Located minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Near-perfect weather with 300+ sunny days for outdoor activities and exploration
Award-winning hotels at a variety of costs and price points to fit your budget
SO MUCH. SO CLOSE. SO NEVADA.
Book your next meeting experience close to all the action – Henderson. With many options for groups and excursions of all sizes. Just minutes from all the action of the Las Vegas Strip.
• Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip
• Over 25 Hotels to Choose From
• Over 350,000 Square Feet of Meeting Space
• Easy access to Harry Reid International Airport and the I-15
Nine Championship Golf Courses
M Resort: Official Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders
A Variety of Shopping
Water Street: Dining, Events, Live Entertainment
Lake Las Vegas
Pickle
(Planning your next event in Kearney is no gamble.)
Why stress over event planning? In Kearney, it’s a breeze for planners & attendees alike. With superior facilities, top-notch event & catering staff, affordability, & convenience, come together to make Kearney an exceptional (& exceptionally easy) place for conferences of all types!
Why? Because Kearney has the best facilities between Denver and Omaha, and experienced staff that make sure every event is a win!
If you’re looking for a host city for your next event, make sure you look at Kearney, Nebraska.
If you’re looking for a host city for your next event, make sure you look at Kearney, Nebraska.
IN SIGHTS
WITH VICKIE MITCHELL
EASY IMPROVEMENTS
Have you already broken your New Year’s resolutions? When the calendar flips to a new year, we think about change. How can we live healthier? Break bad habits? Save money? Advance in our career? Lofty goals are set. And then, when they overwhelm us and get lost amid daily challenges, we fall back to our usual ways.
But changes don’t need to be big to be beneficial; small bites are easier to swallow. So here are a few ideas to help you make small changes and improvements that are easy and achievable. Do one or two or maybe all five. Or use the list to spark your own ideas for change — at any time of year.
These small changes could create big momentum for your meetings
Pack Nice Notecards
If you feel achy or anxious, sad or sleepless, you could get a prescription or you could express your gratitude to people who have helped you in some way. Experts say showing gratitude has a pile of benefits: We’re happier, sleep better, are more productive, have fewer aches and pains, feel more empathy and get along better in the world. So, as you head out for a conference, pack some notecards that make you happy — maybe they are the work of a favorite artist or depict your favorite flower. Then, be on the lookout for someone along your travels who has made your trip a little better. Hand them a short, handwritten note — simply tell them what they did and what it meant to you. Chances are, they will be flabbergasted and will always remember your kindness. And you’ll reap the benefits of showing your gratitude.
Try a Different Destination
If you want to spark some spirits, book a meeting at a recently opened or soon-to-open hotel or resort. Go to the mountaintop at the 245-room Cloudland at McLemore Resort on Lookout Mountain, a few miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, or stay steps from downtown Sioux Fall’s dramatic Falls Park at the new 216-room Canopy by Hilton. Both Hilton properties have plenty of meeting and event space. Hit the beach at the 151-room Trailborn Surf and Sound in Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s a remake of the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. Or, if yours is a larger crowd, head to Gaylord’s new California property, the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in San Diego-adjacent Chula Vista. Plenty of room there, with more than 1,000 rooms and almost half a million square feet of meeting space. If the meeting’s a small one, consider one of the new hotels in the villages of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, convenient to both New York and Philly.
Examine Paperwork and Processes
We tend to start a new year with sharper focus, so it’s a perfect time to review paperwork and procedures and ensure they aren’t outdated or ineffective. For example, is the “required” information on your conference registration form sufficient, or is there other information that attendees could supply that would be valuable? Is your online registration payment system up to speed, or is there new, improved software? Contracts also deserve a quick read — is everything up-todate and on point? And, as the social media landscape shifts, it makes sense to analyze which platforms are used most by your audience and then put more time and money into those in the future. Another spot that might need some spiffing up? The conference agenda. Are there ways to shake it up by adding new events or options? Is the conference long enough? Too long?
Invest in Some Cheap Tricks
Meeting planners live by the Boy Scout creed, “Be prepared.” So, it might be time to stock up on some inexpensive but often useful little items. A couple of packages of foam ear plugs will protect you from unwelcome noise when your ear buds or noise cancelling headphones aren’t handy. For literal headaches and allergic reactions, tuck small packs of pain reliever and Benadryl in your wallet. Post-It notes have many purposes. Stick them on hotel room mirrors or doors to remind you to make an important call or grab your phone from the charger. Use them to label a tangle of power cords or to work out seating for a board dinner. Safety pins can be lifesavers when a key button pops off, a seam splits, a hem decides to unravel or hotel curtains won’t stay closed.
And the five yards of silver tape in a flat, pocketsize pack of duct tape can hold down trippy carpet corners and cords or flyaway tablecloths.
Add Spice to the Menu
A dash of creativity adds so much to conference meals. A scattering of food stations, each with food, music and décor from a different corner of the world, adds international flavor and flair. Interactive options — make-your-own hot dogs or burgers, sundaes or custom cocktails/mocktails — give people the chance to eat exactly what they want as they discuss the merits of hot fudge, dill pickles or Kentucky bourbon with their peers. Go lighter with poké or grain bowls or a baked potato bar. Capitalize on the popularity of board games with finger foods and drinks at card tables set up with Pictionary, Codenames, Sushi Go Party!, Throw Throw Burrito and other games. Brighten up the mid-afternoon drowsies with a potato chip or popcorn bar. If the timing is right, you might be able to gather up the group and head to a local Oktoberfest or other local food festival.
Missouri’s CROWD PLEASER
THE BRANSON TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION AN EVENT SETUP AT THE BRANSON CONVENTION CENTER
BRANSON’S HILTON PROMENADE
MEETINGS
SMALL MARKET SUMMIT
Ozark beauty and endless activities make Branson perennially popular
BY RACHEL CRICK
Leisure travelers know Branson like the back of their hands. But this hub of wholesome entertainment’s list of offerings will impress meeting and event planners just as thoroughly as family vacationers.
That’s thanks to its 40 crowd-pleasing theaters; award-winning amusement park, Silver Dollar City; and wide selection of all-ages fun. The all-seasons beauty of the Ozarks and three scenic lakes surrounding the town don’t hurt either.
“We have a lot of unique meeting spaces that most people don’t have since we have theaters, but we also have unique venues that are a little different, including outdoor spaces,” said Yvonne Long, senior sales manager at Explore Branson. “A lot of people don’t think of entertainment with their meetings, but there’s many different kinds of entertainment, everything from seminars to musical entertainment.”
And with family-oriented meetings and events and “bleisure” — business and leisure — destinations trending, Branson’s popularity is sure to increase.
Meeting planners can experience the best of Branson firsthand when the city hosts the Small Market Meetings Summit, April 30–May 1. Here’s what attending planners should know before Branson takes the stage.
ALL ABOUT BRANSON
Due to its central location in the U.S., Branson is an easily accessible Midwestern meetings destination. Kansas City, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; and St. Louis are each under a four-hour drive from Branson, while Oklahoma City and Memphis are about a five-hour drive.
All photos courtesy Explore Branson
THE SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE CAN BE CHARTERED FOR PRIVATE EVENTS.
TITANIC MUSEUM EXHIBITS
INSIDE THE TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION
MEETINGS SMALL MARKET
SUMMIT
Attendees can also fly into the Springfield-Branson National Airport, just 50 miles north of Branson.
And once they get there, attendees will experience Branson’s famous hospitality. Though Branson is home to just under 13,000 people, it is visited by over 10 million each year, many of whom come for its family-friendly atmosphere and lively attractions.
With a surplus of theaters, it should come as no surprise that Branson is home to one location of Sight and Sound Theatres, a beloved theater company that produces Broadway-caliber musical productions of biblical stories and is noted for its costumes, set design and original music. Dolly Parton’s Stampede, the Dutton Family Theater, Clay Cooper Theater and many more offer a range of live entertainment, from traditional productions to dinner shows, comedy and musical performances.
Silver Dollar City is another of the city’s top-billed attractions and is consistently ranked among the top theme parks in the country for its cleanliness and the quality of its attractions, from amusement rides to live music to artisan demonstrations.
Branson’s perks also include its three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals. The lakes and the surrounding Ozark Mountains provide endless fun with water sports, ATV tours, hiking, biking and many other forms of recreation that attendees can enjoy after the meeting.
While the warmer months highlight outdoor theater and water sports in Branson, there’s no shortage of activity year-round.
PUTTSHACK
Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and seasonal events, as well as its seasonal outdoor beauty.
“Around here, there’s not really anything you can’t do,” Long said. “It’s limited to your imagination.”
MAJOR MEETING SPACES
The Branson Convention Center was built in 2007 in historic Branson, right across the street from Branson Landing and Taneycomo Lake. The ASM Global convention center features 240,000 square feet of meeting and event space to accommodate a range of meetings.
Its exhibit hall, its largest space at 48,000 square feet, is attached to the Taneycomo Ballroom, which totals 22,703 square feet. Other spaces, like concourses and a lobby, provide more space for activities, receptions and registration for events held in the ballroom. Smaller meeting spaces include 14 breakout rooms.
A MEETING ROOM INSIDE CHATEAU ON THE LAKE
CHATEAU ON THE LAKE
The convention center is also attached to the 293-room Hilton Convention Center Hotel, which also has 3,000 square feet of extra meeting space. At Branson Landing across the street, the Hilton Promenade is a sister property with 242 guest rooms and 1,800 square feet of event space.
In addition to the convention center and associated hotel properties, Branson is home to several resorts and other hotels with meeting and event space.
“Each of them have their own niche,” Long said. “We have something that can meet anybody’s budget, and each of them have unique décor.”
Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center has 301 guest rooms and gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake. The AAA Four Diamond property is just 10 miles away from downtown Branson and has a 14,000-square-foot spa and 16 meeting and banquet rooms that total 53,000 square feet of event space.
“Chateau is just that — it has a French country, rustic kind of feel,” Long said. “It’s on the other end of town overlooking Table Rock Lake.”
Big Cedar Lodge, another lakeside property, has 260 guest rooms and 17 meeting rooms comprising 22,000 square feet of function space in its Grandview Conference Center. The largest meeting room at the conference center can hold up to 500 attendees.
The Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center features 300 rooms and almost 10,000 square feet of event space. Meanwhile, Thousand Hills Resort Hotel has 472 rooms and 4,000 square feet of function space for an affordable price.
INTERESTING OFF-SITES
Some of the best off-sites in Branson take advantage of its signature charms, including its beautiful outdoors and its vibrant live theater scene.
For a corporate retreat or off-site event in the great outdoors, Branson has plenty of options.
Sycamore Creek Family Ranch, set on 272 acres, offers several selections for off-site events, including a climate-controlled barn that can accommodate 300 and several outdoor venues with beautiful views of the breathtaking Ozarks. Add-ons can include a DJ, team sports like pickleball, cornhole and frisbee golf, and fun farm-themed activities like barn dances.
“Sycamore Creek Family Ranch is out in the middle of a farm, and the barn is a large space for weddings or outdoor events,” Long said. “Events out there can include hayrides and corn mazes, which would make a great retreat for small group.”
Silver Dollar City facilitates meetings within the park and on Table Rock Lake with the Showboat Branson Belle. The theater within the park, one of its largest event spaces, has a capacity of 5,400. For events on the water, Showboat Branson Belle can be privately chartered.
Additional signature Branson attractions double as event venues, including the Titanic Museum, just west of downtown Branson, and Shepherd of the Hills Homestead Adventure Park, which provides both outdoor adventure and reenactments of the bestselling novel entrenched in Branson’s history, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” at its outdoor theater. The plaza at Branson Landing can also be booked for an event by the water.
Branson’s theaters are more than capable of hosting off-sites, with their meeting facilities ranging from single private rooms to the theater stage. Many of Branson’s theaters offer catered meals and entire facility buy-outs. Sight and Sound Theatres has hosted dinner on the theater balcony for as many as 300.
HILTON CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL
BRANSON CONVENTION CENTER
MEETINGS
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Branson’s key meeting and event spaces are well-equipped to handle meetings and events of all sizes, but they’re soon to be joined by an additional venue. In late 2024, Silver Dollar City announced it had begun construction for the adjacent Silver Dollar City Resort, which is slated to open in late 2026. The resort, owned by parent company Herschend Family Entertainment, will overlook Table Rock Lake.
The resort is expected to cost about $100 million to build, and an additional $400 million of developments will be announced in years to come.
“Over the next decade, we will mindfully transform 1,200 acres into an authentic, only-in-the-Ozarks destination starting with our first resort,” said Brad Thomas, Silver Dollar City Parks and Resorts president. “The new resort will combine Silver Dollar City’s spirit of playfulness, discovery, craftsmanship and exploration with all that makes the heart of the Ozarks so special.”
The resort will have 262 themed guest rooms, as well as 17,000 square feet of meeting space. Additional amenities will include an indoor-outdoor pool and a restaurant. Resort guests will enjoy convenient access Silver Dollar City.
Other new developments to come in the next year include a virtual reality attraction
coming in spring of 2025, Truth Travelers; Branson Comedy Bash, a comedy dinner show also coming in March 2025; Full Throttle Distillery, a family-friendly version of the chain of bars found across the U.S. slated to open in summer of 2025; and Cliffhangers Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course being added to Big Cedar Lodge.
explorebranson.com
Scan the QR Code to register for the 2025 Small Market Meetings Summit in Branson, Missouri.
BRANSON LANDING
SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS PARK
MEETING LEADERS
BRETT STERENSON
“My favorite aspect of my job is that I truly believe that what I’m good at is connecting people to people. I go to meetings about meetings. That’s my niche. ”
ABY REBECCA TREON
s the president of a company named Hotel Lobbyists, you might expect Brett Sterenson to work on Capitol Hill persuading legislators to pass laws related to the hotel industry. While Sterenson does reside in Washington, D.C., his company’s name is a clever play on words referring to the heart and gathering place of every hotel — the lobby.
Sterenson grew up in New Jersey and attended Boston College, where he studied marketing. After graduating, though, he struggled to find marketing jobs and ended up working in hospitality instead.
“I took a job as a reservations agent at a hotel in Boston,” said Sterenson. “I loved hotels and wanted to get into hospitality, and it was a good entry spot. Nine months later I was working in the sales office.”
Sterenson worked as a sales manager for Millennium Hotels in Boston from 1998 to 2003 before going to work for Kimpton Hotels in the same role. The job relocated him to Washington, D.C., and he stayed in his position at Kimpton until 2007.
“I really loved that job — I didn’t leave because I didn’t love it,” he said. “I was at a point in my career where I was selling a style of hotels that people loved, and I was a resource for my customers, but I couldn’t help them most of the time, which was frustrating to me. I worked with small hotels and there were too few locations. My clients would come to me, and I’d have to turn them down. I thought, ‘What if I could help them every single time they called me?’ And that was the impetus for me starting my own business in 2007.”
He started Hotel Lobbyists, connecting
meeting planners with the ideal hotels for their conference needs. He has been in business for nearly 18 years, has booked programs in all 50 states and “all inhabitable continents,” and books roughly 500 meetings each year.
Even 2020 had a silver lining for Sterenson. He was planning to acquire the intermediary practice of someone who was ready to retire, but the deal stalled when the pandemic hit.
“It delayed the merger slightly, and I was able to get a better deal,” he said. “It gave me the time to transition all of her clients over to me during a time that I wasn’t frenzied with business.”
The majority of Sterenson’s clients work in government, which he believes to be a boon for his business.
“The benefit is that they have a lot of volume,” he said. “What they lack in their ability to spend, because their rate is a little lower, they make up for in the sheer number of meetings that they produce in a year.”
Another advantage is that most government agencies don’t have a dedicated meeting planner on staff, so they’re very receptive to having the type of help Sterenson offers. Along with that, Sterenson attributes his success to being “painfully organized” and his love of connecting people to each other.
“My favorite aspect of my job is that I truly believe that what I’m good at is connecting people to people,” he said. “Being in an industry that advocates getting people together is exactly what I should be doing. I joke that while some people go to meetings about pharmaceuticals or education systems, for example, I go to meetings about meetings. That’s my niche. There are a lot of us, and it’s a big, beautiful family that I really enjoy being a part of.”
• Keep organized. Develop systems so that information can be found quickly and put to use.
• Say yes and be visible. When possible, be available for in-person events and activities; the only thing you’ll guarantee by not attending is you won’t make an important connection that day.
Everything good you can imagine is here: FOR PLANNERS:
» Full in-house Sales, Event, AV Technology, F&B, and Host services
» 225,000 sf of beautifully appointed space
• Keep an open mind. You never know where the next opportunity will take you, so be open to engaging with customers in new ways.
» 18 versatile, fully appointed event spaces and intuitive floor plans
» 4 downtown full service hotels with garage and valet parking
» SAVE UP TO 15% vs. comparable cities! FOR ATTENDEES:
» Boutique shopping; live entertainment; vibrant arts & attractions
» Riverfront parks, trails, and activities for all ages
» Easy drive-to destination; Easy by air via FWA
BRETT STERENSON WITH HIS WIFE JAIME AND CHILDREN ELI (LEFT) AND MOLLY (RIGHT)
Meagan Drabik Sales Manager
BRIDGING GAP
TALKING SUSTAINABILITY WITH GEN Z Emily Zientek
SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR
Sodexo Live!
Emily Zientek is the sustainability coordinator at Sodexo Live!, hospitality partner to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social entrepreneurship from Rollins College in 2022 before earning her master’s degree in sustainable management from University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Zientek was hired by Sodexo Live! over two years ago after completing a sustainability internship there, and was also recognized as a member of PCMA’s 20 in their Twenties, Class of 2025.
What is the importance of sustainability in the events industry?
A:I think it’s of huge importance. Every event has an association or corporation that goes with it, and every single one of them has a sustainability policy or sustainability guideline that they like to follow. They also like to bring that down to their events. So helping to meet those goals is super important to them. It may look different for every event depending on what goals they have. But either way, attendees are calling events out and saying, “I’m doing a lot to be here. What is your convention doing so that I can attend? I can tell my corporation although I will be emitting these emissions with my travel and everything that I will be consuming, look at what the event is doing to combat that, equalize it or reduce the amount of emissions that will be produced.”
QWhere do you see event planners ushering in the most progress when it comes to sustainability?
A:I think the supply chain is huge. I think people are starting to realize that it’s not just about what attendees are seeing us do that is more sustainable, but what we are actually doing behind the scenes. And I think that goes down to looking at what suppliers we are utilizing not just for food, but to supply the cups, to supply the bags. For example, it could be about asking, “Can we look at that beef supplier for the lunch on Tuesday? And can we as a company determine if we would like them to be our supplier if they meet our sustainable criteria and initiatives for our organization or association? And if not, can we explore alternatives that we can work with on this journey?” Because I think the effect of that is just extremely high, and it’s going to come back to the community as well.
Do you think the newest generation of event planners will
have any advantages or disadvantages when working towards sustainable events?
A:I think they’re going to have great advantages because we’re starting to learn more about sustainability. It’s a trend, and it makes people feel good. People love to market it. And there are so many news articles talking about it, not just on actual news outlets, but it’s also being talked about on Instagram and TikTok and Snapchat and Twitter. And I think because this topic is so often talked about, especially in this new generation, they’re going to be set up for success if they just dive into that knowledge that is offered. Some disadvantages could be that there is a learning curve. And I think there are so many avenues in sustainability. I only work on the food and beverage side of it and the community side of it, but there’s also buildings, there’s also HVAC, there’s also construction, there’s also gas and oil companies. And I think that is also going to be one of the downfalls because there’s so many different avenues and so many ways that sustainability can be interpreted within companies. Because of all the knowledge that is out there, someone might be overwhelmed.
Do you have any takes on getting colleagues into a sustainability mindset?
A:I faced that really early on, and I even face that sometimes today. And one thing that I have found is gamifying it and making it fun. So if it’s something small, like doing a canned food drive, I know that is so small and so minor. But to my coworkers, that’s a big deal because they have to take the time to go out to a store, get the cans and bring them to me. So even just that action makes them say, “Hey, where is this going? What are you doing with this? Why are we doing this?” This is our community action for this week or for this month, and I’m just kind of connecting them with that and giving them that little tidbit of information that makes them curious. It’s making it a competition as well. So feel free to interact with them and make them feel like they are also doing the sustainability and the good stuff with you.
What sustainability issues do you think the next generation of event planners is preparing to tackle?
A: I know there’s a whole taboo right now going on of net zero. People say, “our company wants to be net zero by 2030, or by 2050.” But I think some associations and organizations lack an action plan for that. So they’ll have these great statements and these great words for it, and it’ll look so good. But how are they actually doing it? What are the actions they’re taking for it? And I think events now are getting to that point where they are working towards this action. Now, it’s about thinking, “My association has committed to being net zero by whatever date. So what can I, as an event planner of this association, do to reach that goal and just being open about that?”
A SWEET Spot for Events!
SONOMA COUNTY’S VINTNERS RESORT UNDERGOING MAJOR TRANSFORMATION
SANTA ROSA, California — Vintners Resort in Sonoma County, California, is undergoing a $15-million-plus transformation that will be unveiled this spring. The 92-acre working vineyard and resort will immerse guests in a world of signature farm-to-table cuisine and award-winning vintages from around the world. The resort will feature well-appointed rooms and suites; a large resort lobby with a wine and coffee bar; expanded retail; refreshed meeting and event space; and a resort pool that will complement the spa and wellness program.
“We are transforming Vintners Resort with a very specific vision of wine country elegance that will allow our guests to instantly unwind and savor the tastefully redesigned interiors, which integrate with the picturesque vineyard setting,” said general manager Brian Sommer. “Our guests will embark on personalized and curated wine country experiences and then return to luxury accommodations, chef-inspired culinary delights and
bespoke beverage amenities.”
The first phase of new offerings is nearing completion, with the expansive resort pool featuring cabanas, day beds, a hot tub, fire pit and full-service pool bar. The refreshed lobby will bring nature indoors with a living tree under the central lobby skylight, along with a morning barista bar and evening wine lounge. Guest rooms are being refurbished and redecorated as well.
A new event space will include more than 12,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space. Vintners Resort will be well-positioned to host intimate gatherings, large corporate events and full property buyouts, all within a vineyard setting.
A revitalized culinary experience will feature a farm-to-table menu and chef experiences reflecting the property’s 92-acre estate. Featured chef experiences will include vineyard tours and picnics, culinary gardening, and cooking classes.
vintersresort.com
ROCHESTER RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER BREAKS GROUND ON EXPANSION
ROCHESTER, New York — The city of Rochester, New York, recently held a ceremonial groundbreaking for renovations to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
The $13 million project includes much-needed capital improvements to the existing facility and will create an additional 1,650 square feet of space on the Main Street side of the convention center. The addition will provide a smaller, modern event space for the conventions center’s use and for rentals, with a glass front looking out onto Main Street that “will push forward and brighten the appearance of the convention center,” Mayor Malik Evans said during a press conference in early January.
Plans to update and expand the convention center have been under discussion for many years, “long before many of us have been in elected office,” Evans added. The project is part of the city’s ROC the Riverway initiative, a comprehensive plan designed to revitalize the waterfront area.
The addition will create a modernized and inviting connection to Main Street that will improve local and visitor experiences, leveraging the recently completed Main Street streetscape improvement project.
The project includes additional bathrooms inside the facility, as well as a new LED display panel for advertising and events, new landscape planters, new doors, and critical repairs of the exterior building envelope and site. The south terrace steps will also be eliminated and sloped to be ADA accessible.
“This will orient the convention center to the river,” Evans said. Renovations are expected to be completed by late 2026, and the convention center will remain open during construction. The center has 100,000 square feet of accessible, convertible space, with banquet seating for up to 3,500 people and theater style seating for 5,000 people. The facility has exhibit space for up to 400 booths as well as 25 meeting rooms.
rrcc.com
A RENDERING OF THE EXPANDED ROCHESTER RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER
Courtesy RRCC
AN UPDATED GUEST ROOM AT VINTNER’S RESORT
Courtesy Vintner’s Resort
CHOICE HOTELS OPENING THREE NEW CAMBRIA PROPERTIES
ROCKVILLE, Maryland — Choice Hotels has added to its portfolio of upscale properties with three new Cambria Hotel openings and two groundbreakings in fall 2024. The recently opened properties, located in Imperial, California, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Spokane, Washington, introduce Cambria into new markets and build on Choice’s goal to bring the brand to more regions nationwide.
With these latest openings, Choice has introduced 18 new Cambria properties in the last two years, including those in downtown Denver, Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach and Niagara Falls, New York. They add to an expanding pipeline of 62 hotels, including the Cambria New York Times Square, opening this year.
In California, Cambria Hotel El Centro – Imperial will celebrate the history and culture of the area through locally inspired décor, including mural photos depicting Imperial Valley’s rich history. The boutique property has 108 rooms and 2,050 square feet of meeting space. It offers close access to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Algodones Dunes, Imperial County Fairgrounds and more.
In Tennessee, Cambria Hotel Pigeon Forge offers visitors the ideal blend of adventure and leisure in the Smoky Mountains. The hotel is just minutes away from some of the area’s most popular attractions, including Dollywood, and is a short drive from hiking trails, biking, fishing and other outdoor activities. The hotel offers 118 rooms, 738 square feet of meeting space, onsite dining and a pool with a view of Mt. LeConte.
In Washington, Cambria Hotel Spokane Airport is located just minutes from Riverfront Park, Gonzaga University and the Spokane International Airport. The hotel has 91 rooms and 1,020 square feet of meeting space, as well as an on-property restaurant offering local and seasonal flavors and complimentary airport transportation.
The upcoming groundbreaking Cambria properties include Cambria Hotel Bend Oregon, a 131-room property located close to Oregon State University, and Cambria Hotel O’Fallon Missouri, a 118-room hotel in the St. Louis metropolitan region. Both properties are expected to open in 2026. choicehotels.com/cambria
TEMPO BY HILTON AND HOMEWOOD SUITES OPEN IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH
RALEIGH, North Carolina — Tempo by Hilton Raleigh recently opened in the city of Oaks, along with its sister property, Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown.
The contemporary dual-brand hotel brings 261 total new guest rooms to the growing market and offers spaces and amenities tailored to both business and leisure travelers. Guests can enjoy prime access to Raleigh’s downtown business offices and top attractions.
“We are thrilled to officially open our doors and begin welcoming guests to Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown and Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown,” said Karan Patel, vice president of CN Hotels. “Tempo is one of Hilton’s newest and most innovative brands and will provide travelers to Raleigh with a distinctive and unique lifestyle lodging option, while Homewood Suites is known for its home-away-from-home experience, perfect for extended stay guests.”
From handpicked art pieces supporting Raleigh’s arts community to spa-inspired showers and amenities and well-lit Get-Ready Zones, every element in the Tempo’s 127 guestrooms is designed to enhance the guest experience. In addition to the hotel’s fitness center, Tempo by
Hilton Raleigh Downtown features wellness guest room options, outfitted with Peloton bikes, Peloton yoga mats, resistance bands, TheragunElite and a Therabody Wave Roller.
Tempo’s Hydration Bar in the lobby offers still, sparkling and alkaline-filtered water, and each guest floor provides accessible hydration stations, making it easy for guests to refill their water bottles throughout their stay.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown features 134 apartment-style suites with separate living and sleeping spaces and fully equipped kitchens, along with daily complimentary breakfast. Guests can maintain their wellness routines courtesy of the shared fitness center, which is open 24/7.
The dual-brand hotel offers more than 3,300 square feet of flexible meeting space with enhanced A/V capabilities.
Moonsong Bar + Cafe is located on the lobby level of the building, serving sophisticated, clean and natural food options. Inspired by Raleigh’s nickname, the City of Oaks, Urban Oak is a rooftop bar on the 13th floor of the building.
hilton.com
HOMEWOOD SUITES RALEIGH DOWNTOWN
Courtesy Homewood Suites
THE BAR AT THE NEW CAMBRIA HOTEL SPOKANE AIRPORT
Courtesy Cambria Hotels
Picking Your Platform
EVENT PROS SHARE TIPS FOR CHOOSING SOFTWARE TOOLS
BY RACHEL CRICK
In the digital era, the world of event planning software is the Wild West.
Dozens of software companies create products designed for event planners, with more coming out each year. The range of features they promise is staggering, and the competition to draw in planners can be dizzying to those who are just entering the world of event tech. How can event planners look beyond the dazzling marketing to get their money’s worth? How should they separate their business’ needs from superfluous features? And how can they narrow down their options to find the best fit?
Here’s what three event technology experts had to say about selecting the right event planning software.
EVALUATE THE NEEDS OF THE BUSINESS
When it comes to selecting the best software to meet their needs, the worst thing a planner can do is panic-purchase the most popular product on the market. All aspects of event planning require lots of research, and acquiring meeting planning software is no exception. To begin this process, planners have a few important points to consider.
The first thing is to assess their business. They should look at the types and number of events they plan, the number of attendees and the primary purpose behind these events.
“What an agency is looking for is very different than an in-house corporate planner versus a wedding planner or a social planner,” said Hanna Milani-Walker, director of event technology and registration at Key Meetings + Events.
An in-house corporate meeting planner who is responsible for planning one event with 50 attendees may not need the most robust software on the market. Meanwhile, an event planning agency that plans five events with thousands of attendees each year may need a complex combination of software to pull off their meetings successfully.
Then, planners should determine what exactly they’re looking for in a software. This can be determined by noticing pain points and room for improvement in their event planning process.
“It’s getting into the weeds and the details of exactly what you’re actually doing in your events, and then asking, ‘how can tech help us support
“It’s
important for the planning team and the procurement team to be really clear on exactly what they need and what problems they need to solve for.”
Leanne Velky
FOUNDER
Leanne Velky, Inc.
Experience: 18 years
“Before you do any demo, before you jump on any sales call with them, send them the use case and tell them, ‘this is what I want to achieve.’ Ask if they have a client they already worked with that has the exact or a similar use case. You don’t want to be a guinea pig.”
our end goals?’” said Leanne Velky, who owns her own consulting firm for building event registration sites. “How can it lighten our load? How can it get us better data? How can it aggregate our data better for us and do some of the work for us?”
If an agency is great at pulling off annual events but finds it difficult to compile and present data to prove the event’s ROI to clients, they might consider looking for software that can aggregate and analyze attendee data. If a planner feels overwhelmed by answering attendee questions, customer support will be a critical function of whatever software they choose.
“It all starts with why you’re doing what you’re doing. And that comes back to the goal and what you are trying to achieve,” said Merijn van Buuren, founder of B2B event tech consulting company Eventprofs VISION. “Is there a specific element of your event that you want to highlight?”
KNOW WHAT’S AVAILABLE
Merijn van Buuren
FOUNDER
Eventprofs VISION
Experience: 9 years
Before they select the right software, meeting planners must face the daunting task of wading through the chaotic collection of event planning software.
The best-known all-in-one event software company is Cvent. Other popular examples include Eventbrite, Whova and Bizzabo. However, Van Buuren cautions just because something is labeled all-in-one doesn’t mean it will meet the needs of every type of event or every event planner.
“I’m a firm believer that all-in-one tools don’t exist, that it’s really all-in-one for a specific purpose,” said Van Buuren. “You see a lot of technology positioned as the all-in-one tool, but most of the time that means they have some sort of registration, event management platform, CRM system and an event app, and then they call it an all-in-one.”
The rest of the event planning software market is highly segmented and specialized, with many tools existing specifically for a single purpose. That includes software specialized in registration, venue sourcing, event networking, room block management and even virtual meeting software, among many other platforms.
“If you’re sold a low-budget option for an event tech solution and then you realize that that solution only solves part of the problem, then you have to end up adding more and more on anyway,” Velky said.
Instead, planners should regard software that appropriately addresses their business needs as a method to increase ROI.
Van Buuren recommends remaining flexible when it comes to purchasing software and being
wary of long-term commitments: “Don’t get yourself into a five-year contract,” he said. “Even though in the demo everything seems perfectly fine, that doesn’t mean your needs won’t change.”
VET EACH SOFTWARE
With so many options, it’s important for planners to know how to vet their software choices. If the choice comes down to a handful of companies that advertise similar capabilities, planners must know how to separate the software’s true functionality from its marketing. They can distinguish this through communication with the companies once they have an idea of the key features they’re looking for.
After identifying their needs and researching software that claims to meet these needs, planners can begin narrowing down their options. While many companies will claim their software can meet all these needs, sometimes they lack the experience to prove it. That’s why it’s good practice to ask for a case study during the RFP process and for access to testimonials from former clients.
“If they can’t produce a very relevant case study to what you are looking for, most likely they’re not the right match,” Van Buuren said. Additionally, beware of unrealistic guarantees and lofty claims. One example Van Buuren gives is claims of 100% uptime — even the best-known software and sites in the world crash from time to time.
Another red flag is poor communication. If a company’s sales pitch is full of tech jargon, and they can’t or won’t explain it in plain language, that demonstrates the sale is more important than being a true match for a planner’s needs. Continue to ask detailed, specific questions to ascertain the validity of the software’s marketing claims.
Another must for the vetting process is to take the software for a trial run.
“All of them should be able to give you a full demo,” said Milani-Walker. “You can go and play around with it before actually purchasing it so you can make sure it’s easy to use.”
If a planner is still feeling overwhelmed with the process of choosing software, they can look to peers and experts. That can include event tech consultants and educators and other event planners with experience.
“If you don’t really know what you’re looking for, I would tell you to bring on someone who does,” Velky said. “But don’t panic and just buy something, because you you’re going to waste a lot of time and money. It’s way better to find a strategic partner and lean on people who are already in that world.”
“It’s about knowing what you’re looking for and making sure that software fits, because there’s so many options, and not all of them are going to.”
Hanna Milani-Walker
DIRECTOR OF EVENT TECHNOLOGY AND REGISTRATION
Key Meetings + Events Experience: 15 years
GAME ON
These sports venues offer innovative team-building opportunities
BY RACHEL CRICK
It’s like field day for grown-ups.
Sports-based corporate team building can be the perfect solution for fostering friendly competition, fun, and most importantly, connections. But there’s an art to using sports for team building because of the diversity of personalities and interests among group members. A nine-inning softball game might bore some to tears, and a fast and furious round of dodgeball might send others running for the hills.
Finding a sports-themed venue is the perfect solution. Often featuring a range of activities in addition to their signature sports, they allow team members to be competitive and active without pushing anyone’s limits too far. Here are five venues across the country that should be on your roster.
CHICKEN N PICKLE
WICHITA, KANSAS
The name Chicken N Pickle is bound to turn a few heads. That is, unless one knows about pickleball, the sport that has taken the nation by storm. Thanks to its large paddles, lightweight plastic balls (much like Wiffle balls) and small court, the game is easy to pick up and popular with players of all ages. Chicken N Pickle, a Midwest chain established in 2016, combines pickleball with tasty eats, cocktails and entertainment. Groups looking for a team-building exercises will find plenty of options at its Wichita, Kansas, location.
“We provide the opportunity to have fun socially or competitively with your team,” said Carrie Bartlow, the chain’s senior director of communications. “Our concept is low tech, high touch, so phones are down and people are connecting.”
The complex has 11 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a restaurant, full-service bars, a game yard and a stage for live music. Groups can opt for everything from reserving a few courts to a whole facility buy-out. They can organize a structured group tournament or enjoy open play.
The Wichita complex also features 10 indoor and outdoor event spaces if the group needs a place to gather before or after playing pickleball. These
Above: Chicken N Pickle in Wichita has 11 pickleball courts and 10 event spaces for corporate outings.
Courtesy Chicken N Pickle
IDEAS
include casual lounges, indoor-outdoor spaces, a bier garden and a chic rooftop. Chicken N Pickle is famous for its better-for-you menu items. Catering is handled exclusively in-house, and the restaurant offers a selection of set menus that feature everything from brunch to tacos and light bites. One of the complex’s on-site event planners can assist with everything from A/V to catering to pickleball. chickennpickle.com/wichita
BIGSHOTS GOLF + CRAFT KITCHEN ST. GEORGE, UTAH
As an all-weather, beginner-friendly alternative to traditional golf, virtual golfing experiences have become very popular in recent years and have drawn both ardent and amateur players.
In St. George, Utah, BigShots Golf + Craft Kitchen takes it a step beyond just virtual golf. This virtual golf chain also offers a 235-yard driving range with a climate-controlled bay for teeing off, and their technology allows golfers to accurately track and measure their drives. Groups will find the 52
climate-controlled tee boxes are perfect for virtual options. These include interactive golf games like pinball and the option to virtually play many courses around the world. The facility also has a nine-hole putting course and an outdoor patio and lawn with yard games like cornhole. Its kitchen and bar feature elevated pub fare like smash burgers, pizzas and savory appetizers, as well as specialty cocktails.
BigShots St. George is a great place for team building, no matter the group’s skill level. It has plenty of space for meetings, including a private room conveniently located next to the tee boxes. Groups can book the facility’s yard or its putting course for a larger outdoor event. The facility also does buyouts. bigshotsgolfstg.com
SPORTSCENTER OF CONNECTICUT SHELTON, CONNECTICUT
Opened in 1999, the SportsCenter of Connecticut was originally a golf driving range. Today, it’s a 150,000-square-foot complex of indoor sports and venues set on a 20-acre campus. It offers more than 20
Clockwise from left: Batting at SportsCenter of Connecticut; a gathering at BigShots in St. George; BigShots Golf + Craft Kitchen
Courtesy BigShots Golf + Craft Kitchen
Courtesy Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism
Courtesy BigShots Golf + Craft Kitchen
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sports that corporate groups will enjoy, including bowling, a golf range, mini-golf, batting cages, ice skating and hockey. There’s also target paintball, laser tag, arcade games and virtual reality games.
In addition to all the sports and games, the center has venues that can be rented out for private events. These include meeting spaces in the Rinks Building and the Golf Center. There’s a conference area and a mezzanine.
Entire facility buyouts are also an option. Planners can work with the center to customize their experience, no matter what activities or venue rentals it includes. The center has a preferred list of caterers, including several local restaurants and a food truck. Basic A/V, including a projector and stereo system, are provided.
sportscenterct.com
888 TABLE TENNIS CENTER BURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA
Perhaps the best thing about table tennis is that even players with little to no experience are guaranteed to have a ton of fun — and a lot of laughs — while trying their hand at it. In the Bay-area suburb of Burlingame, California, a professional sports facility for table tennis has become a practice venue for some of the country’s top players. In 2024, 888 Table Tennis Center was designated the National Training Center for USA Table Tennis. In addition to being a training center and national competition venue, it’s also a site for meetings and events with an emphasis on fun and friendly competition.
The center can accommodate any style of table tennis, from tournaments to open play, depending on the wishes of the group. Professional table tennis coaches can lead groups through singles, doubles or team tournaments and even provide lessons.
888 Table Tennis Center offers four spaces to rent, including a private space for up to 40 people on the facility’s second floor that has four tables and an area for seating and buffet-style
Courtesy 888 Table Tennis Center
THE UPSTAIRS VENUE AT 888 TABLE TENNIS CENTER
GO CONNECT GO CREATE
Greater Ontario California offers a unique and connected meeting experience with its vibrant community, countless activities and authentic charms. Picture your attendees day hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains, engage with locals in an urban garden and share high fives when nightlife comes alive at the Toyota Arena. For fun, adventure, value and purpose, connect with our team to learn about competitive rates and way to stretch your budget further to create a truly memorable event. So much. So close. SoCal.
dining. Another space available for rent is the main hall, with 25 tables and space for up to 150 to have tournaments or large events. The training hall has 10 tables and can accommodate 50.
The center can take care of the catering with buffets, food trucks and a full bar, or groups are welcome to arrange their own catering.
888ttc.com
THE CLAYS AT LONE OAKS FARM MIDDLETON, TENNESSEE
Outside of Memphis in Middleton, Tennessee, Lone Oaks Farm is a 1,200-acre property owned and operated by the University of Tennessee. It’s a peaceful venue for many types of events, from weddings to corporate outings and retreats. It facilitates outdoorsy activities for team building that are designed to bring guests closer to nature and each other.
The Clays at Lone Oaks Farm is a shooting range located on the farm. It’s open to the public or available for private events and consists of a 14-station Sporting Clays course and a range of outdoor
spaces for target practice or shooting competitions. Shooting clay targets is a lesser-known way to combine sports and adventure, making it an excellent team-building activity. The Clays facilitates these activities in a setting that prioritizes safety and fun.
“If you’ve got a bunch of folks who enjoy shooting or are open to trying it, clay target shooting is a nice challenge,” said Steve Haggh, supervisor of The Clays. “We try to have a variety of targets for people to shoot at so more advanced shooters will have a good time as well as beginners.”
Since the range is open to the public, it’s recommended to call ahead and arrange team-building programs in advance. In addition to the shooting activities, the Clays has several venues for groups to gather, including a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse with a conference room, catering kitchen and even a hunter education classroom. An open-air pavilion provides space for outdoor meetings. Group team-building outings, meetings and events are highly customizable.
loneoaksclays.com
The Clays at Lone Oaks Farm scenes, clockwise from left: A stop on the clay shooting course; trap-skeet fields; the pavilion
Photos courtesy The Clays at Lone Oaks Farm
Bring The Real Florida Magic to your next event by choosing Central Florida’s Polk County. From flexible meeting spaces to unique accommodations to countless activities and attractions, everything you need to succeed is here. Learn more at MeetCentralFlorida.com.
STREAMSONG RESORT :: BOWLING GREEN, FL
LAKE MIRROR :: LAKELAND, FL
RP FUNDING CENTER :: LAKELAND, FL
SOUTHWEST Spirit OF THE
By Marble Street Studios
Photos courtesy Visit Albuquerque except where noted Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta features more than 500 hot air balloons taking flight outside the city.
Albuquerque charms meeting
attendees with color and culture
ABY ELIZABETH HEY
uthentic and distinctive, Albuquerque exudes vibrant Southwest culture and tradition. One-of-a-kind experiences include centuries of culture and history, the planet’s largest balloon festival, fascinating museums and renowned cuisine. With more than 310 days of sunshine a year and four distinct seasons, the city’s mild high-desert climate welcomes visitors year-round.
CITY
ALBUQUERQUE AT A GLANCE
LOCATION: Central New Mexico
ACCESS: Albuquerque International Sunport, interstates 40 and 25
American Association for Aerosol Research ATTENDEES: 750
American Public Human Services Association ATTENDEES: 400
New Mexico Higher Education Department ATTENDEES: 500
Destination Highlights
Albuquerque has many notable features. It boasts a renowned culinary scene rooted in red chili peppers. It is known as the “hot air ballooning capital of the world.” And it has a strong flamenco culture, with June’s Festival Flamenco Albuquerque, the largest flamenco event outside of Spain.
Founded in 1706, Old Town Historic District beckons with more than 150 boutiques and restaurants anchored by the San Felipe de Neri Church. Sawmill Market’s artisanal food hall touts cuisine from pho to gourmet waffles. An outdoor courtyard offers plentiful seating, yard games, yoga and live music. Across the street, Hotel Chaco’s rooftop bar affords panoramic sunsets.
Tour ABQ hosts a fully narrated introduction on open-air trolleys. Riders learn the lore of red and green chile, pass by movie and television series locations, and see iconic Route 66 sites. The informative Turquoise Museum, quirky Rattlesnake Museum and New Mexican artwork at Albuquerque Museum are just a few of city’s cultural highlights.
“Albuquerque is home to the longest urban stretch of Route 66 in the nation, known as Central Avenue,” said Brenna Moore, director of communications and public relations for Visit Albuquerque. “Beginning in May, we’ll host Route 66-related events that will continue throughout the 2026 centennial.”
On the eastern edge of Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains soar more than 10,000 feet high, while ancient volcanos rim the city’s west side. Sandia Peak Tramway ranks as the longest aerial tram in the Americas, whisking passengers to Sandia Mountain’s 10,378-foot crest. Once they arrive at the top, visitors can dine at TEN 3 restaurant or hike down trails that weave through fir and aspen trees.
Distinctive Venues
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm has 25 acres of lavender fields and lush gardens in the Rio Grande River Valley. Family-owned and operated, it’s dedicated to historic preservation and regenerative agriculture. Campo restaurant touts one of the Southwest’s purest field-to-fork menus offering indoor/outdoor space for up to 80. Events can incorporate live music, flamenco performances or wine tastings. The Farm Shop, inside the restored dairy barn, sells signature lavender products and artisan wares.
Owned and operated by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center represents the state’s Native American legacy. Traditional dances take place in the courtyard. Pueblo Harvest Café caters plated and buffet events featuring items such as bison short ribs and pueblo oven bread with green chile butter. Add-ons include a Native American flute player, storyteller and fire pit.
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum will make a lasting impression. Tours trace the history of ballooning from 1783 to balloons that have crossed the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in contemporary times. In October’s early morning hours, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta releases 600 hot air balloons from its massive field.
“A highlight is breakfast or dinner on the museum’s Observation Deck featuring local chefs,” said executive director Laurie Magovern. “In 2025 after the balloons fly, we’ll offer our Lunch Aloft program on the balcony overlooking the campus that includes a docent-led introduction to ballooning.”
Albuquerque’s Electric Playhouse, an immersive and interactive gaming wonderland, can accommodate corporate or team building events. The venue pulses with 360-degree projections, interactive dining experiences and a variety of activities available to groups. The entire space can be rented, and meeting spaces can be digitally branded for an organization.
DISTINCTIVE VENUES
Los Poblanos
Major Meeting Spaces
Downtown’s Albuquerque Convention Center lies within walking distance of 900 hotel rooms and is located less than five miles from the airport. Representing regional architecture, it can accommodate more than 9,000 attendees and catered events of up to 6,000 guests. Comprising two complexes with more than 270,000 square feet of flexible event space, it provides 31 meeting rooms, a 31,000-square-foot ballroom, a balcony with 167,562 square feet of exhibit space and a 2,350-seat auditorium. The West Building features a three-story fireplace while outdoor areas can host special event staging.
Recently renovated, downtown’s 382-room Clyde Hotel exudes a modern take on early 20th-century design. Meeting space totals 30,000 square feet. The Pueblo Deco interior showcases a vibrant color palette. Rooms afford city and mountain views, and the rooftop pool with hot tubs ensures relaxation.
Embodying local culture and tradition, Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town is a 188-room New Mexico-owned Heritage Hotel. It features more than 62,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space, including the elegant Alvarado Ballroom. Located adjacent to historic Old Town, it is within walking distance of Sawmill Market. The property’s Tablao Flamenco hosts year-round flamenco performances featuring premier artists, as well as four-course, regionally inspired dinners.
Just off historic Route 66 lies the 295-room Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown. It provides over 17,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a 9,000-squarefoot ballroom. Contemporary amenities include an indoor saltwater pool and convenient shopping and dining options.
After the Meeting
Outdoor lovers can walk or bike along the Rio Grande’s cottonwood forest. Routes Bicycle Tours and Rentals offers a riverside bike tour, taco tour, urban art tour and “Breaking Bad” tour. Hikes in the Sandia foothills are easily accessed from downtown. On the city’s west side, Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America and makes a good hike in cooler weather. ABQ BioPark offers outdoor diversions at its aquarium, botanic garden, zoo and Tingley Beach. The zoo closed out an Asian exhibit in late 2023 and will open an Australia exhibit this year.
“Always a draw, the National Hispanic Cultural Center has a variety of unique venues on its campus and is home to the largest concave fresco in North America,” said Moore. “The center is a hub for Hispanic exhibitions, films, music and dance productions.”
Day trips include the fascinating Acoma “Sky City” Pueblo, situated atop a 365-foot sandstone mesa located 45 minutes west of Albuquerque. Guided tours give a fascinating look into this community occupied by 6,000 people from 1100 to 1600 A.D. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, 40 minutes north of Albuquerque, recently reopened after a four-year closure. Hiking through its surreal, cone-shaped tent rocks formed by volcanic eruptions makes for a memorable afternoon.
MAJOR MEETING SPACES Albuquerque Convention Center
Acoma Pueblo
By Lynn Baker
By Kristy Graybill
Kansas
COOL
ABY ROBIN ROENKER
s home to Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, mixes Aggieville’s vibrant campus charm with a bustling downtown that contains an eclectic mix of retail shops, dining and attractions. The combination ensures there’s always something fun to explore.
“Our downtown is very much alive and thriving,” said Marcia Rozell, director of Visit Manhattan, Kansas. “It’s the site of our main conference center, which expanded in 2020 and offers a great venue with a lot of walkability to area restaurants and attractions.”
Plus, as the gateway to Kansas’ Flint Hills Region — site of America’s largest intact tallgrass prairie — Manhattan provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Great Plains.
“This whole area of the Flint Hills is just so lush and gorgeous,” Rozell says. “If we’ve had a good rain season, some of the grasses on our rolling hills can grow to be eight feet tall.”
The city is easily accessible via flights to the Manhattan Regional Airport or by car or bus on Interstate 70 via Kansas Highway 177, and its just-right size (population roughly 53,000) positions it to deliver big-city amenities — including a zoo, specialty museums and rooftop dining — with a footprint that’s accessible and welcoming.
MANHATTAN CONFERENCE CENTER
KANSAS
Manhattan Regional Airport; Interstate 70 to Kansas Highway 177
MAJOR MEETING SPACES
Manhattan Conference Center, Hilton Garden Inn, Double Tree by Hilton, Holiday Inn Manhattan at the Campus, Bluemont Hotel HOTEL ROOMS 1,297 OFF-SITE VENUES
Museum of Art + Light, Flint Hills Discovery Center, Sunset Zoo, Midwest Dream Car Collection, Kansas State Student Union
Major Meeting Spaces
Manhattan has 13 hotel properties, including four with full-service meeting support: the Manhattan Conference Center and its attached Hilton Garden Inn downtown, the Double Tree by Hilton, the Holiday Inn Manhattan at the Campus, and the Bluemont Hotel, all near Kansas State University’s campus.
As the city’s primary meeting venue, the Manhattan Conference Center features 41,000 square feet of space and can accommodate up to 2,341 attendees. Its rooms can be divided into 12 configurations, including smaller boardrooms and breakout rooms, and staff there offer assistance with all aspects of meeting planning, from on-site catering to professional audio-visual support. Conference guests staying at the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn can request airport shuttle service to and from the Manhattan Regional Airport, located just eight miles away.
Social Reception Venues
Manhattan’s new Museum of Art + Light, which opened in December 2024, is a first-of-its-kind contemporary art museum focused on showcasing immersive, digital art. In addition to being a must-see for any area visitor, the building’s fresh, dynamic spaces offer an ideal backdrop for receptions both large and small.
Nearby, the Flint Hills Discovery Center — itself a longstanding, popular visitor attraction — stands as another fun, out-of-the-box meeting venue for groups. The 35,000-square-foot downtown museum offers hands-on exhibits on the science and culture of the unique Flint Hills region. Groups can rent both indoor and outdoor space at the center, including a rooftop terrace and glass atrium.
“Both of those attractions are great in that they’re very close to the conference center and easily walkable for groups wanting to host an off-site evening social,” Rozell said.
All photos courtesy Visit Manhattan Kansas
MIDWEST DREAM CAR COLLECTION
Manhattan
Popular Attractions
Car buffs won’t want to miss the Midwest Dream Car Collection, home to a captivating array of vintage, luxury and muscle cars that, together, weave a portrait of more than 100 years of automobile history. For breathtaking views of the area’s natural beauty, a stop for a wine and food pairing at the Liquid Art Winery, Manhattan’s 10-acre estate vineyard, is hard to beat.
Families will love the Sunset Zoo’s exhibits of more than 250 animal varieties, including the recently added Expedition Asia space with tigers, lemurs and sloth bears. Of course, Kansas State’s campus and surrounding Aggieville district offer another sure hit, thanks to its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and shops.
Team-Building Opportunities
Groups wanting bonding experiences won’t have to look far in Manhattan. Spots like Axe to Grind and Manhatchet, the city’s two ax-throwing ranges, specialize in group fun. For a heavier adrenaline boost, Wildwood Adventure Park offers seven outdoor zipline courses on its 80-acre park.
Colbert Hills Golf Course, ranked the No. 1 public course in Kansas, boasts its own variety of outdoor fun with 27 holes, a driving range and an on-site restaurant. Nearby Tuttle Creek State Park features yet more outdoor options, including 1,250 acres where groups can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, water sports and disk golf.
Of course, every group dynamic is unique, so finding the right fit for both meeting venues and after-hours team building sometimes requires a bit of local help. That’s where Rozell’s office comes in.
“We want groups to use us as a connector to the community,” she said. “Whatever they need, we can easily make that happen in Manhattan. We try to specialize the experience for every group.”
“Our downtown is very much alive and thriving. It’s the site of our main conference center, which expanded in 2020 and offers a great venue with a lot of walkability to area restaurants and attractions.”
— Marcia Rozell, Visit Manhattan, Kansas
FLINT HILLS DISCOVERY CENTER
COLBERT HILLS GOLF COURSE
A GALA AT THE MUSEUM OF ART + LIGHT
A RECEPTION AT THE FLINT HILLS DISCOVERY CENTER
NEW IN THE SOUTHEAST
Meeting venues throughout the Southeast are debuting exciting expansions and renovations.
VALUE DESTINATIONS
Meeting planners will find top-notch service and reasonable prices in these Southern cities.
GAMING HOTSPOTS
Take a chance on one of these popular Southern destinations to add some fun to your next meeting.
MEETINGS AT MUSEUMS
Groups can gather in the galleries at these notable museums throughout the Southeast.
STATE PARKS
Scenery and amenities welcome meeting groups at parks around the Southern states.
ON THE COVER
Clockwise from top left: A NASA artifact at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville (courtesy Huntsville/Madison Co. CVB); a sculpture at Cartersville’s Booth Western Art Museum (courtesy Booth Western Art Museum); a door hanger at Alexandria’s Hotel Heron (courtesy Hotel Heron); downtown Hot Springs (courtesy Visit Hot Springs)
Courtesy
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
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Director
(386) 255-0415 ext 134 • BRedmon@DaytonaBeach.com
STS IS BUILDING A MULTIGENERATIONAL COALITION
BY MAC LACY
To continue its 42-year tradition of creating successful meetings for attendees of all ages, the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) faces a learning curve that all membership organizations are confronting: how to successfully engage with and meet the needs of the huge Gen Z demographic that is coming into the workforce.
Monica Smith is hard at work navigating that curve and learning more about this young demographic she thinks will alter the way group meetings are held.
“Oh, yes, we’re very aware of the characteristics of this demographic that many say will be larger than the boomers,” the STS president and CEO said. “We have thought about them a lot. These 20-somethings who are entering the workforce now will likely change how we do room set-ups, roundtable discussions, online content, almost everything about the science of meeting planning.
“I personally want us to emphasize [human resources] content more for this group,” she said. “They look at work differently; they prefer less structure; and they adopt new technology very quickly. We’ll have to evolve as meeting planners to meet their needs if we want to see them become dedicated attendees with us.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Smith’s organization is also seeking to reengage with many of the 1,400 STS Marketing College alumni who have earned CTP distinctions over the years.
“We’re creating a 2025 STS Marketing College Alumni course that focuses on leadership and includes two virtual meetings in April and June,” she said. “Participating alumni will follow that up by attending an in-person training program to be held at a site near Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, August 4–6.”
The Southeast Tourism Society is restarting its Congressional Summit event this year. This annual legislative meeting held in Washington, D.C., was postponed during the COVID years, restarted in 2023 and then paused in 2024 for refinements that delegates suggested for future years.
“Great meeting planning requires great feedback,” said Smith. “After our 2023 event, attendees told us they wanted to move our hotel from the suburbs back into Washington D.C. They prefer to pay the higher room rates in the city to spend less time traveling back and forth to their meetings with elected representatives or their staffs. Our attendees for this event range from upper management to destination CEOs, and their time is valuable.”
STS is also responding to a trend in meeting planning that Smith said she believes is growing.
“In order to get the cities and sites we want across the Southeast, we need to move our site selection process out to at least three years,” she said. “I’m sure other organizations are finding the same thing. Doing that may also help with room rates in some cases.”
Courtesy Louisiana State Parks LOUISIANA’S FONTAINEBLEAU STATE PARK OFFERS MEETING FACILITIES SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL WETLAND SCENERY.
MONICA SMITH
in Rutherford County, Tennessee
Location
30 miles outside of Nashville
Shopping
Lodging
62 Hotels with +5,500 Rooms
110,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space
Attractions
One of the Largest Outdoor Retail Areas in Tennessee
Over 425+ restaurants, from familiar favorites to unique local eateries Dining
Immerse yourself in rich Civil War history including a National Battlefield
Kentucky’s premier event, meeting, and conference venue.
The Shelbyville Conference Center is centrally located between Lexington and Louisville, and combines versatility, beauty, and modern amenities for a welcoming and accommodating venue for your corporate meeting, event, conference, or show.
Flexible floorplans and state-of-the-art technology allow for all groups of any size — from as intimate as 10 guests to as grand as 400 attendees — to gather and celebrate together.
Start planning at shelbykyvenues.com
Included with every event:
• Tables and chairs
• High speed internet
• Electric service
• Audio/visual system with projectors and microphones
• Catering kitchen & open catering policy
• Ample parking and nearby free public parking
• Proximity to Shelbyville’s shopping, dining, and lodging
• Shelbyville Trolley (add-on)
• Tablecloths (add-on)
NEW IMPROVED and
Notable Southern venues are renovating and expanding
BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH
Cities and towns across the Southeast continue to grow their meeting and convention spaces through major renovations, expansions or new builds. Here are six cities that have recently unveiled new projects or are in the midst of major improvements that will be completed by 2026.
Courtesy McLemore Resort
THE NEW CLOUDLAND LODGE AT MCLEMORE RESORT OFFERS 245 GUEST ROOMS AND 20,000 SQUARE FEET OF MEETING SPACE IN THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS.
CLOUDLAND AT MCLEMORE RESORT
Rising Fawn, Georgia
Perched 2,300 feet above sea level on top of Georgia’s Lookout Mountain, McLemore Resort is a golf resort and community. Before 2024, the resort had only one 18-hole golf course, the Highland, a cliff-edge par 71 course reimagined by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones. But last year, McLemore opened The Keep, an 18-hole course featuring five cliff-edge holes. Golf lovers can take advantage of the resort’s practice facilities, including The Cairn, a Bill Bergin six-hole short course, a nine-hole practice green or an expanded driving range.
In February 2024, the resort opened the Cloudland Lodge, A Curio Collection by Hilton, with 245 rooms, including 19 suites. The lodge has 20,000 square feet of conference and event space, including the Skyline Ballroom, which can host 280 for a banquet, and Cumberland Ballroom, which can accommodate 370 for a banquet or more than 500 for a reception. The lodge has several breakout rooms, a pavilion, and courtyards and terraces that can be rented out for events. Every room is equipped with stateof-the-art A/V equipment, and full-service catering is available.
Cloudland has two restaurants, a café, a full spa, a fitness center and a Peloton spin room. There’s also a cliff-edge infinity pool and an outdoor restaurant and bar called Skyside.
staycloudland.com
Photos courtesy McLemore Resort
CLOUDLAND LODGE’S SKYLINE BALLROOM
A PRIVATE DINING ROOM AT CLOUDLAND LODGE
BIKING AT MCLEMORE RESORT
KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER
Louisville, Kentucky
In August 2024, Kentucky Venues announced a multi-million-dollar renovation plan for the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Phase I of the renovation is expected to cost $180 million and will include a new interconnected 350,000-square-foot multi-purpose building that will be able to host everything from livestock competitions and equine events to trade shows and sporting events. The new building will be directly east of the existing Broadbent Arena and north of the West Wing.
The second phase will include a renovation of the West Wing, West Hall and Pavilion into a 249,000-square-foot multi-purpose building that includes exhibit space, a large prefunction space and new meeting rooms. Phase II is expected to cost $213 million and will include enhancements to existing food and beverage operations, creating a 40,000-square-foot space to feed the guests that attend events on the property every year.
The event center anticipates the renovations will bring in even larger events and allow the Expo Center to host multiple events at the same time.
kyexpo.org
NORTH LITTLE ROCK CONFERENCE CENTER
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Announced on October 8, 2024, the North Little Rock Conference Center will replace the former City Services Building that was demolished a year ago. The site is on Main Street, one block north of the Arkansas River, and will feature 31,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom, prefunction space and a prep kitchen. The new facility will be able to accommodate 1,000 guests for a
sit-down dinner or 1,500 for an event or trade show.
The conference center is expected to be completed by 2026 and is part of an $80 million investment in North Little Rock’s downtown area that eventually will include two hotels. Attendees visiting the center will be a short walk away from the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, which is home to the USS Razorback and USS Hoga in North Little Rock Riverfront Park. The USS Razorback is a World War II submarine that is 90% operational. The USS Hoga is a tugboat that served at Pearl Harbor during the attack and is credited with saving many lives, battling fires on many of the ships that were attacked and pushing the USS Nevada battleship out of the channel during the bombing. Both are open for tours.
northlittlerock.org
AMERISTAR CASINO RESORT EXPANSION
St. Charles, Missouri
Ameristar Casino Resort is a major destination in St. Charles, Missouri, with a 130,000-square-foot, two-story casino featuring more than 1,000 slot machines, table games and a live poker room. There is a full-service spa and a AAA four-diamond hotel with 397 all-suite guest rooms.
Ameristar's parent company, Boyd Gaming, has wanted to expand its 22,000-square-foot conference facility for years but didn’t think it could attract enough business in St. Charles. In August, the owners decided the market was ripe for a conference center expansion that will add 43,000 square feet of traditional meeting space and an enhanced prefunction area, bringing its event space to 65,000 square feet. The expansion will be anchored by a 16,000-square-foot ballroom with a built-in stage and state-of-theart A/V equipment that will have the capacity to host large-scale galas and events. When completed, the space will be one of the largest ballrooms in the area and able to capture events such as trade shows.
The new space will include garage doors and freight elevators to make setup more efficient. Boyd Gaming expects the project
Courtesy Kentucky Expo Center
A NEW MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING AT THE KENTUCKY EXPO CENTER IN LOUISVILLE
Courtesy AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville
Photos courtesy North Little Rock Tourism
GROUNDBREAKING AT THE NEW NORTH LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION CENTER
to be completed by this fall. The resort has a full-service culinary team that provides food and beverages inside the casino and catering for events held in the conference center. The resort also has 12 different restaurants and bars and a Vegas-style nightclub.
ameristarstcharles.boydgaming.com
SEA TRAIL GOLF RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Sea Trail Golf Resort in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, has undergone major renovation since new owners took over in 2023. They have worked hard to update all parts of the property, which was very outdated.
The first stage of the renovation included a full remodel of the property’s 40,000-square-foot convention center. The lobby was modernized with white marble floors and a large promenade with windows and doors leading to the piazza, garden and gazebo, which overlook the Jones and Byrd golf courses.
As part of the renovation, the owners converted a section of the convention center into 55 Bistro Bar and Sunset Slice, with 24 flat-screen TVs and four different rooms. Groups can wind down there, play a game of darts or pool, or try the Golden Tee arcade game for a fun virtual golfing experience.
The convention center’s grand ballroom can host 400 for a banquet or 1,000 for a reception. The ballroom can be divided into three smaller spaces. Wi-Fi and A/V services are included,
Let your group discover the many wonders of Williamsburg,
and Yorktown. The Historic Triangle offers the perfect blend of storied attractions, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and enriching entertainment for groups of all sizes and interests. Beyond the country’s largest living history museum, find delightful surprises including culinary gems, eclectic boutiques, and gravity-defying roller coasters.
into the spirit of discovery and set epic memories in motion. Plan your group’s incredible getaway today.
Photos courtesy Sea Trail Golf Resort
A SEA TRAIL GOLF RESORT PATIO
Jamestown,
SEA TRAIL GOLF RESORT FROM ABOVE
and there are two boardrooms for smaller groups.
The resort has three golf courses. The Byrd Course received a full facelift, including all-new greens and fairway bunkers. The clubhouse was remodeled and a new golf shop was added, along with Sunset Prime, an upscale steak house.
The resort has privately owned properties that can be rented, and 27 townhome units were opened this year.
seatrail.com
HOTEL HERON
Alexandria, Virginia
Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, just minutes away from Washington, D.C., Hotel Heron is a mix of old and new.
Opened in June 2024, the boutique hotel combines the original George Mason Hotel, which opened in 1926, with a new adjacent building that houses a modern event space and upscale guest rooms.
The 134-room hotel has a beautiful 2,355-square-foot ballroom with 17-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and windows on both sides that can accommodate 120 guests.
The Assembly Room can be used for smaller meetings or events and can be divided into two rooms with 14-foot ceilings.
The hotel features KILN, a ground-floor restaurant that serves hearth-inspired Mid-Atlantic cuisine; Francis Hall, a craft cocktail bar in the heart of the hotel; and Good Fortune, an open-air seasonal rooftop bar with spectacular views of the Potomac River. Good Fortune is the first rooftop bar in Alexandria, offering craft cocktails, eclectic DJs and a summer concert series.
The hotel’s prime location allows guests to explore Old Town, the King Street Mile for shopping and dining, the Alexandria waterfront, and historic landmarks such as Mount Vernon and Tall Ship Providence.
heronalexandria.com
Photos courtesy Hotel Heron
A GUEST ROOM WORKSPACE AT HOTEL HERON
HOTEL HERON BEDDING
A HOTEL HERON PARTY POD
HOTEL HERON'S ROOFTOP BAR, GOOD FORTUNE
Manatee photo by David Schrichteat Blue Spring State Park
Valor Hall is booking for 2025 & 2026!
We have hosted a variety of events including kickboxing, wrestling, military balls, and concerts! Valor Hall has played host to streamed and televised sporting events!
Valor Hall offers over 10,000 square feet of regular meeting space along with 6,000 square feet of glass enclosed pre-function space and several breakout rooms.
Valor Hall is also located on the grounds of a disc golf course where tournaments take place multiple times a year! If you are planning an event from afar, that's ok, we have an online tour, and our event coordinators would be happy to walk you through everything over a call.
Se habla español.
FRIENDLY AFFORDABLE and
A DISTINCTIVE DOWNTOWN AND AFFORDABLE PRICING MAKE KNOXVILLE AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION FOR VALUE-FOCUSED MEETING PLANNERS.
These Southern destinations offer extraordinary value
BY CYNTHIA BARNES
Planning and executing successful meetings requires talent and skill — and that’s especially true when working with a tight budget. Fortunately, many Southern destinations offer affordable meeting venues, services and lodging, and working within a budget need not limit your ability to create events that are both appealing and memorable.
Here are five locations that offer extraordinary value for your meeting budget.
Courtesy Visit Knoxville
HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA
For an out-of-this-world meeting destination, consider Huntsville. Located in northern Alabama (just two hours from Nashville, less than four hours from Atlanta, and served from 14 destinations by USA Today’s Best Small Airport), “Rocket City” is a great space for groups of all sizes.
“Huntsville really is the perfect place for planners on a budget,” said Jamie Koshofer, vice president of conventions at the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “For starters, our convention space, the Von Braun Center, offers incentives such as no sales tax and discounted service charges. They also allow you to bring in your own audio/visual company at no additional charge, but they also have a very budget-friendly A/V team in-house as well as food and beverage. It’s very one-stop-shop service at the convention center, and it’s right downtown.”
The convention center has over 170,000 square feet of multi-purpose meeting space, including a 9,000-person arena, a 2,000-person performing arts space and a 1,350-person concert hall.
Groups can hold receptions for up to 1,000 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, where guests can gather under an authentic Saturn V Apollo moon rocket and experience space simulators that take them on a ride to Mars.
“We have a collection of hotels downtown that can meet various price points for attendees,” said Koshofer. “There’s an Embassy Suites attached to the convention center. Then within walking distance, we have a Hampton Inn, an AC hotel by Marriott, 106 Jefferson, which is a Curio property, and an Autograph by Marriott that will be open soon.”
huntsville.org
MONROE-WEST MONROE, LOUISIANA
The twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe in northern Louisiana are located just off Interstate 20, making a convenient destination that’s also loaded with Southern charm.
“We keep things very cost-friendly, and we’re very flexible,” said Claire Stapp, sales and event developer at Discover Monroe-West Monroe. “Our hotels and attractions — many of which are free or low-cost — are very flexible. Some are usually closed on Sundays and Mondays but will make arrangements to open for people. And there are discounted group rates so attendees can enjoy being here without having to compromise.”
Spanning 31 acres, the Monroe Civic Center Complex has 22,000 square feet and a variety of layouts along with A/V and a full-service kitchen for outside catering. The West Monroe Convention Center can accommodate groups of up to 1,000 with three conference halls and two elegant dining rooms. Along Bayou DeSiard, the main ballroom of the Bayou Pointe Event Center has maximum capacities of 450 people for banquets, 700 for theater seating, 750 for receptions, additional breakout rooms and an 80-seat theater. More than 2,000 hotel rooms in the twin cities welcome guests at all price points.
Smaller functions can be held in Antique Alley, where a 1929 movie theatre at 111 Cotton can accommodate groups of up to 200 and is surrounded by a lively and historic entertainment district filled with shopping, bars and restaurants.
“We like to let people check out everything on their own so they don't have to stay on a strict schedule and they can go to whatever,” said Stapp. “They always, always come back and say how kind and nice the people are at each store, no matter who’s coming in there. We really focus on that friendliness.”
monroe-westmonroe.org
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Just hours away from the major metropolitan areas of the Eastern Seaboard, Charlottesville, Virginia, offers a unique combination of natural beauty and sophisticated lodging and meeting options, along with golf, wineries and historic landmarks — as well as great bargains in the off-seasons of winter and summer.
Courtesy Discover Monroe-West Monroe
BAYOU POINTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
Photos courtesy Huntsville/Madison Co. CVB
“We’re only a couple of hours from the beaches, and we’re nestled right against the mountains,” said Brantley Ussery, director of marketing and public relations for the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Geographically, we’re in an area that’s just centrally located to a lot of big population centers. And for that reason, I think a lot of people in the big cities love coming out into something that feels a little bit more rural, a beautiful landscape with the mountains and everything.”
Venue spaces abound. The University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena accommodates large trade shows along with seated receptions for up to 600, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello has conference spaces for up to 300, along with outdoor events on the gracious grounds.
The region is well-known for wine, and several area vineyards offer unique venues for groups of all sizes.
visitcharlottesville.org
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
Just west of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Tennessee, was home to the 1982 World’s Fair, and that heritage is still proudly on display adjacent to Knoxville’s Convention Center.
“The World's Fair is a very big part of our history, and we still do a lot to celebrate it,” said Chad Culver, senior director of sports commission and convention sales for Visit Knoxville. “There are only three structures in the world that were built for World’s Fairs
Photos courtesy Charlottesville Albemarle CVB
THOMAS JEFFERSON’S MONTICELLO IN CHARLOTTESVILLE
A CHARLOTTESVILLE EVENT VENUE
RESTAURANT AT THE OMNI CHARLOTTESVILLE
SCAN ME
that are still standing — the Seattle Space Needle, the Eiffel Tower and our Knoxville Sunsphere.”
The sixth and eighth floors of the iconic tower are available for private events and can accommodate 350 and 150 guests, respectively.
The convention center features east Tennessee’s largest ballroom (27,000 square feet), along with 250,000 square feet of flexible space, a 461-seat lecture hall, 120,000 square feet of exhibit space and 14 breakout rooms. More than 1,800 hotel rooms are available within the square mile surrounding the convention center. It’s also just minutes from Market Square, the heart of the city’s vibrant and walkable downtown.
Nature lovers will appreciate the urban wilderness, with miles of trails just across the river, while sports lovers will want to visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the only museum of its kind devoted exclusively to women’s basketball.
Culver wants planners to see for themselves.
“Getting people to town and seeing what we’re all about sells itself,” he said. “It’s a very, very cool city with the convention center and the downtown hotels. There aren’t many site visits where we don’t get the meeting. Our city and our people do the job better than we can.”
visitknoxville.com
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
Location, location, location: Many places claim to be “in the middle of everything,” but Columbia, a mid-Missouri college town, delivers.
“Columbia is not only in the center of Missouri, but we’re in the center of the United States,” said Terra Nuzum, tourism sales specialist at Visit Columbia MO. “So we’re a great central location for everyone to meet in the middle. We pride ourselves on that and say that is one of the main benefits of bringing meetings to Columbia.”
Being the home of Missouri’s flagship university makes for a budget-sensitive approach to meetings and events.
“From an economical standpoint, we are very able to accommodate a wide variety of budgets,” Nuzum explains. “A lot of our planners are on a government per diem, and so they have to work with that. We tailor activities toward what planners are looking for, and a lot of those are also very budget-friendly.”
More than 3,500 hotel rooms and a variety of meeting spaces await groups. The Columbia Expo Center and Holiday Inn Executive Center has 19,000-plus square feet. Two flexible ballrooms, four meeting rooms and an executive boardroom can accommodate groups of up to 2,500 people. In the center of the charming and walkable downtown, the Grand Ballroom at the historic Tiger Hotel can seat 200 people, and the University of Missouri-Columbia offers a wealth of auditoriums and breakout rooms for groups of all sizes.
A scenic trail system winds from the city to the banks of the Missouri River and is a favorite for cycling and walking. High on the river bluff in historic Rocheport, Les Bourgeois Vineyards offers stunning views and elegant events for smaller gatherings. visitcolumbiamo.com
TENNESSEE RIVERBOAT COUNTRY IN KNOXVILLE
THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI IN COLUMBIA
A TASTING AREA AT COLUMBIA’S LES BOURGEOIS VINEYARDS
Columbus, GA was selected for Convention South’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Award—this dynamic city elevates your next meeting with vibrant culture, one-of-a-kind attractions, and unparalleled hospitality. A place that inspires collaboration and ignites creativity. Columbus offers unique meeting venues, new hotels, an inventive culinary scene, diverse museums, and incredible outdoor attractions. When it comes to your next meeting, we’ll help you plan every detail.
Plan your visit!
WORK PLAY and
Southern gaming destinations bring the fun for meetings
BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH
Southeastern gaming destinations are a sure bet for meetings success. Meeting groups seeking to host events in prime gaming destinations should look no further than these five locations that feature world class horse racing, abundant casino games, and plenty of outdoor activities, history and entertainment to keep them coming back for more.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is best known for its historic bathhouses and Hot Springs National Park, but it is also a premiere gaming destination. Oaklawn, which is known for its Thoroughbred racetrack, also has a casino and sports betting.
For more than 100 years, Oaklawn Racing has hosted some of the biggest names in Thoroughbred racing, including Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh and 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan. Since its founding, Oaklawn has rebranded to Oaklawn Hot Springs, an expanded destination with a boutique 200-room hotel, gaming, dining and entertainment.
The hotel, which overlooks the racetrack, features the Astral Spa, which was given four stars by Forbes magazine in 2024, as well as a fitness center and an outdoor pool. It also has two restaurants, The Bugler and OAK.
Groups wanting to host events at Oaklawn have their pick of 18,000 square feet of flexible event space. The ballroom has 6,700 square feet of pre-function space and 14,519 square feet of meeting space that can host nearly 1,000 for a banquet and 1,750 for a reception. The space can be broken out into three separate rooms. There are also four smaller meeting rooms and a small boardroom.
The casino at Oaklawn is unique in that the majority of it is smoke-free. It is also close to Hot Springs’ major attractions and the 360,000-square foot Hot Springs Convention Center. Three lakes border the city, making it a fun destination for water sports, and the whole city is surrounded by the natural beauty of the national park and national forest.
hotsprings.org
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA
Lake Charles is a premiere gaming destination in Louisiana with Golden Nugget Lake Charles and L’Auberge Casino Resort situated side-by-side on the Calcasieu River. Both feature stateof-the-art meeting facilities alongside entertainment options, a pool and spa, shopping and gaming, an 18-hole golf course and many dining options. The two properties are connected by a boardwalk.
Golden Nugget features 1,100 guest rooms and more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including its 18,000-squarefoot Grand Event Center, which can accommodate almost any event, no matter the size. In-house catering, Wi-Fi and state-ofthe-art A/V equipment are available. The casino features 1,600 slots, 87 table games, seven live-action poker tables and a brand new DraftKings Sportsbook coming soon.
L’Auberge Casino Resort offers 995 guest rooms and more than 26,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 14,140-squarefoot ballroom that can host 1,200 guests for a banquet. The room can also be divided into six separate event spaces. The Terrace, which sits off the ballroom, can host up to 400 guests for outdoor setups. The casino has 1,400 slot machines and video poker games, as well as 82 table games featuring a high-stakes style of blackjack, craps and Pai Gow poker.
Lake Charles is also known for its cuisine, including Southern, Cajun and Creole, and its authentic Cajun/Zydeco musical heritage. The Creole Nature Trail gives visitors a chance to view sunbathing alligators and more than 400 species of migratory birds. There are also numerous golf courses, hiking trails, wildlife refuges, and kayaking and boating opportunities.
visitlakecharles.org
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
Groups that want to include gaming in their events will find many opportunities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which features 12 casinos stretching from Waveland to Pascagoula — many of which have meeting or event spaces.
Biloxi has eight casinos, including the three largest facilities on the coast with meeting space. Beau Rivage Resort and Casino
Photos courtesy Visit Hot Springs
THE TRACKSIDE HOTEL AT OAKLAWN HOT SPRINGS
THE SPA AT OAKLAWN
OAKLAWN GAMING
Courtesy Visit Lake Charles
GOLDEN NUGGET LAKE CHARLES
is the largest in the area with 1,740 rooms and over 50,000 square feet of meeting space. It also offers a full-service spa and salon, entertainment, and several restaurants and bars to choose from, including a buffet, a coffee shop and a steakhouse.
IP Casino Resort Spa has 1,100 guest rooms and more than 65,000 square feet of meeting space. Studio A showcases headliner entertainment, from famous musicians to comedians. Golden Nugget Biloxi has 745 rooms and 22,000 square feet of function space. All three are on the waterfront and close to several worldclass golf courses and plenty of water activities.
There are two casino resorts in Bay St. Louis, the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel and Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast.
The Gulf Coast is known for its amazing seafood, wildlife, watersports and beautiful beaches. Gulf Islands National Seashore spans 160 miles in Florida and Mississippi. Of the six barrier islands of Coastal Mississippi, four are included in the national seashore, offering bayous and marshes that are home to alligators and birds, white sand beaches for relaxing and swimming, and many ways to get out on the water for sightseeing and fishing. coastalmississippi.com
CHEROKEE, NORTH CAROLINA
Cherokee, North Carolina, is not only a gaming destination but also a place known for the tranquility of nature, outdoor
Photos courtesy Coastal Mississippi
THE BEAU RIVAGE IN BILOXI
CASINOS IN COASTAL MISSISSIPPI
HARD ROCK CASINO BILOXI
This is your breakout session.
adventures and the cultural richness of the Cherokee people. Right next door to the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee is a gateway to hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, tubing, golf and wildlife viewing.
The Museum of the Cherokee People gives visitors a chance to learn more about the culture, art and heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Oconaluftee Indian Village highlights the traditions, culture and stories of the Cherokee through live demonstrations, music and storytelling.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is the prime gaming destination in Cherokee, with 3,000 slot machines, more than 160 table games and a 90-foot sportsbook screen. With 1,833 guest rooms, the resort can accommodate groups of all sizes. It offers two swimming pools, a spa and salon, a fitness center and 12 restaurants and venues. It features 132,000 square feet of conference and event space and can host groups from 10 to 3,000. The convention center’s first floor houses the 32,745-square-foot Cherokee Exhibit Hall, which can host groups up to 3,531 theater-style. It includes 9,766 square feet of pre-function space. The Cherokee Convention Center has 32,092 square feet of space that can host 1,920 guests for a banquet or more than 3,700 theater-style. The center also has 14 smaller meeting spaces, pre-function space and a small boardroom.
visitcherokee.com
CHARLES TOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
Only 10 minutes from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Charles Town is tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was named after Charles Washington, the brother of George Washington, and is full of historical homes and locations with ties to the Washington family, including Charles Washington’s home, Happy Retreat, which is open to the public several times a year.
Charles Town is also a desirable gaming destination, featuring Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races on the city’s main street. The racetrack was known as Shenandoah Downs before the hotel and casino were built. The Inn at Charles Town has 153 rooms and is adjacent to the racetrack and offers a free shuttle between the two.
The casino property gives off classic movie vibes and features 1,900 slot machines and more than 70 table games. It has a live poker room and a sportsbook, which is about to rebrand as the ESPN Sportsbook, with over 30 TVs and one jumbotron.
The property has a live entertainment venue that can hold 1,200 seated. The Hollywood Ballroom on the third floor of the casino, which can host 350 for a banquet, offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the racetrack. The Shenandoah Room inside the Inn at Charles Town can be divided into two separate rooms with an outside patio and can accommodate up to 70 guests. The Final Cut Steakhouse is perfect for smaller groups of 25 or fewer. hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com
Courtesy Jefferson Co. CVB
Courtesy Jefferson Co. CVB
Courtesy Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Courtesy Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Courtesy Jefferson Co. CVB
THE VIP CHECK-IN AREA AT HARRAH’S CHEROKEE
DOWNTOWN CHARLES TOWN
CHARLES TOWN SCENERY
HARRAH'S CHEROKEE CASINO RESORT EXTERIOR
Oaklawn Hot Springs is a one-stop shop for your next meeting or convention! With a Forbes Recommended hotel, live Thoroughbred racing, a smoke-free casino, more than 18,000 square feet of flexible event space and a talented hospitality team, you’ll find everything you need for a successful, memorable meeting.
Oaklawn Hotel
GALAS GALLERIES and
These Southern museums make excellent event venues
BY CYNTHIA BARNES
Hotel banquet rooms and convention centers are appropriate for many meetings, but sometimes planners are looking for venues that are more memorable. Whether for an off-site evening or an entire day-long event, a museum can provide the perfect setting for an experience that is both unique and special.
In addition to their one-of-a-kind atmospheres, museums often have modern facilities ideal for meetings like auditoriums, breakout rooms, and A/V and food and beverage services. Here are five museums in the Southeast perfect for your next unforgettable event.
Courtesy International African American Museum
EXTERIOR SPACES AT CHARLESTON’S INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM PAY TRIBUTE TO THE ENSLAVED MEN AND WOMEN WHO WERE TRAFFICKED THROUGH THE SITE.
BOOTH WESTERN ART MUSEUM
Cartersville, Georgia
The largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the world is located not in Dallas or Denver but surprisingly in a city of 25,000 on the edge of the Atlanta metro area. Opened in 2003, the Smithsonian-affiliated Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, covers 120,000 square feet. In addition to works by classic Western artists such as Frederic Remington and Charles Bierstadt, the museum houses movie posters; presidential portraits and letters; contemporary, Civil War and Indigenous art and illustrations; stagecoaches; and an interactive hands-on gallery for children.
“It’s really a unique and inspiring setting,” said Morgan Huntington, the museum’s director of marketing. “The galleries and meeting spaces are an impressive environment.”
Guests can wander the sculpture-studded grounds and the museum exhibits before repairing to the intimate private dining room or one of the two ballrooms, which can be combined to accommodate up to 240 people total. The Booth Theatre seats up to 140, and the cafe and patio can seat 64 or 75 for a standing reception. The grand atrium and sculpture hall are available as an add-on to other events.
Audiovisual equipment includes microphones, a podium, and access to projection screens. In-house catering is available, but planners may also choose from a preferred vendor list. boothmuseum.org
HISTORY MUSEUM OF MOBILE
Mobile, Alabama
Once Mobile, Alabama’s city hall, the History Museum of Mobile is a stately institution and the perfect location to learn about the city’s diverse and rich history. More than 20,000 square feet of exhibit space interpret Mobile’s history from pre-Colonial contact to its present role as a modern port city.
The iconic marble lobby has a grand staircase, atrium and historic murals dating to the 1930s. Capacity is 225 standing or 125 seated at tables. The elegant Hearin-Chandler Auditorium is ideal for workshops, board meetings or small conferences, with a capacity of 250 standing or 200 in theater seating. The picturesque courtyard provides an atmospheric outdoor charm and accommodates 120 standing or 75 seated at tables, and the museum classroom can hold 75 standing or 65 at tables. The Charlotte Room accommodates 50 standing or 30 seated.
Meeting planners can share Mobile’s heritage with their guests by opening the galleries throughout the museum during your event. The museum’s private events calendar is often completely booked (and they do not hold events during the Mardi Gras season), so plan well in advance to secure space at this venue.
historymuseumofmobile.com
TWO MISSISSIPPI MUSEUMS
Jackson, Mississippi
Sixteen galleries in two interconnected museums in Jackson, Mississippi, tell the many stories of the state, from the Indigenous peoples who lived there thousands of years ago to the men and women who gave birth to the Civil Rights Movement.
“The state history museum was located in the Old State Capitol until 2005 and Hurricane Katrina,” said Michael Morris, direct of the Two Mississippi Museums. “Our Civil Rights museum is an effort that started on the campus of [Jackson’s] Tougaloo College.
Photos courtesy Booth Museum of Western Art
THE BOOTH WESTERN ART MUSEUM EXTERIOR
A BOOTH GALLERY
SCULPTURES AT CARTERSVILLE’S
Courtesy Visit Mobile
HISTORY MUSEUM OF MOBILE
In 2009, the state legislature and the governor made the decision to bring both of these projects under one roof. Today we have a facility that’s about 220,000 square feet that includes two museums, a cafe and store, and about 8,000 square feet of special exhibit space on the second floor. We cover the whole swath of all 15,000 years of Mississippi's history, starting with the Native American experience.”
The museums’ combined collections contain more than 20,000 artifacts.
“On display, just in our museum of history alone, you’re going to see about 1,500 artifacts. The first artifact that you’ll see when you go in the museum is a 25-foot canoe called the Swan Lake Canoe that was found by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1989. If you look closely at it, you can really see the ingenuity, the creativity of the Native Americans that made it.”
Groups can gather in nine event spaces, including the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium, which seats about 350 comfortably or 250 at tables. The Nancy and Ray Neilsen Hall of History, a long hallway with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, is also popular for receptions of up to 400. Trustmark Commons has a capacity of 150.
Full A/V is available, and catering is available on-site or through licensed caterers.
2mm.mdah.ms.gov
Photos by Rory Doyle, courtesy MS DAH
THE ENTRANCE TO JACKSON’S TWIN MUSEUMS
MUSEUM OF MISSISSIPPI HISTORY
MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Sitting atop a limestone bluff overlooking the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Hunter Museum of American Art’s buildings include a 1905 Classical Revival mansion, a 1970s structure and a 2005 contemporary addition. Opened in 1952, the museum has a collection of more than 3,000 works.
“The Hunter Museum was built in three different stages over 100 years, so it’s pretty unique,” said Amber Goodman, the museum’s special events manager. “We’ve got quite a collection. American art is our main focus; not necessarily that it’s only American artists, but it is artists, both European and American, who have worked here in the States.”
The collection ranges from the Colonial period to the present day, encompassing painting, sculpture, contemporary studio glass and crafts. Private events can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, according to Goodman.
“It requires activating all of our spaces, including our terrace,” she said. “Because you can't bring food or drinks into the galleries. But we can accommodate 1,200.”
The total square footage of event space is more than 15,000, and spaces include the 1,400 square foot auditorium, the 2,400-square-foot lobby and multiple terraces. Full in-house A/V is available, as well as catering from approved vendors. huntermuseum.org
INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
Charleston, South Carolina
Completed just a few months before the beginning of the American Revolution, Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston, South Carolina, played a very significant role in the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to North America. Tens of thousands of Africans stolen from their homes landed at this wharf in Charleston, leaving a legacy of death, brutality and disease. Opened on that site in 2023, the International African American Museum tells unvarnished stories of trauma and triumph and examines how the resistance and resilience of these people and their descendants have shaped the world.
Framed by a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean, the museum is surrounded by the 2.3-acre African Ancestors Memorial Garden. Permanent exhibitions feature more than 150 historical objects, more than 30 works of art, nearly 50 films and digital interactive experiences that bring history to life.
Indoors, the museum can accommodate 115 seated or 215 for receptions. The outdoor West Yard has a capacity of 420 in theater-style, 300 seated, and 700 for receptions. There is inhouse A/V, and local vendors are available for catering. iaamuseum.org
Courtesy International African American Museum
Courtesy International African American Museum
Courtesy Hunter Museum of American Art
Courtesy Hunter Museum of American Art
Courtesy International African American Museum
A HUNTER MUSEUM TERRACE EVENT SETUP
THE LOBBY AUDITORIUM AT CHATTANOOGA’S HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
THE EXTERIOR OF CHARLESTON’S INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
NATURE NURTURE and
Southern state parks offer serene settings for meetings
BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH
Southern state parks offer natural settings, from beautiful lakes to rugged mountains, that can elevate any meeting. The following five state parks make perfect spots for meeting groups to combine conferences with stunning scenery and outdoor adventure.
Courtesy Kentucky State Parks
KENTUCKY’S JENNY WILEY STATE RESORT PARK OFFERS ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEETING FACILITIES OVERLOOKING DEWEY LAKE.
DEGRAY LAKE RESORT STATE PARK
Bismarck, Arkansas
Thirty minutes from Hot Springs, Arkansas, DeGray Lake Resort State Park is known for its beautiful lake and rocky islands. Groups wanting to host meetings at the park can book rooms at the lodge, which is on an island off the north shore of the lake. It has 90 guest rooms. The conference center, which has glass windows on one side for beautiful lake views, can hold up to 200 people. The room can be sectioned into three separate rooms and a reception area. There is a full-service restaurant and bar that handles all of the on-site catering.
The lodge also has two breakout rooms that can accommodate 30 people each and a small boardroom for six guests.
Between the lodge and the lake is a large event lawn that can host groups of up to 300. There’s also a playground, a sand volleyball court, bicycle rentals, a gift shop and a lighted walking path. The Island Trail follows the western shoreline of the island. The park also has 113 campsites, three yurts and an 18-hole championship golf course.
There is a disk golf course in the park, and groups can bring their own boats with them to take advantage of the lake. There are five walking trails within the park, and a marked paddle trail for kayaks and standup paddle boards with interpretive signs in a secluded cove. Groups can take sunset cruises, snorkeling tours or guided kayak paddles, or participate in a nighttime golf course safari, where groups explore the course in golf carts to look for wildlife.
arkansasstateparks.com
JENNY WILEY STATE RESORT PARK
Prestonsburg, Kentucky
Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Kentucky’s Jenny Wiley State Resort Park has a 49-room lodge overlooking Dewey Lake, as well as eight one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom cottages. The facility is surrounded by pine trees and peaceful mountain settings.
The conference center is one large room that can host groups of 500 for a banquet or 800 theater-style and also includes premeeting space for registration or casual receptions. There are also six smaller meeting rooms in the park that can host between 50 and 300 people for a banquet. Two smaller meeting rooms off the lobby are perfect for board meetings. All told, the conference center can host events for 10 to 800 people.
The Music Highway Grill offers bar and food service every day except Monday and Tuesday. It can accommodate 132 guests. Full-service catering and bar service are available at all rentable areas in the park.
For fun, groups can rent pontoon boats or canoes to enjoy the lake or go fishing. There are also 10 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, team-building opportunities, and planned recreation and naturalist activities.
Jenny Wiley is also a major birding destination and one of the few places in the state where groups can take an elk-viewing tour. parks.ky.gov
HICKORY KNOB STATE RESORT PARK
McCormick, South Carolina
Hickory Knob State Resort Park is located on South Carolina’s 71,100-acre Lake Thurmond, a reservoir ideal for fishing, boating and other watersports. It is the only park in South Carolina that has a hotel and restaurant. The park has 76 lodge rooms, a barracks that sleeps up to 10 and the restored Historic French Huguenot Guillebeau House, a two-bedroom home that can sleep up to four.
The convention center, which features a fireplace, kitchen and restrooms, can seat up to 100 guests. The Long Cane Center has a kitchen and restrooms and can seat up to 200. On-site catering
Photos courtesy Arkansas State Parks
ARKANSAS’ DEGRAY LAKE RESORT STATE PARK SWIMMING AT DEGRAY LAKE
DEGRAY LAKE RESORT STATE PARK MEETING ATTENDEES
Courtesy Kentucky State Parks
A DINING ROOM AT JENNY WILEY STATE RESORT PARK
and Wi-Fi are available in all of the park’s meeting spaces.
Groups can rent out the restaurant, which can seat up to 200, or the Bordeaux room in the restaurant, which can seat 75. The park is well-known for its 18-hole championship golf course that was designed by Tom Jackson. The challenging course is situated on the shores of Lake Thurmond. The park also has skeet shooting, archery and axe-throwing ranges, as well as nearly 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is a boat ramp with kayak and canoe rentals and an outdoor recreation area with cornhole, horseshoes, ladderball, a firepit and a picnic area with grills.
The park also has a practice putting green by the lodge, a swimming pool and three boat docks for people who want to bring their boats.
southcarolinaparks.com
CACAPON RESORT STATE PARK
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Cacapon Resort State Park sits in the shadow of a mountain ridge in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. The park covers more than 6,000 acres and is a major draw for history buffs because of its proximity to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Groups wanting to stay in the park and host a meeting or event can book rooms at Cacapon Resort, choosing from 120 lodge rooms and 31 cabins, including six economy cabins.
Big Charm for Small Events
Plan your next small meeting or event in Winchester, just 30 minutes from Lexington. Choose from unique venues like wineries, historic mansions, breweries, and performing arts centers—all offering flexible, customizable options.
Enjoy charming downtown attractions, local dining, and outdoor adventures in a picturesque, accessible setting. Contact us at (859)744-0556 or info@visitwinchesterky.com to start planning today. visitwinchesterky.com
SOUTH CAROLINA’S HICKORY KNOB STATE RESORT PARK
THE HICKORY KNOB STATE RESORT PARK GOLF COURSE HICKORY KNOB ACCOMMODATIONS
PLACES
MEET. PLACES
PLAY. PLACES
The resort has 13,120 square feet of meeting and conference space, including the Lord Fairfax and George Washington rooms, which combined can host 200 for a banquet or 300 theater-style. The Daniel Morgan Room can host smaller groups of 35 for a banquet. The Old Inn features 12 guest rooms with one large meeting space, making it perfect for small group gatherings. The Bath House has 2,763 square feet of space for meetings or banquets of 80 guests.
Food and beverages are available in the Cacapon Dining Room, which can accommodate 120.
Cacapon Resort includes a full-service spa and a championship golf course. There is a golf pro shop and snack bar, horseback riding, a seasonal beach for lake swimming, tennis and game courts, paddle boats, fishing, hiking trails, a lighted walking trail, and a naturalist program and nature center. A new $3.5 million bike park expansion is coming soon.
wvstateparks.com
FONTAINEBLEAU STATE PARK
Mandeville, Louisiana
Fontainebleau State Park is one of the oldest state parks in Louisiana. It is located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain,
THE GOLF COURSE AND LODGE AT WEST VIRGINIA’S CACAPON RESORT STATE PARK
an hour north of New Orleans and just three miles from the Northshore town of Mandeville. It is known for its beautiful sunsets over the water, its sandy beach and spectacular kayaking.
Fontainebleau was once the site of a large sugar mill built under the direction of Creole planter and senator Bernard de Marigny in 1829. The plantation fell into disrepair long ago, but groups visiting the park can tour the brick structures that remain and learn more about the man who built the mill inside the park’s visitor center.
There are several lodging options at the park, including 12 two-bedroom cabins that sleep eight and a standard lodge that sleeps up to 10 people. Group Camp I includes a dining hall and two dormitories that can sleep up to 100 guests. Group Camp III includes a dining hall and two dormitories that sleep up to 65 people.
Groups of up to 100 can rent pavilions equipped with grills and fire rings. There’s also a meeting room that can host 50 people for conference and theater setups. A decommissioned rail line has been turned into part of the 27-mile Tammany Trace trail, which runs through the park and is perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Interpretive ranger programming is available throughout the year, and visitors can also rent kayaks along the lake shore.
