Small Market Meetings September 2023

Discover MEETINGS IN MOBILE

In Mobile, you will discover a charming city boasting one-of-a-kind experiences, surprising scenery, convenient walkability, and a city always ready to be your gracious host. Our downtown is conveniently situated along the Mobile River and full of unique retailers, galleries, world-class attractions, and award winning chefs and restaurants.

6,000+ HOTEL ROOMS CITY WIDE

1,200+ HOTEL ROOMS DOWNTOWN

50+

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS

300,000 sq. ft.+ WATERFRONT CONVENTION CENTER

ON THE COVER: Eastwood Farm and Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, makes an elegant location for off-site events. Photo by Courtney Steven.

Puzzled Where To Meet?

ACROSS

2. Hike and bike trails pass through here.

3. Has the best facilities between Denver and Omaha.

6. 1,350 of these happen every year.

DOWN

1. Downtown Hub for eats and drinks.

4. Historical monument on 1-80.

5. A campus of conference, events and hotels.

7. Every year 1 million of these migrate through

8. HS FB All-Star game.

(We’ll give you a hint: Kearney.)

Kearney, where the Heartland gathers.

Every year, Kearney hosts more than 1,350 events. From the Nebraska Shrine Bowl to conferences large and small, top-notch entertainment – heck, even a million Sandhill Cranes make sure to meet in Kearney every year. Why? Because Kearney has the best facilities between Denver and Omaha, experienced staff, and wonderful volunteers that make sure every event that comes to town is taken care of.

If you’re looking for a host city for your next event, make sure you look at Kearney, Nebraska.

Charlottesville and Albemarle County get hip as they stay historic

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

If Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe did some time traveling and returned to Charlottesville and Albemarle County today, much would seem familiar — especially the historic grounds of the University of Virginia, which Jefferson designed. But the founding fathers, who spent many a day in meetings, would also be impressed by the region’s meeting venues. Charlottesville doesn’t have a convention center, but the city and surrounding Albemarle County, with a combined population of 150,000, have many appealing options for meetings of under 500 people.

UVA VENUES

UVA is the impetus behind some of them. For years, its foundation has owned the Boar’s Head Resort west of town. Parts of the property date to the 1700s, but the 168-guest room resort is thoroughly modern, with a spa, a championship golf course, a top 25 tennis complex, a pool, trails, lakes and 22,000 square feet of meeting space.

And, UVA has another conference hotel in the works on its grounds. The 214-room hotel—scheduled to open in a few years—will have a 25,000-square-foot conference center with a 10,000-square-foot ballroom that will be the city’s largest. The hotel also will meet energy and environmental design standards.

Also, near UVA, the 198-room The Forum Hotel by Kimpton opened in the spring of 2023 adjacent to the university’s Darden School of Business. Red-brick Colonial outside and mod inside, the hotel and its more than 22,000 square feet of meeting space are bordered by gardens, an arboretum and an event lawn.

DOWNTOWN DYNAMOS

Downtown, a $15 million renovation at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel will upgrade its 208 guest rooms, add new lobby bars and increase its meeting space to 14,000 square feet. The Omni Charlottesville Hotel sits on

the western-most end of Charlottesville’s historic pedestrian mall, packed with restaurants, bars, music venues and shops. Upscale overflow accommodations are nearby in boutique hotels like the Quirk Hotel Charlottesville and The Draftsman, an Autograph Collection property.

Several preserved historic buildings also serve as venues. At the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, rotating exhibitions educate and enlighten during events. The Dairy Market has been a draw for ice cream and dairy treats since 1937. Now it is a food marketplace where entrepreneurs cook up everything from Thai and Latin American meals to pizza and beer, and meeting groups gather in its 6,000-square-foot Brick Cellar. The Wool Factory, a roomy, restored 19th century textile mill, hosts anything from small corporate dinners to celebrations for 500 or more.

SCENIC SETTINGS

Charlottesville’s inviting urban core pairs well with the undulating Albemarle County countryside. At The Clifton, a boutique inn on 100 acres five miles from town, 20 guest rooms and small meeting spaces are scattered in restored historic houses, cottages and a stable. Groups can hike forested trails in the Blue Ridge

Mountain foothills, paddle the Rivanna River or unwind on a trek along country roads to some 40+ wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail. A number have meeting and event spaces, like the 3,600-square-foot Granary at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards and the tasting and tap room at Mount Ida Reserve Winery. Jefferson’s and Monroe’s former estates also welcome gatherings. At Monroe’s Highland, two miles from Jefferson’s Monticello, the climate-controlled Event Barn has two levels with seating at tables for 150 upstairs and 100 downstairs. And at the foot of the mountain upon which Monticello sits, a modern visitors center has classrooms, a theater and a patio for after-hours events. A gracious 1908 home called Montalto, located on a mountain Jefferson owned, looks down on Monticello. It is a secluded spot for board retreats and outdoor events on a lawn that overlooks Monticello and valleys below and mountains beyond. It’s a striking way to take in all the possibilities that Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer.

Charlottesville and Albemarle County at a Glance

LOCATION | Central Virginia; 3 hours from the beach, 1 hour from Richmond, 2 hours from DC

ACCESS | Charlottesville Albemarle Regional Airport; Amtrak

MAJOR MEETING HOTELS | The Forum Hotel by Kimpton; Boar’s Head Resort; Omni Charlottesville Hotel; DoubleTree by Hilton Charlottesville, Holiday Inn University Area

HOTEL ROOMS | 4,179

OFF-SITE VENUES | Jefferson’s Monticello; Monroe’s Highland; Brick Cellar at The Dairy Market; The Wool Factory; North Fork Meeting Center at UVA Research Park

AFTER-HOURS ACTIVITIES | Hiking trails; wineries, breweries and distilleries; historic sites; paddling the James and Rivanna rivers; shopping, dining and live music at downtown pedestrian mall

MORE INFO

Teresa Lamb, Sales Manager

434-972-4138

tlamb@albemarle.org

visitcharlottesville.org

IN SIGHTS

WITH VICKIE MITCHELL

MAKING MEETINGS MEANINGFUL

Afew months ago, I noticed that a top-selling book at online bookseller Bookshop.org was not the usual John Grisham or Colleen Hoover novel. Instead, it was a 281-page nonfiction book by Priya Parker titled “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters.” I had to find out more, so I ordered it.

Parker, a facilitator and strategic adviser, urges us to think deeper about why we bring people together. Her goal is to make gatherings more meaningful and effective by focusing on the needs of the people who are gathering and breaking out of the patterns and routines we all fall into.

The book’s not a how-to but rather a call to think harder and more creatively about why and how we gather. Here are a few highlights.

A new book poses valuable questions for event planners

Who and where?

Inviting people is easy; excluding them is hard. Yet, Parker says it is often important to “exclude with purpose.” She recalls a conference of 40 leaders whose goal was to agree on a common vision. One leader asked to bring a guest; organizers said no. Why? Having that person present, they realized, would distract the leader and make him less likely to engage as fully with the others. Parker says organizers trying to create a guest list should ask these two questions: “Who fits and also helps fulfill the gathering’s purpose?” and “Who threatens the purpose?” Then, with purpose and guest list in hand, planners can choose a venue, seeking a space that complements the gathering’s purpose. For example, a venue in the Hollywood Hills overlooking L.A. for an architecture group discussing urban design or a quiet monastery for a faith-based group discussing the future of their church.

Why are you gathering?

Determining a gathering’s purpose should always be the first step in planning an event, Parker says. And yet, it is often overlooked as planners instead concentrate on creating Martha Stewart-like tablescapes or choosing Travel + Leisure worthy venues. Purpose must come first, Parker points out, because it should drive every other decision, from meeting site to food served. The goal, she says, is to pen purposes that are specific and detailed. For example, instead of “to focus on the year ahead,” as the purpose for a company off-site meeting, come up with a bolder, more personalized purpose like “to build and practice a culture of candor” or “to focus on the fractured relationship between sales and marketing, which is hurting everything else.”

Take the reins

Many event organizers take a laissez-faire approach to hosting, Parker says. But she points out attendees want and need to be gently and respectfully governed. They dread the board meeting that is allowed to veer off topic, run long and ultimately accomplish little. Effective gatherings are governed by generous authority, Parker says. The best hosts protect guests, perhaps from one another or from distracting technology. They equalize guests by eliminating hierarchy. An example? Thomas Jefferson’s seating at formal state dinners — there were no assigned seats, and diners seated themselves as they arrived. And the best hosts also find ways to connect guests. At a 120-person conference Parker helped plan, she had attendees change tables each time a new session began. Each time they moved, attendees introduced themselves to their new tablemates. By the day’s end, attendees had met most everyone at the conference. They told Parker they’d never felt so connected to so many people so quickly.

Begin with a bang; make endings memorable

The chapter “Never Start a Funeral with Logistics” brings a knowing laugh. We’ve all been there, seated at the event that kicks off with a droning recitation of thank yous or announcements about where lunch will be. It’s a huge disappointment for people who come to conferences hoping to be inspired. Find ways, to “honor and awe” an audience at the start, Parker says. In the same vein, events shouldn’t end with thank yous and logistics. Endings are an opportunity to remind participants why their time has been well spent. A closing exercise at a conference could be as simple as giving participants a chance to share a favorite moment. Or have association members merrily depart to music that’s been the event’s theme song as leaders stand along the aisle and applaud them.

Make your own rules

After you establish purpose, people and place, shake things up a bit by creating a set of “rules” for your event — what Parker calls “pop-up etiquette.” Rather than being authoritarian, Parker says these rules can make an event more democratic because they can be followed by people from all backgrounds. The rules can aid communication — a no-devices policy perhaps — or guide discussion by giving guidelines to limit topics. Parker’s best example of how rules can help bring people together as equals is Diner en Blanc, a one-night, pop-up dinner held in cities all over the world. There are many rules: Diners must bring their own food, drink, china, silverware and small table; everything, from clothing to shoes and tablecloths must be white; everyone puts their tables together in a long line and dines together. A reporter who attended the dinner in Washington, D.C., said it was a refreshing break from typical social climbing events in the capital. “I couldn’t tell who was rich and poor. No one was looking over their neighbor’s shoulder to see who they should really be talking to.”

CEDAR RAPIDS IS EXCITED TO HOST NATIONAL DELEGATION

BY RACHEL CRICK

The 2023 Small Market Meetings Conference will take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, September 27–29. More than 200 delegates will travel from around the country to attend the conference, which will be held at the 267room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex.

With 80,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the Cedar Rapids Convention Complex is Iowa’s newest convention center. It’s located in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids, just a couple blocks from prominent venues like the historic Paramount Theatre and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

Conference organizers have announced the conference’s keynote speaker will be Bob Pacanovsky, a consultant and trainer with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Pacanovsky and his team have created more than 7,000 meetings and events in his career, including catering 25 of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction events. He speaks on topics such as service excellence and hospitality, and his presentation for the Small Market Meetings Conference will focus on the five essential laws of hospitality.

During their stay in Cedar Rapids, conference attendees will have the opportunity to explore the city’s thriving downtown and distinct destination appeal. Sightseeing tours on Thursday, September 28, will showcase the city’s wide range of venues. Visitors will first tour Indian Creek Nature Center, a green meeting space outside Cedar Rapids that’s among the most sustainable buildings in the world. They’ll see a beehive, meet Cedar Rapids llamas and enjoy a sample of local beer from Lion Bridge Brewery. Their second tour will showcase the Brucemore Mansion, a historic house

All photos courtesy Cedar Rapids Tourism

A GROUP GATHERS IN THE HALL OF MIRRORS AT THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE IN CEDAR RAPIDS.

CO NFERENCE

mansion downtown. Attendees can play croquet on the lawn and hear live music.

The third tour, at Lion Bridge Brewery in the historic neighborhood Czech Village, will explore the mecca of immigrant heritage and culture in the city. Visitors will see the brewery and taste some of its most popular beers. A tour of the city’s Czech and Slovak heritage and Czech Village will follow with a trip to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, which features an extensive collection of Czech artifacts. Attendees will taste classic Czech pastries known as kolaches while they wander through the museum’s many exhibits and elegant meeting spaces.

The final tour will take place at Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery, which is just 10 miles south of Cedar Rapids. Attendees will get to enjoy the scenic meeting and event space as they have appetizers and try some of the distillery’s award-winning bourbon.

tourismcedarrapids.com

TO REGISTER FOR THE 2023 SMALL MARKET MEETINGS CONFERENCE IN CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA, SEPTEMBER 27–29, GO TO: SMMCONF.COM/REGISTRATION

THE CEDAR RAPIDS MUSEUM OF ART

MEETING LEADERS LIZ-BETH LAUCK

BY REBECCA TREON

Julius Caesar famously said, “experience is the best teacher,” and Liz-Beth Lauck is a prime example of someone who learned the necessary skills on the job.

“It’s not something they teach you in school — you’ve got to work and gain experience,” Lauck said. “I would never have thought of what I do now as a career when I first got into the workforce, but I evolved into this position.”

Lauck started her career working as an administrative assistant for an advertising agency. But when it shuttered, she decided to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and move to Switzerland to work as an au pair.

“When my office closed up shop, I was 23 and suddenly without a job,” she said. “This opportunity to go to Switzerland and be a nanny came up through some people my parents knew, and it was a very cool experience to have.”

Since then, Lauck has traveled around the globe, visiting places like England, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, China and many points in between.

After her childcare stint, Lauck returned stateside and worked with a development company responsible for the $93 million restoration of St. Petersburg, Florida’s historic Vinoy Hotel and Resort, which had been vacant since the mid-1970s.

“It was very cool to be a part of,” she said. “I learned a lot about development, construction, the history of the hotel — it was a 10-year project, and it really helped turn St. Petersburg around. It was a renaissance for downtown St. Pete, because back then it was

just kind of a sleepy, boring downtown. Now it’s so vibrant and packed full of people of all different age groups.”

As a part of the owner and developer’s team, Lauck stayed on board when the company’s attorney approached her about his next project, parlaying her job into a marketing role with the area’s new baseball team, the Tampa Bay Rays.

“The Vinoy project had finished, and the Tampa Bay Rays was an expansion franchise just coming into town and was a brand-new organization,” she said. “I was one of the first employees of the Tampa Bay Rays, which was pretty cool. The team hadn’t started playing yet, and we spent a year getting things going. They let me create my dream position — community relations — which was perfect because I had come to know so many people during the development phase. I helped to get players out there representing the team, meeting people. And it helped grow the organization and the fan base.”

After a decade, Lauck made the move to financial corporation Franklin Templeton, where she worked first as an event planner and later a meeting planner. She stayed with the company for 15 years before moving to HelmsBriscoe at the height of the pandemic — which for her was an ideal time to learn the ropes of her new role matching groups with the hotels and venues for their meetings.

“It was a great time to start so I could build my client base,” she said. “In the middle of 2022, the floodgates opened. I love being able to connect properties and destinations with groups, make those connections and build relationships.”

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

NAME

Liz-Beth Lauck

TITLE

Manager, Global Accounts

ORGANIZATION

HelmsBriscoe

LOCATION

Gulfport, Florida

BIRTHPLACE

West Bend, Wisconsin

CAREER HISTORY

• Director of Community Relations, Tampa Bay Rays (1995–2005)

• Senior Meeting Planner, Franklin Templeton (2005–2020)

• Manager of Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe (2020–present)

“I love being able to connect properties and destinations with groups, make those connections and build relationships.”

TIPS FROM LIZ-BETH LAUCK

• Meet as many people as you possibly can; talk to anyone and everyone. You never know where your next client or job may come from.

• Relationships matter — never burn bridges.

• Be flexible and go with the flow. It’s imperative to be organized and have structure. But you also need to keep an open mind and accept there will be times you need to pivot.

LIZ-BETH LAUCK ENJOYS A MOMENT OF SUNSHINE IN A LAVENDER GARDEN DURING A RECENT CONFERENCE.

Beyond the Ballroom

MEETING PLANNERS SHARE TIPS FOR SELECTING OFF-SITE VENUES

BY RACHEL CRICK

River cruises, murder mystery dinners at historic mansions and wildlife encounters — the potential for off-site events is nearly limitless.

Locations outside the conference center or hotel add an element of creativity to a business or sales meeting, introduce the perfect opportunity for networking and fun at a conference, and reward attendees on incentive trips. They can also incorporate elements of local culture and satisfy a business traveler’s longing for leisure travel.

With so many options to choose from, selecting a venue that will give attendees a unique and rewarding experience is critical. Check out these tips from experts to select the perfect off-site venue.

EXPECTATIONS FOR OFF-SITE EVENTS

Discussing the client’s wants and needs, the look and feel of the event, and the pros and cons of each venue type is an important step in picking a venue. So is setting appropriate expectations.

“Usually I’ll have the conversation with the client to get a feel for what exactly they think they’re looking for and what they’re actually looking for,” said Rami Coppock, senior event planner at J. Shay Event Solutions. “We all have a tendency of having champagne dreams.”

It’s important to assess the goals of the offsite meeting. Is it a sales meeting, where there’s a lot of business to get done, or is it a networking opportunity? If it falls more on the business side of the spectrum, planners can make sure they’re looking exclusively for venues that include designated meeting space. Rooms with inspiring mountain views can bring the excitement of an off-site venue to a typical meeting.

If it falls more on the social or rewarding side of the spectrum, a different approach is warranted.

“If you want to make it special and this is a treat or reward or celebration and you’re looking at a destination to add to all this, what can you be doing?” said Aneta Key, founder of Aedea Partners, an events facilitation and consultation company in California.

It’s also important to consider what kind of event the off-site event is part of. If it’s taking up one evening of a multi-day conference, the site should be designed to give attendees a social and fun evening after a day of presentations and lectures. That means bringing the “wow factor” is important, and

Rami Coppock

SENIOR EVENT MANAGER

J. Shay Event Solutions

Experience: 16 years

“It puts into perspective how much you care about your attendee and how much thought and effort you put into it.”

Aneta Key FOUNDER

Aedea Partners

Experience: 25 years

that’s where interesting venues with fun activities come in.

Trips to vineyards, happy hours with unique wildlife or even fun outdoor venues like a white-water rafting park are excellent options that entertain attendees and make lasting memories.

CREATIVELY SOURCING VENUES

Once they’ve determined the energy they want to bring into their event and the goals of the event, planners should choose a venue. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to find a venue that represents a destination’s personality without being too cliché or uninspired.

“Business travelers are looking to their travel as a chance to do some leisure travel as well, so bring in that local culture and destination,” said Leanne Calderwood, vice president of global accounts at Conference Direct.

Off-site events are a great way to tie in local culture and create a theme. Sometimes that theme is obvious; a trip to Indianapolis warrants an Indy 500 event, such as a reception at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. An off-site event held in Kentucky is a great opportunity to tie in bourbon and horses with a tour of a racetrack or a distillery.

“I’m based in San Francisco, and here, the usual suspect is wine country,” Key said.

Planners can also tie in broader themes across the event planning industry or base their events off cultural trends for an added element of creativity and memorability. With period dramas like Netflix’s “Bridgerton” trending globally, a ball held at a historic home might be one of the most memorable events for attendees.

“Take advantage of the hotspots and hip areas and what’s trending,” Coppock said. “Speakeasys have been hot for the last five years.”

Calderwood said the types of venues that appeal to her are “ones that are repurposing spaces into something different, like taking a warehouse or airline hangar and transforming it into something different. That’s a great way to highlight those hidden gem venues to create an experience.”

When it comes to sourcing these venues, planners have several options. One method is as simple as pulling up a map of the area and researching nearby attractions. This can work if the planner knows the area very well, but other tools and research methods can save them time.

“One is a site-sourcing tool called Cvent, which has good listings and accurate information on off-site venues,” Calderwood said. “Another source I use is the DMO in that location and asking them for their recommendations.”

CVBs and DMOs make valuable allies when choosing an off-site venue because representatives have firsthand knowledge of a place’s hidden gems,

“If you actually want to break things up and open creativity, you have to upset the status quo in a positive, pleasant, inspirational way.”

MANAGING

business closures or remodels, and favorite activities among locals.

Another way planners can source their events is through their clients. Some clients may have existing ties to a venue that make it an obvious choice. This is especially true in the years after the pandemic, when many events were cancelled or postponed.

“Often they have preexisting relationships, so they may have a master account with a given venue, or maybe they have credit based on prior events,” Key said.

LOOKING AT LOGISTICS

Sometimes it’s tempting to gloss over the off-site event because of all the additional logistics they entail. Added costs, transportation and rental requirements are all things planners must consider when selecting a venue.

Ultimately, budget is going to be the determining factor. Planners should look for venues that offer multiple price points or are willing to negotiate.

Transportation is another potentially difficult piece of the plan ning puzzle. Is it something attendees can grab an Uber or walk to, or should the client charter a shuttle to take them to and from the venue?

“I think there’s a lot of value in having a local event planner or DMC to help you with logistics of transportation,” said Calderwood.

Coppock said another factor she considers is the safety of the

transportation. If the off-site venue is within walking distance of the hotel, look at the security of the area and whether the sun will be up or down. If it’s not in the most well-lit or secure location, or it’s not very walkable, arranging group transportation to the off-site is imperative.

Catering can pose a question, too. Sometimes distinct venues, like converted warehouses or airline hangars, may not have a full catering kitchen or a liquor license. If the client only wants light appetizers, that may be something a planner can work around by hiring an external caterer. Some venues might have exclusive catering and vendor lists, which may increase the price.

CENTRE’D AROUND YOU.

Make an impact with your next event at Boise Centre. Our versatile meeting and event spaces, modern amenities, and expert event planning team is at your service to ensure an unforgettable event experience. Located in the middle of the city’s energetic, walkable downtown Boise Centre is surrounded by local breweries, restaurants, shops, hotels and is minutes from outdoor adventures.

• Convenient downtown location

• Numerous direct flights and seven minutes from the airport

• Surrounded by restaurants, breweries, and nightlife

• Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance

• Outdoor activities close by hiking, rafting, biking, and more

boisecentre.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL ACCOUNTS

Conference Direct

Experience: 22 years

Whether it’s C-level execs galvanizing goals, eager hires training or sales reps sharing tips, fire them up and their guests, too. Meet where daylight streams in and locally harvested flavors infuse meals. Hike under sun-gold leaves on Lake Michigan’s dunes. Sip beverages poured from their makers’ taps and barrels. Shop for fall fashions. Ignite their energy in Southwest Michigan.

“The off-site or the after-hours networking opportunities are what people remember most about the event, so having the right venue is going to cement that event for a lot of the attendees.”

Leanne Calderwood

unique venues

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

an ideal

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.

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

ACROSS

VINEYARD VENUES

These wineries make excellent settings for elegant meetings

BY RACHEL CRICK

Wine has always played a role in civilization, with some of the earliest evidence of its consumption dating back to 6,000 B.C. And surprisingly little has changed about how much we enjoy this libation today; after all, nothing stimulates the flow of conversation and ideas like a glass of wine.

Perhaps that’s what makes wineries shine as event venues. These five wineries around the country come with views of lush vineyards, elegant

meeting spaces, tasty wine and food pairings, and sometimes, resort amenities.

SOUTH COAST WINERY RESORT AND SPA

TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA

California is known for its wine, especially in Napa Valley, but the state is home to plenty of other excellent wine regions. In Temecula, a small town south of Los Angeles, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa is situated on 63 acres. Visitors to the resort can enjoy views of the vineyards and mountains, the temperate weather of Southern California, and the spa and other resort amenities at the winery. More than 130 guest suites and villas on the property come equipped with soaking tubs and gas fireplaces.

“All villas are steps from the vineyards, which provides a picturesque and tranquil setting for learning, collaborating and creating with colleagues,” said Marguarite Clark, a spokesperson for South Coast Winery Resort and Spa.

The winery has 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The 7,025-square-foot Grand Ballroom can seat up to 480 banquet-style, while the

Above: South Coast Winery in Temecula, California, has 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

Courtesy South Coast Winery

Barrel Room has nearly 3,000 square feet and can seat up to 300 for a banquet. Outdoor spaces include the Vintner’s Garden, a partially shaded garden space that can accommodate up to 250 banquet-style, and a lawn that can hold up to 2,000 for a reception.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa provides tables, chairs, flatware, linens and a service team. Catering is in-house, and the winery works with a production company for AV and technological needs. Meeting planning services are also available.

southcoastwinery.com

NEWPORT VINEYARDS MIDDLETOWN, RHODE ISLAND

Middletown, Rhode Island’s proximity to major cities like Boston and New York without the higher price points makes it an appealing option for meetings. Newport Vineyards, set on 66 acres, is the largest winery in Rhode Island and was established in 1995. It’s family owned and operated and has an on-site brewery and farm-to-table cuisine in addition to award-winning wines and beautiful views of its lush vineyards.

The winery has three event spaces. The Tank

Room takes guests to the heart of the winery, where they can dine among barrels and tanks in an industrial chic setting. It can accommodate up to 70 guests banquet-style or 100 for a reception. The Overlook Dining Room overlooks the Tank Room and has a working stone fireplace, perfect for a more intimate setting. It can accommodate 80 for a reception or 60 for a banquet. The Meadow Room, the winery’s largest space, has reclaimed barnwood on the walls and polished concrete floors. It can be combined with the connecting Vineyard Porch and Taproom for a larger event, and for a seate0d dinner with a dance floor, it can hold up to 150 guests.

“In addition to event spaces, Newport Vineyards offers experiences for guests such as private tours and tastings and wine and cheese classes for groups of 15 to 40 people,” said Kendra Carlisle, director of marketing at Newport Vineyards and Taproot Brewing Company.

Rentals are included with the venue, and on-site event managers, in-house catering and even party favors can be included to make Newport Vineyards a one-stop shop for event planning.

newportvineyards.com

Newport Vineyards scenes, clockwise from left: The Tank Room; scenic vineyards; the Meadow Room

Courtesy Newport Vineyards

SAPPHIRE CREEK WINERY AND GARDENS CHAGRIN FALLS, OHIO

On a serene property surrounded by tall trees and overlooking Sapphire Creek, Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens opened in 2018. This winery in northern Ohio seamlessly merges the indoors and outdoors with a contemporary 11,000-square-foot building surrounded by flower gardens.

“It’s very relaxing and it feels very isolated,” said Kathleen Dangelo, president and owner of Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens. “Corporate events get to focus on the subject matter.”

With stunning features like vaulted ceilings encased in reclaimed barn wood, modern chandeliers indoors and string lights outdoors, and entire walls of glass overlooking the woodland beyond, Sapphire Creek’s event spaces are equal parts rustic, sophisticated and enchanting. The Oak Room, with 28foot vaulted ceilings, overlooks the creek and can accommodate up to 100 guests. The Wine Cellar, a

Courtesy Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens

A TERRACE AT SAPPHIRE CREEK WINERY AND GARDENS

cozier setting for events, exits onto the cellar patio. The Brix Tasting Room has a long white marble bar and plenty of natural light; it opens onto the main terrace, an elegant, white porcelain terrace featuring a 28-foot reflective pool bordered by fire bowls. Adjacent is the Great Lawn, another outdoor space suitable for larger events.

Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens’ wines are created in Napa Valley, but all food is made inhouse in their full, scratch kitchen. The winery can also handle AV for a meeting or event in addition to catering.

sapphire-creek.com

EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

Located five minutes from downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, Eastwood Farm and Winery is a family operation owned by three generations of women. Set on 77 acres, the property has apple and pear orchards set before a breathtaking backdrop of

THE TENT AND TERRACE BAR AT EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY

Courtesy Eastwood Farm and Winery

the Blue Ridge Mountains. This young winery, which won two gold medals from the Virginia Wineries Association in 2023, opened in 2020 and is one of 40 wineries on one of the most renowned wine trails on the East Coast.

“We are part of the Monticello Wine Trail, located right along the ridge line with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, so we’re bridging that gap between old and new,” said Mary Ragan, private events manager at Eastwood Farm and Winery.

Tent and Terrace Bar, the winery’s primary event location, is an outdoor space with a tent covering a hardwood floor and beautiful views of the mountains. It has a capacity of 200. The second event space on the property is the Barn and Veranda Tasting Room, a refinished horse barn with the original wood, a stage and an attached, covered veranda. This space can accommodate 150.

The winery has an attractive catering menu of farm-to-table meals, perfectly paired with wine, beer and cider. The Barn and Veranda space has a

full catering kitchen, and the winery welcomes outside caterers. AV equipment includes a microphone, speakers, a projector and projector screen, as well as sound systems in both spaces.

eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

ARGYLE WINERY

DUNDEE, OREGON

The Willamette Valley is one of the most famous wine regions on the West Coast. Argyle Winery, founded in 1987, has been producing wine in Willamette Valley city Dundee for more than 35 years. It began by producing sparkling wine and today also produces wines like pinot noir, chardonnay and Riesling. Though it eventually moved wine production to nearby Newburg, Argyle Winery still uses its original space in downtown Dundee to meet all of its hospitality needs.

“Being part of the history of the town, we really are a core location in downtown Dundee,” said Cathy Martin, community development manager at Argyle Winery. “Being in the same spot we’ve been

Book

in for 35 years, we can walk people through the evolution of the Oregon wine industry.”

The winery’s Tasting House, which once was used to produce wine and still houses the Reserve Cellar, is a stylish, modern space with warm wood tones and a bar. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the space can accommodate up to 100 for an event. The Riddling Room, also located in the Tasting House, is a smaller meeting room that can seat up to 16 and includes audiovisual equipment. Another room, the Library, is decorated with the winery’s collection and can seat 12. Just outside, the Tasting House Annex is an indoor-outdoor space that can accommodate up to 150.

The Spirit House, the property’s Victorian house and original tasting room, has a dining space, high-top tables and a bar for up to 35 guests. Argyle Winery has a list of preferred caterers and is happy to work with clients to curate guest experiences such as tastings. argylewinery.com

VIEWS EASY PARKING FLEXIBLE MEETING SPACES

Courtesy Argyle Winery

THE TASTING HOUSE AT ARGYLE WINERY

Uncork a memorable meeting.

�eeting planners will toast our variety of picturesque venues, unique group activities, and first-rate food and drink. Located on I-85 just south of Atlanta, LaGrange provides the perfect backdrop for fun and fruitful small meetings and events. Start planning at VisitLaGrange.com.

Hoosier HOMETOWN

All photos courtesy Visit Bloomington

Shops and cafes on Fourth Street are part of the vibrant and eclectic scene in downtown Bloomington, home to Indiana University.

CITY

Bloomington welcomes the world to Indiana

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

Bloomington, Indiana, is the college town that welcomes the world.

College towns are often winning choices for meetings. Educational institutions make for a healthy supply of venues, while football weekends and homecoming festivities ensure plenty of lodging options for parents and alumni. In addition, international students — who often stay on after graduation — keep the culinary and cultural scene vibrant.

These winning factors all come together in Bloomington. Home of the state’s flagship university and located only an hour from the capital of Indianapolis, Bloomington is a great place to host your next event.

BLOOMINGTON AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: South Central Indiana

ACCESS: Indianapolis International Airport, Interstate 69

HOTEL ROOMS: 2,000

CONTACT INFO: Visit Bloomington

812-330-4304

visitbloomington.com

MONROE CONVENTION CENTER

BUILT: 1991, renovated 2012

EXHIBIT SPACE: 24,000 square feet

OTHER MEETING SPACES: Nine breakout rooms

MEETING HOTELS

Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel & Conference Center

GUEST ROOMS: 189

MEETING SPACE: 55,000 square feet

Hilton Garden Inn

GUEST ROOMS: 168 rooms

MEETING SPACE: 5,030 square feet

WHO’S MEETING IN BLOOMINGTON

Educational Theatre Association –International Thespian Festival

ATTENDEES: 2,000

Midwest Chapter of the Medical Library Association

ATTENDEES: 180

National Conference on Police Social Work

ATTENDEES: 250

Destination Highlights

For a city that made its biggest Hollywood appearance in the 1979 Academy Award-winning movie “Breaking Away,” one of Bloomington’s biggest draws is its friendliness to pedestrians, despite the film’s bicycle racing backdrop. Although it’s known as Bike Town, USA, and home to the Little 500 (the world’s most famous college cycling race), the town and campus are easily navigated on foot.

“We definitely pride ourselves on our downtown,” said Teal Strabbing, visitor services manager for Visit Bloomington. “Our convention center is in a great location, just a couple of blocks from the downtown square and the courthouse. There are more than 100 different restaurants and shops in the downtown area. It’s very walkable, so that’s especially great for meeting attendees. They can leave the car and explore our nightlife — we have a great music scene and lots of fun bars — then stroll back to their hotel.” (For those who don’t want to bother with a car at all, a convenient shuttle operates every two hours from the Indianapolis Airport.)

Fans of urban trails will definitely want to stroll or cycle the 3.1-mile B-Line Trail, which is packed with murals and other public art, galleries, restaurants and vintage shopping, along with a bountiful farmers market that pops up each Saturday during the summer.

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Discover hands-on cultural experiences, impact organizations, sustainable products and more through the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Patio dining at Bloomington restaurants

Pictured: Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to explore the preservation of the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration and education.

Major Meeting Spaces

Located in the Memorial Union on Indiana University’s glorious limestone campus, the Biddle Hotel and Conference Center is only five blocks from Bloomington’s vibrant downtown. With 189 guest rooms and 55,000 square feet of event space, the Biddle has a theater capacity of 600 and can accommodate receptions for up to 500 people and seated banquets for 350 guests. The 24,000-square-foot Monroe Convention Center has 10 meeting rooms and can accommodate a similar number of attendees for meetings, receptions and banquets. Three other hotels with event space (the Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Place and Graduate Bloomington) are within five blocks of the convention center.

Distinctive Venues

Anumber of unique event venues provide surprising flair. Gather your group in the heart of downtown for a performance or presentation at the Buskirk-Chumley, a completely renovated vaudeville theater and movie house built in 1922. Or shave a few points off your handicap at the Golf Club at Eagle Point. The 18-hole championship course is nestled in the scenic hills near Lake Monroe and offers many configurations for events, receptions and banquets.

Just 20 minutes from downtown, the Four Winds Lakeside Inn and Marina offers a peaceful retreat on serene but lively Lake Monroe. Guests can enjoy pedalboats and other recreational activities while staying in one of the inn’s 118 rooms (including 12 suites) and gathering in one of its eight meeting rooms. The 10,000-total-square-foot meeting space has theater capacity for 300 and banquet and reception facilities for 180.

Fort Wayne INDIANA in downtown Making good memories

Center

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a really welcoming place. We’re blown away by how nice and affordable this Midwest venue is and how much this downtown offers. We love coming here. It’s such an easy decision.

— David Christ, Baldman Games, Winter Fantasy Gaming

NOW BOOKING your best event!

Meagan Drabik | Sales Manager

WHAT

YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE:

• Full in-house services for In-person, Hybrid, or Remote meetings

• 225,000 sf of beautifully appointed convention & event spaces

• 50,000 sf carpeted Convention & Expo Hall; 18 versatile event rooms

• 4500 theatre; 3100 banquet; 2900 classroom with full AV capabilities

• 3 adjacent hotels with garage parking; 6,500+ guest rooms citywide

• In-house Sales, AV, Catering, Event management, and Guest experiences

• 60+ walkable restaurants and pubs, boutiques, and riverfront parks

• Easier event planning, intuitive guest navigation, full event support

>> SAVE UP TO 15% versus comparable cities! Easy Drive-To Destination! Easy by Air via FWA

MEETING SPACES Indiana University

“Grand Wayne

in downtown

After the Meeting

Fourth Street is the undisputed hub of international dining in a town that draws students from around the globe. In the district on and around Fourth Street, funky old residences now house eateries offering delicacies from Afghanistan, Burma, Indonesia, Greece, the Philippines and more.

Bloomington’s beverage scene also has plenty to toast. Forty years ago, the Butler family began crafting wines from Indiana-grown grapes at a picturesque vineyard nine miles outside the city. It’s a great spot for a picnic, but there’s a downtown tasting room, too. Oliver Winery is Indiana’s largest, offering unusual specialties like blueberry moscato, and a number of event spaces that can accommodate seated groups of up to 75 people.

College students love their beer, so it’s no surprise that Bloomington has a robust brewery scene. And other spots, such as Cardinal Spirits and Friendly Beasts Cider Company, offer other handcrafted delights.

To take your group back to happier, more carefree times, reserve the Orbit Room for a private event. This appealing underground lair has everything you need: gourmet hot dogs and bar snacks, even vegan gourmet hot dogs and vegan bar snacks. Throw in great music, vintage pinball machines and plenty of refreshing beverages, and you’ll have a night to remember.

For a more serene and spiritual outing, your group might enjoy a tour at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, located on 90 acres just outside of town. Founded in 1979 by an Indiana University professor, the center aims to educate people on the history and culture of Tibet and to support Tibetans and Mongolians. The Dalai Lama has made several visits to the center.

The Wonderland Museum (one of the country’s best science museums) is an affordable and original setting for spending an evening, letting adults get hands-on with fun experiments that will make them feel like a kid again. And for attendees who want to feel like slightly older kids, look no further than the iconic Bluebird Theatre. Celebrating 50 years of rock, funk and fun, “the Bird” is a great place for otherwise responsible adults to drink beer from a plastic cup, listen to loud music, and pretend they’re freshmen again.

AFTER HOURS Live music at the Bluebird

AFTER HOURS Oliver Winery

Wisconsin’s TITLE TOWN

All photos courtesy Discover Green Bay

Adjacent to Lambeau Field, Titletown Entertainment District offers year-round fun in Green Bay.

Team spirit makes meetings memorable in Green Bay

BY KATHERINE TANDY BROWN

Green Bay is passionate about its Packers — and with good reason.

Based in the smallest city in the National Football League, this legendary Wisconsin team has won more championships than any other franchise. Its history predates the league. In a tradition begun by fabled coach Vince Lombardi, kids annually line up with their bikes, and Packers players ride or — if, say, a hefty linebacker’s body weight might crush the cycle, carry — the bicycles down DreamDrive to football practice. The event is fun, heartwarming and all about building community relationships.

The special relationship between the Packers and the community permeates nearly every aspect of Green Bay. And the city’s team spirit is a highlight for groups that meet there as well.

GREEN BAY AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: Northeast Wisconsin

ACCESS: Green Bay Austin Straubel

International Airport, interstates 43 and 41, State Highway 29

CONTACT INFO: Discover Green Bay 888-867-3342

greenbay.com

KI CONVENTION CENTER

RENOVATED: 2015

EXHIBIT SPACE: Up to 35,000 square feet

OTHER MEETING SPACES: Nine breakout rooms totaling 4,068 square feet; 25,228 square-foot

Grand Ballroom; several smaller meeting spaces

MEETING HOTELS

Hyatt Regency Green Bay

GUEST ROOMS: 241 guest suites

MEETING SPACE: One boardroom

Radisson Hotel and Conference Center

GUEST ROOMS: 391, including 28 suites

MEETING SPACE: 30,000 square feet

Lodge Kohler

GUEST ROOMS: 144, including 10 suites

MEETING SPACE: Two private rooms that can accommodate 14 attendees each

WHO’S MEETING IN GREEN BAY

Forest Lakes Evangelical Church of America

ATTENDEES: 4,000

LeadingAge Wisconsin

ATTENDEES: 900

Wisconsin Arborists Association

ATTENDEES: 700

Destination Highlights

Meandering along the banks of the Fox River and the bay of Green Bay, the city of Green Bay has a finely honed focus on the Packers’ Lambeau Field. Yet its designated districts speak to an obvious diversity in this easily walkable destination.

One is the Downtown District, featuring the new CityDeck on the Fox River, with shopping, green spaces, outdoor bars, live bands and restaurants, such as St. Brendan’s Inn, famous for Irish fare. Another is the Broadway Arts District, with murals, galleries and art studios.

Yet another is Titletown Entertainment District (TED) opened in 2017 by the Green Bay team to support tourism. A community development project with housing, office space and year-round fun, it includes sports areas, event spaces, a craft brewery and rooftop bars with terrific views of Lambeau Field. Come wintertime, TED adds ice skating and an exciting tubing run.

The district is also the home of TitleTown Tech, an educational collaboration between the Packers and Microsoft to drive economic growth, job creation and digital innovation.

To accommodate increasing area visitors, construction is adding hospitality options. The Hampton Inn–Stadium is slated for completion this summer. Opening in September, the boutique Legacy Hotel will have a farm-to-table brasserie, a Grand Atrium for up to 250 guests and panoramic views, a block from Lambeau Field.

“We may be small in the NFL, but we have big city amenities,” said Beth Uletowski, vice-president of Discover Green Bay, “People expect that when they come to Green Bay for a game.”

A Packers fan event DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

MEETING SPACES

MEETING SPACES Fireworks over Lodge Kohler

KI Convention Center

MEETING SPACES Resch Expo

Major Meeting Spaces

“Because we’re attached to the KI Convention Center, the Hyatt Regency Green Bay doesn’t have your average room-to-meeting space ratio,” said Tracy Hillesheim, director of sales and events, referring to the downtown property’s 241 guestrooms and 80,000 square feet of meeting space.

Owned by the city of Green Bay, while managed and catered by the newly refreshed, all-suite Hyatt, the convention center offers cutting-edge technology, gorgeous waterfront and cityscape views and a connection to the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown, perfect for overflow. Thirty restaurants are within walking distance.

Opened in 2021 overlooking Lambeau Field, the state-of-the-art, $93-million Resch Expo provides 125,000 square feet of column-free space that can be flexed from one hall into two or three. A cocktail bar and luxury suites with private-viewing balconies dominate its second floor. The nearby Resch Center, opened in 2002, is a 10,500-seat arena that hosts concerts, shows, sporting events, the Green Bay Blizzard arena football team, consumer/trade shows and game-day tailgate parties.

A mere 100 feet from Lambeau in TitleTown, Lodge Kohler — sister property to the grand American Club in the city of Kohler — boasts amenities that include a magnificent spa, indoor/outdoor dining, a rooftop bar and rooms with impressive views.

The Facilities, The Lodging The Fun ... Just Perfect!

Located along the Ohio River directly adjacent to Ohio and Kentucky, our proximity to Cincinnati means we’re close to big-city amenities with all of the meeting customization and service a smaller location can provide.

Home to Hollywood Casino and the Lawrenceburg Event Center, we’re ideal for small and mid-size meetings and conventions of all types, offering:

✦ Large, customizable meeting and event space

✦ 15 miles to the Cincinnati International Airport

✦ 468 hotel rooms

✦ Walkable Main Street offering casino gaming, destination dining, entertainment options, historic tours, riverfront access, outdoor recreation, trails, winery/brewery properties, and more

Ready to get started? Scan the QR code to the right!

Across the road from the airport, the recently renovated Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, attached to the Oneida Casino, reflects touches of the tribe’s art and culture in its lobby and in its Cedar and Sage Grill House. Attendees can quaff a brew at the property’s beer garden. www.visitsoutheastindiana.com/meetings-conventions

Distinctive Venues

TThe Packers’ home turf, Lambeau Field, can host meetings and events from five to 1,000 attendees in 20 widely varied event spaces on-property and another five in TitleTown. Seating 81,441 fans, the stadium furnishes free game-day shuttles, and its staff embraces a corporate culture based on “winning championships” by delivering stellar guest services.

“We believe in creating a championship experience for visitors that makes them feel important, so they want to tell others about it,” said Pat Cavanaugh, events, sales, and service manager at Lambeau Field.

According to Uletowski, that must work. “Often after the Packers play, visitors write to the local newspaper about their great experience here, how friendly everyone was,” she said. “That speaks to what Green Bay is all about.”

In addition to scheduling stadium tours and Packers Heritage Trail Trolley Tours, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and Museum can develop a customized teambuilding scavenger hunt in the museum. At the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park, teams can compete on a ropes challenge course, climbing wall and side-by-side racing dual zip lines.

Billing itself as “more Guggenheim than garage,” the Automobile Gallery and Event Center is housed in a beautifully renovated local landmark that was once the city’s Cadillac dealership. With a view of its collection of gleaming, historic restored vehicles, a conference room holds 20. Indoor and outdoor spaces accommodate 160 for a banquet.

At the National Railroad Museum, groups can meet and eat in a shiny restored 1939 observation/lounge car, gather in a 109-seat theater and even take a choo-choo ride in season.

After the Meeting

Green Bay is known for its thriving spirit distillers, wineries and breweries. On the same parallel that passes through the premier wine regions of Tuscany and Bordeaux, Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery hosts events throughout the year that include a Winemaker Tour, Chocolate and Wine Pairings, and live music.

Located adjacent to the soon-to-open Legacy Hotel, Badger State Brewery leads private tours with tastings. A beer garden hosts outdoor receptions and a remodeled industrial space accommodates 300 with catering by the hotel.

Green Bay is definitely a “bring the family” place to meet. Paddlers, sailors and fishing folks can indulge their passions on the Fox River, Green Bay and Lake Michigan, while paddlers and walkers can wind down by the water on the Fox River State Trail.

At the Oneida Nations Museum, guests can learn about Wisconsin’s Indigenous Nations through exquisite artwork, and at the Amelia Cornelius Culture Park, they can explore a 65-foot replica of a traditional Oneida longhouse similar to the one the tribe lived in hundreds of years ago.

Forty-seven-acre Green Bay Botanical Gardens offers opportunities for groups to meet in venues such as a Scandinavian gazebo; amble past some 85,000 plants on walking tours; explore the shade garden, Children’s Garden and Vietnam Vets Garden; and admire an impressive magnolia collection.

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses 535 urban acres of wildlife exhibits and rehab facilities, animal viewing and miles of hiking/skiing trails. Across the street is Bay Beach Amusement Park, with thrilling rides for both kids and adults. Ride tickets are still a quarter.

The Automobile Gallery DISTINCTIVE VENUES

Oneida Tribe dancers

AFTER HOURS

MEETINGS WITH A VIEW

Looking for a place to host your next meeting, conference or convention?

Look no further than Corbin, KY. Conveniently located off of I-75 exit 25 in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Corbin is home to 2 premier meeting and conference centers. The Corbin Arena features a 31,250 square foot floor and a 19,261 square foot concourse, making it perfect for conferences and tradeshows. Directly below the Arena is the Corbin Center, a 20,000 square foot facility complete with an executive board room, five classrooms and an 85 x 63 square foot multipurpose space. After the meeting get out and enjoy the Original KFC, Cumberland Falls State Park, the Laurel Lake and our vibrant and eclectic downtown! We can’t wait to host you…..Corbin LOVES Company!

corbinkytourism.com

606-528-8860

Innovation’ ‘CareAND

By A.B. Photography

All photos courtesy Experience Rochester

Rochester’s Mayowood Historic Home features 23,000 square feet of event space in 38 rooms.

The famed Mayo Clinic has revolutionized Rochester,

Minnesota

BY ELIZABETH HEY

With a culture that prioritizes care and innovation, Rochester, Minnesota, exudes friendly Midwestern hospitality. In 1919, the distinguished Mayo Clinic, originally a family practice on the Minnesota frontier, was established as a not-forprofit organization dedicated to excellence in patient care, research and education. As a result, a flourishing hospitality mindset has become the heartbeat of this community.

CITY ROCHESTER AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: Southeast Minnesota

ACCESS: Rochester International Airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

HOTEL ROOMS: 6,250

CONTACT INFO:

Experience Rochester 507-288-4331 experiencerochestermn.com

MAYO CIVIC CENTER

BUILT: First opened its doors in 1939; a significant expansion was completed in 2017

MULTI-USE SPACE: 200,000 square feet

EXHIBIT SPACE: 66,010 square feet

MEETING HOTELS

The Kahler Grand Hotel

GUEST ROOMS: 597

MEETING SPACE: 20,000 square feet

Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area

GUEST ROOMS: 264

MEETING SPACE: 20,140 square feet

Marriott Rochester Mayo Clinic Area

GUEST ROOMS: 202

MEETING SPACE: 12,257 square feet

WHO’S MEETING IN ROCHESTER

Minnesota Assemblies of God

ATTENDEES: 3,000

Mayo Clinic

ATTENDEES: 1,100

American Holistic Nurses Association

ATTENDEES: 600

Destination Highlights

Downtown Rochester’s breadth of amenities supports the influx of visitors to Mayo’s global headquarters and its growing reputation as a meeting destination. A climate-controlled pedestrian skyway and underground subway system provide easy access to hotels, entertainment, locally owned restaurants and shops, as well as the Mayo Civic Center. Public art installations showcase sculptures, murals and unique doorways.

“Our dining scene is evolving quickly here, with cuisine from all over the world and restaurants with great ambiance,” said Joe Ward, president of Experience Rochester and Mayo Civic Center. “In the downtown convention district alone, we have more than 50 restaurants.”

Live entertainment at Mayo Civic Center includes everything from country music to comedians to musicals. Under one roof and overlooking the Zumbro River, the Rochester Civic Theatre and Rochester Art Center offer theatrical productions and rotating exhibitions by local, regional and international artists.

“Most cities of this size don’t have the infrastructure that we do,” said Ward. “We have a large metropolitan feel, and our hospitality dovetails with that. We’re in the center of so much happening in our nation due to the Mayo Clinic. Ingrained in our culture is a sense of looking out for people’s special needs and celebrating the diversity of our visitors.”

Near downtown, Minnesota’s outdoors beckons at Silver Lake. Electric paddle boats, bikes, kayaks and canoes for rent allow exploration of the forested paths, lake or river. Close by, the 329-acre Quarry Hill Nature Center offers hiking and biking trails, a limestone fossil quarry and historic sandstone caves. Come winter, rentals for cross-country skis or snowshoes invite adventure on eight miles of groomed trails.

Distinctive Venues

Nestled on 3,300-acres, Mayowood Historic Home touts 23,000 square feet of event space in 38 rooms. Built in 1910 by Charlie and Edith Mayo, the mansion is surrounded by a grand terrace overlooking the Zumbro River, along with picturesque botanical gardens and an Oriental tea house. Indoors, family artifacts tell the story of the Mayos’ world travels and how they hosted the community and celebrity VIPs.

Adjacent to Peace Plaza, an eye-catching sunburst marquee alludes to the uniqueness of the historic Chateau Theatre’s castle-like interior. Opened in 1927 as a Vaudeville house, it has played a vital role in the community for 90 years. Currently, it’s available for meetings, luncheons, concerts or receptions. It can accommodate 390 attendees for standing-room events, 300 theater-style and 250 guests for banquets.

Wellness experiences of all kinds can be designed at Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. The center offers fully customizable group wellness activities from cooking classes to yoga to interactive sports medicine experiences. The Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program provides conference rooms, connectivity, meals, snacks and logistical support.

“Rochester Art Center’s grand lobby is also a choice venue for receptions because it’s private with large windows overlooking the river,” said Ward. “Upstairs are galleries that guests can enjoy, or they can be used for a custom team-building programs.”

DISTINCTIVE VENUES Peace Fountain at Chateau Theatre

A statue of the Mayo brothers at Mayo Clinic DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

By T.J. Turner

Located at the crossroads of the northeast, Albany is easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile and is a short jaunt from major metropolitan areas such as Boston, New York City, and Montreal.

There are a variety of convention, special event, sports, and creative venues for your next event. Including the Capital Complex made up of four different venues: The Albany Capital Center, The Empire State Plaza Convention Center, The Egg Performing Arts Center and MVP Arena. Connected via enclosed walkways, these venues combine to make up the largest meeting space in Upstate New York at 159,000 square feet.

Visit

Major Meeting Spaces

Rochester’s primary meeting venue, Mayo Civic Center, is within walking distance of 2,400 hotel rooms. An extensive 2017 expansion and renovation increased the civic center’s capacity to nearly 200,000 available square feet of multi-use space, including 66,010 square feet of exhibit space and 20 meeting rooms. Housing the state’s largest ballroom, it accommodates more than 4,000 guests under its soaring 32-foot ceiling. The center’s exclusive caterer, OVG 360, often teams up with other vendors to provide local flavor and flair.

Additional spaces within the civic center include the 25,000-square-foot arena, a 15,810-square-foot auditorium with a permanent stage and the Charles H. Mayo Presentation Hall, with 1,084 theater-style seats. Attached to the civic center, Rochester Art Center makes the perfect spot for a reception. To the east along the Zumbro River, 11-acre Mayo Park and the Riverfront Plaza provide scenic event options.

Directly across from the Mayo Clinic, the iconic Kahler Grand Hotel opened in 1921 and has hosted U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries. This 597-room property underwent extensive renovations in 2020. Its 20,000 square feet of event space in 14 flexible venues includes executive boardrooms and elegant ballrooms.

Also downtown the 264-room Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area offers 20,140 square feet of flexible space, nine meeting rooms and two ballrooms. The fifth-floor rooftop terrace affords panoramic city views. Across from Peace Plaza, the Marriott Rochester Mayo Clinic Area offers 202 rooms, 12,257 square feet of event space and six meeting rooms accommodating up to 300 guests.

After the Meeting

The Rochester Trolley and Tour Co. offers private group transportation for special events and a variety of tours. Rochester and Mayo Clinic tours highlight important sites, historic buildings and fun facts about famous people who have visited the area. Additional options include a microbrew or winery tour and autumn’s Haunted Rochester Trolley Tour.

At Bitter and Pour on historic Third Street downtown, guests experience a subterranean hideaway with a speakeasy ambiance. Leather and wood decor give this spot a cozy and stylish vibe. Detail-obsessive cocktails, impeccable wine and craft beers are the norm.

“We get many comments from visitors who think it’s as cool as any speakeasy in the nation,” said Ward. “Alongside the menu, their mixologist creates drinks on the spot after asking about your preferences.”

Serenity in the heart of downtown is found at Peace Plaza, which features notable public art. Peace Fountain stands 12 feet high and contains 57 life-sized interlocked bronze doves by local sculptor Charles Gagnon. Wakefield emits fog and light after every birth and death at Mayo Clinic. Fans of Peace Plaza can head to Gagnon’s home. His widow gives tours of their home and studio, and the surrounding grounds display an extensive collection of Gagnon’s bronze sculptures.

“For a quirky photo op, the Ear of Corn Water Tower is a beloved landmark,” said Ward. “It stands 151 feet tall and has gone viral on TikTok.”

MEETING SPACES Mayo Civic Center

By A.B. Photography

AFTER HOURS A Rochester Trolley tour

People, places and possibilities. Such are the connections you can make with every GOCAL meeting and event. State-of-the-art facilities — with the ability to facilitate every want or need. So much and all so close to perfection.

We prefer to call it our connection center.

BRING YOUR TROOPS TO

Valley Forge

BY CARRIE MCLAREN

There’s more to Valley Forge than what you learned in history class.

Yes, this Pennsylvania destination is famous as the place where George Washington and his army spent the winter of 1777–78 during the Revolutionary War. But the area has come a long way since then.

Located 18 miles west of Philadelphia, Valley Forge serves as a convenient halfway point between New York City and Washington, D.C., making it an attractive meetings destination featuring affordable rates surrounded by rich history.

“We have the access of a tier 1 destination, with Philadelphia’s airport just a short drive away, but we have the space for groups to spread out and relax a bit more,” said Scott Higgins, director of sales at the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. “We offer groups modern amenities, historic sites and major shopping all within two miles of one another. We don’t have the traffic and rush of the big city here in Valley Forge.”

The Valley Forge Casino Resort offers planners a destination with everything under one roof, including 100,000 square feet of recently renovated meeting facilities, 445 guest rooms, six on-site restaurants and a variety of nightlife options. The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center is suburban Philadelphia’s most popular meeting space serving the tri-state region, with 220,000 square feet of uninterrupted display space — all on the same floor.

Groups meeting in the area can relive some of its history at Valley Forge National Historical Park or enjoy shopping at the nation’s fifth-largest shopping mall — King of Prussia, home to 450 retailers.

Here’s a look at what to expect for meetings in southeast Pennsylvania and the Valley Forge area.

WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS

Major Hotels

VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK PRESERVES THE SITE WHERE GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE CONTINENTAL ARMY SPENT THE WINTER OF 1777-78.

VALLEY FORGE, PENNSYLVANIA

LOCATION

18 miles west of Philadelphia

ACCESS

Philadelphia International Airport; interstates 95 and 76

MAJOR MEETING SPACES

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center; The Alloy King of Prussia; Crowne Plaza Valley Forge/Liberty Conference Center; DoubleTree Suites by HiltonPhiladelphia West; Valley Forge Casino Resort

HOTEL ROOMS

9,403

OFF-SITE VENUES

Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College; John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove; Villanova University Office of Conference Services

CONTACT INFO

Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board

610-834-1550

valleyforge.org

With 81 hotels in Montgomery County, there are 9,403 rooms available within the region. Choose from the historic and quaint Joseph Ambler Inn, with 50 rooms spread across five buildings dating back to 1734, or experience the Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center, a full-service resort with 28 guest suites, a championship golf course and farm-to-table dining experiences.

If you’d rather keep everything under the same roof, the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel has 180 rooms with 25,000 square feet of meeting space. The Alloy King of Prussia, a DoubleTree Hotel, features meeting facilities, on-site dining options and 327 guest rooms.

Unique Venues

Located on the campus of Ursinus College, the Berman Museum of Art has three rotating exhibits and weekly activities including yoga in the galleries and musical performances on the front lawn. At the Adventure Aquarium, guests can visit the 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit and gather with colleagues inside the Currents Ballroom, which has more than 6,000 square feet of event space. At the American Treasure Tour Museum, groups can enjoy a guided tram tour of Americana memorabilia, such as muscle cars, pop culture collectibles, musical keepsakes and more. The Elmwood Park Zoo offers teambuilding experiences like scavenger hunts, animal encounters and photo opportunities with giraffes and more.

All photos courtesy Valley Forge TCB

BERMAN MUSEUM OF ART

Valley Forge

Popular Attractions

George Washington spent a winter at Valley Forge with the Continental Army, and today’s visitors can see the winter home that served as his headquarters. The building dates back to 1777. The property is home to 20 walking trails and 3,500 acres of rolling hills ready for exploring. At Pennypacker Mills, guests can tour a 1900s Colonial Revival country estate to learn about Pennsylvania’s deep history.

For a bit of nightlife and networking with colleagues, go to Philadelphia’s Xfinity Live!, a premier dining and entertainment district, to enjoy beer halls, dining, dancing and excitement. In King of Prussia, try your luck at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, home to 800 slot machines and 50 table games, including blackjack and poker, inside the 40,000-square-foot casino.

YOUR TEAM

Hold your next event in a location built on leadership. From historic sites to modern cuisine—Gettysburg’s unique venues will make your event one for the history books. All with easy access from Harrisburg, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

Let Lindsay Methlie, Director of Sales, help plan your next event, meeting, conference or retreat in Gettysburg, PA. 800-337-5015

MeetInGettysburg.com

Room for More Rewards

Incentives and rewards are available for planners interested in bringing their next event to the Valley Forge/Montgomery County area. With the Room for More Rewards program, planners can receive $5 per room when booking 25-499 contracted room nights. Additional incentives are available for groups with more than 500 contracted room nights. On top of the financial savings, Valley Forge offers affordable room rates, low taxes and free parking throughout the year.

— Scott Higgins, Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board

“We have the access of a tier 1 destination, with Philadelphia’s airport just a short drive away, but we have the space for groups to spread out and relax a bit more. We don’t have the traffic and rush of the big city here in Valley Forge.”

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CENTER

By D. Edinger

By D. Edinger

ONE-STOP DESTINATION

Luxury on the Lake in Branson

BY ELIZABETH HEY

More than one visitor to Branson, Missouri, has mistaken Chateau on the Lake for a castle.

Panoramic vistas frame this hotel and resort perched high above Branson’s Table Rock Lake. Chateau on the Lake, the vision of a prominent Missouri businessman, melds elegant design with warm Ozark hospitality and top-notch service. And it’s a single source for everything planners need for great events, with ample meeting space, memorable dining, a full-service spa, a marina and proximity to myriad outdoor activities complementing the surrounding natural beauty.

Inside, French country décor with classic colors of burgundy, greens and browns fill the public spaces and guest rooms. The atrium lobby boasts eight floors centered around a waterfall and koi pond. During the holiday season, the lobby displays intricate gingerbread buildings, including a replica of the chateau, and a nativity scene recreating the one in the movie “Home Alone.” The lobby’s cozy Library Lounge schedules Friday night acoustic guitar or saxophone and flute performances.

“The lounge is a great networking spot that can flow out onto the veranda, which overlooks the lake,” said LeAnne Scheele, director of sales and marketing. “For groups, we also can set up a full bar or appetizers on the veranda.”

Adjacent to the chateau’s main entrance, the two-story Spa Chateau occupies its own building. Accessed via the lower level, the recently renovated saltwater swimming pool overlooks the lake and offers drink service. Below the pool, four pickleball courts, a tennis court and a basketball goal are complimentary, as is equipment that can be checked out at the front desk. Near the well-appointed exercise room with floor-toceiling windows lies the indoor saltwater pool and the 51-seat Sassafras Movie Theater.

“Opposite the spa and next to the main entrance, we have a separate convention entrance,” said Scheele. “Groups are given access to their own locked office that can be used for registration and storage. However, attendees still need to check in at the hotel’s front desk for their rooms.”

Meeting attendees never have to leave Chateau on the Lake, but many choose to take advantage of the beauty and vibrancy of Branson. Tucked into the rolling Ozark mountains, the city features top-notch theater and live music, shopping and restaurants. According to Scheele, the hotel has partnerships with Branson performers and can bring in a variety of excellent entertainment.

THE CHATEAU POOL OVERLOOKING TABLE ROCK LAKE

Photos courtesy Chateau on the Lake

CHATEAU ON THE LAKE RESORT SPA & CONVENTION CENTER

LOCATION

Branson, Missouri

SIZE

301 rooms

MEETING SPACE

Over 53,000 square feet

ACCESS

Interstate 44 and U.S. Highway 65; SpringfieldBranson National Airport; Branson Airport

CONTACT INFO

888-333-5253

chateauonthelake.com

Chateau on the Lake has more than 53,000 square feet of flexible space. The 32,000-square-foot Great Hall boasts custom bronze and glass chandeliers. If divided into four sections, each has its own painted wall mural. A loading dock offers direct access with an oversized roll-up garage door. Six of the 16 meeting rooms have floor-toceiling windows with views of the hills and Table Rock Dam. Groups can also choose from three boardrooms. Many of the meeting spaces have built-in audiovisual equipment and can be outfitted with stages. Garage parking offers direct elevator access to meeting spaces.

MEETING SPACES DINING

Chateau Grille, winner of the Wine Spectator magazine Award of Excellence, offers a renowned champagne brunch. A private room for 30 guests spills onto the veranda for pre-dinner drinks and appetizers while the sun sets over the lake. Tables at the Atrium Cafe and Wine Bar fan out around the bubbling stream and waterfall. Recently redesigned, the menu at the Downstairs Deli features New York-style sandwiches with artisan breads and cut-to-order meats. The Sweet Shoppe makes the perfect stop for pastries, ice cream or specialty coffees. Near the pool, the courtyard hosts receptions around gas fire pits.

REJUVENATION

Spa Chateau delivers relaxation in its 14,000-square-foot, full-service facility that incorporates European therapies. Guests check in near the two-story weeping willow sculpture. On separate floors, men’s and women’s locker rooms include steam rooms, dry saunas and eucalyptus aromatherapy shower heads. Each connects to an expansive lounge with a sitting area overlooking the lake. Ten treatment rooms offer massages, facials and more, and the Image Center provides barber, hair, cosmetic and nail services. An outdoor Roman bath and separate hot plunge pool are co-ed. The new Japanese-style movement studio hosts Pilates, yoga and tai chi classes.

EXTRAS

Not far from the resort, Silver Dollar City is a theme park with year-round festivals, including Old Time Christmas, featuring more than 6.5 million twinkling lights. Showboat Branson Belle cruises the lake while guests dine on a three-course meal and enjoy entertainment. Titanic Museum Attraction exhibits one of the largest permanent collections of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia, as well as an exact replica of the ship’s Grand Staircase. Meanwhile, Branson’s live entertainment remains legendary. Comedy, magic, tribute performers and variety shows feature uber-talented musicians, dancers and singers. Sight and Sound Theatre’s biblical productions incorporate elaborate sets and live animals in its state-of-the-art, 2,000-seat venue.

THE 300-ROOM CHATEAU ON THE LAKE IS THE PREMIER UPSCALE MEETING PROPERTY IN BRANSON.

Meeting Guide

Arizona’s Meeting Resorts

BY ELIZABETH HEY

Renowned for curated desert settings, stunning spas and golf courses, innovative cuisine and plentiful group space, Arizona resorts excel at hosting meetings.

Hiking, horseback riding, jeep tours and golf beckon outdoor lovers, while galleries, shopping, and entertainment are equally alluring. High season spans November to April, when the rest of the nation experiences bitter weather. Offpeak season offers a quieter vibe with many of the same experiences and amenities.

Invite your attendees to enjoy Southwest luxury and adventure at one of these Arizona resorts.

ENCHANTMENT RESORT Sedona

Below copper-colored spires and epic rock formations in Sedona, the Enchantment Resort is nestled within a private canyon. Each of the 218 casitas and suites features a private deck or patio. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning vistas from every table at Che Ah Chi, the resort’s signature restaurant featuring regional cuisine and an award-winning wine list. Amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, two outdoor swimming pools and a robust selection of activities, from pottery and watercolor classes to stargazing. Rejuvenate with Native American herbal scrubs and Sedona clay wraps massaged off by cascading water at the world-class Mii amo Spa, which reopened in February after a $40 million renovation and expansion.

Another new addition, the Trail House designs private guided experiences from rock climbing to mountain biking and photography hikes. Guests have exclusive access to the 18-hole, Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course at Seven Canyons Golf Club, which bor-

Courtesy Enchantment Resort

THE CASITAS OF ENCHANTMENT RESORT SIT BENEATH THE RED ROCKS OF SEDONA.

ders Red Rock Mountain Wilderness. Boynton Canyon trail, behind the resort, meanders near a stream shaded by cypress and juniper trees.

Located in the property’s Meeting Village, the Juniper House can be utilized for group arrivals, an activity departure point or conference office. Spaces include three ballrooms featuring floorto-ceiling windows and comprising 5,100 square feet of space for up to 540 people. Adjacent patios and courtyards showcase the landscape. Three smaller meeting rooms and a boardroom provide cutting-edge technology. Enchantment Circle, underneath the stars and surrounded by red rock walls, makes the perfect spot for dining or team building.

enchantmentresort.com

BOULDERS RESORT AND SPA

Scottsdale

Surrounded by towering boulder formations and desert saguaros, the Boulders Resort and Spa in Scottsdale is ideal for groups desiring customized programs or smaller executive meetings. Located near the town of Carefree, the all-inclusive atmosphere combines tranquility with enticing diversions. The property’s 1,300 acres offer teambuilding, from mountain biking to rock climbing and ax throwing. Five restaurants range from fine dining with contemporary Southwestern fare to the spa café’s casual menu near the organic garden. Amenities include two 18-hole Jay Morrish-designed golf courses, four swimming pools, newly expanded pickleball courts and tennis courts. The 33,000-squarefoot Boulders Spa curates wellness programs for guests.

“Because we’re so far out, we can arrange fireworks or hot air balloons on the golf course for a night glow program where attendees go up in stationary balloons,” said Julie Garber, director of sales. “We also offer stargazing. Other options include outdoor cooking classes and a mixology class where guests pick ingredients from our organic garden.”

Guests can choose from 160 casitas, each with private patio; 54 one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas; five luxury hacienda homes; or a 5,000-square-foot villa retreat. Meeting areas total 50,000 square feet, including the 5,600-square-foot ballroom, 15 meeting rooms and three executive suites. Outdoor spaces offer an amphitheater, a cookout area and the golf course. Secluded Promise Rock, an elevated event space, boasts a cascading waterfall, panoramic views and impressive sunsets.

theboulders.com

MARRIOTT PHOENIX RESORT TEMPE AT THE BUTTES

Tempe

Spectacular vistas of the Phoenix skyline distinguish the Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes. Nestled into the red rocks and within minutes of downtown Tempe and Phoenix, the resort is conveniently located three miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The property’s 353 rooms are adorned with contemporary décor.

AN OUTDOOR EVENT AT BOULDERS RESORT

Photos courtesy Boulders Resort

BOULDERS RESORT AND THE SURROUNDING SCOTTSDALE LANDSCAPE

Top of the Rock Restaurant and its hilltop patio boast one of the city’s best sunset views. The Thirsty Cactus Pool Bar and Grill serves American fare at the mountainside heated pool. The fully renovated conference center includes over 40,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, with the largest space at 9,000 square feet accommodating 900 attendees, plus 15 meeting rooms. Open-air spaces include patios and lawns for events and receptions.

Outdoor activities range from tennis to volleyball and walking the paths as part of the resort’s fitness programming. Complimentary poolside yoga takes place Saturday mornings. An afternoon can be spent hiking at nearby Papago Park, which contains popular Hole-In-The-Rock, or at the adjacent Phoenix Zoo. Guests can cheer during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium, attend an event at Arizona State University or gallery hop in Old Town Scottsdale.

“Our guests get an immersive Sonoran Desert experience since the resort is nestled on a mountain and very tucked in,” said Matt Connelly, director of sales for the Tempe Tourism Office. “It feels worlds away from the city, but it’s minutes from attractions in the heart of Tempe and Phoenix.”

marriott.com

CROWNE PLAZA PHOENIX CHANDLER GOLF RESORT

Chandler

On the National Register of Historic Places, the Crowne Plaza Phoenix Chandler Golf Resort opened the state’s first grass golf course in 1914. Last year, the hotel underwent a $16 million renovation but kept the integrity of its Spanish Mission Revival architecture. Inside, its ambiance features mid-century modern décor with 249 rooms that each have a balcony or patio. Dining ranges from Italian to American, and a Prohibition-era speakeasy works with groups of up to 100. Next door, the 72-par San Marcos Golf Course recently received a multi-million-dollar renovation. Chandler’s many events include food festivals, pub crawls and holiday traditions.

Courtesy Tempe Tourism Office

TOP OF THE ROCK RESTAURANT AT THE MARRIOTT PHOENIX RESORT TEMPE AT THE BUTTES

Courtesy Visit Chandler

THE SAN MARCOS GOLF COURSE AT THE CROWNE PLAZA PHOENIX CHANDLER GOLF RESORT

“Our guests get an immersive Sonoran Desert experience since the resort is nestled on a mountain and very tucked in. It feels worlds away from the city, but it’s minutes from attractions in the heart of Tempe and Phoenix.”

— Matt Connelly, Tempe Tourism Office

“The hotel anchors downtown Chandler and offers great flexibly because groups don’t have to worry about transportation,” said Kimberly Janes, senior economic development program manager for tourism at Visit Chandler. “Downtown is very lively. If a group wants to break off and do something different, they have a plethora of choices with more than 30 restaurants and bars, boutique shops, a performing arts center, an art studio and more than a dozen venues that feature live entertainment every day of the week.”

Meeting space totals 32,000 square feet, with 16 breakout rooms, including one room with a tiered configuration, and a boardroom overlooking downtown. The ballroom accommodates 800 attendees while the Fountain Courtyard can host 300. La Terraza, the rooftop terrace, seats 200. The Studio, a new concept for IHG, provides a boutique experience for smaller strategy sessions or client meetings.

sanmarcosresort.com

TANQUE VERDE RANCH

Tucson

One of the oldest ranches in southern Arizona, Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson was established in 1868 by a family from Sonora, Mexico. Bordered by Saguaro National Park and the Catalina Mountains, the ranch’s 69 guest rooms are dispersed throughout the property. The Ranch House contains the main dining room, which serves modern American cuisine.

As the ultimate dude ranch experience, the property offers guests the opportunity to pen cattle, head out on a private guided horseback ride, hike, bike or fish. For the less outdoorsy, there’s metal- or leather-working, a paint-and-sip experience, yoga, stargazing and photography walks. The popular morning ride takes attendees into the desert for freshly cooked pancakes. A cowboy cookout at Cottonwood Grove offers ribs, steak and chicken, corn on the cob and cast-iron cobblers.

“The ranch is a different experience in that it’s all-inclusive, and the Western activities makes it unique,” said Mo Calderon, communications manager for Visit Tucson.

The ranch can accommodate up to 350 people for meetings. As the most distinctive space, an event barn totals 12,400 square feet, and attendees can spill through sliding doors onto the spacious lawn. Two additional rooms host 60 to 150 people, and the boardroom accommodates 20. Lawns and terraces are used for teambuilding activities, such as the salsa and margarita challenge, archery and ax throwing. Off-site, jeep and UTV rallies and tours take place in the national park.

tanqueverderanch.com

By Steven Meckler, courtesy Tanque Verde Ranch

A COWBOY COOKOUT AT TANQUE VERDE RANCH’S COTTONWOOD GROVE

Courtesy Tanque Verde Ranch

A LAWN EVENT AT THE TANQUE VERDE RANCH BARN