwest. My cooking evolved over the years until I eventually coined the phrase Modern Texas Cuisine to describe it. TXM+E: You’ve got three food concepts you’re working on for the new Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center. What should patrons expect? SP: I will be using ingredients and cooking techniques I developed for the opening of the original Stampede 66 in 2012. We experimented for months with the sous vide process for perfecting honey fried chicken and 72 hours Texas Wagyu brisket. I will also be assisting in the facilitation of the food and drink for the hotel’s meeting and conventions.

Cooked with a Love for Texas Chef Stephan Pyles brings his famous Modern Texas Cuisine to Allen. B Y M O R G A N H A L A S K A TXM+E: Can you tell us a little bit about your journey, from your Texas upbringing to winning the James Beard Award to becoming known as the “founding father of Modern Texas Cuisine?” SP: I was practically raised in a truck stop café in the small town of Big Spring in west Texas. I did not know it at the time, but I was developing my sense of hospitality and nourishment even then. The “66” in the name of the restaurant, Stampede 66, comes from the café in

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Big Spring. I had no intention or desire to continue working the restaurant industry after high school. After obtaining a degree in music, I took my first trip abroad and discovered the awesome possibilities of cuisine. The seeds were planted! After six months of travel, I returned to the United States and began my cooking career by working in local Dallas restaurants. I opened Routh Street Cafe in 1983, which became ground zero for

TXM+E: How does Canyon Bar express your “undying love for Texas”? SP: We will feature local beers and wines, such as Shiner Bock beer and Pedernales wines. We will also feature the growing cottage industry of locally produced spirits and liquors in cocktails such as Passion-Chile Margarita and Texas Chile Chai. The menu will be reflective of the dining room, offering authentic tastes of Texas, but with fun, playful twists on the originals. TXM+E: Why Allen? SP: I’m often asked by my guests from the suburbs when I am opening a concept in their neighborhoods. It’s exciting to be bringing Stampede 66 to Allen for that reason, especially in such a booming suburb and wonderful location. stephanpyles.com

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

TXM+E: Will anything be changing with Stampede 66 as it relocates to the hotel? SP: The primary difference will be décor. The Allen location will be less “Texascentric,” as it will embody the concept of Texas, but a bit more modern and refined. Because we are in a hotel, we will be a little more family-friendly offering pizzas and flatbreads, as well as a kids menu.

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

Elegant and Refined with Deep Houston Connections

H ote l A l e ss an dr a s et s a n e w s t an dard o f smar t s o p his t i c at i o n an d imp e cc ab l e s er v i ce in t h e ver y h ear t o f H o us to n’s en erg e t i c d ow ntow n . D O W N T O W N H O U S T O N • 1 07 0 D A L L A S S T R E E T • 8 6 6 . 8 4 2 . 0 1 0 0 • H O T E L A L E S S A N D R A - H O U S T O N . C O M

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Texas Meetings + Events Winter 2019

Articles inside

PEOPLE PROFILE

SNAPSHOTS

VENUE REPORT

MEET & EAT

PEERSPACE

TXM+E | WINTER 2019

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION

SIGNATURE DRINK

GIFT IDEA

TREND REPORT