Small Market Meetings July/August 2024

HOW TO PLAY

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

Courtesy Lodge at Marconi

(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.

BREAKING THE SILENCE

As we sharpen our work skills, we sometimes overlook an area that could always be improved: our ability to effectively communicate and connect with others. In recent radio interviews, the authors of two new books offered some thoughts about communicating with the people around us. Here are a few of their insights, as well as some strategies they shared.

New books offer insights to

becoming a ‘Supercommunicator’

Don’t stay silent

There are a lot of reasons why we don’t always speak up when we should in our professional lives, said Elaine Lin Hering, author of “Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully.” Our cultural upbringing might have taught us that we succeed by keeping our heads down and working diligently. Women and minorities often feel overlooked, ignored and intimidated. Organizational hierarchies keep many silent. But staying mum has its costs, for both organizations and individuals. When staff nod in agreement with bosses, even as they disagree or have differing insights that they hesitate to share, they inadvertently create a skewed reality that could result in poor decision-making and negative impact on a company’s business. By staying silent, people miss opportunities to learn how to work through differences with others. They also end up erasing themselves, becoming invisible and diminishing their value in the workplace. “Keeping you head down doesn’t mean you get rewarded in corporate America,” Hering said.

Take small steps to speak up

One simple way to train yourself to speak up more in your professional life is to practice doing it in small ways in your personal life. As you find yourself wanting a change — perhaps the table by the window at a restaurant instead of the one in the corner — ask for what you want in a polite, professional way. By speaking up instead of staying silent and stewing, you turn these small situations into opportunities to build confidence, Hering said. She gave an example from her own life. On a cab ride, she wanted to get some fresh air, but her window lock was on. The driver hadn’t been very friendly, so she fretted that he might be aggravated if she asked him to hit his control button and roll it down. Finally, she asked him nicely to do so. He immediately complied and fresh air wafted in. The incident reminded her, she said, “that I could ask for something and that doing so might have a positive result.”

Listen like a supercommunicator

One of the important discoveries that investigative journalist Charles Duhigg made as he did interviews and research for his book “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection” is that anyone can learn the skills it takes to become a supercommunicator.

Contrary to what the term suggests, “supercommunicators,” aren’t the most talkative, dominant people at the table nor are they the most charismatic. Rather, Duhigg said, they are humble, the quieter person who listens and asks questions that show others they are listening. “Supercommunicators ask 10 to 20 times more questions than others,” he says. They also tend to ask deeper questions, less about facts and more about feelings. For example, instead of asking a lawyer, “Where do you practice?” the supercommunicator might ask, “What made you decide to go to law school?” As the lawyer describes how she became a lawyer after a friend was treated unjustly, the supercommunicator can share what inspired them to choose their career path, sending the two off on a conversation that is deeper and more meaningful than the typical “what do you do?” chat.

Avoid triggering language

Often, we don’t speak up because we don’t want to seem confrontational. To make it clear you are simply voicing your opinion, Hering recommends prefacing your comments with a phrase like “From where I sit” or “I see it differently” so that it is immediately clear that you aren’t challenging others but are instead offering another viewpoint. Hering said phrases like those effectively communicate that though you feel your perspective is legitimate, you also realize your viewpoint is limited. We also can unintentionally silence others by asking for their thoughts in a way that seems threatening to them and that doesn’t encourage them to meaningfully engage. So instead of asking, “What do you think?” which might make the person feel that their answer could come back to bite them, Hering advises coming up with a list of standard questions that are more specific like “What are the pros of this idea? What are the cons?”

Deepen conversations by ‘looping’

Researchers have found that groups led by a supercommunicator bond better than those led by someone who dominates the conversation. The supercommunicator is the person who doesn’t voice their ideas but instead listens to others, encourages them to speak up and shows they want to learn from others. Others in a group will end up deferring to the supercommunicator, Duhigg said, because they realize that person, through their questions and encouragement, makes the group’s conversation better. The technique supercommunicators use to demonstrate they are listening, called “looping,” involves three steps: asking questions, often deeper ones; repeating the answer; and asking the person they are listening to if they got it right. Looping immediately shows people they are being heard. And, said Duhigg, “If some is listening closely to us, we are almost incapable of not listening to them.” At the same time, looping does not communicate agreement. Instead, it shows others we understand what they have said and where they are coming from and allows us to share that we might not agree, and we would like to explain why. Because the approach shows we are trying to communicate rather than control someone, Duhigg said, it paves the way for discussion instead of debate.

DuPage Shines AT SMALL MARKET MEETINGS SUMMIT

By Brian Schodorf

PLANNERS IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL ARISTA IN NAPERVILLE

COOPER’S HAWK WINERY AND RESTAURANT

By Brian Schodorf

By Brian Schodorf

SMALL MARKET

MEETINGS

SUMMIT

DuPage hits the mark as Small Market Meetings Summit host

BY HERB SPARROW

The Small Market Meetings Summit allows meeting planners to meet with up to three destination and venue representatives in pod-style appointments while providing the host city an opportunity to showcase itself to the planners. The 2024 Summit at the Chicago Marriott Southwest Burr Ridge Hotel, May 22–23, checked both boxes.

“I have gotten to meet a lot of important people,” said Lisa Sharpe of Anointed Women of Power in Raleigh, North Carolina. “It’s such a great thing to have the opportunity to chat and be comfortable. It has been very good, absolutely. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

“We wanted to get people here and build excitement around DuPage,” said Angela Rauen, senior sales manager at the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It has not only met our expectations but also went beyond our expectations.”

DuPage, a sprawling county of more than 30 communities just west of Chicago, went all out to garner as much exposure as possible.

Delegates walked to and from registration through a lane of sponsoring venues and destinations with attractive giveaways, enjoying free ice cream at the entrance.

Following a networking hour with drinks and hors d’oeuvres on the hotel’s outdoor deck overlooking a pond, the attendees were

Photos by Herb Sparrow, unless otherwise noted

By Brian Schodorf

SARA GERLICZKI GIVES STRESS-RELEASING TIPS

MEETINGS

SUMMIT

divided into three groups for a walking jaunt around the nearby Burr Ridge Village, an attractively landscaped collection of bars, restaurants and commercial shops.

Each group visited Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Topaz Café and Kohler Waters Spa before gathering for dinner at The Hampton Social.

The following day, after a breakfast sponsored by Travel Santa Anna, California, guest speaker Sara Gerliczki gave useful advice for stress management that included getting the attendees out of their chairs for a series of stress-reducing exercises.

She also had the group do a few minutes of meditation using a mental mantra they had created.

“There is a vast strength of beauty waiting inside us,” she said. “It is a silent way of tapping into it.”

Two dozen meeting planners then met with destination representatives during morning and afternoon sessions, sandwiched around a luncheon sponsored by Branson, Missouri, the host for the 2025 Summit.

“Most shows are like cattle herds,” said Christianne Heba, with Meetings Unlimited in Lawrenceville, Georgia. “It’s great to be able to talk to these people.”

“I am learning about different destinations and meeting new players,” said Donna Masiulewicz of Timeline Meetings and Events in Mesa, Arizona. “The educational component was also beneficial.”

“Just having conversations face-to-face is beneficial,” said Molly Willard of Square One Meeting Planning in Summerville, South Carolina.

On the destination side, Susan Ford, senior sales manager of Chateau on the Lake in

DURING AN APPOINTMENT

Branson, said, “I have gotten lots of RFPs [requests for proposals].”

Most of the meeting planners stayed for a day-and-a-half familiarization tour that combined delicious food, fun games and informative tours of area hotels.

“We want to showcase the Chicago experience right here in the Chicago suburbs,” said Beth Marchetti, executive director of the DuPage CVB. “We are taking planners to show our wonderful area.”

The afternoon and evening following the final marketplace included appetizers and drinks at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse; a tour, pizza and dessert on the terrace at The Table at Crate; and mini-golf and drinks at the Puttshack in Oak Brook.

The next day started with a photo in front of the Route 66 sign at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook and breakfast and a tour at the Crowne Plaza Chicago Southwest Burr Ridge.

After coffee and a tour of the Hotel Arista in Naperville, an exciting game of Whirlyball (like lacrosse in bumper cars) and lunch at Fogo De Chao, also in Naperville, the planners toured the Westin Chicago Lombard in Lombard and had dessert and played games at Sony, Wonderverse in Oak Brook before heading for home.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

MINI CHICAGO-STYLE PIZZAS

BREAK

DELEGATES PUTTING LOGOS ON BAGS

WHAT DESTINATIONS ARE SAYING

“The individual appointments are what drew us. A lot are asking about FAMs. I have met some great planners.”

Tanya Minor Visit Vancouver Vancouver, Washington

“You can have more intimate conversations and a longer time to get to know planners and get to learn what they want in a destination. And they get a feel for what we have.”

Kelsey Meyer Visit Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska

“I had nine good leads. The value was very good for me.”

Rebecca French

Manchester/Coffee County Conference Center Manchester, Tennessee

WHAT MEETING PLANNERS ARE SAYING

“I most enjoy meeting new people. It is more personal relationship-wise. It lives up to its name, it is a family.”

Bob Smith RTS and Associates Boyertown, Pennsylvania

“I am looking for smaller destinations, more second-tier cities. This gives me an opportunity to meet some of them. My time is much more useful.”

Lynn Lawson Event Prep Aurora, Colorado

“If it is not a good show, I don’t fool with it. I am looking to make relationships. This business is all about relationships, and Small Market Meetings is small enough to create those relationships.”

Brenda Glass

Superior Planning/Site Selection

New Port Ritchey, Florida

MEETING LEADERS

DEBBIE MCCUNE

DBY REBECCA TREON

ebbie McCune spent her early years in the sprawl of Los Angeles, but when she was in sixth grade, her family decided to trade big city living for a 27-acre farm in Oregon’s Rogue River Valley.

“In the late 1960s, a lot of families were looking for a better life somewhere outside of Southern California,” said McCune. “The only thing I made my parents promise me was that I’d get a horse.” Her dad, a contractor, built a new house that included a pasture for horses, cows, chickens, and several ducks that her youngest brother’s kindergarten class in L.A. had hatched as a project. “We were just city kids thrown out in the middle of the country, and we loved every minute of it,” she said. “We loved growing up there.”

Eventually, life took McCune about three hours north of the farm to Salem, Oregon’s capital city. Situated between Portland and Eugene, Salem has just under 200,000 residents. In the heart of Willamette Valley, it’s known for its beautiful scenery, world-class wines and agriculture, and flowers whose blooming season rivals destinations abroad. She got a job selling advertising at a local newspaper, and while working on an ad for Salem’s Quality Inn, the hotel’s manager hired her to do sales.

“That was how I just kind of fell into the hospitality industry,” she said. “When she told me she wanted me to work there as a sales manager, I remember saying to her, ‘What do you sell? I don’t even know what you’re selling!’ I ended up working at that hotel for five years.”

Since McCune was new to the Salem

community, she got busy learning all about her new hometown, from the best places to eat to the best places to spend time outdoors or have a cultural experience. Her role in hotel sales led her to get involved in the local Chamber of Commerce and what was, at the time, known as the Downtown Association. Before long, she took a sales role at Travel Salem, where she has now worked for the past 26 years.

“I jumped right in and got to know a lot of people,” she said. “It just felt like a natural fit — I’ve always been a good communicator, and that’s a big part of what I do. I’m a conduit between partners doing contracts and the people who have inventory. It’s been a good fit for me all these years.”

McCune sources meeting and event planners whose events would be a good fit for Salem. The city has the state’s fairgrounds and hosts a lot of sporting events including the only Iron Man in Oregon. There’s also a 29,000-foot convention space attached to The Grand Hotel. Another thing McCune loves promoting about the city is its accessibility to other things in the region — Willamette Valley’s wine country, Silver Falls State Park and agricultural tourism destinations.

McCune participates in numerous trade shows throughout the year to promote Salem and has noticed a shift in the industry since COVID —many new faces have joined the tourism business, and she has enjoyed getting to meet these newcomers.

“The reason I’ve been here for 26 years is because this has never, ever been boring to me,” she said. “I’ve forged so many great relationships over the years — there’s a camaraderie that I just love.”

“I’ve forged so many great relationships over the years — there’s a camaraderie that I just love.”

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

NAME Debbie McCune

TITLE

Director of Sales/Vice President

ORGANIZATION

Travel Salem

LOCATION

Salem, Oregon

BIRTHPLACE

Van Nuys, California

EDUCATION

Oregon State University 1974–75

CAREER HISTORY

•Quality Inn: sales manager (1993–98)

• Travel Salem: VP/director of sales (1998–present)

DEBBIE MCCUNE (LEFT) AND A COWORKER REPRESENT SALEM AT A MEETINGS CONFERENCE.

TIPS FROM DEBBIE MCCUNE

• Reach for the moon — even if you miss you’ll land in the stars.

• Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same thing.

• It’s going to be hard, but hard does not mean impossible.

PLANNING WITH PURPOSE Alex Springberg

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIAL EVENTS

GSF Events

Alex Springberg is the director of business development and special events at GSF Events, a Seattle-based event company that focuses exclusively on events for nonprofit organizations. She graduated from University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in retailing and consumer science in 2017 and held several event planning positions before landing a job at GSF Events, where she has worked for over four years.

Can you tell me about your journey at GSF Events?

A:I got my job at GSF Events as an event coordinator. It was a dream come true because I am able to work in events with nonprofit organizations, and it is super different day to day. Being able to work with multiple organizations is awesome because I am super passionate about nonprofits. That was about four-anda-half years ago, and slowly I started working on more events with my team. What’s really exciting is it’s a woman-owned business, and it’s the first time I’ve ever worked for a woman-owned business. I wanted to share with that, so it became a natural progression from event coordinator to event manager. Now I’m director of business development, and I help spread the word and grow our business.

QA:Do you have any advice for the newest generation of young professionals when it comes to landing their dream eventplanning job?

For me, it took me a long time to find a role that I love. I was spending so much time applying to jobs, networking, using my resources and going to different events, but I found what I didn’t like. It’s about trying different jobs and not being afraid to say, “I tried that and I didn’t love it, but I’m getting closer.” You should look at what you love to do in your daily life; I had never thought about turning it into a job before. I also think I had to be honest with myself and saying, “OK, I love doing things differently day to day; I like challenges; I like being busy. But I don’t love doing social media or that piece of it.” Being honest with my skill set made me really happy in my role. Being able to share what I could do worked out for me.

Does the newest generation of event planners face any challenges when it comes to finding a position that suits them and their vision for their career?

A:One thing people who are interested in event planning don’t realize is there’s a statistic out there that says it’s one of the top 10 most stressful jobs you can have. It’s next to jobs like medical dispatchers. It sounds silly to say, but it’s so stressful because you’re handling so many tasks at once. It’s hard for young professionals to realize the time they will spend, the hours they have to keep. It’s not a typical nine-to-five, so when they’re looking into the job they need to be open and honest with themselves and their employers, and say, “this is what I will do; this is what I won’t do.” They’ll need to start preparing themselves for what reality will look like.

What about advantages?

A:This new workforce is really resilient and is able to advocate for what’s important to them. There’s been a big change of awareness with work-life balance and making sure you’re not burning yourself out. With my organization, as we’ve brought on newer younger folks, we’ve found ways to advocate for our needs. On weeks when I am working six days, we do flex hours to make up for that. I feel like the younger generation is better at saying, “I want to prioritize work-life balance and mental health.” When you find a company that respects those wishes, it makes you happier in the long run. You can ask, “How many hours should I expect to work during busy season? What do you do to help combat burnout?” People didn’t always ask about that in interviews. Now, it’s also about “what can the company do for me as I’m doing all this work for them?”

What should the newest generation of planners know if they’re considering a job in nonprofit events?

A:I think one of the biggest things is the reason why we’re there; it’s being able to craft an event focused around an organization’s mission. Being able to share with those donors that are attending the reason why we’ve gathered, to support this organization and whatever they’re raising money for. And you have to do it in a creative way because you have a very limited budget. That’s one of the best parts of the job: I have to think creatively all the time and ask myself, “How can I spend money to yield a successful result for an organization?” When you’re working in nonprofits, there’s a financial need, and that can get stressful because you’re so focused on making the nonprofit hit their fundraising goals and succeed. But I have to remember that my job is making an amazing event.

For unforgettable scenery and unmatched service, Choose Redding

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

In Redding, California, the only thing that competes with the scenery is the service delivered by Choose Redding Lodging, an organization whose sole job is to attract and serve meetings and conventions.

In the state’s less-populated north, 120 miles from Oregon, Redding is known for its natural surroundings.

Mount Shasta is on the horizon, and the Sacramento River flows on downtown’s northern and eastern edges. Shasta Lake, the state’s largest manmade reservoir, is 10 miles north. It’s easy to forget you’re in a city of 100,000, 162 miles north of Sacramento. Those scenic spots often factor into meeting itineraries, whether it’s a dinner cruise on Shasta Lake, a stop to tour ancient caves, a bike ride on paved paths along the Sacramento River or a rafting trip down the Sacramento River.

A+ SUPPORT FOR PLANNERS

In planning those memorable activities and others as part of a meeting or conference, a meeting planner can be assured that Choose Redding will assist.

Her organization, says Choose Redding executive director Laurie Baker, is not the sort that simply points meeting planners toward local attractions and suppliers.

“We’ll be their tour guide,” she says. “If they want to ride motor-assisted bikes along the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail, we will lead the group, taking them to the bike rental and the trail. When they raft the river, one of our staff can go out with them.”

What Redding aims for is the highly personalized, almost psychic assistance that shoppers once enjoyed at a wellknown retailer, explains Baker. “Like Nordstrom, in the old days,” she says.

For example, when a harried planner told Tim Bauer, group events director, that she’d love to have a raffle during her conference but didn’t have time to pull it together, Bauer did the legwork for her, contacting local businesses and providing the planner with a list of raffle options.

Sponsorships are another way Choose Redding supports groups. “If there isn’t enough money in their budget for say, transportation needs, or for an after-hours event, we have discretionary funds that can be used to assist them,” says Baker.

The bureau has also created a gift certificate program to add value. Choose Redding buys $50 gift certificates from restaurants, attractions and other businesses. When an attendee books a stay of two nights or more through the hotel links at chooseredding.com, they can choose among gift certificates that pop up. Among recent options were Round Table Pizza, Le Testimony Organic Bistro, Extreme Escape Redding and Final Draft Brewing

“This program is a win-win,” says Baker. “It supports group business and local businesses.”

Baker points out that the website, chooseredding.com, is designed

strictly for meeting and event planners and is always being improved. Right now, work is being done to add schematics of meeting venues in the city.

VENUE SERVICES

Redding’s conference hotels also offer an advantage, with free parking and internet.

The city’s largest meetings are typically held at a pair of neighboring hotels just off I-5. The 125-room Holiday Inn Redding and the 192-room Red Lion Hotel Redding sit side by side and share a parking lot. They team up to serve larger groups, which can use the Holiday Inn’s 8,000 square foot divisible ballroom and the Red Lion’s 8,730 square feet of meeting space. For overflow, there are more than a half dozen cozy accommodations nearby. On the city’s south side, the 93-room Hilton Garden Inn Redding has a 1,722-square-foot conference room and a small meeting room.

The 130-room Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge, a LEED-certified property, is set apart by its location on the grounds of Turtle Bay Exploration Park, a 300-acre complex where a museum teaches about the area’s natural and human history; butterflies and birds flutter in nature exhibits; and a 20-acre Mediterranean garden and arboretum celebrate botanical life. Almost every aspect of Turtle Bay, from a pavilion and amphitheater to the museum and gardens, as well as nearby Sundial Bridge, a bike and pedestrian bridge that is a Redding icon, can become a meeting or event venue.

Inspection Insights

VETERAN PLANNERS SHARE TIPS

FOR MAKING THE MOST OF SITE VISITS

BY RACHEL CRICK

The opposite of a sight unseen is a site inspection.

There’s little room for leaps of faith in meeting planning, which is why every planner knows site inspections are critical when selecting a venue. They help planners find diamonds in the rough and save themselves from poor investments. They help things run smoothly later on and give planners a head start with designing meetings. But with so many things to look for, how can planners ensure they’re making the most of these brief visits? And in a world where time is at a premium more than ever, how can planners compromise if they can’t be everywhere at once?

Here’s what three industry experts have to say about maximizing site inspections.

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

Site inspections entail more than just a planner showing up with questions.

“It’s a collaborative team effort to make sure the customer is happy with the venue and on budget,” said Stephanie Mays Boyd, director of sales and marketing at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

On the planner’s end, one the best practices is agreeing to site inspections only when it’s appropriate. To save themselves and vendors time, Lynn Bjostad, owner and president of Premier Meeting and Event Management, recommends planners schedule site visits when they’re already most of the way through the RFP evaluation process. That way, they know the destination or venue is a serious contender for their event’s business, and the effort put into the preview trip isn’t undertaken in vain.

“[Venues] usually do quite a bit of prework before the site visit, so I would make sure it’s a valid location as I go through ®

“I definitely do my research on the hotel so I’m not wasting their time and I’m focused on what I need to know,” said Ann Luketic, a marketing specialist at Progressive Insurance who also plans events and incentives for the company’s agents.

Planners should also arrive prepared. To give everyone on the team a good idea of the expectations for an event, they should bring

On working with local partners for site inspections: “I rely on DMCs or CVBs. I connect with them early and rely on them to show me the best of the best.”

Ann Luketic

MARKETING SPECIALIST

Progressive Insurance Experience: 30 years

On what planners should do before a site inspection:

“It’s about doing your research and homework, knowing the space ahead of time and thinking through the space and how you want to use it.”

information, photos and specs about past events. A list of questions or a checklist is important, as is a basic floor plan. This ensures all parties have a heads-up on how the space will be used and the event’s general look and feel.

Venues can get just as much out of site inspections as planners.

“It’s a win-win, because we also have get to hear and understand the customer’s expectations and what they envision for their event,” Boyd said.

Lynn Bjostad

OWNER AND PRESIDENT

Premier Meeting and Event Management Experience: 30+ years

From the venue standpoint, best practices include making sure planners can tour all the meeting space they will require for the event. They shouldn’t be traveling hours only to find that the ballroom is booked and they can’t tour it.

Boyd added that venues should bring all relevant departments in for the site inspection. That includes representatives for catering, audiovisual and labor, or any others who will be involved in the event itself. That facilitates a robust conversation about the expectations for the event and keeps the entire team in the loop. That team should also include the local convention and visitors bureau or other destination marketing organization.

“We partner with the CVB, so we make sure on that site tour that there’s a rep from the CVB and hotel, so the client will have an opportunity to talk with them,” Boyd said.

THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

Site inspections are all about making sure a venue’s details align with the planner’s vision for the meeting. If they’ve done their due diligence, planners should be able to answer most of the big questions about the site prior to arriving. However, there are plenty of details that are easy to miss or overlook.

“The devil is in the details, even in the site visit,” Bjostad said. “It’s always best to find out before you move into contract.”

Some of the more commonly missed details include small behind-the-scenes things, like the number of electrical outlets, the size of the loading docks or the required permits. Logistics like restroom quantities and the flow of elevators and escalators also must be addressed, as they can impact the attendee experience.

Accessibility is another big item to look for. Just because a ballroom is accessible to disabled attendees doesn’t mean the hotel rooms will be and vice versa.

“I like to walk through the event from the eyes of the attendee,” Luketic said. “And also the exhibitors or even the planning team. I want to know what each of their experiences will be.”

A site inspection also is a chance to look for branding and marketing opportunities, such as places to display event signage.

Site inspections are about more than just the site of the meeting; they’re also a way for the planner to experience the area surrounding the venue. An important and often-missed detail during site inspections is what’s around the site. If the hotel is perfect, but it’s in a sketchy part of town where attendees will feel unsafe, that’s an important consideration.

“One of the things I love to do is meet the locals and learn the local flavor,” Luketic said. “Give yourself ample time to explore the city to get to know what the hotspots are; those are places you’ll want to direct your guests to when they have free time.”

That’s where having a CVB partner can really help. They can join planners on the site inspection, then arrange city tours and show the planners all the best local restaurants and attractions.

IF THEY CAN’T BE THERE

Meeting and event planners are among the busiest people in the workforce. Many planning companies are stretched for budget, staff and time. If they plan dozens of events each year, thorough site inspections may be difficult to organize

“At the end of the day, it’s planning, communication and making sure everybody’s on the same page. There might be something the venue can offer the meeting planner hasn’t thought of.”

Stephanie

Mays Boyd

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

Pennsylvania Convention Center Experience: 33 years

Expect Wall-to-Wall inspiration.

Meetings in Paducah, KY

It’s rare to find a city that ignites inspiration at every corner. Paducah, KY, delivers on all fronts, starting with over 60 “Wall to Wall” Murals that capture years of rich history on Paducah’s floodwall. Add in the thriving downtown full of boutique shops, charming restaurants, live music and hands-on experiences and you’ll be amazed at how this UNESCO Creative City impacts and inspires your next meeting.

More Reasons to Meet in Paducah

• 20 flexible meeting spaces along the riverfront in Downtown Paducah

• Brand name, historic and boutique-style lodging

• Access to signature experiences that bring local art, culture and history to life

Find the perfect fit for your convention, meeting or event with the help of our complimentary planning services today! Contact Lynda Peters-Jones, Director of Sales, at lynda@paducah.travel.

"Wall to Wall" Murals

and attend. So what happens if planners can’t attend a site inspection or they don’t have the time to inspect the surrounding area and meet vendors?

“So many of us are doing so much more with less staff that we’re sometimes limited to relying on each other for site checks, or having to do a virtual ones,” Luketic said.

Virtual site inspections, which had their moment when the pandemic halted travel and in-person meetings, are no longer the industry standard. However, these are still a viable option in some cases, such as when a planner is too busy to travel.

Technology has made 360-degree viewing of hotels and venues possible, including certain sleeping rooms. However, additional communication with the venue about the often-missed details, such as accessibility or parking, is also important. Recorded tours are available in some venues.

Do conferences have to be so conventional? Whether you’re here for a client meeting, staff brainstorming session, or another corporate event, Coastal Mississippi has the place for you. From boutique hotels to convention centers, you can find the right space to make your meeting a success. And when you’re done with those fiscal year briefings, don’t forget to enjoy the fantastic food, late night games, and scenic beaches. Work hard, and then go have some fun for fun’s sake. Visit coastalmississippi.com for more information.

“Oftentimes there is a list of questions [planners] have prior to the site tour; we can certainly answer those by having a teams meeting so we can both do the recorded tour at the same time,” Boyd said.

Relying on testimonials from other planners and industry professionals is a great way to vet a place even if a planner can’t be there in-person. It’s also useful if they only have time to visit the venue and don’t get to experience the city firsthand. Other contacts can give a description of the local culture, recommend vendors and even report problems they experienced.

“If it’s an area I don’t have a vendor in, I would go to the CVB or sales person at the hotel and ask who they use,” Bjostad said.

“One of the things I love to do is meet the locals and learn the local flavor. Give yourself ample time to explore the city to get to know what the hotspots are; those are places you’ll want to direct your guests to when they have free time.”

— Ann Luketic, Progressive Insurance

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Don’t miss the meeting opportunities at these state parks

BY RACHEL CRICK

The sprawling landscape of the United States is dappled with state parks that have a variety of gorgeous scenery and recreational offerings. They make great weekend getaways for leisure travelers, but they’re also hidden gems for meeting planners. Many state parks come equipped with quality conference or convention centers for hosting secluded events surrounded by nature.

For great events in the great outdoors, planners should look to some of these conference and convention venues for their next meeting.

KENTUCKY DAM VILLAGE STATE RESORT PARK GILBERTSVILLE, KENTUCKY

Located on the shores of Kentucky Lake in the western portion of the state, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is known for golf, fishing and boating. The park is close to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area and the city of Paducah. Established following the construction of the Kentucky Dam and the creation of the lake in the 1940s, the resort has since become a AAA three-diamond property.

The park’s meeting facilities include a convention center adjacent to the main lodge. It totals over 6,000 square feet of meeting space and can be divided into three distinct spaces perfect for smaller meetings or breakout spaces. The convention center’s maximum capacity is 525 attendees for a banquet or reception. It comes equipped with a kitchen. More meeting space can be found within the 72-room lodge, including a terrace and a meeting room that can accommodate 60 for a banquet. The property’s Village Green Meeting Room also has a capacity of 60 and an outdoor patio.

Above: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park has a convention center and additional meeting space for hosting events.

Courtesy Kentucky Department of Parks

After the meeting, attendees can head to the 18hole Kentucky Dam Village State Park Golf Course or hit the marina for a trip out on the lake. Kayak rentals and an outdoor pool are offered seasonally. The park’s Harbor Lights Restaurant is another great choice for off-sites.

parks.ky.gov

OZARK FOLK CENTER STATE PARK

MOUNTAIN VIEW, ARKANSAS

Established following the construction of the Kentucky Dam and the creation of the lake in the 1940s, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park has since become a AAA threediamond property.

Just north of the town of Mountain View, the Ozark Folk Center State Park combines Ozark Mountain heritage with what Arkansas is known for — its parks. Open from April to October, the park contains a Craft Village, where visitors can watch artisans handcraft items such as home goods, jewelry and art. Adding to atmosphere is an extensive herb garden and opportunities to hear plenty of music. And for those looking to extend their stay, the park has a lodge, cabins and a few restaurant options.

The park is also home to plenty of facilities for meetings and events. Though groups may have to work around the park’s busy visitor schedule, it has 53 guest rooms. The Ozark Highlands Theater hosts concerts and events in its 1,000-seat auditorium and is available for events during its off season. The Bois d’ Arc Center, the park’s conference center, has a meeting room for up to 70 attendees, while the park

Kentucky Dam Village scenes, clockwise from left: Golfing at the park’s golf course; a patio outside the meeting room; the convention center set-up

Courtesy Kentucky Department of Parks

offers additional auditoriums and breakout rooms for planners to choose from. The public dining room can be reserved during the off season.

The park’s catering team can handle everything from casual box lunches to banquets and also provides A/V equipment.

arkansasstateparks.com

LODGE AT MARCONI MARSHALL, CALIFORNIA

Formerly known as the Marconi Conference Center and State Historic Park, the Lodge at Marconi is on Tomales Bay in Marconi State Historic Park. The 62-acre park and lodge are renowned for their tranquility, though there’s plenty to do. Guests can go hiking, hang out on the beach, play volleyball or take part in a giant chess game. Yoga and wine tastings are held weekly, and nearby activities such as kayaking, oyster farm tours, and cheese tastings and tours are also available. The area is also popular for watching wildlife.

The 62-acre Marconi State Historic Park and Lodge at Marconi are renowned for their tranquility, though there’s plenty to do. Yoga and wine tastings are held weekly, and nearby activities such as kayaking, oyster farm tours, and cheese tastings and tours are also available to guests.

Ozark Folk Center

State Park scenes, clockwise from left: A performance inside the theater; interior of a cabin; an aerial view of the cabins

Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Colorado Springs

Meet in the middle.

Halfway to just about anywhere and tucked into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs plays backdrop to thousands of meetings and events each year. You handle the agenda and we’ll take care of after-hours “breakout sessions’ at local gastropubs, trails and museums.

You’ll never compromise when you meet in the middle.

In addition to its 45 guest rooms, the Lodge at Marconi has eight indoor and outdoor event spaces. The lodge’s largest indoor event space features high ceilings and views of Tomales Bay and the park. It has a capacity of 106. McCargo Hall is an L-shaped space with a capacity of 40, while Cypress and Pine Halls are two adjacent halls with a capacity of 45 each. The lodge’s main dining space, Redwood Dining Hall, can also be used as event space and can seat 100; it has a wraparound deck for outdoor seating. Outdoor spaces include Tower Hill, found on the state park’s highest point; Meadow, complete with a tent; and an amphitheater that holds 40.

“The lodge has such a variety of meeting spaces,” said Lodge at Marconi co-owner Rodney Fong. “Some are outdoors under the trees, some on a grassy field, some in meeting rooms and some on top of a hill. Many of us have been to multi-day meetings, but when you can transform the meeting spaces like that it’s beneficial because it feels like a completely new space.”

lodgeatmarconi.com

WARREN CONFERENCE CENTER AND INN ASHLAND, MASSACHUSETTS

Located in Ashland, a small town outside of Boston, the Warren Conference Center and Inn offers serenity and a great New England backdrop for meetings. It’s on 100 acres in Ashland State Park, with beautiful views of the Ashland Reservoir. Ashland State Park has 470 acres of lush forests and water features and includes popular hiking and biking trails. Water activities such as kayaking and boating are also well loved activities on the reservoir.

The Warren Conference Center was established in 1992 and can host meetings, events and retreats for groups with up to 150 guests. The center’s formal dining room, found in its Hayden Lodge, offers 2,400 square feet of meeting space with plenty of natural light and a beautiful stone fireplace. There’s also the Reservoir Room, totaling over 1,500 square feet and accommodating up to 100 theater-style with the op-

Lodge

from left: The outdoor courtyard; the lodge’s outdoor event space; Redwood Dining Hall

at Marconi scenes, clockwise

By Brian Ferry, courtesy Lodge at Marconi

tion of dividing the space in two. The Warren House contains five additional rooms suited for meetings accommodating groups of eight to 100.

The conference center offers meeting packages that come with selected meals, and options of additional food and beverage, team building, watercraft rental and extended meeting hours. Each meeting room comes equipped with projectors and sound systems. warrencenter.com

FORT WORDEN CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTER

PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON

Fort Worden Historical State Park encompasses 432 acres, including hiking trails, museums and historic buildings that have been incorporated into event facilities and lodging. The historic fort was constructed from 1898 to 1920 to defend Puget Sound from invasion. It became a state park in 1971 and is also a National Historic Landmark.

“Port Townsend is on the water with two miles of coastline, a sandy beach and a variety of hiking trails,” said Natalie Maitland, director of operations for Fort Worden Hospitality. “There’s a lot for people to take in the nature that’s around them, and then there’s the modern conveniences of the conference center.”

Fort Worden Conference and Event Center comprises 92 acres of the property’s historical and contemporary buildings. Its numerous spaces can host events of many sizes. For a banquet, one of the venues known as Commons can accommodate 400 attendees and features four different spaces within. Chapel, located in the fort’s historic church, is another great banquet venue with vaulted ceilings, wood floors and a capacity of 115.

Smaller meeting venues include any of the eight rooms within the historic schoolhouse or some of the smaller rooms within Building 204. Other notable venues include USO, once used as a dance hall,

Fort Worden Conference and Event Center scenes, clockwise from left: Walking by the fort’s lighthouse; historic barracks at the fort; the historic campus

Courtesy Fort Worden Hospitality

and Wheeler Theater, which offers seating for 261 attendees. Catering, audiovisual and additional planning staff are available through Fort Worden Hospitality. Lodging is also available in historic homes and barracks on the campus.

fortworden.org

“Port Townsend is on the water with two miles of coastline, a sandy beach and a variety of hiking trails. There’s a lot for people to take in the nature that’s around them.”

— Natalie Maitland, Fort Worden Hospitality

Discover. Meet. Enjoy.

We understand not every moment may be leisure time during your stay, but our flexible meeting spaces are designed for comfort nonetheless. All in close proximity to our region’s best accommodations, you’ll find no better place to mix business with pleasure than Williamsburg. For inquiries, please contact: 757-920-6294 | sales@visitwilliamsburg.com | visitwilliamsburg.com

Courtesy Fort Worden Hospitality

AN EVENT AT FORT WORDEN CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTER

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SWEET SPOT

All photos courtesy Visit Virginia Beach (except where noted)

than 7,000 of Virginia Beach’s hotel rooms are situated on or near the Atlantic Ocean.

Business and pleasure mix seamlessly in Virginia Beach

VBY TOM ADKINSON

irginia Beach is in a sweet spot. Located at the midway point on the Atlantic Seaboard, it is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population and 20 minutes from an international airport and an Amtrak station. Its miles of beaches, including frontage on Chesapeake Bay, come alive with each sunrise. And it has an awesome celebrity greeter. That greeter is the 24-foot-tall bronze statue of King Neptune that reigns over the beachfront and is a perfect backdrop for photos taken to recall meetings here.

VIRGINIA BEACH AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: Coastal Virginia

ACCESS: Interstates 64 and 95 at the midpoint of the Atlantic Seaboard; 18 miles to Norfolk International Airport and Amtrak Rail Station

HOTEL ROOMS: More than 10,000

CONTACT INFO: Visit Virginia Beach 800-700-7702 visitvirginiabeach.com/meetings

VIRGINIA BEACH CONVENTION CENTER

Jackson Convention Complex

BUILT: 2005–2007

EXHIBIT SPACE: 150,000 square feet, column-free

OTHER MEETING SPACES: 31,000-square-foot ballroom; 27 breakout rooms

MEETING HOTELS

Historic Cavalier Resort — Marriott Autograph Collection

GUEST ROOMS: 85

MEETING SPACE: 9,885 square feet

Delta Hotel Virginia Beach Waterfront

GUEST ROOMS: 295 suites

MEETING SPACE: 12,257 square feet

Westin Town Center

GUEST ROOMS: 235

MEETING SPACE: 11,266 square feet

WHO’S MEETING IN VIRGINIA BEACH

Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment

ATTENDEES: 700

Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

ATTENDEES: 200

Destination Highlights

“

Beach” is the key word here, even if a business meeting is your primary reason to head for Virginia’s most populous city (approximately 450,000 in a metro region approaching 1.8 million people). The city’s landmark attraction is long, lean and sandy — a threemile boardwalk with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and an array of restaurants, hotels, shops, parks and other diversions on the other side. Seven thousand of the city’s 10,000 hotel rooms are on or near the water.

Sally Noona, director of convention sales and marketing for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, certainly loves the city’s natural appeal, but she says the residents make it extra special for visitors, both meeting attendees and leisure travelers.

“Virginia Beach is a community of servant hearts,” Noona said. “It is upbeat and happy to serve our visitors. That’s a pervasive feeling here. Just being around the water in this beautiful place opens people to good experiences.”

Meeting attendees can sample that hospitality individually through a digital Virginia Beach Savings Pass that delivers deals at attractions, restaurants and activities, while meeting planners can get a warm glow, too, with a “Beach Bundle” from the CVB. The “Beach Bundle” is a tiered menu of bonuses for bigger meetings (1,000 or more room nights). Bonus options include hotel-to-convention center shuttles, sponsored entertainment or rental assistance for special events.

Although the city’s fame starts with the beach, it offers much more. Noona points to the Town Center district, a walkable 17-block inland area with shopping, dining and entertainment. And she’s also keen on the ViBe Creative District, a hub of art and cultural activity that’s closer to the beach. Art, particularly colorful murals, are a ViBe hallmark. The ViBe Mural Festival, which already has funded 63 public murals, adds 10 more from national and local artists every autumn.

Distinctive Venues

Everyone will remember a reception at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. It’s not just anywhere that meeting attendees can mingle with sea turtles, great barracuda, green moray eels, harbor seals and even a Komodo dragon. Outside of the summer months, the aquarium’s tour boats can take meeting groups to commune with dolphins and sometimes even whales. Close to the beach, dining and entertainment venues such as Beachside Social and The Shack offer spaces for smaller groups to kick back and relax.

On the land side, the Sandler Performing Arts Center in Town Center is a versatile location for big receptions in its 5,000-square-foot atrium lobby, special performances in its 1,300-seat auditorium and intimate gatherings in the Miller Studio Theater (200 guests for a reception of 120 for dinner).

The Military Aviation Museum, one of the world’s largest private collections of World War I and World War II aircraft, is an unexpected event location. You can inspect a P-51 Mustang, a B-25 bomber, a Curtiss Jenny and a Sopwith Strutter and then enjoy a box lunch and conversations with pilots and mechanics who keep those planes airworthy. A super-special treat is arranging for a meeting attendee to board a vintage biplane for a flight over the beachfront.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

DISTINCTIVE VENUES A beach selfie

Virginia Aquarium

Courtesy Virginia Aquarium

Military Aviation Museum

The Shack

Major Meeting Spaces

The crown jewel for meetings is the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This 500,000-square-foot facility includes 150,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space, a 31,000-square-foot ballroom and 27 breakout rooms. A big bragging point is that it was the nation’s first convention center to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold certification for an existing building.

As big as the convention center is, it also has places for intimate gatherings in a 147-foot-tall glass and steel tower, where a 500-square-foot observation deck delivers panoramic views. The tower also has a ground level space for a 75-person reception, a boardroom that seats 21 and a VIP lounge that can accommodate 50 for a reception or 30 for a banquet.

A few miles inland, the 245-room Founders Inn and Spa in Hilton’s Tapestry Collection has more than 40,000 square feet of event space, including 23 meeting rooms, a 12,876-square-foot ballroom and a 78-seat amphitheater.

AFTER HOURS

After the Meeting

Temptations to stay in this corner of Virginia abound, especially reasons of the historic kind. As Jim Coggin, tourism manager for the Virginia Beach CVB put it, “Virginia is America’s history. Everything that has happened in the U.S. has a connection here. There’s no more historic state that has shaped the U.S. than Virginia.”

A post-meeting itinerary could start right in Virginia Beach at the National Park Service’s Cape Henry Memorial, where the colonists who established the first permanent English settlement in North America landed in 1607. Today’s Jamestown Settlement attraction provides an illuminating look at life in a Colonial English fort from 1610–14. You even can try on some English armor, but be advised that it’s heavy and awkward. A sister attraction is the American Revolution Museum, where you can feel the power of cannons in the “Siege of Yorktown,” a 12-minute presentation on a curved 180-degree screen.

Nearby, Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest U.S. history museum, is preparing for its centennial in 2026. It offers 301 acres of the original city, 89 original buildings, 515 reconstructed buildings, lodging, restaurants and modern resort amenities colonists couldn’t imagine.

Newport News and Norfolk are two more history-laden neighbors. The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News (“America’s National Maritime Museum,” according to Congress) is loaded with model ships, nautical paintings and small watercraft from around the world. A highlight presentation explains the first battle between ironclads ships, the Civil War’s Monitor and the Merrimac.

A more serene experience is a cruise in Norfolk on the American Rover, a three-masted schooner. Its outings are on the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. A sister vessel, the Victory Rover, cruises you through Naval Station Norfolk to see some of America’s contemporary warships.

MAJOR MEETING SPACES

MAJOR MEETING SPACES

American Rover

An event setup in the convention center ballroom

Virginia Beach Convention Center

Missouri Charm

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

Located almost exactly in the middle of the map, Missouri is a popular meeting destination for both the Midwest and for planners who are bringing in attendees from all corners of the country. And while St. Louis and Kansas City are both estimable in their own right, the smaller cities have unique personalities and offer relaxed charm.

There’s natural beauty around the state as well, from the lazily majestic Mississippi River to gently rolling hills and the dramatic scenery of the Ozark Mountains. Here are five destinations in the Show-Me State to consider for your next meeting.

HERMANN

In the 1830s, the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia sought a place to establish a traditional “heart of German-America” to perpetuate traditional German culture. The rolling hills of mid-Missouri reminded scouts of their homeland in the Rhein Valley. They called the new settlement Hermann and planted grapevines. Prior to Prohibition, the area was the second-largest wine producer in the country. Today, meeting planners will find a variety of venues in this small town, accommodating groups of up to 300. The historic Showboat Theatre welcomes up to 250 guests, and the Sherry House at Stone Hill Winery (the state’s largest) can seat up to 300. For lodging, choices range from elegant spa suites to cozy cottages, and the walkable historic district infuses meeting atmospheres with Old World Charm. Be sure to take a stroll or a cycle at Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed rail-trail in the country, and grab a bratwurst or schnitzel at the Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern. Built in 1878, it’s the oldest continually operating tavern west of the Mississippi.

visithermann.com

Courtesy VisitMo.com

MEETING ATTENDEES CAN ENJOY GERMAN HERITAGE AND EXCELLENT WINERIES IN HERMANN.

COLUMBIA

Centrally located and a quintessential college town, Columbia combines big-city amenities and laid-back hospitality to make this destination a standout. The city is home to the University of Missouri and two colleges (Stephens and Columbia), and all three campuses surround the walkable downtown area. “The District,” as it is known, is home to a food scene that punches well above its weight, along with a solid collection of independent shops and entertainment venues. The town is also a hub for events and is home to True/False, one of the country’s best documentary film festivals.

Columbia offers a variety of meeting space options that planners love and an array of team-building activities for groups of all sizes. The 298-room Holiday Inn Executive Center and Columbia Expo Center has 40,000 square feet of meeting space, while the Courtyard by Marriott (133 rooms), the Hilton Garden Inn (151) and the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center (181) all have more than 10,000 square feet. The downtown 62-room Tiger Hotel is another excellent choice. Built in 1928, the recently remodeled landmark can hold seated events for up to 200 in its elegant Grand Ballroom. Alternate venues include the historic Blue Note (for up to 500) and the Missouri Theatre (capacity 1,200), both right downtown. Bur Oak Brewing Company can hold up to 480 guests, and the Orr Street Gallery has meeting space for 200 and a 950-square-foot outdoor area.

The town offers plenty of adventure in the great outdoors, with 70 city parks, 50 miles of trails and an awe-inspiring rock bridge at the aptly named Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. For more fun, bring your group to The Blufftop at Rocheport. This trailside vineyard offers magnificent views of the Missouri River, a wine tasting room, a gift shop and live entertainment at the A-Frame.

visitcolumbiamo.com

HANNIBAL

Legendary humorist and author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was born and raised in Hannibal, as was the Titanic survivor known as “the Unsinkable Molly Brown.” This vibrant little town’s history is evident in every neighborhood. The picturesque riverfront remains a busy hub for riverboats, just as it was in Twain’s time, and its downtown would still be recognizable to its most famous citizens.

Named St. Petersburg in Twain’s writings, Hannibal was immortalized through real-life stories from his childhood, evoking the excitement of a rapidly growing river town, the majesty and mystery surrounding the Mississippi River, and the lush and beautiful surroundings of bluffs, woods, creeks, and of course, the Twain’s famous cave.

Visitors can tour the Mark Twain Museum, which offers its conference room for rental, and many other unique places are available to host meetings for up to 200 people. For an unforgettable event, book a two-hour dinner cruise on the Mark Twain

By Rachel Grant, courtesy VisitColumbiaMo.com

THE MIZZOU CAMPUS

THE A-FRAME WINEGARDEN OUTSIDE COLUMBIA

Riverboat. Serving up to 200, the journey includes a buffet dinner and live entertainment. Once a popular movie theater, the completely restored Rialto Banquet Hall can now seat up to 300 guests and also features an outdoor courtyard. The 94-room Quality Inn and Suites has event space for up to 300. Seven miles outside of town, the Pointe D’Vine Vineyard and Venue is nestled on 35 acres, offering a lovely setting for private events.

Downtown, visitors can indulge their sweet tooth and their taste for nostalgia at Jill’s Hand Picked Treasures and John’s Soda Pop Shop, an old-fashioned soda counter that features more than 100 vintage sodas, floats, and ice cream treats.

For lodging, there’s an 83-unit Holiday Inn and Suites, along with the beautifully restored 1871 Italianate Dubach Inn and many other options.

visithannibal.com

CAPE GIRARDEAU

Farther south down the mighty Mississippi, the town of Cape Girardeau is rich in history and natural beauty. Founded as a trading post in 1733 by Jean Baptiste De Girardot, the city flourished as a trading post. Louis Lorimier established a Spanish military post in 1793, welcoming Lewis and Clark as they headed on their westward expedition. Steamboats arrived in 1835, and Cape Girardeau became an important center between St. Louis and Memphis.

Steamboats on river cruises still stop at the port, and the Cape River Heritage Museum (located in the old Cape Fire Station) displays river-related artifacts. The city is protected by a 1.3-mile, 16-foot-tall floodwall, and two murals along the “Great Wall” display the city’s history in colorful paintings.

Meeting space abounds, including 14,000 square feet of space at the 168-room Drury Plaza Hotel and Conference Center and 7,450 square feet at the 69-room Riverview Hotel and Century Casino Event Center. After hours, there’s plenty of fun, including

Legendary humorist and author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was born and raised in Hannibal. For an unforgettable event, book a two-hour dinner cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat. Serving up to 200, the journey includes a buffet dinner and live entertainment.

Courtesy Hannibal CVB

HANNIBAL’S MARK TWAIN RIVERBOAT

Courtesy VisitCape.com

THE RIVERVIEW EVENT CENTER IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

Prospect League baseball games at Capaha Field, where attendees can root for the home team, Cape Catfish, against rivals like the Thrillville Thrillbillies. Downtown Cape boasts cute shops and fun food, like Cajun fare at Broussard’s and Dogwood Social House with arcade games, bowling and relaxed dining. visitcape.com

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS

Known for its healing waters, Excelsior Springs is a quaint town north of Kansas City with four National Register Districts and three local Landmarks Districts. The Hall of Waters is open for visitors to explore and learn more about the town’s history.

Groups will want to stay and play at the grand Elms Hotel and Spa. With 16 acres of manicured grounds and 11,000 square feet of elegantly restored meeting space, this 153-room property has hosted gangsters such as Al Capone and Pretty Boy Floyd, as well as movie stars and most famously, former U.S. President Harry Truman.

When attendees aren’t enjoying the Elms, they can explore downtown Excelsior Springs via trolley. The trolley offers wine tours with dinner and wine at four different venues around town. For award-winning barbecue and live music, gather at the Wabash BBQ and Ice House Blues Garden, located in the depot of the Wabash railroad.

State parks and historic sites nearby include the Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site, and the Jesse James Farm and Museum. visitexcelsior.com

Courtesy VisitMo.com

THE ELMS HOTEL AND SPA IN EXCELSIOR SPRINGS

HILL

Small-Town Ohio

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

When planners consider convenient and scenic Ohio, it’s usually the larger cities that come to mind. While these are well equipped to accommodate conventions and meetings, smaller towns and suburbs can also offer advantages. Among them are lower costs and less congestion, outdoor activities and the opportunity to take in sights and activities in the nearby bigger cities.

Ohio stretches from the shores of Lake Erie — which offers anglers the opportunity to catch more consumable fish than the four other Great Lakes combined — to the high hills and plunging valleys of the Appalachian Plateau. Cleveland to Cincinnati, Akron to Zanesville, you’re sure to

find a destination that’s perfect for your meeting’s particular needs.

Here are five great places to evaluate when you’re looking to plan an event in the beautiful Buckeye State.

NEWBURY

Planners seeking a destination that blends history, natural beauty and unique culture will want to put Newbury, a charming northeastern locale just 40 miles from Cleveland, on their meetings map. The area’s primary meeting venue is Punderson Manor at Punderson State Park. Owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and operated by Great Ohio Lodges, the manor is a gracious English Tudor-style mansion settled next to a 150-acre glacial lake. Named for Lemuel Punderson, who settled on the lake in 1808, Punderson Manor is surrounded by acres of pristine forest including a boardwalk and miles of hiking trails.

Courtesy Ohio DNR

GROUPS CAN MEET IN A TUDOR-STYLE MANSION AT PUNDERSON STATE PARK IN NEWBURY.

The lodge’s conference center has more than 4,000 square feet of function space and four function rooms that can accommodate up to 100 guests. For entertainment there’s a marina, disc golf and the 72-par Punderson State Park Golf Course.

Punderson Manor is located near one of Ohio’s largest Amish settlements. Watch out for traditional horse-drawn buggies while exploring antique emporiums, quilt shops, and stores offering crafts, cheese, maple syrup and delicious old-fashioned treats to please every palate.

pundersonmanor.com

DUBLIN

Faith and begorrah! Located only 20 minutes from the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Dublin is a lucky destination for meeting planners.

“Dublin is a pristine, historic and forward-thinking community, full of Irish experiences, new developments and true charm,” said Joshua Bricker, sales manager for Visit Dublin. “We cherish celebration and reuniting with familiar faces.”

Home to the largest three-day Irish festival in the world, the city celebrates the St. Patrick spirit 365 days per year. Planners will appreciate the convenience of three full-service meetings hotels and four conference and event centers, including the Exchange at Bridge Park. Accommodating up to 700 diners, the venue is adjacent to the scenic Scioto River and Dublin’s historic downtown.

Golfers may wish to converge at The Club at Tartan Fields, which boasts a stunning Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course and spaces that can accommodate events and meetings from intimate to extravagant. The Dublin Integrated Education Center has 15,000 square feet of meeting space spread over three floors, along with a 130-seat auditorium, while the Conference Center at OCLC features a light-filled, 2,000-square-foot, two-story atrium and 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Visitors will want to wander through downtown’s cozy Irish-influenced pubs and unique boutiques. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium shelters more than 10,000 animals, and its Zoombezi Bay water park thrills with 17 waterslides, a wave pool and lazy rivers.

visitdublinohio.com

SHAKER HEIGHTS AND BEECHWOOD

Only eight miles from the heart of downtown Cleveland, Shaker Heights is an oasis of tree-lined streets and historic, architecturally distinctive homes, nestled in diverse, welcoming and walkable neighborhoods — and it’s the only suburb with light rail. Next door, its sister suburb of Beechwood offers lots of lodging choices and its own attractions, including Beachwood Place, which features over 100 shops and restaurants.

Named for the Shaker utopian religious community, leafy Shaker Heights has been designated a Tree City by the Nation-

SHOPS IN DOWNTOWN DUBLIN

Photos courtesy Visit Dublin

A PERFORMANCE AT THE DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL

al Arbor Day Foundation for the past 39 years and has also earned the foundation’s Growth Award for the past 13 years. Interesting places for meetings and events include two coworking spaces: The Dealership, which can accommodate 220 people, and Ao, which can host up to 40. Ao is located in the downtown Van Aken District, which has galleries, shops and loads of dining options in the Aken Market Hall.

Guests looking for activities after their meetings will find an engaging and modern nature center; a history museum, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage and the cultural attractions of Cleveland’s University Circle. There are excellent hiking options in the Cleveland Metroparks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, along with Preston’s H.O.P.E., a unique outdoor playground that welcomes children who use special equipment such as crutches, wheelchairs, etc. to play alongside other children — with or without disabilities. Lodging options in Beechwood include a number of properties by Hilton, Marriott and IHG.

DOWNTOWN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

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shakerheightsoh.gov beechwoodohio.com

HIKING IN CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK NEAR SHAKER HEIGHTS

By Bob Trinnes, courtesy NPS

Meagan Drabik Sales Manager

MASON

Groups that will have families in attendance will definitely want to put Mason on their list of potential meeting destinations. Located about 20 minutes north of downtown Cincinnati, “Ohio’s Largest Playground” is home to a wide variety of kid-friendly attractions that will keep the entire group occupied and entertained.

Built in 1972, Kings Island is one of the nation’s classic amusement parks, covering 364 acres and home to The Beast, which at 7,361 feet is the longest wooden roller coaster in the world. Smaller children will love Planet Snoopy. Expanded this season with Camp Snoopy, it features a family-friendly roller coaster, shaded play areas and the park’s signature Blue Ice Cream.

“Mason in general just is a really awesome place,” said Scott Hutchinson, director of marketing and communications for Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In additions to attractions like Kings Island, there is a ton going on in terms of the restaurant scene and community events that appeal to visitors.”

For event space and family fun in the same location,

Your event should make a statement –Memorable. Elevated. Entertaining. From trade shows and corporate meetings to conventions and elegant galas for thousands of people, the John S. Knight Center is the ideal location for your next event.

MASON’S GREAT WOLF LODGE

Courtesy Great Wolf Lodge/Warren Co. CVB

planners will want to center their meetings at Great Wolf Lodge. In addition to an enormous indoor water park featuring 15 water slides and aquatic attractions, the lodge has more than 400 suites, 20,341 square feet of meeting space, 15 breakout rooms, a games arcade and a variety of restaurants. For off-site adventures, history and aviation buffs will want to make their way to nearby Miamisburg. The well-preserved earthen structure served as a burial ground for the Adana Native American tribe and is the largest conical burial mound east of the Mississippi. The free Wright B. Flyer Museum and Hangar celebrates the legacy of the Wright brothers at America’s first airplane factory.

ohioslargestplayground.com

SANDUSKY AND SURROUNDS

Want water? Then center your next meeting along the shores and on the islands of mighty Lake Erie, where Sandusky, Cedar Point, Put-In-Bay and neighboring communities are ready to welcome groups of all sizes. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions has more than 1,000 rooms and can accommodate up to 5,000 guests in 215,000 square feet of authentic African-inspired meeting spaces.

Seeking something more intimate? Say “all aboard” and hop a ferry to Kelleys Island Venture Resort, which has 31 luxury suites and a conference room, and where the preferred mode of transportation around the island is by golf cart. The Caribbean-themed Put-in-Bay Resort and Conference Center has five full-service meeting rooms accommodating groups of up to 400 and offers fun team-building activities including golf, fishing expeditions, and themed entertainment around the heated pool and swim-up bar.

Attendees can visit one of the area’s six lighthouses; explore history and heritage, including the birthplace of Thomas Edison and the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums; head to an amusement park; or indulge in retail therapy at one of the many unique shops and boutiques. shoresandislands.com

“Dublin is a pristine, historic and forwardthinking community, full of Irish experiences, new developments and true charm.”

— Joshua Bricker, Visit Dublin

PERRY’S VICTORY AND INTERNATIONAL PEACE MEMORIAL IN PUT-IN-BAY

Courtesy Shores and Islands

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Team Builing with a View?

IT’S A SHORE THING

Plan a memorable event in Shores & Islands Ohio! Enjoy exhilarating roller coasters, ferry rides to lovely islands, and revitalized downtowns with welcoming atmospheres. Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned regular, experiences here stay in your heart for a lifetime. Find your Lake Erie Love at meetings.SHORESandISLANDS.com.

•Conference Support Grant up to $5000

•8000+ Rooms

•615,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space

Ask about our Events Grant, up to $5000!