Small Market Meetings December 2017

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By Russell Curtis, courtesy Boulder CVB

Volume 18

Issue 12

December 2017

A Healthy Perspective

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Health and wellness should be part of your meeting plans.

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Meetings at Museums Gather your groups in these distinctive galleries.

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Changing Charleston The West Virginia capital is re-emerging as a meetings destination.

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Courtesy Liberty Science Center

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World of Golf Village offers golf-centric space near St. Augustine.

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Columbia offers smart amenities for small meetings.

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These meeting properties represent the best of the Mountain West.

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On the cover: A historic church sits in front of the Grand Teton mountains near Jackson, Wyoming. Photo by Ron Thomas.

SMALL MARKET MEETINGS is published monthly by Pioneer Publishing, Inc., 301 E. High St., Lexington, KY 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified meeting planners who plan meetings in small and medium size towns and cities. All other meeting industry suppliers, including hotels, conference centers, convention centers, destinations, transportation companies, restaurants and other meeting industry-related companies may subscribe by sending a check for $39 for one year to: Small Market Meetings, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (866) 356-5128 (toll-free) or (859) 225-1452. Fax: (859) 253-0499. Copyright SMALL MARKET MEETINGS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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David Brown Art Director production@smallmarketmeetings.com

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Mountain State Resorts Courtesy Deer Valley Resort

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Stacey Bowman Savannah Osbourn Account Manager Staff writer sales@smallmarketmeetings.com Christine Clough Copy editor Kelly Tyner Account Manager Rena Baer sales@smallmarketmeetings.com Proofreader

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Meetings Leaders: Brad Toll September 26-28

By Rachel Carter

B

rad Toll credits his parents with his love of travel. They lived in a small town about an hour south of Green Bay, Wisconsin, but took a family vacation every summer and “always enjoyed seeing new things and meetBrad Toll ing other people,” said Toll, president and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In high school, he took some class trips, and when he attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, he started handling travel for his men’s choir — which once included a trip to England and Ireland.

Toll wasn’t looking forward to the “real world” after graduation because that meant maybe two weeks off every year, and he’d have to spend at least some of that visiting his parents, he said, jokingly.

“I was like, ‘Oh no, now I’m going to have to get a real job, and the travel will be limited,’” he said. “Lo and behold, you can work out there and get a job that’s all about travel.”

Toll’s first job out of college was with Holiday Vacations, a national tour operator based in Eau Claire. He spent a few months as a tour guide, quickly worked his way into sales and soon became sales director, a position he held for about 10 years.

After working for Holiday for about 13 years, Toll decided to switch sides of the table, moving from the buyer side to the supplier side. The idea of working for a CVB appealed to him in part because, rather than knowing a little bit about a lot of places, he could learn a lot about one place and share that with other people.

“I often thought how cool it would be to know everything about a destination and sell it,” he said.

Toll’s wife, who was a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, was making the 90-minute

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Conference Report

Photos courtesy Green Bay CVB

Brad Toll, third from right, poses with colleagues at a gala event in Green Bay. commute from Eau Claire over the Minnesota border to the Twin Cities airport. Toll decided to pitch himself to Visit Saint Paul, which just happened to have a position open; “within a few weeks, I was there.”

Toll spent eight years in St. Paul, working as the vice president of marketing and communications for the city’s CVB. St. Paul is a great city, and Toll loved being there, but both he and his wife are Wisconsin natives, and “it’s not the easiest to live in Viking country when you’re a Packers fan,” he said with a laugh.

When the opportunity to lead the Greater Green Bay CVB came up in 2006, “it was just meant to be,” he said.

The Green Bay Packers put the city of 105,000 residents on an international stage — people from all 50 states and 36 countries visited the Packers training camp this year — and that renown helps attract meetings and

conventions. Any discussion with planners about Green Bay usually starts with the Packers. Still, “having the name certainly gets you the attention, but having the product is essential,” Toll said.

A recent expansion of the KI Convention Center “put us in the position to attract more business,” he said. The project nearly doubled the center’s space to about 80,000 square feet and added a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom. The attached 135-room Hampton Inn underwent a massive renovation and reopened along with the convention center, and the adjoining Hyatt Regency offers another 241 suites.

Iconic Lambeau Field also serves as an event venue: Groups can use the 6,800-squarefoot Legends Club Room, gather in the expansive entrance atrium and book numerous other spaces. Attendees can also take guided

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Executive Profile NAME Brad Toll

TITLE

President/CEO

ORGANIZATION

Every event has a story ...

Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau

LOCATION

Green Bay, Wisconsin

BORN

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, Certified Destination Management Executive from Destinations International

CAREER HISTORY

Sales director for Holiday Vacations, a national tour operator, 1985-1998; vice president, Visit Saint Paul, 1998-2006; and president/CEO, Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, since 2007

SPARTANNASH FOOD SHOW

Meeting Tips from Brad Toll • Destinations impact registrations. Make certain to pick a destination that will deliver.

• Work with the destination CVB. In most cases, their services are free and they know the destination.

• It is great to be the big fish in a little pond. Check out third- and fourth-tier cities, as they have a lot to offer, and you will get a lot of visibility in a smaller destination.

stadium tours and visit the newly renovated Packers Hall of Fame.

Next to the stadium, the 13,200-square-foot Johnsonville Tailgate Village opened this summer. Across the street, the four-star Lodge Kohler opened in July with 134 guest rooms, 10 suites and stadium views from its Taverne in the Sky restaurant.

Next to the hotel, Hinterland Brewery and Bellin Health’s sports medicine clinic anchor the Packers’ 45-acre Titletown District. The development includes a sprawling event plaza with a sleek, purposebuilt tubing hill; a skating rink; a full-size football field; and areas for horseshoes, bocce, cornhole and other games.

Because the Packers and Lambeau Field draw so many visitors, they help support other attractions and venues that similar-size cities may not have, such as the National Railroad Museum, the Green Bay Botanical Garden, the New Zoo and Adventure Park, and the Automobile Gallery, Toll said.

Toll is proud of his community’s big-city amenities but prouder still of its small-town vibe. The people are friendly, the CVB is helpful, and “whether it’s getting a Packers player or coach or something like that for an event, there’s not much we won’t do to make sure a planner has a great experience,” he said.

December 2017

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DoubleTree Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Completes Propertywide Renovation Myrtle Beach. As part of the renovation, the three-story conference center was outfitted with new decor, wall treatments, carpet and paint, and it now features versatile function space with floor-to-ceiling windows on each floor for sweeping ocean views and access to oceanfront covered balconies. All enhancements were inspired by the property’s coastal Courtesy DoubleTree Myrtle Beach Oceanfront The renovation at DoubleTree Myrtle Beach Oceanfront includes a new building setting and use natural stones and tiles and a casual, sophisticated palwith an ocean-view restaurant. ette of indigos and sand-dollar whites MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Following the with modern lighting and seaside accents. recently completed propertywide renovation The three ballrooms — Atlantic, Carolina that included an all-new 20,000-square-foot and Springs — can be divided into 19 meeting main building with ocean-view restaurant or breakout rooms, offering ample space for and lounge, a snack area and an outdoor 10 to 1,000 guests. The resort also has several entertainment terrace, the DoubleTree Resort small meeting rooms and hospitality suites

by Hilton, Myrtle Beach Oceanfront also available for use. finalized modifications and enrichments to In addition to the main three floors, the its meeting space. property just refreshed its 8,700-square-foot The resort’s newly enhanced 35,000 square exhibit hall. Conveniently located on the feet of flexible indoor meeting space serves as lower level of the resort’s three-story meeting the largest oceanfront conference center in complex, the exhibit hall provides direct

access to the property’s three oceanfront ballrooms. The space accommodates fortheight 8-by-10 booths or thirty-three 10-by-10 booths, and boasts new paint, upgraded lighting and more power outlets.

Complementing the indoor space, the resort also offers an additional 50,000 square feet of outdoor function space for lawn and deck activities.

Guest room renovations took place in both the Live Oak and Palmetto towers. All 452 redesigned oceanfront guest rooms feature 40-inch high-definition TVs, a mini refrigerator, a microwave and a private balcony with outdoor seating. Outfitted with new ebony wood furnishings, the rooms are dressed in a fresh palette of ocean blues and cool gray, creating a contemporary coastal design with clean lines and practical appeal.

Food and beverage offerings were another key component of the resort’s renovation with the addition of an oceanfront restaurant and lounge and the introduction of a fullservice commissary-style market, giving guests a wide variety of dining selections.

GATHER IN A VENUE WORTHY OF CELEBRATION.

Virginia Air & Space Center Hampton Roads Convention Center Hampton Coliseum Boo WIlliams Sportsplex Fort Monroe 800.487.8778 VisitHampton.com/Meet

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Industry News

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www.smallmarketmeetings.com

New Fairfield Inn and Suites Opens in Raleigh, North Carolina along with a bright and inviting decor.

Across f rom the Triangle Town Center and 17 miles from the RaleighDurham International Airport, the Fairfield Inn and Suites Raleigh North offers guests convenient access to the WRAL Soccer Park, the PNC Arena and the North Carolina State Capitol.

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and Courtesy Fairfield Inn and Suites Raleigh decor elevate the The new Fairfield Inn and Suites in Raleigh has space for meetings of up to 40 people.

Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Callette RALEIGH, N.C. — The 88-room Fairfield Inn Nielsen, vice president and global brand and Suites by Marriott in Raleigh, North manager, Fairfield Inn and Suites.

Carolina, opened in November with invenIn the lobby area, guests can choose to be tive public space and guest room design

productive, relax, or enjoy breakfast or a snack in a modern and flexible environment featuring a vibrant, natural color palette of greens, blues and oranges. Guests can also unwind in the lobby’s inviting living area, whose focal points include a natural stone hearth and unique local features, or they can grab a drink or a snack item from the 24/7 Corner Market.

The breakfast area’s signature farm table provides a central gathering place where guests can watch television, meet with colleagues or get work done. In the morning, guests can enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, choosing from oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sausage, make-your-own waffles and other healthful items such as fruit, yogurt, and whole-grain cereals and breads.

Additional hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, an exercise room, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and fax and copy services. The hotel also offers 600 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 40 people.

of meeting space Experience Lied Lodge & Conference Center — less than an hour south of Omaha.

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iscover endless opportunities to engage and inspire all across Arbor Day Farm.

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Time Well Spent

Investing in continuing education pays off for meeting planners

By Vickie Mitchell

T

wo of my friends take different approaches to their commutes. One faces her 45-minute drive with frustration. For 15 years, she’s complained about the 90 minutes wasted daily on the round-trip trek to work.

Another friend relishes her one-hour drive to the office. Long ago, she discovered audiobooks, and now podcasts, which turn 10 hours of commuting into a daily “reading” opportunity.

Friend one is unhappy at work. She believes higher-ups don’t appreciate her abilities. She feels stuck. By contrast, friend two is fulfilled and enthused about her career. She’s eager to learn.

I think daily reading is part, but not all, of the difference.

Friend two is stimulating her brain as she sits at stoplights; she uses time many of us consider wasted for self-improvement. It’s indicative of her upbeat attitude and, in turn, her success in work and life.

During the past couple of years, there’s been a lot of talk about the need for continual growth. An AT&T exec got a lot of folks’ attention when he told The New York Times that those who aren’t spending at least five hours a week learning new technology will soon find themselves on the job sidelines. Dan Berger, founder of Social Tables, said that comment inspired a talk he gave this summer at MPI’s World Education Congress.

Berger’s talk, “Future Proofing Your Career,” was about making a deliberate effort to learn new skills to prevent being forced out of a job by changes like automation and artificial intelligence. “The reality is you no longer have time to not have time,” Berger said. By the way, his company’s tagline is “Every day is a school day: We deliberately never stop growing and learning.”

Meeting planners are lucky, in a way. Theirs is a profession that demands lifelong learning. Chances are, you are already investing five hours or more in self-education, but in case you need some new ideas, here are a few.

Read more.

Articles I’ve read about the five-hour rule, the recommended minimum time to spend on personal growth per week, cite the reading habits of highly successful people. The examples are mostly rich, high-powered males who read for at least an hour, often more, each day. Of course, they probably have more time because they don’t do their own laundry and lawn. But even those with full work and home lives can squeeze in more reading time. Turn off the TV, turn the commute into a relaxing

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MeetingPoint

read, forget Facebook, and pick up Faulkner or Bronte. If you can’t find an hour a day, find 15 minutes. That adds up to 100 hours a year.

Connect more.

We learn from those around us, so you become wiser when you spend time with others. Socialization helps us live longer and enjoy better physical and mental health. So make your network look like the web of a busy spider. Reach out in many, varied ways. Volunteer for a cause you believe in, have lunch with a young entrepreneur, dine with your mentor. Make connections at conferences by coming armed with conversation starters. One example: when you sit down next to a stranger, introduce yourself, and then say, “Tell me about the best thing you’ve heard/learned in a session today” or “I need to learn about [blank]. Do you have any idea on how I can become more knowledgeable?”

Learn more.

School is never out, and anyplace can be a classroom. Could new software help you in your work? Find an online tutorial or course, and learn how to use it. Online learning opportunities abound, period. As Berger said, “There’s a ton of free resources online.” Does an upcoming conference tout sessions and speakers you’d like to hear? Sign up for it. If you prefer the traditional classroom, check out your local community college, university, community education, and courses offered through the Small Business Administration or local computer groups.

Travel more.

Meeting planners typically travel more than many businesspeople, but here again, attitude is key. View your travel, both business and leisure, as an adventure and an opportunity to have your eyes opened wider, and you’ll quickly become a scholar as you learn about another place’s history, culture and traditions. Seeing how things are done differently — not just in different countries but in different cities and states — can sometimes help you find new approaches to issues you deal with.

Vickie Mitchell is the former editor of Small Market Meetings. If you have ideas for future columns, contact her at vickie@smallmarketmeetings.com.

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Wellness Matters

Take steps to help attendees stay healthy and active during meetings

By Russell Curtis, courtesy Boulder CVB

By Savannah Osbourn

Groups meeting in Boulder often take advantage of the surrounding landscape and cultural emphasis on fitness to integrate wellness activities into their schedules.

nyone who has attended a conference or a business meeting can attest to the physical and mental strain of sitting for long hours, digesting a wealth of new information and networking with dozens of colleagues or clients. To change this routine, many event organizers have begun integrating health and fitness programs into their meeting agendas so attendees can return to each session with a fresh mental focus.

For more information on some of the ways planners can encourage healthy practices at meetings, we spoke with several experts. Mary Anne Mahoney serves as the executive director of the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau in Boulder, Colorado, considered one of the fittest cities in the United States and one that draws many

health-focused groups. Dr. Steven Aldana is the CEO of Wellsteps, a widely respected organization that works with companies large and small to promote healthy behaviors in the workforce. Justin Roach is the director of business development at Dupage Convention and Visitors Bureau near Chicago. Here are some of the tips they shared.

A

December 2017

Provide Healthy Food Alternatives

When attendees are hungry or pressed for time, it can be easy for them to grab whatever food is on hand in the break area. So instead of supplying the usual chips, candy bars and other comfort items, planners can present some healthy alternatives that provide an energy boost without the sugar crash.

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let’s meet

Middle

Middle Tennessee Meeting Space

A cooking class in Boulder ends with a healthy group meal.

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Managing Meetings

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DE E P R A C FERENCE

Photos by Andrea Burolla, courtesy Boulder CVB

A meeting group enjoys a healthy-cooking class at Food Lab Boulder.

“Conferences are pretty famous for having less-than-healthy meals,” said Aldana. “So one easy way to address that would be to bring in nuts, fruit, diet drinks and other healthy snacks in the afternoon, rather than the typical fare.”

As planners make choices about buffet and dinner options, it is also crucial to consider dietary preferences — vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree — beyond setting out the typical salad bar. According to Mahoney, many people appreciate the opportunity to try something new.

“When people see unusual options, such as kombucha on tap, it gives people permission to branch out and try different foods for the first time,” said Mahoney. “And if they have never had a vegan or gluten-free dish, they may be surprised by how much they enjoy it.”

Build in Exercise Periods

It is virtually impossible to integrate health-promoting activities into a packed conference schedule without giving attendees extra time to do them, and people are more likely to participate in a wellness program when it is built into the schedule.

“More and more people have added a yoga workout or stretch session at the beginning of the day. I think that it helps people clear their mind and get ready to go in and learn, absorb, share,” said Mahoney.

“We know that face-to-face meeting time is so important, so planners should ask themselves, ‘How can people prepare for that energywise?’”

Aldana recommended breaking for a group walk around 2 or 3 p.m., when people tend to experience the most mental fatigue, and providing a suggested walking route or destination. This activity also allows

December 2017

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AMERICAN~HISTORY Mississippi Music ~ Southern Charm Groups meeting in DuPage County, Illinois, can have yoga sessions at Blackwell Forest Preserve. for networking opportunities in a more relaxed setting.

Incorporate Health-Focused Team-Building Activities

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One of the best ways to tie health and fitness into meetings is through team-building activities. While planners can always offer yoga sessions and other programs at the meeting venue, they can also take the opportunity to explore some of the surrounding attractions in the area, from herbal classes at a nearby farm to food labs where attendees work with a local chef to create a healthy dish. Group hikes can present an invigorating challenge as well, giving attendees a chance to see some of the region’s natural highlights.

“Some people may be intimidated at the idea of hikes, but it’s more approachable with peers because you can pair off with somebody at your ability level,” said Mahoney.

Courtesy DuPage Co. CVB

Take the Meeting Outdoors

By choosing a scenic outdoor venue, planners can add a refreshing backdrop to their event while giving attendees easy access to engaging group activities. In Dupage County just outside Chicago, Illinois, many corporate groups take their events to the beautiful 26,000-acre Forest Preserve District, which regularly hosts seminars, conferences, luncheons and receptions.

“Our Forest Preserve is a big part of our health and wellness initiatives,” said Roach.

“We really encourage meeting groups to get outside the traditional meeting space and take advantage of the preserve.”

There are numerous meeting spaces available throughout the property, such as the Mayslake Peabody Estate, the Maple Meadow Grill and Pub, and various picnic shelters.

Groups can hold their meetings or after-hours receptions at one of these charming venues and then immediately enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and archery.

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Courtesy DuPage Co. CVB

An active corporate group takes a break during volunteer work at Mayslake Peabody Estate in DuPage County, Illinois.

From traditional hotel properties with conference centers and meeting rooms, to college campuses, historic buildings and museums with lake views, the Kenosha Area is prepared to welcome your next conference or special event with a touch of unexpected charm. Go to visitkenosha.com/meetings to ďŹ nd out more.

December 2017

VISITKENOSHA.COM 15

Courtesy Wellsteps

Including a wellness break in a meeting schedule helps attendees stay alert and imaginative.

Include a Program on Health and Fitness

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Groups may not always have the flexibility to leave the meeting space for an active excursion, so planners might consider bringing in a health expert to lead a discussion on topics like stress management, meditation, work/life balance, goal setting and making healthy meals on a busy schedule.

“Everyone has challenges with nutrition, so it’s nice to break up a conference with a program on health and wellness,” said Aldana. “It shows you really care about attendees and their health.”

The program could also include a brief demonstration of chair yoga or other low-intensity exercises that get the blood flowing after sitting for long stretches of time.

“Some of these meetings are so heavy,” said Aldana. “By four o’clock, everyone is just fried, so you need something to freshen it up a little bit.”

Contact Christian at christian@VisitFairfieldCA.com /VisitFairreldCA

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Managing Meetings

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Galas and Galleries

Museums offer inventive spaces for meetings and events Courtesy U.S. Space and Rocket Center

By Savannah Osbourn

Groups can dine beneath authentic space vehicles at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

cience museums add a sense of wonder to special events and corporate outings, surrounding attendees with interactive exhibits that challenge the imagination. Whether planners offer groups an exclusive tour of the latest exhibit or bring in one of the museum’s science experts to give a compelling presentation, there are always new avenues to explore within these special settings.

Next time you are looking for a fresh and engaging atmosphere, consider taking your group to one of these five nationally recognized attractions.

“It’s more than just a meeting place,” said Pat Ammons, director of communications at the museum. “It’s a place that showcases some of the greatest accomplishments in human history, and that creates a very inspiring and forward-thinking environment.”

The Smithsonian Affiliate museum showcases more than 27 fullscale missiles and rockets, including the historic Saturn V moon rocket.

One of only three rocket designs of its kind in existence, the Saturn V is the largest space rocket ever built and remains the only spacecraft capable of transporting man to the moon.

Meeting groups can dine under the shadow of this towering 364-foot piece of machinery in the Saturn V Hall, which accommodates up to 1,000 guests in a colorful exhibit space that highlights the history of space exploration through interactive displays and artifacts.

“When you walk into the Saturn V Hall and see the engines of the Saturn V, you hear people gasp,” said Ammons. “This is the rocket that took man to the moon. It doesn’t get much more inspirational than that.”

Saturn V Hall opens onto a scenic terrace that overlooks a vertical

S

U.S. Space and Rocket Center Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama, carries a long history as a place of innovation and discovery, playing a pivotal role in the development of some of the earliest satellites and spacecraft. Today, the sciencecentric hub is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, which houses the largest collection of rockets and space memorabilia in the world.

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Meeting Ideas

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Courtesy Kentucky Science Center

Groups meeting at the Kentucky Science Center can take advantage of numerous audio-visual tools. full-scale model of the Saturn V rocket in the Apollo Courtyard. In addition to the outdoor event spaces available on the terrace and in the courtyard, Shuttle Park can host up to 1,000 guests for special events and is the only place in the world where visitors can stand under a “full stack� space shuttle with the shuttle, rocket boosters and external fuel tank still connected. www.rocketcenter.com

Kentucky Science Center Louisville, Kentucky

On historic Main Street in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Science Center is the largest interactive science museum in the state, supplementing meetings and events with easy parking, firstrate amenities and a stunning backdrop of the Ohio River.

The most popular event venue at the museum is the 5,700-squarefoot Riverview Room on the top level, which offers a lovely panoramic view of the Ohio River and the surrounding cityscape. Many groups

December 2017

use this area for their main reception or event, and then use the smaller classroom spaces or Science Education Wing for breakout sessions. The Science Education Wing features four wall-mounted, largescreen displays and can seat about 35 guests; the three 1,500-squarefoot classrooms offer a more intimate setting for groups of 50 or fewer.

Planners can bring in one of the staff educators to lead scientific demonstrations or team-building exercises, such as a friendly rocketbuilding competition. During this entertaining activity, groups break into teams to design and construct their rockets, and then compete to see whose rocket will fly the highest. Scavenger hunts can also be organized to give attendees the opportunity to explore the museum galleries.

Throughout the year, the Kentucky Science Center hosts an afterhours event series for adults called Eat, Drink and Do Science, where guests can dance, drink and learn about subjects such as the science of beer-making or how the human brain processes taste. www.kysciencecenter.org

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Courtesy Liberty Science Center

Banquets at the Liberty Science Center come with scenic views of the New York skyline across the river.

Liberty Science Center Jersey City, New Jersey

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Learn more at visitwaukesha.org/meetings

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Meeting Ideas

Featuring beautiful views of Liberty State Park and lower Manhattan, the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, is a state-of-the-art, 300,000-square-foot facility with 12 exhibition halls, a world-class planetarium and a live-animal collection of more than 110 species.

There are 15 meeting spaces available in the museum, accommodating anywhere from 10 to 700 guests. The Skyscraper Gallery serves as a popular cocktail party venue, entertaining up to 150 guests with colorful displays of different skyscrapers from around the world. Another unusual event space is the Observation Tower, a 170-foot glass pyramid at the top of the museum that offers a 360-degree view of surrounding city sights like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Liberty State Park. The tower can host up to 70 guests for a seated dinner and up to 80 for receptions.

This month, the museum will open a brandnew 400-seat planetarium with an 88-foot dome, making it the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. The planetarium creates a seamless visual field using 10 video projectors, which corporate groups can use for dynamic presentations, videoconferences and original film showings.

Scavenger hunts are extremely popular as a

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Courtesy Liberty Science Center

Liberty Science Center in Jersey City offers 15 spaces to meeting groups.

December 2017

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Courtesy Museum of Discovery

An exhibit at Little Rock’s Museum of Discovery highlights systems of the human body.

team-building activity for meeting groups: Teams of three to five people hunt through the exhibits for answers to a questionnaire. The team with the most correct answers wins. Groups can also collaborate in the Innovation Lab to create a bridge using 3-D printers.

The Liberty Science Center recently opened a traveling Star Trek exhibition called the “Starfleet Academy Experience”; it will run until May 28, 2018. As guests wander through the displays, they can take on a series of challenges to determine which roles on the fleet best suit their personalities and strengths. www.lsc.org

Museum of Discovery Little Rock, Arkansas

Situated along Little Rock’s vibrant waterfront district, the Museum of Discovery explores the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through interactive exhibits and educational programming.

“Adults are just like kids; they love to explore and discover, and that’s what we’re all about,” said Kendall Thornton, chief marketing officer at the museum.

The museum offers three classrooms and lab spaces that can be used for corporate outings and

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Meeting Ideas

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Courtesy Museum of Discovery

The Museum of Discovery focuses on STEM disciplines.

10 RE A SONS TO MEET ON THE

NORTHSHORE

In St. Tammany Parish, aka Louisiana’s Northshore, we’re close to everything and have the perfect venues for hosting meetings of all kinds. See our website for the “Top 10 Reasons” to plan your next meeting with us!

• 45 Minutes From New Orleans • Convention Facilities Available • Customized Itineraries • Venues For All Types Of Meetings • And So Much More...

8 0 0 - 6 3 4 - 9 4 4 3 • w w w. L o u i s i a n a Nor t h s h or e .c om /10 m e e t December 2017

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Meeting spaces at COSI in Columbus can accommodate up to 600 guests.

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Meeting Ideas

Courtesy COSI Columbus

other events. The Tinkering Studio serves as a great venue for smaller groups, giving attendees team-building opportunities using the tools, supplies and informational materials in the room. Many meeting groups enjoy breaking up the work session with a special science demonstration from one of the staff educators, who often use fun visual props such as Legos to teach the mechanics of engineering or mousetraps to talk about the science of chain reactions.

Several of the exhibits are available for rent as well, including the 2,500-square-foot “Science and Art� exhibit. This unique exhibit bridges the gap between art and science by showcasing the talents of five scientists who used their scientific expertise to create innovative works of art.

Another highlight of the museum is the Tesla Theater, where visitors get the chance to see 250,000 volts of electricity shoot out from a Guinness World Record musical bipolar Tesla coil. By modulating the frequency of the plasma, museum staff members can play the coil like an instrument, producing a variety of tunes from wellknown songs. www.museumofdiscovery.org

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

COSI Columbus Columbus, Ohio

COSI Columbus has a longstanding reputation as one of the most prestigious science museums in the country; it features more than 320,000 square feet of beautiful exhibit space and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.

“When you bring a meeting to COSI, you get a really unique, creative space,” said Chris Hurtubise, senior director of marketing and communications at the museum. “It’s very important for meeting planners to have content that enhances the meeting beyond the meeting itself.”

Planners can choose from 12 meeting areas in the museum, the largest being Gallery II on the second floor, which can accommodate up to 600 guests. COSI recently partnered with the distinguished American Museum of Natural History in New York City to open a new, permanent dinosaur gallery. This exquisite 13,000-square-foot exhibition highlights the history and evolution of dinosaurs from fossils to feathers, providing another desirable venue for meeting groups.

Thanks to the variety of spaces, groups can choose to meet in a private meeting room during the day and then enjoy a reception or a cocktail party in one of the exhibits after hours. Some groups enjoy bringing in one of the museum’s qualified staff members to speak about deep space, science and other topics, like COSI president and CEO Frederic Bertley or COSI’S chief scientist and astrophysicist, Paul Sutter.

The museum also offers special event services such as free Wi-Fi, audiovisual equipment, event setup and teardown, and on-site catering that includes such mouthwatering menu items as Thai curry soup, miso-glazed salmon and ricotta cheesecake. www.cosi.org

December 2017

Courtesy COSI Columbus

COSI’s in-house catering team is known for its inventive, gourmet creations.

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A WEST VIRGINIA ENAISSANCE

R

By Katherine Tandy Brown

A development surge makes C harleston an attractive meetings option

The Gauley River offers exciting whitewater rafting opportunities to groups meeting in Charleston, West Virginia.

Courtesy Adventures on the Gorge

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Destination Showcase

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

“We’ll finally have dedicated, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and banquet facilities to accommodate a convention in the kind of facility that allows us to be marketable on a regional basis.”

H

ugging the meandering Kanawha River, Charleston is pure West Virginia: stunning mountain scenery, outdoor adventure and down-home friendliness. With the 293-foot, golddomed state Capitol, a specialty shop and farmers market housed in a renovated train station, and a paved boulevard that rambles alongside the river, the city is welcoming and walkable. Downtown Charleston shines with live music, public art, galleries and performance theater. Its roots firmly planted in Appalachian cuisine, the city’s food scene rocks with restaurants such as Bluegrass Kitchen, where specialties include fresh-caught trout and buttermilk pie.

Three major interstate highways converge here, and the airport is but a five-minute drive from city center, where the Charleston Civic Center has grown to become the state’s premier meeting and conference spot.

Now, with tremendous development going on citywide, the capital city is upping its meetings capacities big time, with the civic center leading the charge.

Extensive Renovation

Since its opening in 1959, the civic center has witnessed a JFK presidential campaign appearance, has cheered as Wilt Chamberlain broke the NBA all-time scoring record and has hosted five sold-out Elvis Presley shows, not to mention untold numbers of meetings and events. Its last capital improvements were in 1980, and by 2014, the city and the center realized that to succeed at a higher level in the meetings market, upgrades were needed. So work began.

In September 2018, the $100 million renovation of the Charleston Civic Center will be unveiled, bringing the capital city into a new era of competitive strength in the meetings and conventions market.

“It’s very exciting,” said John Robertson, the center’s general manager. “We’ve had an active, well-used civic center, but it’s been utilitarian. We’ve often had to make things work. We’ll finally have dedicated, state-ofthe-art meeting rooms and banquet facilities to accommodate a convention in the kind of facility that allows us to be marketable on a regional basis.”

Under one roof within the center are various

December 2017

separate components: a 13,500-seat spectator area with high-tech lighting and sound system; a 738-seat theater for performing-arts activities; and an impressive exhibition, meeting and convention component.

Highlights of the latter include a 50,000-square-foot grand hall exhibit space, 20 meetings rooms with 25,000 square feet of space, a 25,000-square-foot ballroom for 1,500 seated and an 8,000-square-foot adjacent prefunction atrium that, with extending halls, can hold the ballroom’s capacity.

Reflecting West Virginia’s outdoorsy personality, the center embraces its location on the Elk River. Its ballroom has glass curtain walls to bring the gorgeous water views inside and an adjacent 30-by-30-foot outdoor veranda. The atrium, said Robertson, is all glass, “like a glass jewel box.” A park stretches between the river and the building, and a small boat dock whispers the possibility of a party boat.

Sending a message of environmental and social responsibility, the center has applied for LEED certification. As an example of dedication to reduction of its carbon footprint, the renovation has required a considerable Adventures on the Gorge amount of demolition, and 95 percent of construction trash has been recycled.

Courtesy Adventures on the Gorge Amazingly, the facility has remained open during the project to host some 3,600 yearly functions, and planners are taking notice.

“We’re already getting traction from folks LOCATION who’ve been in to see construction in progress Southeastern West Virginia on the Kanawha as [they consider the venue as] a possible locaRiver tion for their forthcoming activities, not just statewide but regionally,” Robertson said.

ACCESS Officials expect the renovation to help Charleston Yeager Airport, Amtrak, make Charleston a more competitive player in interstates 64, 77 and 79 the regional meetings market.

MAJOR MEETING SPACES “With the civic center renovation, Charleston Charleston Civic Center will become the new meetings and convention option to large metropolitan areas such HOTEL ROOMS as Lexington, Louisville, Columbus, Cincinnati 3,500 citywide, 1,400 downtown and Greensboro, not only from a standpoint OFFSITE VENUES of facility cost, but also transportation, hotel Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, West expense, and food and beverage,” Robertson Virginia Culture Center and State Museum, said. “The dramatic changes in our physical Appalachian Power Park, Lookout Post facility will make our city a new and fresh Conference Center place more attractive to planners.

“Our projected renovation cost is $100 milCONTACT INFO lion, and it’s 100 percent city funded, with no Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau state or federal dollars. That’s impressive for a 304-344-5075 little ol’ city of 50,000.” www.charlestonwv.com

Charleston, West Virginia

27

Courtesy Charleston CVB

When it is completed in September, the Charleston Civic Center’s renovation will add state-of-the-art technology to its beautiful riverfront views.

Other Meeting Options

Among downtown Charleston’s existing highlights for meeting planners are numerous hotels and shopping options. Adjacent to the civic center are the 352-room Charleston Marriott Town Center, a 198room Holiday Inn Express, and a 119-room, 15-suite Courtyard by Marriott. A Hampton Inn and an Embassy Suites are a block away, and a Sheraton Four Points is four blocks away. Across the street, the threestory Charleston Town Center Mall is one of the largest indoor shopping centers east of the Mississippi.

Other city meeting venues include the 240,000-square-foot Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, which houses performance arts, visual arts and interactive science all in one building in addition to meeting spaces; a grand theater with 1,883 capacity; a black-box theater for up to 220; and a 5,700-square-foot lobby for receptions.

“Generally, when people rent a space here, they do it in combination with another part of the center,” said Maria Belcher, the versatile facility’s program and events coordinator. “They buy museum passes for all of the guests or purchase tickets to an evening event, which might be the West Virginia Symphony or a Broadway show.”

Though there’s a cafe on the premises, all catering is furnished through a partnering agreement with Embassy Suites.

Families will want to tag along with attendees to the center to explore its two-level, hands-on Discovery Museum; a planetarium with hourly star talks; and a fine-arts museum with an 800-piece collection of American art and outdoor sculpture. A fascinating facility tour includes a peek backstage and a “hall of fame” of performance promo posters signed by entertainers from James Taylor to Foreigner.

To accompany nearly any event in nearly any venue in the city,

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Destination Showcase

National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage program, based at the West Virginia Culture Center since its 1985 inception, can source live musical performances from bluegrass and roots music to indie rock and jazz, performed by Grammy winners and emerging artists.

Area Attractions

By far the city’s biggest attraction for attendees and/or their spouses and kids is the state Capitol itself. Completed in 1932, the main building is capped by an impressive dome modeled after that of the U.S. Capitol, though this one is five feet taller and gilded in shiny 23.5-karat gold.

Also at the Capitol Complex, the State Museum and Culture Center offers a glance at West Virginia’s rich history.

Attendees can hit the links at eight golf courses within five minutes of downtown or cheer on the West Virginia Power, a class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, while scarfing down hot dogs and beer at 4,500seat Appalachian Power Park. On game and nongame days, its Legends Club provides presentation capacities and upscale rooting from an eagle’s perspective for 50 fans. In addition, during games, 200 can indulge on its all-you-can-eat-and-drink Party Deck, or the entire left-field seating area can be reserved for a corporate picnic.

For gathering amid the amazing geographic features that give the Mountain State its nickname, Adventures on the Gorge is an outfitter and resort only an hour from Charleston with extraordinary team building and a brand-new conference center.

Opened in August 2016, the Lookout Post Conference Center perches on the rim of the spectacular New River Gorge. Three of the yearround facility’s four walls are glass, most guests stay in cabins, and catering is on-site, sourced from a seasonal steakhouse — which also

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

doubles as a meeting area — or three other eateries on the premises. There’s even a seasonal pool, complete with more breathtaking vistas.

“Our sweet spot for meetings is from 40 to 60 participants, but we can handle 100 to 150 theater style,” said PJ Stevenson, marketing director. “Ours breaks the mold of a traditional conference center. The views are fantastic.”

Corporate team building is a specialty here, much of it at the gorge’s rim. Known for whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers, Lookout Post fills rafts with eight attendees, all of whom must work together to navigate adrenalin-pumping rapids, with a guide. Timbertrack Adventure Park adds more heart-pumping, teambonding activities on five aerial challenge courses with differing degrees of difficulty.

Each course consists of 10 to 13 elements, such as climbing logs hanging from chains.

Some courses are as high as 30 to 40 feet.

“The up-in-the-air aspect can throw even fit folks off their normal game,” Stevenson said. “It’s fun to watch the dynamics among team members.”

Courtesy Adventures on the Gorge

The Lookout Post Conference Center at Adventures on the Gorge offers a setting of rustic elegance.

Find your next great idea.

MOREHEAD, KY The scenery will inspire you. The adventures will motivate you. Feel refreshed and ready to tackle any project.

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Our knowledgeable staff will make planning easy for you. Call today to learn more.

Visit www.moreheadconferencecenter.com

December 2017 or call 855-270-8733 for more information

29

Adventures in the

By Kristy Alpert

E

scaping to the desert has never been more exciting. Fort McDowell Adventures, which is on the 25,000-acre Fort McDowell Yavapai Reservation, offers guests the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the land while providing a new perspective to meetings and events. Fort McDowell Adventures is an oasis in the Sonoran Desert where history and adrenaline collide through an exciting mix of activities. It is set in a stunning landscape of sprawling mountain ranges cut from the Verde River, which runs alongside the venue.

There’s no such thing as a regular day at Fort McDowell, where the adventure can begin even before groups arrive. A surprise “bus holdup” can put two of the group’s most notorious guests up against a team of sheriffs to have them escorted to the party location at gunpoint for questioning. The holdup is only one of the many fun ways to get the party started and break the ice for corporate retreats, and the events and meetings team at Fort McDowell offers a full range of custom itineraries to choose from, including cattle drives, firework displays and even a competition to build two bicycles that will be inspected and then donated to a children’s association charity.

Outside of scheduled gatherings or planned entertainment, the remaining days spent at Fort McDowell can be filled with any number

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Venue Showcase

Photos courtesy Fort McDowell Adventures

Above: A singing cowboy entertains groups at Fort McDowell Adventures.

Left: La Puesta del Sol at the fort offers indoor and outdoor meeting space.

of activities to get guests out and exploring. From January through June, visitors can spot bald eagles soaring over the property while the eagles are in the area for their annual nesting season. The venue features numerous trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, and kayaks and fishing gear are available for any guests looking to spend time on the water. In addition to the four indoor and outdoor venues that can accommodate anywhere from 20 to 2,000 guests, groups can join the adventure staff during their free time for an exhilarating Tomcar UTV tour, a relaxing guided horseback trail ride, a unique desert Segway excursion or a scenic jeep tour.

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Desert

Meeting Spaces For more than 20 years, Fort McDowell Adventures has welcomed Fortune 500 companies, wedding parties, fundraising and social event guests and other groups that would like to meet at any of the four venue sites. The Puesta del Sol venue offers more than 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space for 100 to

1,200 guests. Rosa’s Ranch features more than 25,000 square feet of event space for 20 to 300 guests.

The Stables offers a great spot for a traditional cookout and can accommodate 15 to 30 guests, and the North Point sits at the farthest point north at Fort McDowell and can accommodate 15 to 200 guests in a private location.

Catering The catering team at Fort McDowell Adventures can provide meals that range from barbecues to high-end options. Menus include plated dinners, buffet lunches, passed appetizers, and culinary events like chili cookoffs and margarita mix-offs. The culinary team is known for baby back ribs, seasoned beef brisket and smoked chicken quarters.

Other favorite menu items include prime rib with au jus and horseradish cream, chips with homemade salsa and homemade apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream. A full bar is available on-site for events, with options for beer burros, wine tastings and tequila tastings; outside alcohol is not permitted.

Extras

Fort McDowell Adventures

In addition to the ample space for gathering and meeting while at Fort McDowell Adventures, each location offers a few extraspecial touches. The La Puesta del Sol venue features attractive Edison lighting on the ceiling with retractable walls that open the space to the venue’s four fire pits and an authentic saloon.

Guests can cook out under the stars at Rosa’s Ranch, where a handcrafted copper bar top provides a trendy place to imbibe.

Other extras include fireworks displays, hot-air-balloon rides, a cigar-rolling station and an astronomer to give guests a roadmap to the sparkling sky above.

LOCATION

Fort McDowell, Arizona

TYPE OF VENUE

Off-site, outdoor adventure venue

CAPACITY 2,000

NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS Lexington Hotel and Suites, Fountain Hills, Arizona

CONTACT INFO

480-789-5302 www.fortmcdowelladventures.com

December 2017

Entertainment Fort McDowell Adventures specializes in taking attendees out of the boardroom and engaging them with activities and cultural opportunities during their stay at the property. Musical options include an interactive DJ, karaoke, strolling musicians and Native American flautists. Take part in the Racin’ Bacon, Quick Draw, Horseshoe Toss or Mechanical Bull

challenges, or paint an even more vibrant picture of the Southwestern landscape with costumed saloon girls that mingle through the event. Other fun options include adding an old-timey tintype photo booth with an authentic 1910 Grafalex camera and the popular Tequila Sheila, a sassy saloon girl who passes out shooters throughout the event.

31

A World of Golf

By Kristy Alpert

Y

ou don’t have to be a pro to drive a ball from the World Golf Hall of Fame and land it on the front lawn of the Renaissance World of Golf Village Resort. The resort is just 200 yards from the world-class Hall of Fame and the Imax Theater, and it is a great place to rest between meetings on the course or in any of the more than 46,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 15,000 square feet of outdoor function space at the resort.

When combined with the neighboring World Golf Hall of Fame, the resort is the largest combination hotel and convention center between Atlanta and Orlando, Florida.

The Renaissance World of Golf Village Resort opened its doors in 1998, just 18 years after the release of one of the greatest golf movies of all time: “Caddyshack.” The movie was filmed in Florida; actor Bill Murray would return there nearly 21 years later to open his flagship restaurant, Murray Bros. Caddyshack, adjacent to the Renaissance World of Golf Village Resort. With that and two worldclass championship golf courses designed by the biggest

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Hospitality Showcase

All photos courtesy Renaissance World of Golf Village Resort

names in golf, the resort has become the mecca for golfers, with accolades through the roof and every amenity a golfer could desire.

Already known for its enticing facilities, the resort underwent a $10 million renovation in 2011 that included a fresh look for all the rooms and public spaces along with the addition of 15,000 square feet of meeting space, an onsite UPS Store and Business Center, and a resort shop that serves Starbucks coffees alongside a full menu of graband-go items and local gifts and souvenirs.

Guests staying in any of the 301 “Colonial Asian”inspired rooms have access to the 24-hour health club and sauna, an 18-hole putting green, a swimming pool and hot tub, a spa with 11 treatment rooms, numerous walking and jogging trails, fly-fishing opportunities and multiple dining options within a short walk from the hotel’s lobby.

Although golf is the main draw to the area, the hotel is quickly becoming a favorite with golfers and nongolfers alike for meetings and events both on and off the course.

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Meeting Spaces The Renaissance World of Golf Village Resort features more than 46,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space and more than 15,000 square feet of outdoor function space. The resort’s indoor meeting spaces can be broken into smaller spaces and include the St. Augustine Ballroom for up to 3,000 guests, the Legends Ballroom for up to 675 guests, the Troon and Wentworth Room for up to 240 guests, the Royal Melbourne Room for up to 16 guests, the Winged Foot Room for up to six guests, and the Masters Boardroom.

The outdoor function space, La Terrazza, has underground internet capabilities for the stage and gazebo and holds up to 2,000 guests.

Renaissance World of Golf Village Resort Location St. Augustine, Florida Size 301 rooms Meeting Space More than 46,000 square feet indoors and more than 15,000 square feet outdoors Access Jacksonville International Airport, Interstate 95

Catering The quality of food and service at all meetings and events held at the Renaissance World of Golf Resort are on par with the resort’s fantastic reputation for excellence. The culinary team provides menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.

Their reception menus offer options of passed hors d’oeuvres, themed stations and a package that allows guests to design their own reception, with inclusions like a paella station, a slider “shack” or a display of crudites fresh from the farmers market. Bartenders are available for an additional fee for a minimum of three hours, and alcohol available includes wells and premium brands.

Contact Info 904-940-8000 www.marriott.com

Courses Golf is a major player at many Florida resorts, but at the Renaissance World of Golf Resort, it’s a way of life all its own. The resort is home to two world-class championship courses. The King and Bear is a bucket list course for many golfers, as it remains the only collaboration between renowned golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. The other course, Slammer and Squire, is also highly regarded by the top golfers in the industry, as it was designed by Bobby Weed with Hall of Famers Sam “The Slammer” Snead and Gene “The Squire” Sarazen.

December 2017

Around Town Left: Renaissance World of Golf Village Resort underwent a $10 million renovation in 2011.

Right: The resort features more than 46,000 square feet of meeting space.

Opposite page: The King and Bear golf course is the world’s only collaboration between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Guests of the resort are encouraged to explore the expansive property that includes the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum and the Imax Theatre, as well as multiple restaurants along the Walk of Champions.

For anyone looking to venture off-site for some adventure, the resort offers a complimentary shuttle to historic downtown St. Augustine, and transportation can be arranged to shopping meccas such as the St. Augustine Premium Outlets or St. John’s Town Center, an outdoor shopping mall with a wide range of more than 150 stores, among them Tiffany and Co. and Ann Taylor. Other favorite nearby attractions include the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and the world’s first permanent Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium.

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Mizzou and More

By Savannah Osbourn

Above: Downtown Columbia, Missouri, is known for its art galleries.

C O L U M B I A , M I S S O U R I LOCATION Central Missouri ACCESS Columbia Regional Airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Kansas City International Airport, Interstate 70, Highway 63 MAJOR MEETING SPACES Holiday Inn Executive Center, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, The Broadway, The Tiger Hotel HOTEL ROOMS 3,800 OFF-SITE VENUES Missouri Theatre, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, 44 Stone Public House, Alpine Parks and Gardens, Bleu, Blue Note, Bur Oak Brewing Company, Cherry Hill Event Center CONTACT INFO Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau 573-874-2489 www.visitcolumbiamo.com

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Destination Showcase

Left: A group starts the day with mimosas at a Columbia restaurant.

C

olumbia, Missouri, prides itself on three key offerings: convenience, choice and value. Home of the University of Missouri, the picturesque college town is in the heart of the state, just two hours from major access points in Kansas City and St. Louis, and with flights to airports in Denver, Chicago and Dallas. Meeting planners can choose from a wide variety of meeting venues, restaurants and other urban amenities when they bring their events to the area.

“We really have the full-service offerings of a much larger city, but we’re still really easy to navigate,” said Megan McConachie, strategic communications manager at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Columbia also offers great value in terms of competitive hotel and space rates. As the town’s only full-service property, the Holiday Inn Executive Center features 310 rooms and seats up to 2,700 guests in the adjoining Columbia Expo Center, the largest event venue in Columbia. Other hotels that accommodate meeting groups are the Hampton Inn and Suites, the Hilton Garden Inn and the Tiger Hotel.

There are many beautiful after-hours venues on campus, such as the Museum of Art and Archeology and the 1920s-era Missouri Theatre, which once operated as a vaudeville theater. Many attendees enjoy walking through some of the university’s most wellknown sites, such as the columns in front of Jesse Hall, the second-most-photographed spot in the state next to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Visitors can explore dozens of art galleries, boutiques and local restaurants in Columbia’s thriving downtown area. With so many dining options within walking distance, many groups opt to split up after hours and take their pick of cuisine, from casual eateries like Booches Billiard Hall and Shakespeare’s Pizza to more upscale venues such as Sycamore and Room 38 Restaurant and Lounge.

“Our restaurants are really used to working with groups,” said McConachie. “They can get very creative with the space that they have.”

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

All photos courtesy Columbia CVB

Orr Street Studios

Les Bourgeois Vineyards

Boone County History and Culture Center Les Bourgeois Vineyards Boone County History and Culture Center provides a variety of event spaces for groups and showcases Columbia’s rich local art and history.

The property includes four main areas: the Walters Boone County Museum, the Montminy Art Gallery, the Village of Boone Junction and the historic Maplewood House. The 4,000-square-foot Montminy Art Gallery displays hundreds of original works from local artists, making it a beautiful venue for luncheons and cocktail parties. Built in 1877, the Italian-style Maplewood House provides a scenic reception venue for groups of 25 or fewer. Groups can also take advantage of a covered veranda and a large connecting gazebo outside that can accommodate up to 100 guests and that offers sweeping view of Nifong Park.

December 2017

Just west of Columbia in the little town of Rocheport, the awardwinning Les Bourgeois Vineyards is an excellent destination for corporate retreats, private dinners and more. Groups can enjoy a magnificent view of the Missouri River Valley from Blufftop Bistro, a wine garden and bistro that features handcrafted wines and locally sourced cuisine such as fresh bread and smoked meats. There is also a scenic picnic area outside. After a meeting or a reception, groups can enjoy a tour of the facility, followed by a tasting of eight wines of their choosing.

35

North Vil age Arts District Sometimes known simply as the District, the North Village Arts District in downtown Columbia is a vibrant hub of art studios, cafes, theaters, dance studios and artisan markets. After their meetings, attendees can explore this bohemian neighborhood and pick up an artistic souvenir from colorful shops like the Artlandish Gallery, or they can paint their own pottery at the Mud Room. Groups can also stop by Breakout CoMo for a challenging team-building activity where teams have one hour to “break out” of a room by finding hidden clues and solving puzzles. Held on Sundays from April to October, the Orr Street Farmers and Artisans Market features handcrafted art, fresh farm produce, workshops and entertainment.

Columbia Culinary Tours For a taste of Columbia’s famous food scene, groups can sign up for a behind-the-scenes restaurant tour with Columbia Culinary Tours.

The company partners with more than a dozen local restaurants in town, including Como Smoke and Fire, Harold’s Donuts, Umbria Rustic Italian and the Craft Beer Cellar. During the Flavor Tour, participants discover some of the city’s hidden gems as they visit five or six local eateries. The Brunch Tour takes groups through the North Village Art District to sample sweet and savory products from coffee shops, cafes and bakeries. Groups can learn about Columbia’s craft breweries during the Craft Beer and Food Pairing tour; the Night on the Town Tour explores some of the top restaurants and bars in downtown.

Even city hall is an expression of Columbia’s creative culture.

300

60

12

4

20

64.5

RESTAURANTS

UNIQUE SHOPS

FOOD TRUCKS

LOCAL BREWERIES

ENTERTAINMENT HOT SPOTS

MILES OF NATURE TRAILS

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT COLUMBIA, MISSOURI. More than you expect, in the heart of the Midwest. visitcolumbiamo.com 36

Destination Showcase

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

Rocky Mountain Resorts

By Rachel Carter

By Michel Tallichet, courtesy Big Sky Resort

Everett’s 8800 at Big Sky Resort offers stunning views of Montana’s mountains.

T

he Rocky Mountains stretch 3,000 miles from British Columbia south to New Mexico, and five states hug the range’s severe slopes and soaring peaks along the way: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah.

December 2017

Whether it’s spotting mountain goats on the summit of Lone Peak in Montana, enjoying views of the Grand Tetons’ granite faces in Wyoming or climbing otherworldly red spires in Colorado’s Garden of the Gods, these mountain resorts offer meeting planners and attendees plenty of function space, impressive activities and amazing vistas.

Big Sky Resort Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky Resort in Montana, about an hour’s drive south of Bozeman, is one of the few places where you can summit an 11,000-foot mountain without ever having to climb.

Groups start by taking a scenic ride on a ski lift higher up the mountain and then board custom-built off-road trucks for a tour of Lone Mountain’s upper alpine terrain. Finally, an aerial tram glides guests to the 11,166-foot peak.

While Lone Peak Expedition is the resort’s signature activity, groups can also go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking and zip lining, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Big Sky has more than 55,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, most of it housed in the Yellowstone Conference Center. The 8,000-square-foot Missouri Ballroom can be divided into three separate rooms and is the resort’s largest and most-used space, said Brandon Bang, senior director of sales.

Four accommodation options make up the core village: the Huntley Lodge, the Shoshone Condominium Hotel, the Summit at Big Sky and the Village Center.

Huntley, Shoshone and the conference center are all under one roof.

Indoor and outdoor function space is sprinkled throughout the property. The 2,600-square-foot Talus Room in the Summit has tall windows, and the Peaks Restaurant and adjoining terrace have a splendid view of Lone Peak and are available for summertime events.

The Lone Peak Pavilion is a tented grassy pavilion at the base of the ski area.

Everett’s 8800 is a high-end, log cabin-style restaurant that sits at the top of Andesite Mountain. The restaurant can seat about 90 people inside, but paired with its massive wraparound deck, which delivers views of Lone Peak, the restaurant could host up to 200 guests, Bang said.

“To be staring from the restaurant right across to the peak is just incredible,” he said. www.bigskyresort.com

Coeur d’A lene Resort Coeur d’A lene, Idaho

National Geographic named Idaho’s Lake Coeur d’A lene one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, which may be why business magnate Duane Hagadone chose to build the Coeur d’A lene Resort on its banks.

If the lake is the crown, the resort is the jewel, with 338 guest rooms, five — soon to be six — dining options, including a floating restaurant, and 32,000 square feet of event space, along with a golf course, a spa, a marina and a fleet of cruise boats.

The resort just started the process of renovating all its guest rooms, said Todd Gillespie, director of sales and

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marketing, and the conference center just completed a renovation in October that included new carpeting, wall coverings and lighting system, as well as new furniture and artwork.

There, a 15,000-square-foot hall can be used as one large space or be broken into six smaller bays, one of which can also be halved. Across the conference lobby area, the Bayview Rooms offer 3,900 square feet of lakeview meeting space that can also be split into three smaller rooms.

A few years ago, Hagadone invested $10 million to build the 7,000-square-foot Hagadone Event Center, with soaring glass walls that look over the infinity pool to the beach and lake, as well as the golf course’s renowned 14th hole, the Floating Green. A private garden can be used for high-end board meetings, lunches or receptions, Gillespie said.

Groups may also gather on one of the resort’s five fullservice cruise ships, which can hold 149 to 350 passengers. During downtime, meeting attendees can kayak, paddleboard, hike or even arrange for seaplane rides. www.cdaresort.com

Deer Valley Resort Park City, Utah Groups meeting at Deer Valley Resort in Park City often make time for skiing.

Courtesy Deer Valley Resort

Park City, Utah, hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Deer Valley Resort’s Ski With the Champions program allows groups to ski with an entire slate of Olympic ath-

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Mountain States Meeting Guide

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letes who competed in a variety of skiing styles.

It’s one of the exclusive ski experiences available to groups that gather at the resort. Deer Valley has more than 25,000 square feet of function space in several lodges, but its twin conference properties — the side-byside Lodges at Deer Valley and the Silver Baron Lodge — are the most used, said director of sales Dirk Beal.

The largest space in each property is about 2,500 square feet, but both properties offer several other flexible meeting rooms, all with external light, Beal said.

Deer Valley’s six overnight lodging options have about 500 sleeping rooms among them. The Chateaux at Deer Valley houses the resort’s largest ballroom at 6,600 square feet, and the Stein Erickson Lodge has a 5,800-square-foot ballroom.

Day lodges sit at the base, middle and top of the mountain, and all three have an open, log-cabin feel, making them popular for off-site dinners and product launches, Beal said.

Groups often opt for the fireside dining experience at Empire Canyon Lodge at the top of the mountain. Chefs cook food over the lodge’s various stone fireplaces: One may have a dripping cheese raclette, another lamb roasting on a rotisserie, another a bubbling stew in a Dutch oven. Planners often pair the dinner with horsedrawn sleigh rides for guests.

The resort partners with All Seasons Adventures to arrange group activities such as dogsledding, snowshoe-

December 2017

ing and fly-fishing. Deer Valley also offers off-mountain guided snowmobile tours for individuals and groups.

On mountain, First Tracks gives groups the chance to ski with a guide on several runs for an hour before the slopes open to the public.

“To be up there early in the morning, and the sun’s coming up, and the mountain’s closed — it’s private skiing,” Beal said. www.deervalley.com

Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, a Dolce Resort Colorado Springs, Colorado

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just west of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, a Dolce Resort, has a golf course, a private lake with a white-sand beach, a spa and one of the state’s few International Association of Conference Centers-certified conference centers, all looking up at Cheyenne Mountain.

“That is one of our big competitive advantages; it’s right in front of Cheyenne Mountain, so you have beach, lake and then the mountains right there,” said marketing manager Rachel Horgan.

The resort has over 40,000 square feet of event space, and the largest space is the 6,400-square-foot Colorado Room, which can be split into three separate spaces. The 3,500-square-foot Remington’s Room has some of “the

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nicest views out of all of our meeting space on property,” Horgan said. Floor-to-ceiling windows deliver mountain views, and a stone fireplace provides ambiance.

Planners have several options for outdoor events.

The Grand Rivers Terrace offers views of the whole property, with the mountain and golf course to the right and the lake below, Horgan said. The beach is popular for sand volleyball and making s’mores.

Team building is offered both in-house and through partner vendors. Some signature events, such as build-a-boat challenges, incorporate the private lake, but there are other options, such as guided bike rides, the ropes courses and rock climbing in the nearby Garden of the Gods.

The Mountain View Restaurant is the resort’s main restaurant, but groups can also incorporate food activities such as chili cook-offs and cocktail mixology challenges into their event. www.cheyennemountain.com

Snow King Hotel and Grand View Lodge Jackson, Wyoming

The Snow King Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming, is nestled right against the mountains, with ski-in/ ski-out access at Snow King Mountain Resort so “you can get right on the lift from the hotel,” said Allison Kneubuhl, director of sales and marketing for the 203-guest-room Snow King Hotel and the neighboring Grand View Lodge.

The two properties each have roughly 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space; the largest ballroom is the 5,300-square-foot Grand Teton Room in the Snow King Hotel. When guests arrive, they find a large fireplace in the lobby and another under the vaulted, timber-beam ceilings in Hayden’s Post, which is “kind of the local hangout,” Kneubuhl said.

In the neighboring Grand View Lodge, the 2,640-square-foot Grand View Ballroom has an attached covered veranda, and the Mountain View Room and the Fireside Lounge each have adjoining covered porches.

The hotel just added an outdoor event lawn this summer where groups can have events and special dining experiences, such as a chuck-wagon dinner.

In addition to ski-in/ski-out access, guests can use the Snow King resort’s outdoor maze and aerial ropes course for team building or just have fun ice skating in winter, playing putt-putt golf in summer and zipping down the mountain on the Cowboy Coaster or the Alpine Slide.

Guests can walk into downtown Jackson on summer evenings to catch the Town Square Shootout.

Those same actors with the Jackson Hole Playhouse are also available to do a mock shootout for private events. www.snowking.com

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Mountain States Meeting Guide

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2018 Small Market Meetings Industry Directory CALIFORNIA

Fairfield conference & Visitors Bureau

1000 Webster Street, 1st Floor, Suite A. Fairfield, Ca 94533 707-399-2445 Christian Wentworth christian@visitfairfieldca.com www.visitfairfieldca.com Welcome to beautiful Fairfield, nestled in the heart of Northern California. Best known as being home to the Jelly Belly Factory and Anhueser-Busch Brewery, Fairfield also offers two thriving wine regions, premier golf courses, outdoor adventures through rolling hills and attractions for all ages – truly a destination full of surprises.

FLORIDA

Visit Sarasota County

1777 Main St #302 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-955-0991 Seana Mincy smincy@visitsarasota.org www.SarasotaMeetings.com If attendees need more than a beautiful beach, Sarasota County on Florida’s Gulf Coast is the perfect well-rounded meeting destination. Comprised of Longboat Key, Sarasota, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Venice, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Englewood, and North Port, Sarasota County offers a variety of settings for your next meeting!

FLORIDA

Visit South Walton

25777 US Highway 331 South Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 800-822-6877 Dawn Truemper dawn@visitsouthwalton.com www.VisitSouthWalton.com/Meetings Imagine modern meeting facilities, premium accommodations and exceptional service, steps from award-winning sugar-white sand beaches and turquoise water – all enhanced by a diverse dining scene, boutique shopping and championship golf. South Walton, Florida, is continually recognized as a premier destination that offers an upscale, yet casual place to host conferences.

December 2017

GEORGIA

Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau

KENTUCKY

Morehead Conference Center

244 City Circle, Suite 2000B Peachtree City, GA 30269 678-216-0282 Eric Matos ematos@visitpeachtreecity.com www.visitpeachtreecity.com Peachtree City is an ideal location for your next event! This resort-like community is only 25 minutes from Americans busiest Airport (ATL), with two conference centers, 900 hotel rooms and unique meeting spaces like Southern Ground and the Dixie Wing Museum! Call us for a tour!

111 East First Street Morehead, KY 40351 Joy Brown 888-270-8733 joy@moreheadtourism.com www.moreheadconferencecenter.com Morehead is the perfect place to plan your next event. The beautiful hills of eastern Kentucky make an ideal backdrop, whether you’re planning an expo, conference, business retreat or a gorgeous wedding. Our state-of-the art facility and experienced staff make planning seamless and worryfree. Call today to learn more.

GEORGIA

LOUISIANA

Visit Macon

450 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Macon, GA 31201 800-768-3401 Kimberly Payne-Ward kpayne-ward@visitmacon.org www.VisitMacon.org Located in the heart of Georgia and just south of Atlanta, Macon is a welcoming city that invites you to stop and explore our beautiful architecture, rich music history, and thriving arts & cultural community. Our central location makes Macon a convenient, affordable and great meeting and vacation destination.

INDIANA

Grand Wayne Convention Center

120 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 260-426-4100 Marcy McKinley mmckinley@grandwayne.com www.grandwayne.com Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, IN, features 225,000 sf of carpeted, individually climate-controlled, luxuriously appointed meeting, exhibition, and conference spaces. Intuitive floor plans, divisible rooms, 500 attached guest rooms, easy access, free WiFi, and in-house sales, event management, AV, and catering create the Midwest’s most accommodating event venue.

St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission

68099 Hwy. 59 Mandeville, LA 70471 985-892-0520 Tanya Leader Tanya@LouisianaNorthshore.com www.louisiananorthshore.com Location, unique meeting spaces and personalized assistance are just a few reasons to meet on the Northshore.

I-10, I-12, and I-59 travel through St. Tammany Parish; we’re easily accessible to conference attendees in the Southeast region. Our sales team specializes in making small market meetings a success with site visits, room blocks, meeting room suggestions and complimentary goody bags.

MISSISSIPPI

Visit Vicksburg

1619 Walnut Street Vicksburg, MS 39180 1-800-221-3536 Ashley Gatian ashley@visitvicksburg.com www.visitvicksburg.com Vicksburg is one of the top places to visit in the South for culture and history, but Vicksburg offers so much more with wonderful dining, top notch attractions, casinos, and unbeatable meeting venues. Plan a meeting around some of the best tourist attractions in the South- all here in Vicksburg.

MISSOURI

Columbia, MO Convention and Visitors Bureau

300 South Providence Rd Columbia, MO 65203 573-441-5577 Beth Mead Beth.Mead@CoMo.gov www.VisitColumbiaMO.com Columbia is one of Missouri’s best restaurant towns with many local, chef-owned eateries featuring local ingredients.

Columbia’s downtown District is home to fantastic art galleries and eclectic specialty shops. With nearly 4000 rooms, Columbia’s hospitality community is eager to provide your group with an excellent experience.

NEW YORK

Albany Capital Center

55 Eagle Street Albany, NY 12207 518-487-2155 Shannon Licygiewicz Shannon.licygiewicz@albanycapitalcenter.com www.albanycapitalcenter.com Located just steps away from the New York State Capital, the Albany Capital Center has direct connections to the Times Union Center and Empire State Plaza, creating the largest meeting space in Upstate NY with 159,000 combined square feet. Click here to learn more about how the Capital Complex can host your next event!

NEBRASKA

Lied Lodge & Conference Center

2700 Sylvan Road Nebraska City, NE 68410 800-546-5433 Theresa Brown tbrown@arbordayfarm.org www.liedlodge.org Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City offers 14,000+ square feet of customizable meeting space, 140 fully-updated guest rooms, team-building activities, and award-winning dining. Located on the 260-acre Arbor Day Farm (less than one hour south of Omaha), it is the ideal setting for your next meeting or retreat.

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2018 Small Market Meetings Industry Directory NEBRASKA

Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau

1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-434-5335 dfeyerherm@lincoln.org www.lincoln.org/meet Enjoy the high-energy, hometown atmosphere of Lincoln, Nebraska. Bursting with a renewed sense of energy, Lincoln has a little something for everyone from venues to activities. Meeting attendees and visitors are invited to experience the city like a local, knowing there’s something new to do every day.

NEVADA

Elko Convention & Visitors Authority

OHIO

Lima/Allen County Convention & Visitors Bureau

144 S. Main Street, Suite 101 Lima, Ohio 45801 419-222-6075 Sharree Brenneman-Reehling sharree@lima-allencvb.com www.lima-allencvb.com The Lima/Allen CVB is dedicated to helping you make your next event a success. We want you and your attendees to have a wonderful experience while you’re here. We will strive to make guests feel right at home with hospitality that is second to none. Let us show you why We Live It and You’ll Love It.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Sioux Falls CVB

700 Moren Way Elko, Nevada 89801 775-738-4091 Tom Lester tom@elkocva.com www.exploreelko.com The Elko Convention & Visitors Authority has over 40 years of experience in pre-convention & meeting planning. Let our professional staff be the liaison between you and the supplier. City wide Elko has 100,000 square feet of meeting space, 2700 lodging rooms, 2 golf courses and several unique meeting venues.

200 N. Phillips Ave. Suite 102 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 605-373-2027 Erin DeWitt edewitt@siouxfalls.com www.VisitSiouxFalls.com/PlantoWin South Dakota’s largest city is conveniently located in the heart of America, offers state-of-the-art meeting venues and unique off-sites. The community is anchored by a vibrant downtown with renowned arts, local cuisine, craft breweries, lively music and specialty boutiques. The regional airport offers direct connections and hundreds of one-stop flights.

NORTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE

Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau

1600 Burnt Boat Drive Bismarck, ND 58503 800-767-3555 Lori Yantzer Lori@bmcvb.com www.NoBoundariesND.com No Boundaries Where the city meets wide-open spaces, with metropolitan amenities and a hometown atmosphere.

• Multi-use arena with over 200,000 square feet of meeting & event • 3,500 sleeping rooms within 15 minutes of the airport Contact us to leave boundaries behind.

42 Industry Directory

Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau

3050 Medical Center Parkway Murfreesboro, TN 37129 800-7167560 dklempnow@rutherfordchamber.org www.readysetrutherford.com Small town feel, yet features 4,500 hotel rooms across the county. Offering an 80,000 square foot conference center that is easily accessible just off I-24 in Murfreesboro.

Charming historic district plus open-air shopping and dining options at The Avenue-Murfreesboro and Fountains at Gateway. Centrally located, 30 minutes south of Nashville.

TEXAS

Destination El Paso

One Civic Center Plaza El Paso, TX 79901 915-0534-0692 Brooke Underwood bunderwood@destinationelpaso.com www.visitelpaso.com El Paso is a premier meeting hub in the Southwest, thanks to our world-class venues. For starters, we’ve begun work on multi-million dollar investments in citywide projects.

This means improvements to parks and attractions - most within walking distance of our 133,000-square-foot convention center.

VIRGINIA

Visit Hampton

1919 Commerce Drive, Suite 290 Hampton, VA 23666 800-487-8778 Lori Leib Lori.Leib@hamptoncvb.com www.VisitHampton.com Hampton, in the center of Coastal Virginia, welcomes conventioneers with world-class meeting facilities, inimitable attractions, and an eclectic mix of restaurants. The 344,000 Hampton Roads Convention Center is complemented by unique venues perfect for off-site celebrations including Virginia Air & Space Center, Fort Monroe National Monument, Hampton Coliseum, and more.

WISCONSIN

Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

812 56th Street Kenosha, WI 53140 262-654-7307 Deanna Goodwin deanna@visitkenosha.com www.visitkenosha.com Ideally located between Milwaukee and Chicago, Kenosha blends small town charm with big city hospitality in the most unexpected ways. Venues range from traditional hotel conference centers and meeting rooms to college campuses, historic sites and museums with spectacular Lake Michigan views. Picture your next meeting or event in Kenosha!

WISCONSIN

Waukesha Pewaukee Convention & Visitor Bureau

N14 W23755 Stone Ridge Drive #225, Waukesha, WI 53188 262-542-0330 Deana Heinisch meet@visitwaukesha.org www.visitwaukesha.org Waukesha Pewaukee is conveniently located between Milwaukee and Madison (off I-94) in the heart of southeastern Wisconsin’s Lake Country. Planners will find more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 1,100 guestrooms with complimentary parking and many options for post-meeting activities to keep attendees entertained during their stay.

WISCONSIN

Greater Green Bay CVB

19901 South Oneida Street Green By, WI 54304 920-405-1156 Beth Ulatowski beth@greenbay.com www.meetingreenbay.com Known for their famous football team, Green Bay strives to be much more. The recently renovated 80,000 square foot KI Convention Center has hotel “bookends” with 363 sleeping rooms at the Hyatt Regency Green Bay and the Hampton Inn & Suites. Delightful offsite venues dot the city, promising memorable Green Bay meetings!

www.smallmarketmeetings.com

GIVE THEM A

PRESENTATION

TO REMEMBER.

Siesta Key | Sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico. Brilliant white-sand beaches.

Evenings of theater, concerts and nights on the town. The only thing better— the inspiration they’ll have for tomorrow’s meeting. Contact us to find out about exclusive meeting incentives.

L O N G B O AT K E Y | S T. A R M A N D S | L I D O K E Y | S I E S TA K E Y | C A S E Y K E Y | V E N I C E | M A N A S O TA K E Y | E N G L E W O O D | N O R T H P O R T

SarasotaMeetings.com

To show you Falls Park, a beautiful 123-acres featuring a triple waterfall and sparkling pink quartzite rock.

VisitSiouxFalls.com/PlantoWin