Small Market Meetings June 2024

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 Roland E. Powell Convention Center

(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.

CATCHING A RIDE

There are few things more frustrating for a traveler than being in a new city without a way to get around and see it. Sure, many smaller towns are making themselves more walkable, but if the weather’s bad or mobility is limited, having public transportation is a blessing. Like their big-city counterparts, a good number of mid-size cities offer low-cost and even no-cost downtown transportation options that allow locals and visitors to easily trek from one end of town to the other. Here are a few examples — and it is by no means a comprehensive list. Most of these shuttles also make sure they are accessible to all.

Small cities provide innovative visitor transportation

Scenery Shuttles

One upside to public shuttles in heavily visited scenic areas is a decrease in pollution that can result when fewer cars are on the roads. That’s part of the motivation for boosting public transportation in at least two mountain destinations that are also popular meeting spots. In Pigeon Forge, the gateway to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, the city opened a new mass transit center a couple of years ago so it could expand the existing low-fee trolley system. It’s estimated that the expansion will allow it to serve millions more riders and keep more cars parked instead of creating traffic jams that clog roads in high season. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, a free electric shuttle bus launched in mid-2022, and there are plans to expand its routes in phases. Among its downtown stops is the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. With service every 10 minutes, the shuttle was designed to make seeing downtown easier in this fast-growing city, where the population is expected to surpass that of Denver by 2050.

Green Going

Chattanooga, home to the famous Chattanooga Choo-Choo, was on board early with electric transportation. Way back in 1992, the Downtown Electric Shuttle rolled out, and these nifty shuttle buses have been workhorses ever since, looping around the city’s long and skinny downtown. The free ride is perfect for taking those who meet at the Chattanooga Convention Center down the one-mile stretch to the heart of downtown along the Tennessee River. The shuttle stops every block, so passengers can check out food and fun along the way. The route stretches another half mile south beyond the convention center to the former Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel (now called the Hotel Chalet, with 127 rooms including 25 in nicely restored Victorian rail cars). The shuttle runs later on weekends, and the buses roll by every 10 minutes.

Circuit Cities

What’s bigger than a bike but smaller than a bus? A Circuit. These small electric vehicles are like mini cabs, with a driver, several seats for passengers and minimal fares. Like motorized scooter companies Spin, Bird and others, Circuit is popping up in cities all over, already in 30 markets in the most populous states, including New York, California, Texas and Florida. In Long Beach, California, the shared ride vehicles zip around the downtown waterfront, whisking passengers from the Long Beach Convention Center to restaurants, bars and shops. Financial support from cities and advertisers allows Circuit to keep fares low, never more than $3 per person and sometimes free. Like Uber or Lyft, passengers use an app. Similarly, Freebee, a south Florida electric transport company, uses GEM (Global Electric Motorcars) to shuttle visitors around a downtown service area. Customers can catch a ride by using the Ride Freebee app, calling a toll-free number or flagging down a Freebee driver.

Networked Neighborhoods

In some towns, free shuttles connect multiple entertainment districts. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) makes more than two dozen stops, including the convention center and the Arena and Museum districts, in a downtown bursting with some 140 restaurants. In Wichita, Kansas, entertainment districts, museums and other attractions are the jewels strung along the free Q-line Shuttle’s three-mile route. A longtime shuttle system on the Ohio-Kentucky border ties together those states and three cities, Newport and Covington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati. The shuttle crosses back and forth across the Ohio River as it loops through convention and entertainment districts in both states. Along its route are the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, as well as sports stadiums, bars, restaurants and museums. The shuttle isn’t free, but at $1 a ride or $3.50 for a day pass, it’s close.

Multiple Movers

Mid-size cities show us there’s more than one way to move people around lively downtowns. In Savannah, Georgia, one of the country’s hottest destinations, transportation options make it easier to enjoy the historic downtown, especially when temperatures climb and it’s easy to sweat while standing still. A passenger ferry, called the Savannah Belles in honor of strong women who shaped the city, shuttles convention goers across the Savannah River to downtown from the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island. On land, the city’s express shuttle makes more than 30 stops around the historic district. The ferry and shuttle are free. Visitors to Scottsdale, Arizona, can tour the town on free motorized trolleys that cover three routes. The Grapevine, Texas’s visitors shuttle does much the same. In Jacksonville, Florida, a 2.5-mile monorail system is free and connects the Southbank to the Northbank. And, in Portland, Oregon, and Tacoma, Washington, light rail serves locals and guests. Portland’s system has more than 90 stops, including those throughout downtown and at the convention center and airport.

MEETING LEADERS

LORETTA GRISSOM

LBY REBECCA TREON

oretta Grissom loves to share her life story with those who ask. While she now owns and operates her own event-planning agency, the Experience Agency, and is the meeting and event planner for the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, the road to get there had a lot of twists and turns along the way.

“I’m so happy when people ask me about my story, because my story is nontraditional,” Grissom said. “I’ve definitely had a journey, and if anyone learns anything from that, it’s that it’s not always a straight path.”

After leaving high school, Grissom attended Spelman College but felt unready. She left school, started working and had her daughter, who is now 21. Grissom started her career in hospitality as so many do — working in restaurants. She worked in front-of-house positions, then moved over to the hotel side of the industry, training front desk staff for Starwood Hotels. She joined the sales team at JHM Hotels as the sales manager, then over the next decade she worked through many other important hospitality jobs: night auditor at Crestline Hotels; manager of guest experience, area guest service manager, and director of front office at Remington Hotels; and Oracle OPERA implementation specialist for a hotel software company. Finally, she landed at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where she managed special events and catering.

“I’ve just always been passionate about hospitality but more so service,” she said. “If you’ve worked in hospitality, you know that it is 24 hour a day, 365, well, actually a 366 day of the year job!”

In 2015, Grissom knew she could create her own event planning business using all the tools she had developed over her years of working in hotels, and the Experience Agency was born.

“I wanted to find something where I was able to use my passion for the hospitality industry in my role but that would give me a better work-life balance.” she said.

In 2017, Grissom decided to return to college and finish her degree.

“I went to Atlanta Technical College and studied hotel, restaurant and tourism management,” she said. “I received my associate of applied science and was awarded graduate of the year. I was a regional gold winner for the Technical Colleges of Georgia. I started my bachelor’s degree in 2020 at Southern New Hampshire University for business, with a concentration in organizational psychology. I graduated with my bachelor’s in 2021, the same year my daughter graduated high school.”

The Experience Agency works with many types of events within the SMERF market, whether that’s planning corporate meetings, family reunions, group religious retreats or even groups of friends wanting to plan a getaway trip. Grissom has also been the meeting and event planner for the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists for the past year, planning some 20 meetings at various locations around the country.

“People don’t really care about how much you know, they care about how you made them feel,” she said. “You always want to give an attendee a reason to come back because of something you did. A role that you played can be the reason.”

“I’m so happy when people ask me about my story, because my story is nontraditional. I’ve definitely had a journey, and if anyone learns anything from that, it’s that it’s not always a straight path.”

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

NAME Loretta Grissom

TITLE

Meeting and Event Planner Associate, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists

Owner, The Experience Agency

LOCATION

Atlanta

BIRTHPLACE

Atlanta

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in business, Southern New Hampshire University

CAREER HISTORY

• The Experience Agency: owner (2015-present)

• The Main Street Academy: data manager (2019-2021)

• Atlanta Botanical Garden: catering sales coordinator (2021-2023)

• Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists: meeting and events operations associate (2023-present)

TIPS FROM LORETTA GRISSOM

• To survive in this industry, you have to be “hooked on hospitality and serious about service!” That’s my motto and I’m sticking to it.

• Expect something to go wrong; it will. Regroup, tackle it and melt down later.

• You are the best you who will ever do your job; so show up and be great every day!

LORETTA GRISSOM POSES AT AN EVENT IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY (LEFT) AND A FAMILY GATHERING IN ATLANTA (RIGHT).

GENERATIONAL TALENT

Taylor Johnson

EVENT MANAGER

Wichita Marriott

Taylor Johnson is the event manager at Wichita Marriott in Wichita, Kansas. She’s currently earning her bachelor’s degree in mass communication and media studies from the University of Kansas. She previously served as an event coordinator at WSU Tech. She has experience planning corporate meetings and events, as well as national conventions and business meetings.

Does Gen Z face any specific challenges when it comes to being taken seriously in the event planning industry?

A:One disadvantage is people want event planners with a lot of experience, and there is a certain level of success that comes down to experience. It was definitely a process of having to earn respect, whereas for older people it’s just given. I had to stand my ground and show people what I could do. Our generation also has an empathetic quality, but we rely on that. We want to get that emotional factor to find out what is going to make the event shine for you.

QA:What strengths and skills do you think Gen Z should lean into when it comes to marketing themselves?

I think we really need to absorb the power of the digital age. Ours was the first generation to be completely digital. We take advantage of not only trends but also social media marketing, AI marketing and all these things that make events more productive and streamlined. Our generation also has a very good focus on diversity and inclusivity in event planning and bringing diverse perspectives and cultural awareness that ensures events are welcoming to all attendees. In a rapidly changing environment, that’s key. It’s very easy for us to adapt and think quickly on our feet and come to a new solution as well. I think that when we leverage the tech-savvy skills, creativity and adaptability of our generation of event planners, it brings an energy to the industry that’s engaging, fresh and new.

How do you find a balance between promoting your generation as a strength and mitigating negative judgments about it?

A:I think it’s a meticulous balance. You have to use the opportunity when you can. For me, a big point in my hiring was I used my youth, and I was lucky to be in a situation where my boss was open to new ideas. Other people may be more reluctant to embrace change. Before I meet my clients, I try not to talk about my age because I don’t want them to think right off the bat, ‘she’s a kid, she can’t handle this.’ But once people realized what I could do and that I had this diverse perspective and the adaptability of our generation, they respected me. But it took me a while to gain that respect and confidence in myself.

What innovative tools can the next generation of planners master and bring to the table?

A:AI is a big one. It can even be used for simple things; for instance, having AI build a floor chart for you or having AI assign tasks to different employees. My generation also tends to understand new trends and technology, such as using technology as a tool for check-in processes. We tend to use less paper and focus on more digital because digital outlooks catch mistakes. AI is a fantastic tool for creative outlook. We’re all about being open to the client’s ideas and going off that to see how we can apply digital processes to what the client wants as well.

Does Gen Z bring a fresh take to any other aspects of planning?

A:

I do think social media as a whole is something we use a lot more. We have access to all these free means of social media, where you can go in and pay for ads, but it’s just as easy to post something that’s free from a digital marketing perspective. A lot of older generations don’t embrace those platforms as much, but they increase awareness and can help events run smoother.

Wichita: Easy to reach, wonderful to wander

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

Meeting planners routinely are trying to find easy access to their conventions, with some destinations being harder to reach. This simply isn’t the case with Wichita. The “Air Capital of the World” is living up to the name, not only through its long and continuing leadership in the aviation industry, but as home to Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport , a moderate-sized airport that has greatly increased its air service by having airlines add destinations, especially the nonstop flights travelers prefer.

“People don’t expect a national airport with so many options,” says Marisa Pechanec, convention sales manager for Visit Wichita.

Right now, six airlines offer nonstop connections to 16 destinations, and most are daily flights. With the recent addition of direct flights to Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas and with airlines moving to larger regional jets, the airport set a record for passengers in February, showing a 15 percent increase over last year. And the campaign for more direct connections hasn’t ended. Officials said last fall that they would love to add service to New York; Charlotte, N.C.; Los Angeles; San Francisco and Salt Lake City.

Visitors might also be surprised by the airport’s terminal, opened in 2015 and built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Full of energy-saving measures and natural light, the terminal is also well-stocked with food and drink, including a brewery.

The airport’s warmth extends to the complimentary welcomes that can be arranged by Visit Wichita, which lines up local leaders like the mayor or officers from McConnell Air Force Base to greet groups.

Of course, not everyone who comes to a convention in Wichita will fly. Driving is a good option for many in the Midwest, with Oklahoma City and Kansas City two and a half hours away; Dallas about six. Even Denver, an eight-hour drive, is doable in a day.

WALKABLE DOWNTOWN CONVENTION DISTRICT

As the state’s largest city, with a population nearing 400,000, Wichita has long been a natural meeting place. Decades ago, it set its main meeting venue, the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center , near the picturesque Arkansas River, which flows through the city and is only 12 minutes from the airport.

Keeper of the Plains

The Century II is round, sliced into three sections: a convention hall, an exhibit hall and a concert hall, giving planners versatile spaces with easy flow and boasting over 200,000 square feet of contiguous space. The center’s attached Expo Hall, with 45,000 square feet on its main floor, is linked to the 303-room Hyatt Regency Wichita and its 40,000 square feet of meeting space. Within walking distance, the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita adds another 200 guest rooms and more than 13,000 square feet of meeting space, in a carefully restored building. Downtown, another 1,000 hotel rooms are within walking distance of the convention center.

Although downtown is the primary convention district, the Doubletree Wichita Airport is another popular convention property, with 302 guest rooms and 20,000 square feet of

“The Keeper is walkable from the Hyatt and the Drury, so a lot of groups do it on their own.”

— MARISA PECHANEC, CONVENTION SALES MANAGER

meeting space. In 2025, a dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites with 156 combined rooms will open nearby.

GETTING AROUND’S A BREEZE

As easy as it is to reach Wichita, it’s even easier to get around town. In the convention district, restaurants and bars are short walks from hotels; the city’s entertainment districts are linked by free Q-line Shuttle buses , which cover a three-mile route.

“The Q line goes through all our entertainment districts,” said Pechanec. “It starts in the Historic Delano District , goes from there through downtown to the Douglas Design District with its murals and emphasis on architecture, through Old Town with its nightlife and breweries and ends in Clifton Square , with its boutique restaurants.”

Attractions and museums are also along the Q-line, and they are an entertaining mix: a minor league ballpark; a botanical garden; museums focused on Native Americans, African Americans and Western life; an art museum; a science center.

Of course, aviation can also work its way into convention itineraries, whether its events and tours at the Kansas Aviation Museum or the B29 Doc Hangar or tours of the number one funded aeronautics research and development program at Wichita State University . And aviation is only one key industry that Visit Wichita draws on for guest speakers. “We have great connections to speakers in health care, technology and education,” said Pechanec.

Kansas Aviation Museum

Feeding a giraffe at Sedgwick County Zoo

up close with giraffes

WICHITA’S STATUE OF LIBERTY AND EXOTIC ANIMALS

One attraction that’s impossible to miss and easy to access is Keeper of the Plains , a 44-foot sculpture of a Native American chief by the late Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin. The sculpture towers on its 30-foot rock perch at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. Each night, weather permitting, firepots are lighted around the base. Locals think of it as “our Statue of Liberty,” says Pechanec.

“The Keeper is walkable from the Hyatt and the Drury, so a lot of groups do it on their own. In winter, the lighting is at 7, so they might have dinner, go to the lighting and have dessert and drinks after. In summer, the lighting is at 9, so they could end their day with the Keeper.”

Exotic animals are the unexpected allure at two of Wichita’s most popular attractions. Sedgwick County Zoo has nine venues that put guests in the middle of the animals. For example, says Pechanec, “There’s a pavilion where you’ll have elephants walking all around you. You don’t expect that in Wichita, Kansas.”

Like the zoo, Tanganyika Wildlife Park is known for making it easy for visitors to connect with rare and endangered species. At Tanganyika, in addition to seeing 400 animals in 40 exhibits, visitors also hear the story of a family that turned a passion for conservation into a thriving attraction that has been recognized for its successful breeding programs. It has a number of venues, but groups often like to simply set up food stations along its paths so they can wander and, as they will do in all of Wichita, take in the wonders around them.

Sloths at Sedgwick County Zoo

Get

at Sedgwick County Zoo

Seeking Sustainability

MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS WITH THESE TIPS FROM MEETING PROS

BY RACHEL CRICK

For meeting and event planners, seeing green is unquestionably a good thing.

Whether climate concerns weigh heavily on a planner, it’s in their best interest to factor sustainability into their meeting strategies. That’s because the industry (and much of the world) is focusing on and embracing sustainability as an important objective. Attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and event organizers are expecting it on some level.

But in a world with constantly shifting standards, how can a planner approach designing truly sustainable events — or even moving in the right direction? How can they avoid “greenwashing?” And what about other factors that may be an obstacle to sustainable events, such as attitudes and budget?

Here’s what industry experts said about walking the walk with sustainability.

ELIMINATE ‘ALL OR NOTHING’ THINKING

Sustainability, and climate in general, are larger-than-life subjects. Because of that, efforts to address them often seem complicated and unapproachable, but this line of thinking is an obstacle to better practices.

“The biggest thing is people not being quite sure where to start,” said Lindsay Arell, CEO of Honeycomb Strategies, a sustainability consulting firm, and chief sustainability officer at ASM Global. “People think [sustainability] has to be done 100% by their suppliers or it’s not worth talking about.”

To combat this all-or-nothing mindset, Arell recommends planners evaluate events to recognize what’s already being done well and what can be improved. This opens up conversations between vendors, suppliers, sponsors and exhibitors and gives everyone the opportunity to do as much as possible. Each event has its own challenges, so taking inventory of strengths and weaknesses is a good way to establish a baseline and goals.

To avoid “greenwashing,” the practice of touting sustainability with no measurable efforts to back it up, the event’s data should be recorded and reported.

“Customers don’t expect a lot of [sustainability efforts]. When we tell them we’re trying to go green, they’re happy about it, they go for it.”

Sutisa Spellman

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND CATERING

Pechanga Resort Casino Experience: 31 years

“It’s the trajectory of the industry; we always need to find ways to evolve and get better, and this is one of them.”

“When people are self-reporting, unfortunately you can’t always trust it,” said Drew Shula, founder and CEO of Verdical Group, a sustainability consulting firm for events and buildings. “But if there’s been a trusted third party that’s reviewed it and put their stamp of approval on it, you can trust that.”

Sustainability consultants are another means of improving an event’s sustainability efforts. In addition to coaching a planner on best practices throughout the planning process and the event itself, they often calculate and report on the event’s data. Many event organizations also provide best practices for sustainability for organizers to refer to.

Lindsay Arell

CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER

ASM Global

Experience: 17 years

COMBAT CARBON

In the world of sustainability, “carbon” refers to greenhouse gas emissions from energy use, transportation and production of materials, among other things. Most discussions about improving sustainability focus heavily on reducing carbon emissions.

“To make your event the most sustainable, primarily you’re focused on the carbon impact, which comes from your venue’s energy use and the physical materials purchased for the event,” Shula said.

Venue choice is important; if there’s ever an opportunity to hold an event in a LEED-certified venue, a “living building” or another venue that has made conscious efforts to reduce its energy use, climate-conscious planners should strongly consider this option.

“People coming [to the hotel] will say they like that the hotel is green,” said Sutisa Spellman, director of sales and catering at the Pechanga Resort Casino in California, which is known for actively working to cut its environmental impact with programs like food waste recycling.

Another high-impact area of event planning is travel. Planners should consider how attendees travel to their event, whether it’s accessible by car or public transport, or if there are green travel options, such as ride-sharing. Once they get to the event, off-sites and hotels within walking distance to the venue can cut down on additional emissions.

Another event component with a high energy footprint is catering. Animal agriculture, especially red meat, is responsible for a lot of greenhouse gas emissions. Creating a catering menu centered around plant-based and local, in-season ingredients ensures fewer emissions.

While all of these are great strategies to reduce an event’s carbon footprint, any in-person event will ultimately use energy. One way to attempt a net-zero emissions event is to purchase carbon offsets. These are credits related to reducing carbon elsewhere in the world, which help an event become “carbon neutral.”

“A lot of our clients will get the energy, waste and water numbers, and then we see what that translates into for carbon,” Arell said. “And in some cases, the event will have a carbon offset sponsor.”

REDUCE WASTE

Another goal associated with improving sustainability is reducing waste, and it’s often where organizers start.

“I think there has been a lot of progress around zero waste,” said Shula. “People understand waste reduction; they want to do it.”

There are plenty of ways to decrease physical materials used at a meeting or event and to repurpose the waste.

On the trade show floor, attendees are often bombarded with paper materials and swag from each booth they visit. This is often wasteful, because much of that swag ends up in a landfill. Implementing policies on trade show floors that encourage the use of digital marketing tools and

“A lot of our clients will get the energy, waste and water numbers, and then we see what that translates into for carbon. And in some cases, the event will have a carbon offset sponsor.”

— Lindsay

Arell, ASM Global

discourage physical materials could reduce some of that waste on the trade show floor.

Another simple way to promote less waste is with water-filling stations that encourage attendees to use reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic. Whenever food is involved, using reusable flatware and silverware is important.

“When we’re doing events like receptions or dinners, we don’t have any plastic things,” Spellman said of events at Pechanga Resort Casino. “It’s more elegant and it saves waste and money.”

If single-use utensils or flatware are necessary, such as at a trade show with lots of food samples, try switching to compostable materials instead of plastic.

Signage is another area where both exhibitors and the event’s organizers could push for digital options. Discouraging materials like foam-core signage in favor of more environmentally friendly materials is also an option if an organization insists on physical signage.

When it comes to catering, excess food can be donated, while food waste can be composted and repurposed. Pechanga Resort Casino recycles all its food waste to create biofuel and compost.

Drew Shula

FOUNDER AND CEO

Verdical Group Experience: 12 years

“We’re

trying to reduce the carbon impact of events, and primarily that’s looking at energy, but there are so many focus areas to make an event more sustainable.”

When It Comes To Meetings & Conventions, Our Stage is Bigger Than Ever.

There are venues, attractions, and experiences that are uniquely Columbus, Georgia that will create a big experience for your conference attendees. Where else can you find four distinctly different Meeting Districts, some of the hippest hotels in Georgia, and the longest urban whitewater course in the world? From our riverfront Convention Center to truly original off-site venues, meeting spaces in Columbus are authentic and customizable.

BUDGET FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Another obstacle to discussions of sustainability in the event industry is its perceived cost. It’s often viewed as expensive to the point of inaccessibility, and this can discourage organizations from prioritizing it when designing their meetings. However, planners should be able to share a few advantages that may offset the added cost.

First, there’s no getting around it — sometimes there are additional costs when prioritizing sustainability. Implementing a zero-waste system at an event may mean hiring additional staff to sort and weigh waste and take food to compost centers. Carbon offsets also cost money.

Ultimately, it’s something that can be worked into a budget if planners and event organizers agree to prioritize it.

“If it was free, everybody would do it,” Shula said. “So it’s people assigning value to paying a little extra to do good and report

However, the extra costs might not be as bad as expected.

“There are some things that do cost more money, and unfortunately when these initiatives were starting, there was a premium put on them,” Arell said. “But sustainability at its core is about efficiency. We’re seeing so many clients now that are actually making money.”

If an organization’s goal is to reduce or eliminate signage in favor of digital signage, that lowers printed materials cost. Creating walkable meetings means there’s no need to pay for shuttles. And local, vegetarian menu items are often cheaper than buying meat. There are plenty of other cost savings to be found in reducing an event’s materials.

Sustainability sponsorships are another way to help even the cost of prioritizing sustainability. Sponsors can purchase carbon offsets for the event and simultaneously promote the good their

“We don’t charge the client more,” Spellman said. “Most of the cost is absorbed because we’re wasting less and

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

MEET ME ON THE WATERFRONT

Groups love the scenic settings of these convention centers

BY RACHEL CRICK

Life is more inspired by the water. Whether it’s the vast expanse of the ocean, a rushing river or a serene lake, views of water provide an elegant backdrop and beautiful scenery for a convention center. These facilities often employ gorgeous architecture that capitalizes on the beauty of the waterfront, including attractive outdoor venues. Attendees will find themselves drawn to terraces and standing by windows to catch stunning views. Here are several waterfront convention centers for aesthetic and inspirational meetings.

LAKE TERRACE CONVENTION CENTER

HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI

Opened in 1998, the Lake Terrace Convention Center is the anchor facility of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. Located by a two-acre lake, the 68,550-square-foot convention center’s contemporary design and range of in-house services have made it a standout event venue in Mississippi.

“We do a good job of being a one-stop shop,” said Elliot Zalaznik, director of event production, sales and services at the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. “We have a full A/V department, a full food and beverage department, housekeeping, setup and event coordinating. It’s very uncommon for us to have to bring in third-party vendors, although we do have those relationships if we need to.”

The convention center’s exhibit hall totals nearly 15,000 square feet and has a banquet capacity of 1,000, though it can be broken down into three smaller spaces. The second-largest meeting space is the Lakeview room, a 3,400-square-foot room overlooking the lake and wild preserve that can be divided into two. It has glass doors that open onto the terrace. Additional smaller meeting rooms outside

Above: The Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg overlooks a two-acre lake.

Courtesy Hattiesburg Convention Commission

the exhibit hall are ideal for breakout sessions or classrooms; there’s also plenty of pre-function and lobby space. A large executive conference room is a sophisticated choice for board meetings or presentations. The convention center’s outdoor spaces include the two-level terrace and a patio overlooking the lake.

laketerrace.com

“We’re located right on the Mississippi River, so we have some pretty cool views from our terraces. We also have trails all around us and the bluffs behind us, so it’s a really cool space.”

— Bri Beining, La Crosse Center

LA CROSSE CENTER

LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN

Located in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, a land left untouched by glaciers, La Crosse is a city defined by water. The Mississippi River forms the city’s western border and runs into the Black River, which splits the city. Its outdoor recreation centers around its waterways, from kayaking to paddlewheel boat cruises. So it should come as no surprise that the La Crosse Center, the city’s 120,000-square-foot convention center, has gorgeous river vistas in addition to its high ceiling, many windows and modern meeting rooms.

“We’re located right on the Mississippi River, so we have some pretty cool views from our terraces,” said Bri Beining, marketing coordinator at the La Crosse Center. “We also have trails all around us and the bluffs behind us, so it’s a really cool space.”

First built in 1980, the convention center has undergone two major renovations, with improvements being made as recently as 2021. The center has both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. Its

Lake Terrace Convention Center scenes, clockwise from left: Looking out onto the lake; the convention center’s exterior; the conference room

Photos courtesy Hattiesburg Convention Commission

arena features 21,000 square feet of floor space and has a capacity of 8,000. The center’s South Hall can be divided into several smaller spaces and offers 36,000 square feet of exhibition space. The North Hall is an additional exhibition space with over 15,000 square feet. The Riverside Ballroom, on the fourth floor, can be divided into three sections that total nearly 11,000 square feet. Additional breakout spaces and meeting rooms are available for smaller meetings. The 3,300-square-foot Riverside Terrace has a capacity of 120 guests for a banquet and gorgeous views of the Mississippi River.

Harbor View Catering is the center’s exclusive in-house caterer. The convention center also provides audiovisual and event planning services. lacrossecenter.com

OCEAN CENTER DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

When Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, first opened in 1985, it was a concert arena for artists ranging from Cher to Britney Spears. But in the

mid-2000s, a renovation added exhibit hall space and meeting rooms and brought in business from a wide range of events, from sports to trade shows to conventions. It’s currently the fifth-largest convention center in the state and sits directly across from the beach.

“We obviously have a prime location, right across the street from the world’s most famous beach,” said Kate Sark, Ocean Center’s director of venue operations. “You almost always get sunny weather here, and we have a really beautiful facility.”

“We obviously have a prime location, right across the street from the world’s most famous beach. You almost always get sunny weather here, and we have a really beautiful facility.”

— Kate Sark, Ocean Center

Ocean Center scenes, clockwise from left: An aerial view of the convention center; the center’s south wall; the exhibit concourse

Photos courtesy Ocean Center

DISCOVER

unique venues

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

an ideal meeting destination

Your attendees can fly, drive or take the train to Central MA for meetings and events centrally located in New England. Rich in history, culture and natural beauty, the region’s unique venues are only matched by the variety of fun group experiences. For meeting planner tips, hotels, intineraries & so much more, consider us your local guide to Central Massachusetts.

DISCOVERCENTRALMA.ORG start planning at on social media and on our app

Mechanics Hall

Worcester Regional Airport (ORH)

AC Marriott Worcester

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Union Station

Worcester Art Museum

Polar Park

Old Sturbridge Village DCU Center

The Publick House Historic Inn

The Hanover Theatre

The center’s 93,000-square-foot exhibit hall has 32-foot ceilings and six loading docks, as well as drive-in doors for trade shows featuring large equipment. The arena has a capacity of 9,300. Ocean Center’s additional 32 meeting rooms provide 32,000 square feet of additional space, including 32 breakout rooms. The 14,000-square-foot ballroom is divisible into three sections and can seat up to 840 people for a banquet or around 1,300 theater-style. In addition to ocean views, the convention center features floor-to-ceiling windows, an exterior surrounded by palm trees and beautiful art throughout to bring in the breezy feel of the beach.

The convention center’s catering is provided exclusively by the Oak View Group. In-house IT staff provide support for technology and audiovisual needs, and on-site planners assist with any of the convention center’s events. The center’s arena also recently underwent an upgrade to its sound system, lighting and airwalls.

oceancenter.com

SEASIDE CIVIC AND CONVENTION CENTER

SEASIDE, OREGON

North of Cannon Beach, the coastal resort community of Seaside, Oregon, has a population of only about 7,200 people. Its remote beaches and natural beauty, as well as attractions such as aquariums, lighthouses and wildlife viewing, draw visitors to the area. Its convention and civic center, which underwent a $15 million renovation in 2019, offers a view of the Necanicum River. Just blocks away are the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Northwestern beaches that draw in so many visitors.

The facility offers just under 25,000 square feet of meeting space in various configurations. Its largest space, the Pacific Room, is 10,500 square feet and can hold up to 530 for a banquet or 950 theater-style. It also features a 1,300-square-foot stage with its own lighting and two projector screens. The East and West Necanicum Room has river views and a combined square-footage of over 6,000 square feet. It

Seaside Civic and Convention Center scenes, clockwise from left: The exterior of the convention center; views from the Necanicum room; the mezzanine

Photos courtesy Seaside Civic and Convention Center

GATLINBURG TENNESSEE

DESCRIBING GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE IS EASY!

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountain Park, Gatlinburg is a quaint town providing everything a meeting planner needs for a successful event: a beautiful, state of the art convention center, 16,000+ sleeping rooms, comprised of full-service and limited-service hotels,and motels, cabins, and condominiums. Gatlinburg also offers hundreds of shops and restaurants as well as entertainment attractions for every age and interest.

has a capacity of up to 350 banquet-style or 450 theater-style, though it can be divided into two smaller sections. A stylish lobby and additional pre-function space provide nearly 6,000 square feet of space for registration and receptions. Several additional meeting rooms on the upper level provide classroom or break-out spaces, while the mezzanine offers reception or pre-function space.

The Seaside Civic and Convention Center which underwent a $15 million renovation in 2019, offers a view of the Necanicum River. Just blocks away are the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Northwestern beaches that draw in so many visitors.

Courtesy Seaside Civic and Convention Center

SEASIDE BEACH AT SUNRISE

La Quinta Resort & Club

DOWNTOWN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

Everything good you can imagine is here for you:

» Full in-house Event, AV, F&B, and Host services

» 225,000 sf beautifully appointed space

» 18 versatile event spaces

» 3 adjacent hotels with garage parking

» Walkable, safe and enjoyable downtown

» Easier event planning

» SAVE UP TO 15% versus comparable cities!

» Easy Drive-To Destination

» Easy by Air via FWA grandwayne.com | 260.426.4100 | @GrandWayneCC

Catering for everything from plated dinners to the center’s concessions stand is provided exclusively by Oregon Fine Foods. The center has a range of audiovisual equipment for events.

seasideconvention.com

MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER

MOBILE, ALABAMA

One of the larger waterfront convention centers in the country, the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center can be found on Alabama’s Mobile River, which flows into Mobile Bay. The building’s exterior is characterized by its abundance of glass, which lets attendees enjoy views of the river from within.

The Mobile Convention Center has 317,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space in total. Its exhibit hall on the lower level has 100,000 square feet and can be divided into two 50,000-square-foot exhibit halls. Its total capacity is up to 8,280 attendees for a banquet. A 20,000-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the river adjoins the space. The center also has over 15,000 square feet of ballroom space, which can be divided into two smaller ballrooms, one of which also has a terrace overlooking the water. An additional 18 meeting rooms can be found in the convention center, and these can also be combined into different configurations. They range from 700 square feet to 2,500 square feet.

MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER

Meagan Drabik Sales Manager

Where history & culture hang out

The convention center’s catering is handled exclusively by ASM Global affiliate Savor Mobile. Parking can be found on the convention center’s lower level. The center is connected by skywalk to the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel and within walking distance of several other hotels. asmglobalmobile.com/mobile-convention-center

QUAD CITIES WATERFRONT CONVENTION CENTER BETTENDORF, IOWA

Attached to the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, the largest hotel property in the state of Iowa, the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center is conveniently located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It’s connected by a climate-controlled skywalk to the 509-room hotel. With 24,000 square feet of space, it’s an excellent choice for a variety of meetings, events and conferences. The Isle Casino Hotel has an additional 15,000 square feet of meeting space for additional events or overflow. The city of Bettendorf and the Isle Casino Hotel run the convention center in tandem with each other.

“We are so conveniently located in the Midwest for regional meetings, and the affordability makes the Quad Cities a homerun,” said Leah Allen, director of sales at Isle Casino Hotel. “There’s a big city feel, but you’re going to have it be economical, and we’re located on Interstate 80, so there’s top-notch convenience.”

Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center scenes, clockwise from left: The ballroom with a dance floor; the building’s exterior; the ballroom and stage

The convention center’s ballroom is divisible into several smaller spaces and totals 15,000 square feet, with a built-in, roughly 800-square-foot stage with lighting and speakers included. In 2021, an update to the lighting and sound systems in the ballroom was completed. Several smaller breakout rooms, including a boardroom, can be found in the convention center, along with spacious lobby and pre-function areas. Catering is handled by the Isle Catering Department, which handles food and beverage for the hotel as well.

In addition to sitting off Interstate 80, the convention center is just six miles away from Moline’s Quad Cities International Airport. It also has great views of the Mississippi River and a recently constructed bridge. caesars.com/isle-bettendorf

ROLAND E. POWELL CONVENTION CENTER

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Attracting meetings from the New England and the Mid-Atlantic markets, Ocean City, Maryland, is

Courtesy Ocean City

MEETING OUTSIDE THE ROLAND E. POWELL CONVENTION CENTER

an excellent meeting destination for attendees who want to combine business and leisure. The city has plenty to offer after the meeting, from hitting the beach or golfing to viewing the nearby national park or seeking out the area’s great nightlife. Ocean City’s Roland E. Powell Convention Center also offers plenty of choice to planners, with over 250,000 square feet of flexible event space with stunning water views.

“The biggest highlight of our convention center is, honestly, that it sits on the bay with beautiful views, and we’re two blocks from the beach,” said Kim Mueller, director of sales for Ocean City.

The convention center has nearly 90,000 square feet of exhibit hall space. Its main exhibit hall can be divided to make three separate spaces, while an additional 14,000-squarefoot hall has boardwalk access and views of the bay. The Bayfront Ballroom is 19,000 square feet, and 18 meeting rooms, including boardrooms, can be configured to meet the needs of any meeting or event. There’s also an outdoor patio with bay views.

Another popular venue within the convention center is the Performing Arts Center, a 1,200-seat theater with two levels of seating. It has hosted everything from Broadway productions to keynote speakers at events. The convention center also recently completed a refresh of the entire building’s interior, giving it a light and airy feel.

Catering is provided exclusively by Sodexo, and the convention center offers an audiovisual package with complimentary components such as podiums, microphones and portable projectors. The convention center can also provide connections with partners to handle more advanced audiovisual needs.

ococean.com/convention-center

There’s nowhere quite like it

CONNECT IN THE FOX CITIES

Start planning for your next meeting or event in the Fox Cities. From riverfront meetings by day to world-class dining at night, the Fox Cities are the perfect place to stage your original event experience.

Looking for a modern, state-ofthe-art option with room for a crowd? Check out the Fox Cities Exhibition Center - 38,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed space built right into the hillside of Downtown Appleton.

to plan your original event.

FloridaCLASSIC A

All photos courtesy Punta Gorda-Englewood Beach VCB

The sun sets over Punta Gorda’s Charlotte Harbor.

Punta Gorda showcases the historic elegance of the Sunshine State

LBY CYNTHIA BARNES

ocated just 30 minutes north of Fort Myers on the state’s southwest coast, Punta Gorda offers visitors a true taste of “old Florida” along with all the modern amenities needed for a memorable meeting.

The city was founded in 1884, and its streets and blocks were arranged along the southern side of the Peace River at its mouth on Charlotte Harbor. Each waterfront block was designated as a park, and the city still boasts a string of parks that are connected by Trabue Harborwalk, a 2.5-mile public promenade.

“I had been coming down to Punta Gorda since around 2011, and I just fell in love and knew that I wanted to be here,” said Jeff Berg, senior sales manager for meetings and conventions at Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau. “We’re still very much an off-the-beaten-path kind of destination, pristine and with a lot of old Florida charm.”

PUNTA GORDA AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: Southwest Florida

ACCESS: Five airports, including Punta Gorda Airport; Highway 41; Interstate 75

HOTEL ROOMS: 2,700+

CONTACT INFO:

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitors and Convention Bureau 941-764-4950 purefloridameetings.com

CHARLOTTE HARBOR EVENT AND CONFERENCE CENTER

BUILT: 2009

EXHIBIT SPACE: 20,000-square-foot main hall

OTHER MEETING SPACES: 18,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space

MEETING HOTELS

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor

GUEST ROOMS: 785

MEETING SPACE: 60,000 square feet

The Wyvern Hotel GUEST ROOMS: 63

MEETING SPACE: 650-square-foot meetings and events room, rooftop sky deck

Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside GUEST ROOMS: 106

MEETING SPACE: 1,095 square feet

WHO’S MEETING IN PUNTA GORDA AND ENGLEWOOD BEACH

US Sports Congress

ATTENDEES: 250

Leadership Florida Annual Meeting

ATTENDEES: 500

Destination Highlights

The Boca Grande Pass connects Punta Gorda’s Charlotte Harbor with the Gulf of Mexico, and is the tarpon capital of the world, as well as one of the top sports fishing destinations on the planet. With 219 miles of shoreline, the harbor’s estuary is a mosaic of salt marshes, beaches, open bay, seagrass meadows, tidal creeks, mudflats, salt barrens and mangrove forests.

In addition to abundant nature, Punta Gorda offers great dining, shopping, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Along the harbor walk, Fishermen’s Village beckons with more than 30 cute and quirky shops, a full-service marina, and restaurants, including Harpoon Harry’s and the Village Brewhouse, which has a great selection of craft beers.

Punta Gorda’s sunny Florida climate and flat terrain make it incredibly bike- and pedestrian-friendly. The Punta Gorda Pathways is a system of about 18 miles of bicycle and walking trails connecting the waterfront, neighborhoods and shopping districts. The 22-block historic district just west of downtown is also a pleasant stroll, with many Queen Anne-style homes dating from 1884 to 1930.

Next to Laishley Park, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Wall monument pays tribute to the almost 60,000 men and women who gave their lives in the conflict, while the Punta Gorda History Center displays artifacts and photographs from the region’s past.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Gilchrist Park

Distinctive Venues

An event at the beach is pure Florida, so meeting planners should consider hosting something at Englewood Beach, which features pristine white sand, sparkling Gulf waters, and spectacular sunset views. Amenities include a 900-foot boardwalk and three large pavilions with picnic tables and charcoal grills.

For laughs and linguine, take your group to Visani Italian Steakhouse and Theater, which combines delicious Italian cuisine along with comedy performances. Audiovisual equipment, in-house catering, and music and comedy entertainment are available for groups of up to 200.

A taste of old Florida is on hand at Laishley Crab House, which overlooks Laishley Marina. The restaurant offers full catering services, an event room that seats 100 people and a conference room for 20.

An enchanting sanctuary of art and nature, the 27-acre Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens celebrates Florida’s natural landscape with more than 4,500 plants, trees and bamboos, along with a worldclass collection of sculpture. The facility can accommodate groups of more than 500.

Another interesting option is to go rustic on a real working ranch at Cypress M Ranch, which can host up to 200 guests and offers a la carte and full packages for special events. For unusual wines (watermelon, anyone?) along with more traditional tastings, the Gilded Grape Winery and Wine Bar can accommodate groups of up to 50.

DISTINCTIVE VENUES Laishley Marina

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS Stump Pass Beach State Park

AFTER HOURS Military Heritage Museum

Major Meeting Spaces

Located on the waterfront, the 44,000-square-foot Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center offers panoramic views of both the river and harbor. The center’s largest space, Hibiscus Hall, can be divided into three sections and has almost 20,000 square feet, accommodating 1,500 guests in theater style and 900 at seated banquets. Adjacent to the waterfront, the Great Lawn can offer receptions for up to 2,000 people. Full catering and A/V are available.

In addition to a guests-only golf club, the Sunseeker Resort offers 785 guest rooms, 20 dining concepts and 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces. The largest ballroom boasts 14,000 square feet and waterfront views.

The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside has 106 guest rooms and meeting space, which accommodates up to 70 attendees. The Comfort Inn and Suites Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda has 81 rooms and a meeting room suited for 50 in theater-style seating, while the 93-room Country Inn and Suites has meeting space for up to 40.

For seclusion and exclusivity, Palm Island Resort has private beaches, along with indoor and outdoor facilities that offer varied settings and can accommodate up to 120 people. Tented events can be arranged for up to 500 guests, and a variety of on- and off-island lodging is available. Palm Island is accessible only by ferry or water taxi.

MAJOR MEETING SPACES Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center

After the Meeting

No trip to Punta Gorda is complete without time spent on the water. Lemon Bay Dolphin Tours takes 42 passengers on a catamaran cruise of Lemon Bay in search of dolphins, as well as osprey, eagles, great blue herons and manatees. Many other fishing charters, sunset sails and tiki cruises are also available throughout the area.

On dry land, nature-lovers will want to head to one of the area’s seven sections of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, including Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park. It’s home to wading birds, great horned owls and bald eagles, and visitors may also spy otters, bobcats and deer.

Visitors can take a cockpit tour of a Huey helicopter at the Military Heritage Museum, which tells the story of the American armed forces from the Revolution to the present day.

AFTER HOURS

MAJOR MEETING SPACES Sunseeker Resort

AFTER HOURS Fishermen’s Village Riverwood Golf Club

SUCCESS LIVES HERE.

When you book your event in Central Florida, you get much more than unique meeting spaces of all sizes. Your guests will also enjoy amazing activities, comfortable quarters, exciting events, and delicious food. Learn more at MeetCentralFlorida.com.

CFO excited for the new

STREAMSONG RESORT :: BOWLING GREEN, FL

CEO proud of his hardworking team.

CMO ready to wine and dine.

fiscal year.

SWEET SPOTMinnesota’s

BY CLAIRE HANNUM

Just 15 minutes south of the Twin Cities sits Eagan, Minnesota, a city packed with greenspace, top-notch meeting venues and plenty of Midwestern hospitality.

“We have a sweet spot for meetings of 500 and less, and that’s what we are known for,” said Denise Olsen, senior sales director at Enjoy Eagan.

With 18 hotels, Eagan is well equipped for hosting. It’s an ideal setting for smaller groups that crave the convenience of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport but are looking for a more low-key destination outside the big cities to focus on the meeting and get to know their fellow attendees.

While Eagan is a peaceful escape from the nearby big-city bustle, it’s not just a sidekick to Minneapolis and St. Paul. It has a rhythm all its own and plenty of attractions that bring in visitors from across the country.

For starters, Eagan is home to the Minnesota Vikings’ world headquarters and training facility. Football fans flock to visit the Minnesota Vikings Museum, one of only five NFL team museums in the country. The city boasts the largest outlet mall in the state as well as Cascade Bay, the largest municipal water park in the Upper Midwest. Eagan is also home to a whopping 50-plus parks. Lebanon Hills Regional Park features nearly 2,000 acres and 13 lakes and ponds. Caponi Art Park offers a hilly walk through an inspiring sculpture garden. And that’s just the beginning — with sports courts, fishing, skateboarding, hiking trails and more, there’s plenty for attendees to explore outdoors on their off hours.

Eagan is also just a short trek away from many of the Twin Cities’ most popular tourist attractions. The Mall of America, Valleyfair Amusement Park and the Minnesota Zoo are all within a 20-minute drive, so attendees can easily tack a few days onto the end of their meetings to enjoy the sights.

Photos courtesy Enjoy Eagan

LOCATION Southeast Minnesota ACCESS

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; interstates 35 and 494

MAJOR MEETING SPACES

Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, Royal Cliff Banquet and Concert Center, Eagan Community Center

HOTEL ROOMS 2,024

OFF-SITE VENUES

Cascade Waterpark, Mason Jar Kitchen and Bar, Jensen’s Food and Cocktails, Eagan Arms Public House

CONTACT INFO

Enjoy Eagan, Minnesota

866-324-2620 eaganmn.com

Where to Meet

Eagan’s largest hotel and meeting space is Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, a Nordic-inspired property near the Minnesota Vikings headquarters with 36,000 square feet of event space. The hotel has 11 meeting rooms, including ballrooms and outdoor spaces, as well as 320 guest rooms and suites. Another popular venue is Royal Cliff Banquet and Concert Center. This beautiful location offers over 6,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The venue partners with a legendary local eatery, Brianno’s, for its catering, so planners can expect to hear rave reviews about the menu. A great option for a slightly smaller group is Eagan Community Center, which can accommodate up to 350 attendees. The center will undergo a remodel in 2025 that will include the addition of extra breakout rooms. For small groups of 99 or less, the Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Eagan offers 1,350 square feet of space and two meeting rooms.

Enthusiastic Off-Sites

Eagan’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene includes plenty of offerings for off-site meals and gatherings. Mason Jar Kitchen and Bar is an atmospheric gathering space, as is Jensen’s Food and Cocktails, a local staple with a 27-year history. Smaller groups will enjoy Eagan Arms Public House, a cozy pub with great eats. Eagan also has no shortage of parks with outdoor pavilions. Blackhawk Park, Thomas Lake Park, Trapp Farm Park, and Central Park offer scenic spaces to gather. For an especially memorable off-site event, Cascade Bay Waterpark is available for private rentals.

For Sport

Eagan’s lively sports scene creates fantastic options for teambuilding activities, off-site activities and downtime attractions. Eagan became the home to the Minnesota Vikings world headquarters and the Minnesota Vikings Museum in 2018. The TCO Performance Center, where the team trains, is a worthy visit for any sports fan. The Vikings’ practice field, TCO Stadium, doubles as the home field of the Minnesota Aurora FC women’s soccer team. When these two talented teams aren’t taking to the field, the 10,000-person stadium hosts engaging community events and sports gatherings.

Shop ’til You Drop

For attendees who like to shop during their downtime or want to stay and vacation after the meeting, Eagan is well-placed among some of the best retail destinations in the Midwest. The city is home to Twin Cities Premium Outlets, which offers over 80 stores and taxfree deals on clothes and shoes. Eagan is also less than 10 minutes away from the Mall of America, the largest mall in the country with 5.6 million square feet, an indoor theme park and as many as 500 stores to explore.

Meet Historic Kansas

MBY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

eeting in Kansas can take groups back to a time with the West was still wild.

The state’s history dates back to before the Civil War, when homesteaders flocked to the area to start a new life. Today, groups can meet at a number of historic sites around the state that played roles in America’s westward expansion.

THE HISTORIC ELDRIDGE HOTEL

Lawrence

The Historic Eldridge Hotel in Lawrence served as the epicenter of the abolitionist movement in Kansas. At the time the hotel was built in 1855, the Jayhawkers were battling the Border Ruffians for control over whether Kansas would be a free or slave state. The hotel was where the abolitionists held their meetings.

The day of the hotel’s grand opening, a Border Ruffian burned it to the ground. Col. Eldridge, a railroad man who came from a wealthy family, stepped in and rebuilt the hotel bigger and better. In 1863, William Quantrill and 200 Bushwackers attacked the town. Quantrill used the hotel as his headquarters while he was burning down the rest of the town. He destroyed the hotel when he was finished.

Col. Eldredge rebuilt it again, and it was thought to be the finest hotel west of the Mississippi. It eventually fell into disrepair, but in 1925 a hotelier stepped in to restore it to its original grandeur. Bonnie and Clyde stayed there in 1932 as they surveyed the bank that would be the location of their first robbery.

The hotel still retains its historic exterior but now features all of the modern conveniences. It has 48 guest rooms, and its Crystal Ballroom can host 140 for a banquet and up to 225 when the ballroom is paired with the hotel lobby and bar. The Big 6 Room can seat 100 for a banquet.

eldridgehotel.com

Courtesy the Eldridge Hotel

THE HISTORIC ELDRIDGE HOTEL IN LAWRENCE DATES BACK TO 1855.

MIDLAND RAILROAD HOTEL

Wilson

Midland Railroad Hotel was built in 1889 to serve visitors coming to Wilson by train. The historic town of 750 residents, which was settled by Germans and Czechs, is in the middle of Kansas, about a twohour drive to Wichita, a three-hour drive to Kansas City and two miles off of Interstate 70. The hotel has 28 guest rooms and several meeting and event spaces, including a 1907 barn that was recently converted into a conference center. The former stud barn, which used to sit on the parking lot behind the hotel, was relocated years ago to a farm.

The property’s current owner returned the barn to its original site as an event space. It still retains its original woodwork and horse stalls. The first floor of the barn can host groups of up to 60, and the hayloft can accommodate up to 150.

In the hotel itself, the upstairs and downstairs dining rooms can each host 45 guests. A patio outside is well suited for live music, receptions or team-building events.

Wilson is about 10 miles away from the clearest lake in Kansas, where groups can go fishing, swim, or rent kayaks or pontoon boats for an afternoon of leisure. A top-rated mountain bike trail nearby is perfect for bicyclists of all skill levels. About 30 minutes south of town is Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, a wetland that attracts hundreds of migratory birds. The town is also home to the world’s largest decorated Czech egg.

midlandrailroadhotel.com

HISTORIC ELGIN HOTEL

Marion

Like many historic properties across the country, the Historic Elgin Hotel in Marion has gone through numerous incarnations, from a hotel to an apartment house and back to a hotel. Built in 1886, the property was a symbol of Marion’s plans for growth. The citizens of the town believed they needed a first-class hotel to compete with neighboring communities.

When no outsiders stepped in to fulfill that need, community members pooled their funds to build a three-story hotel with 40 sleeping apartments, an elegant double parlor, a bathroom, a fine dining room, a washroom and a reading room. It featured all the modern appliances and comfortable furnishings.

The property remained a hotel until it closed in 1967 due to disrepair. It was turned into the Elgin House Apartments in 1977. In 2006, new owners invested $1.9 million to restore the property to its former glory. It reopened to the public in 2009 as an eightroom bed and breakfast with a ballroom, conference room and foyer on the first floor.

The current owners added four additional guest suites with private baths, a full commercial kitchen and dining room that can hold 40 guests, as well as a private dining room for eight and an outdoor patio for 24. The hotel features a fitness center, a library, a game lounge and Parlour 1886, a full-service restaurant. The Victorian ballroom can seat 75 for a banquet, while the courtyard also can host 75 guests. historicelginhotel.com

Courtesy Midland Railroad Hotel A BARN MEETING SPACE AT THE MIDLAND RAILROAD HOTEL

Courtesy Historic Elgin Hotel

MARION’S HISTORIC ELGIN HOTEL

DEPOT THEATER AND THE SANTA FE DEPOT

Dodge City

The Depot Theater in historic Dodge City got its start as the Boot Hill Repertory Company, which performed a Christmas review and plays at town’s popular Boot Hill Museum. Eventually, the theater company parted ways with Boot Hill to form a dinner theater. Depot Theater is located in the original Harvey House and Depot, a red brick building that was built in 1898 by the Atchison and Santa Fe Railway.

The railroad donated the building to the Dodge City government in 1996. An $8 million grant helped restore it to its former splendor and create a home for the new state-of-the-art dinner theater. While the performers waited for the theater to be completed, the Elks Lodge, which was a later addition to the depot building, was turned into the Homestead Theater, and the west half of the building, which at one time served as a dormitory for the Harvey Girls who worked as waitresses in the Harvey House and dining room, was turned into storage space for props and costumes.

In 2004, the theater company moved into its new home as the Depot Theater, which can seat up to 160 guests. Other venues available on-site include the former Homestead Theater, which can seat 80, or the El Vaquero dining room, which can accommodate 100 at banquet tables. The Fred Harvey Hotel lobby can host a reception or wedding for 100, or groups can rent out the entire building.

depottheater.com

Courtesy Depot Theater

THE EL VAQUERO DINING ROOM AT DODGE CITY’S DEPOT THEATER

THE BROWN GRAND OPERA HOUSE

Concordia

The Brown Grand Opera House in Concordia will celebrate its 117th anniversary in September. The theater was built by Col. Napoleon Bonaparte Brown, a wealthy man who moved to town in the mid-1870s. He opened a bank and built a 23-room mansion. He and his son, Earl, got the idea to build the Brown Grand because the city was a major stopping point for visitors traveling between Denver and Kansas City. They thought a theater would be a great way to bring money to town.

After Brown and his son passed away, Earl Brown’s wife, Gertrude, turned the theater into a movie house. Then, in the 1970s, the community came together to restore the theater to its original splendor. Its grand reopening was in 1980.

The theater is famous for its Napoleon Grand Drape, a replica of the original stage curtain that hung in the theater until 1967 that features a painting of Napoleon Bonaparte. The building is painted in gold, ivory and green tones. Groups can rent out the 534-seat theater for events or host a banquet for 150 on the stage.

browngrand.org

THE BROWN GRAND OPERA HOUSE IN CONCORDIA

Courtesy Brown Grand Opera House

Chicago Antheneaum Sculpture Park