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The Fox Cities offer convenience, versatility and venues for every type of meeting. An array of exceptional dining options, 3,200+ hotel rooms and group activities, along with our walkable downtown areas will complete your experience. NEW in 2018 — Fox Cities Exhibition Center (38,000 sq. ft. facility)
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Courtesy Visit Wichita
Volume 19
Issue 9
September 2018
Small Market Meetings Conference Starts Soon
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.Here’s a preview of the event’s business, education and social opportunities.
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Small Markets Defined These benefits of meeting in smaller cities and towns are valuable for planners.
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Do it Downtown Meetings are electric in these thriving city centers.
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Courtesy Keeneland
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Kansas City, Kansas .This border city has a lot of opportunities for meetings and events.
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And They’re Off! .Kentucky’s Keeneland Race Course is an elegant site for exciting events.
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.Discover distinctive historic sites and beautiful resorts in this Northeastern region.
Downtown Grand Rapids is thriving on the banks of the Grand River in Michigan.
SMALL MARKET MEETINGS is published monthly by Pioneer Publishing, Inc., 301 E. High St., Lexington, KY 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified meeting planners who plan meetings in small and medium size towns and cities. All other meeting industry suppliers, including hotels, conference centers, convention centers, destinations, transportation companies, restaurants and other meeting industry-related companies may subscribe by sending a check for $39 for one year to: Small Market Meetings, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (866) 356-5128 (toll-free) or (859) 225-1452. Fax: (859) 253-0499. Copyright SMALL MARKET MEETINGS, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.
For Sales Call
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On the cover:
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New England Meeting Guide Courtesy Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina
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Kyle Anderson 866-356-5128
kyle@smallmarketmeetings.com
Mac T. Lacy Publisher/Partner maclacy@grouptravelleader.com
Brian Jewell Editor brian@smallmarketmeetings.com
Herbert Sparrow Executive Editor/Partner hsparrow@grouptravelleader.com
David Brown Art Director production@smallmarketmeetings.com
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Daniel Jean-Louis Savannah Osbourn Account Manager Staff writer daniel@grouptravelleader.com Christine Clough Copy editor Kyle Anderson Account Manager Rena Baer kyle@smallmarketmeetings.com Proofreader
Small Market Meetings Conference Starts Soon September 23-25 By Dan Dickson
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he Southern California city of Ontario will welcome nearly 300 delegates for the 2018 Small Market Meetings Conference, September 23-25. The meetings and events will be staged in the beautiful Ontario Conference Center, conveniently adjacent to the official conference hotel, the DoubleTree By Hilton Ontario Airport, which offers 484 sleeping rooms. Most delegates will be arriving at the John Wayne Ontario International Airport, described by many as one of the best small airports in the region and located just a few minutes away from the conference. Planners should note that the Greater Ontario area has 60 hotels that include such wide-ranging choices as bed-and-breakfast inns, convention-style hotels and boutique properties, a total of 6,000 guest rooms at many price points. The Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau, which partners and promotes the area with the nearby community of Rancho Cucamonga, is pleased to play host for a few days. “We talk about Ontario being a gateway; it is all about location, location, location,” said Sue Oxarart, who directs marketing and communications for the bureau. She notes that the city is situated on three major interstates and freeways and that it maintains an Amtrak train station for easy access to local attractions. It’s also a jumping-off point for all of the things people love to do in the wider region. “That is why we say Ontario is the perfect location. It’s easy to come here, stay here, and then you can go on to anywhere else.” Such iconic California destinations as Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Disneyland and Palm Springs are easy to get to from Ontario. “And it is not really that far to drive in one day to Las Vegas or to the Grand Canyon or to San Diego,” said Oxarart. From Ontario, visitors can spring off to scenic vistas and activities such as California’s legendary Pacific Ocean, desert landscapes, golf resorts, casinos, wineries, historic sites
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Conference Report
Photos courtesy Greater Ontario CVB
Ontario, California, the host city for the Small Market Meetings Conference, has a variety of meeting venues, large and small. and great shopping. There are mountains, like Snow Valley, for skiing and snowboarding. Camping and other outdoor activities are popular at mountain stops such as Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear Lake, Silverwood Lake and Lake Gregory, to name a few. Part of historic Route 66 runs north of Ontario, and that draws people to the annual Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion, where classic-car lovers enjoy food, live music, entertainment and, of course, over 2,000 vintage automobiles.
The Southern California coastline seems endless, and the beaches are famous around the world. Millions of people stroll, swim, sun, sail and surf beaches like Malibu, Santa Barbara, Venice, Laguna, Santa Cruz, Santa Monica, Huntington and Newport. The region enjoys 300 days of sunshine and a Mediterranean-style climate. Palm trees everywhere brighten the mood, as do the neighboring San Bernardino Mountains. “You are near a lot of the reasons why people want
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion brings more than 2,000 classic cars to the Ontario area each year. to come to Southern California in the first place,” said Oxarart.
Getting Down to Business
The main purpose of the Small Market Meetings Conference is to bring together hundreds of meeting planners and destination representatives at two fast-paced marketplace sessions. A typical planner will hold dozens of six-minute one-on-one meetings with industry representatives so the two sides can exchange contact information and pitch their needs and solutions. It is a great way for both sides to begin a potentially profitable business relationship. For example, at the 2017 Small Market Meetings Conference in South Bend, Indiana, planners told Small Market Meetings magazine they came with specific agendas to help them find the best sites and facilities for their meetings. “We have 400,000 members,” said Adrienne Tucker of the Chicago office of the American Bar Association. “We hold many meetings, and I am responsible for about 30 a year. I
September 2018
want to connect with smaller cities and markets and, hopefully, have meetings in them.” Convention and visitors bureaus from across the country send representatives to promote their cities as meetings destinations. “We are looking for meeting planners who want a smaller market, which is indeed what we are,” said Victoria Matthews of the Fredericksburg [Virginia] Regional Tourism Partnership. “We looked at the profiles of the planners who were coming here and got appointments with those who seemed most appropriate for meetings in Fredericksburg.”
Ontario Food, Fun, Sights
The conference’s host city always treats delegates to dinner and entertainment, and attendees won’t be disappointed when they get to Ontario. On the first night, the CVB will host a walk-around reception/dinner with heavy hors d’oeuvres in the Ontario Convention Center. The second night’s dinner will take place at an amusing place called Big Al’s, described as a sort of Chuck E. Cheese but designed for adults. Big Al’s offers bowl-
ing, classic and modern games, bars, restaurants and 55 giant TV screens. Sightseeing is always part of the second day’s conference agenda. Delegates will be given their choice of three short jaunts around the area. One tour will be to the Ontario Museum of History and Art, which presents local and traveling exhibits. Delegates will learn more about Southern California, its people, history, culture and legacy. A second tour option is a visit to the ever-popular Ontario Mills, one of the largest shopping centers in the country. About 28 million people visit it every year. “Many world travelers flock there,” said Larry Kaufman, director of sales for the CVB. “The Chinese even have a name for the place — 10 Doors — because there are 10 entrances to Ontario Mills.” The center is oval shaped and has 10 distinctive shopping “neighborhoods.” A total of 200 stores feature men’s, women’s and children’s clothing; footwear; jewelry; sporting goods; and a lot more. A third tour is being organized by the CVB and will have a surprise theme.
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There are no scheduled pre- or post-FAM tours during the Small Market Meetings Conference. However, the Ontario CVB staff will be glad to provide plenty of contacts and inside information for any side trips delegates want to take on their own before or after the conference. Delegates visiting in the past have come early or stayed late to see a sports event, a concert or a family show at Citizens Business Bank Arena, which can seat 11,000 people and stages some 125 events each year.
Speakers Sparkle
The Small Market Meetings Conference strives to present experts who deliver interesting and inspirational presentations that delegates will enjoy and learn from. A special trio of speakers will appear in Ontario in September. A professional wordsmith will address the conference delegation. Joan Stanford, the CEO of Jazzy Pen Communications, will emphasize the importance of content marketing, especially writing clearly and effectively in online formats. Stanford believes email communication is still an effective tool, but it must be handled gingerly. “Yes, the power of the email inbox,” she said. “I’ll offer some tips and tricks for getting the results they want through email marketing. I’ll tell them what an ideal email should look like.” For the past 25 years, attorney Lisa Sommer Devlin has practiced law within the hospitality sector. She will bring delegates up to date with the latest industry trends and explain strategies to avoid problems in negotiating deals with hotels and venues. For example, in a video presented on her website, Devlin urges meeting planners to protect themselves during negotiations. “You need to think harder
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Conference Report
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Southern California’s Auto Club Speedway can host large-scale events.
September 2018
about what is important about your event,” she said. “Consider what makes your event special or different, and then contract all of that accordingly.” Creative passion is what veteran speaker Harvey Alston will bring to the conference. He hopes delegates will embrace his suggestions for improving their working and personal lives. A professional speaker for three decades, Alston believes in constructing an energetic and productive environment in which to do business. The delegates will get to see and hear numerous presentations from destinations that would love to host their meetings. Additionally, some of the leading travel companies in the nation and world will be represented at the podium. Many of the destinations and venues will have booths along the Marketplace Showcase so meeting planners can stop, chat and gather valuable information to aid in making decisions. Delegates will also be able to meet their colleagues or get to know them better at the six relaxing meal events that are scheduled as well as on the tours attendees will be taking. Organizers say they hope delegates make the most of every networking opportunity afforded them.
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Canopy by Hilton opens in Portland, Oregon offering to the Pearl District in the heart of downtown Portland. The 153-room hotel is inspired by its surrounding neighborhood and features a thoughtful design for comfort and function. All guest rooms, including the 46 premium rooms, feature ninefoot floor-to-ceiling windows. With 1,093 square feet of meeting space, the hotel offers venues for small and medium-sized Courtesy Canopy by Hilton Portland groups in nontraditional areas, The design of the new Canopy by Hilton in Portland was inspired by the surrounding such as the community table in neighborhood. the winter garden or one of its PORTLAND, Oregon — Canopy by Hilton four private meeting rooms. Each meeting opened its first West Coast property, the space is named as a dedication and remembrance to a community or person who played Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District this a significant part in Portland’s history. They summer. include Japantown, a settlement that existed In a revitalized industrial zone that has before WWII in the Old Town-Chinatown quickly become a popular neighborhood neighborhood; The Hattie, named in honor of with indie boutiques, art galleries, microbreweries, green spaces and eateries, the African-American suffragette Harriett “Hattie” property brings a new lifestyle hospitality Redmond; The Rutherford, named for civil
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rights activists Otto and Verdell Rutherford, who championed civil rights legislation in Oregon a decade before it was on the national agenda; and The Henry, named for Henry Weinhard, Portland’s first microbrewer and a pioneer in the city’s craft brewing history. The hotel is a LEED Gold-certified building that features industrial finishes such as hot rolled steel metal beams, brick walls and concrete floors in parts of the lobby, cafe and reception area, known as Canopy Central. The hotel’s exterior acts as a symbolic bridge between the Pearl District’s old and new structures, thoughtfully incorporating materials that reflect and complement the neighborhood’s past and future. Casement windows at street level allow activities in the hotel to carry out onto the sidewalks of Glisan Street, creating outdoor seating and an inviting setting for both guests and passersby. The oiled-bronze-inspired facade of the building, an art installation itself, changes its golden hue in synchronicity with the passing phases of daylight.
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
The Renaissance Westerville Opens in Columbus Suburb
Courtesy Renaissance Westerville
The Renaissance Westerville brings 15,000 square feet of new meeting space to the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel (Renaissance Westerville) opened its doors to guests along with the Two-One restaurant, named after the 21st Amendment in honor of the community’s Prohibition history.
Off Polaris Parkway and near Uptown Westerville, the modern American lakehouse-inspired hotel features 222 rooms and 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and banquet space with the capacity to seat up to 750 guests. It is the first fullservice hotel in Westerville. The Renaissance Westerville offers guests sweeping views of the adjacent lake through floor-to-ceiling windows as well as natureinspired finishes, spacious hotel rooms, outdoor relaxation areas with firepits, a tranquil walking path and comfortable seating along a spacious patio that extends across the back of the hotel. “We are excited to welcome guests to this unique hotel and look forward to defying the usual hotel experience, exceeding guest expectations and further establishing ourselves as a hotel destination of choice in Columbus,” said Mark Laport, president and CEO of Concord Hospitality. “This hotel not
only provides guests with the service they deserve, but also invokes a sense of their favorite lake-house vacation getaway.” With a heavy local focus on the Westerville community, the hotel will feature area artists and musicians, as well as offer “Navigators” to support guests seeking distinct Westerville experiences. Other amenities include a fitness facility, an indoor swimming pool and the chic Marriott Rewards R Lounge for frequent guests. The restaurant within the hotel, the TwoOne, offers an eclectic American-themed menu that features shared plates, salads, sandwiches, unique cocktails and mouthwatering entrees such as smoked short rib, salmon or white cheddar popcorn cavatelli. Guests can dine overlooking the lake and fountain, whether sitting indoors or on the outdoor patio. Fire pits are available by the water to enjoy an after-dinner drink or s’mores.
AT THE CROSSROADS OF I-57 AND I-70, A VIBRANT COMMUNITY AWAITS...
www.visiteffinghamil.com 800-772-0750
September 2018
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Making the Most of Video A video marketing expert shares seven ideas for your next conference By Vickie Mitchell
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bout a decade ago, two of Jim Wacksman’s interests — video production and associations — merged to become the video production company Association Studios, which works exclusively with association clients. It was fortuitous timing given that video has become a big part of daily life. In the U.S., 50 percent of online users watch online video each day. Because so many people are drawn to the medium, it makes sense to use it in a conference setting. I asked Wacksman, the company’s producer and CEO, to share some ways to add video to a meeting or convention. Here are his ideas, based on his work with associations and his role as a video professional.
Promo Videos
These videos build excitement about a conference and its location and are sent out online and posted on an organization’s website six months or so before the event. Although not a new idea, promo videos are now easier and less expensive to make because outstanding footage is available free from convention bureaus and conference resorts and hotels. “It used to be difficult for customers to get gorgeous footage of your meeting site; now it is a phone call away, and it is free,” said Wacksman.
Keynote Videos
Another inexpensive way to promote a convention is to ask a keynote speaker to do a quick “Hey, I can’t wait to speak to your group” video that can be sent out and posted a month or so before an event. These videos aren’t often professionally made, but amateur efforts can be even more compelling. Said Wacksman, “Sometimes these are shot with a cellphone camera and aren’t exactly professional. That isn’t a negative. It comes across as superauthentic and not an overproduced kind of thing.”
Purpose Videos
These videos reiterate a conference’s aim. For example, one of Wacksman’s clients does a conference where attendees can earn an enormous number of continuing education credits. There are no keynotes, no social events, just education sessions. To underscore the conference’s focus on education, Association Studios shoots 30-second videos of presenters, who talk briefly about their upcoming session. The association sends out the videos, about one a week, in the months before the conference.
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MeetingPoint
“Build It and They Will Come” Videos
For conferences that have a public aspect and want to draw a crowd, Association Studios has done 15-second “What’s happening at the exhibit hall” videos. For a boat show, the association shot footage of boats being rolled onto the trade show floor. Videos are posted on social media several times a day in the couple of days before the show.
Walk-In Videos
These videos are like souped-up PowerPoints. No more than 10 minutes long, and often shorter, they relay — quietly, without any audio other than perhaps some subtle music — conferencerelated information like the day’s schedule, updates on evening events, reminders to download the conference app, sponsor thank-yous and messages from sponsors, which are also a way to generate revenue, Wacksman said. The video can also recognize members. “This is just an ultraeasy way to shine some light on board members,” Wacksman said.
Kick-Off Videos
Shown right before a plenary session, these videos build interest and excitement about what’s to come. “The secret ingredient is the music — great music will create the entire tone,” said Wacksman. The videos could be styled as an MTV music video, or include clips from past conferences or sound bites from members. These videos typically introduce a keynote speaker or association official. “They typically end with a great voice saying, ‘Now, welcome to the stage … ,’” said Wacksman.
Wrap-Up Videos
About 45 seconds long, these videos allow an organization to “toot its horn,” said Wacksman, and thank attendees and exhibitors. By emphasizing the event’s strengths — for example, “We attracted our largest attendance ever!” — the conference’s value is reiterated. For more information or to check out Association Studios’ work, visit www.associationstudios.com or call 800-820-6020.
Vickie Mitchell is the former editor of Small Market Meetings. If you have ideas for future columns, contact her at vickiemitchell11915@gmail.com.
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Small Markets, Big Benefits
Accessibility and affordability define meetings in smaller cities and towns Courtesy Visit Wichita
By Savannah Osbourn
Many smaller cities offer meeting planners the opportunity to use distinctive local venues, such as the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita.
hen you ask officials in second- and third-tier cities how they market their destinations to larger events, they will almost always tell you that they say they have all the amenities of a big city with the affordability, convenience and charm of a smaller town. And the claim often holds true. Small market cities have long served as choice getaways from crowded and pricey metropolitan areas, providing planners with topnotch meeting facilities and lodging at a fraction of the cost. Certain cities may be small, but their conference and hotel amenities often cater to groups of all sizes. Here are some of the top reasons planners should consider hosting their next meeting or event in small to mid-sized destinations.
they’re almost always shocked at how inexpensive it is,” said Lee Adamson, director of sales at Explore Utah Valley. To compete with bigger cities, many small market regions offer planners considerable financial incentives. In Sarasota County, Florida, planners can earn room rebates, dining credit and transportation credit depending on peak room nights, which helps offset the cost of transporting any attendees from Tampa who cannot find flights to the regional airport.
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Affordability
Planners are always searching for ways to stretch their budgets, and taking meetings or conventions to smaller cities, even those just a short distance from major metropolitan areas, can slash the cost of venue rentals, lodging and dining in half. What’s more, parking fees are typically marginal to nonexistent. “When we tell clients from bigger cities the cost of parking here,
September 2018
Convenience
Unlike many major cities, where getting from one end to the other can take 40 minutes to an hour, smaller destinations are unbeatable when it comes to convenience. Thanks to the walkability of small downtowns, groups can often reach many of the main attractions in town on foot, effortlessly transferring from the meeting venue to shops and restaurants. “With a compact destination like ours, you can enjoy so many entertainment options without struggling with traffic or having to take an hourlong bus ride to get to a venue,” said Ellen Thomas, meetings manager at Visit Sarasota County.
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Moreover, smaller cities generally feature a relatively short commute between the airport and the downtown area, which can make a huge difference for attendees arriving after a tiring day of work or travel. “Here in Wichita, most of our major conference hotels offer free airport shuttles right from the airport to their front door,” said Moji Rosson, vice president of sales at Visit Wichita. “In addition, we’ve got the Q-line Trolley, which connects most of the major conference hotels with the entertainment district. Planners can come here and have confidence that their attendees are going to be able to get around our city with relative ease.”
Location
By Carissa Warfield, courtesy Visit Sarasota County
Attendees at meetings in Sarasota often extend their stays to enjoy the vacation destination.
One of the most common misconceptions about small market cities is that they are remote and difficult to reach, but many are conveniently located off major interstates with proximity to regional and international airports. For some of these cities, their positions near various metropolitan hubs is one of their greatest assets. “Location, location, location,” said national sales manager Suzanne Stianche when asked about Discover Lehigh Valley’s top selling point as a meetings destination. “We’re easy to get to and easy to get around. We’re just 90 minutes west of New York City, 90 minutes from Philadelphia and less than three hours from Washington, D.C.” Before planning their events, planners can always visit destinations firsthand to get a feel for the ease of access and transportation. Even if the travel time from surrounding cities sounds long in theory, event organizers may find that the combination of affordable venues, unique attractions and outdoor recreation makes the trip more than worth their while.
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W hy F ort Smith ?
Location...no matter where your journey begins, Fort Smith’s central geography is accessible via Major Interstate routes in all directions.
Facilities...enjoy infinite flexibility at a variety of multi-use
venues like the Fort Smith Convention Center (115,000 sq. ft.)
Experiences...explore innumerable eateries, boutiques, galleries/museums, historic sites, music venues, bike trails, and more just steps from your meeting site and/or hotel.
Start Planning @ExperienceFortSmith
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Managing Meetings
@ExpFortSmith
gg MeetInFortSmith.com
Sales Director AMY JONES Toll-Free (800) 637-1477
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Amy@MeetInFortSmith.com
Courtesy Explore Utah Valley
Thanksgiving Point, a museum complex in Utah, can host private outdoor events in scenic surroundings. “My goal is always to bring meeting planners directly to our meeting space and hotel properties, and if they can’t see it in person, we have lots of virtual tours,” said Stianche. “I frequently hear ‘Oh, I passed your area on the way to Philadelphia or the Poconos, but I’ve never gotten off on those exits and checked out those cities.’ It’s always interesting to get them to take a minute and learn about everything else we have to offer.” albany cap center 2018 feb half page.pdf 1 1/22/2018 3:03:58 PM
Personal Service
While larger cities typically host more than one event or convention at a time, meeting groups have the opportunity to be a big fish in a small pond when they visit second- and third-tier cities, which frequently roll out the red carpet for guests. Local convention and visitor bureau staff often work closely with planners to ensure all their needs are met, from providing registration services to airport transportation
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ESCAPE THE ORDINARY Grand Wayne Center is more than an event facility — it’s an experience, crafted to simplify every event planner’s To-Do list!
Groups meeting in Lehigh Valley can tour the Martin Guitar Workshop.
The Midwest’s Favorite Drive-To Destination! Easy by Air via Fort Wayne International (FWA).
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Managing Meetings
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and VIP gift bags. In many cases, the city will set up welcome signs for the group throughout downtown. “We constantly get remarks from people about how impressed they are with the friendliness of the people here,” said Rosson. “Wichita hospitality is what really sets us apart, not only from larger destinations but other places in the Midwest.” Likewise, groups can often make themselves at home in the local convention center and hotel properties without having to compete with other organizations for space. “The advantage in Sarasota County is that you can end up being the only group in the hotel instead of getting lost in one of the bigger hotels,” said Thomas.
Distinct Attractions
These days, many business travelers are looking for experiences beyond the boardroom and conference sessions, and smaller cities provide the perfect opportunity to discover a few incredible hidden gems. “We truly believe that Wichita is a must-
Courtesy Discover Lehigh Valley
visit Midwest destination, and there are so many unique experiences that people can have right here in the heart of town that they can’t do anywhere else,” said Rosson. For example, the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in downtown Wichita offers an unusual variety of interactive animal encounters, from feeding lemurs to swimming with penguins and interacting with African okapis. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, one of Lehigh Valley’s major cities, is home to the former Bethlehem Steel factory, which has since been revitalized into a thriving arts and culture campus with some of the original steel furnaces towering in the background. Sarasota County made its own mark in history as the headquarters of the Ringling Brothers’ traveling circus for several decades, and visitors can learn about its legacy at the Ringling Museum of Art, the Ringling Circus Museum and other notable landmarks. Incorporating these one-of-a-kind sites into your marketing material is a great way to boost attendance and encourage attendees to take a trip to a less-visited destination.
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Courtesy Downtown Wichita
Gallery Alley is a popular after-hours attraction in Wichita.
All Out Hospitality All In Columbus, GA! Whether you’re planning a regional meeting, a statewide conference or special event, Columbus is the perfect destination. With over 4,700 hotel rooms
VisitColumbusGA
and half-a-million square feet of unique meeting space your event will be memorable. And when you factor in our reputation for outstanding service— planning from start to finish and all the little details in between—we are committed to ensuring that your next meeting will be an All Out success!
visitcolumbusga.com 800-999-1613
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Destination: Downtown
Meeting planners will find lots to love in these dynamic city centers Courtesy Experience Grand Rapids
By Savannah Osbourn
Pedestrians cross one of several bridges across the Grand River, which runs through bustling downtown Grand Rapids.
owntown areas provide a vibrant backdrop to meetings and events. Attendees can often walk directly from the local convention center to nearby restaurants, shops and attractions. There are always things to see and do nearby, so guests can easily explore the area without straying far from their hotel or meeting venue. Before you plan your next meeting or conference, consider taking it to one of the following destinations, where local flavor and significant investment in development have made downtowns dynamic settings for events.
“One of the things that you notice right away in Grand Rapids is that you’re right in the heart of everything,” said Tim Nelson, director of convention services at Experience Grand Rapids. “You step outside the door of your hotel, and everything is right there.” Overlooking the Grand River, the DeVos Place Convention Center offers a compact conference campus with three connecting hotel properties and more than 200 nearby attractions, shops and restaurants. Meeting groups of all sizes can take advantage of this facility, which includes a 162,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall; a 40,000-square-foot ballroom; and 26 subdivisible meeting rooms. Many excellent museums in the area cater to after-hours events and activities. The Grand Rapids Public Museum accommodates groups of up to 900 people in unusual spaces, such as a planetarium, a theater and a galleria. Likewise, the Grand Rapids Art Museum sets a beautiful backdrop for corporate events and receptions. Other notable museums in the area are the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts
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Grand Rapids, Michigan
On the Grand River just 30 miles east of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan and home to a growing number of craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants and beautiful hotels. There are now five major hotels in downtown, with four more scheduled to open this coming year. Though it continues to flourish as a metropolitan area, the city retains all the charm and convenience of a smaller destination.
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Meeting Ideas
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Courtesy Visit Winston-Salem
The Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair. an annual celebration of Winston-Salem’s craft tradition, is held at the Benton Convention Center. and the Grand Rapids African-American Museum and Archives. In the evening, many business travelers enjoy visiting some of the local craft breweries, with popular stops such as the Knickerbocker, Atwater, Founder’s Brewing, HopCat, the B.O.B. and the Grand Rapids Brewing Company. Planners can download a printable brewery map from the Grand Rapids tourism website. www.experiencegr.com
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
True to its title as the City of Arts and Innovation, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, attracting a multitude of new businesses into its vibrant downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. “In the past decade or so, we’ve invested nearly $1.5 billion in downtown development,” said Richard Geiger, president of Visit WinstonSalem. “We’ve really reinvented our downtown with new retail, restaurants, bars and entertainment.”
September 2018
Planners will find all the meeting amenities they need in the Twin City Quarter, which encompasses the newly renovated Benton Convention Center, the Marriott Hotel Winston-Salem and the Embassy Suites Winston-Salem. The convention center and two downtown hotel properties offer a combined 176,000 square feet of meeting space. From the Twin City Quarter, attendees can walk to more than 100 restaurants, craft breweries, bars, shops and museums in the Downtown Arts District and Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row. “We’re lucky to have a very vibrant, active, walkable and safe downtown that attendees can explore,” said Geiger. “You can come and meet and never have to worry about getting in a car or taxi.” Planners can also take advantage of resources and expert speakers at the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, one of the fastest-growing urban-based districts for innovation in the United States and home to more than 170 companies and five leading academic institutions. In addition, the Wake Forest Biotech Place, a former tobacco manufacturing facility, features a conference center and auditorium so groups can
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Courtesy Discover Albany
The USS Slater is permanently docked in Albany and open as a museum. attend an event and tour the building afterward. Just outside downtown, visitors can explore notable sites such as the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the Old Salem Museum and Gardens, which contains a beautifully restored 18th-century Moravian settlement. www.visitwinstonsalem.com
Albany, New York
Albany was founded along the banks of the Hudson River as a small Dutch settlement more than 400 years ago and eventually grew to become New York’s thriving state capital. Today, it boasts numerous historic sites and national landmarks, as well as world-class museums, eclectic dining and activities on the waterfront. “We have so many great historic sites and some new things sprinkled among that, so there’s something for everyone,” said Jill Delaney, president of Discover Albany. Downtown Albany is anchored by Empire State Plaza, a conglomerate of towering government buildings and one of the most impressive capital centers in the nation. Free tours of the plaza and the New York State Capitol are offered daily. Groups will not want to miss the chance to visit
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Meeting Ideas
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Courtesy Discover Albany
Many visitors to Albany enjoy culinary tours in its historic downtown district.
the striking capitol, which resembles a Gothic castle, and see the famous million-dollar staircase inside. “It’s not something you can describe; you need to go see it,” said Delaney. “It’s just gorgeous.” Nearby, visitors can also stop by the New York State Museum, the oldest and largest state museum in the country, which showcases the cultural and natural history of New York State from the Ice Age to the present. The state-of-the-art Albany Capital Center is in the heart of downtown within walking distance of restaurants, shops, art galleries, nightclubs and more. Opened in 2017, this exquisite new structure is directly linked to the Empire State Plaza Convention Center and the Egg Performing Arts Center, which together form the Capital Complex, the largest meeting space in upstate New York, with over 159,000 square feet of exhibit space. For a savory team-building experience, meeting groups can sign up for the new Albany Food Tour, which introduces participants to signature dishes and drinks throughout the city. Along the waterfront, travelers can experience the scenery and history of the Hudson River during a dinner and cruise with Dutch Apple Cruises, or take a tour of the USS Slater, the world’s last remaining destroyer escort, which is permanently stationed at the docks as a ship museum. www.albany.org
NO BOUNDARIES • A multi-use arena with over 200,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit hall space with seating for 10,000 • Numerous venue options for meetings of any size • More than 3,500 sleeping rooms within 15 minutes of the airport
You’re our top priority. We also offer something you may not find in larger cities: personalized service. Leave boundaries behind and contact us today.
BMC VB.com September 2018
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Meet Groups meeting in Billings can use downtime to explore the city’s scenic surroundings.
Courtesy Visit Billings
Billings, Montana
Come for the meeting... Stay for the woods, wine, and the adventures in between.
Only Carbondale.
618-529-4451
carbondaletourism.org
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Meeting Ideas
Known as the trailhead to some of Montana’s greatest outdoor adventures, Billings provides the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and urban entertainment. It contains the largest downtown district in the state and is close to natural treasures such as the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. “The beauty of downtown Billings is that everything is within reach,” said Stefan Cattarin, sales manager at Visit Billings. “The airport is just two miles away, and within 10 minutes, you can be riding horseback through Yellowstone Valley and feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.” Billings is also home to Montana’s only walkable brewery district, an eight-and-a-half-mile loop of breweries, cideries and distilleries. “The brewery trail is a hot ticket for today’s convention market. It’s a great selling feature for people who stay at convention properties,” said Cattarin. Meeting planners can use two downtown hotel properties for larger events and conventions. The four-star Northern Hotel is an independent boutique hotel that combines luxury and Western aesthetic, and offers 12,000 square feet of meeting space for groups of up to 700 guests. The newly renovated DoubleTree by Hilton features a 400-seat Grand Ballroom with 12 breakout rooms and offers complimentary shuttle service to the Billings Airport every 30 minutes. Groups can delve into the region’s rich Western heritage at the Western Heritage Center, which is housed in a beautiful Romanesque sandstone structure and shares the history of early cultures in the Yellowstone River Valley and Northern Plains. Another local landmark is the Billings Depot, a restored 1800s-era train depot that now serves as a special-events venue. www.visitbillings.com
Owensboro, Kentucky
In the heart of Kentucky’s bluegrass, bourbon and barbecue region, Owensboro is one of the largest and most colorful cities in the state. It has been repeatedly named one of the country’s most significant music cities for its role in the rise of bluegrass music and will soon be home to
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Courtesy Visit Billings
Billings is home to Montana’s only walkable brewery district.
OSHKOSH IS HOME
to many unique, affordable and flexible venues to fit any event! Our team exceeds expectations and is committed to making your job easier by working diligently to ensure your event is successful. LET’S GET TOGETHER! CALL (920) 303-9200 TODAY.
VISITOSHKOSH.COM/EVENT-PLANNERS September 2018
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Courtesy Visit Owensboro
The Owensboro Convention Center features 102,000 square feet of meeting space with floor-to-ceiling windows. the International Bluegrass Museum and Hall of Fame. “In Owensboro, we’re convenient, we’re very affordable, and we have a kind of customized experience for everybody,” said Dave Kirk, destination management director at the Owensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau. Meeting groups will find themselves right at home in this scenic riverfront city. Overlooking the Ohio River in downtown, the
Owensboro Convention Center features nearly 102,000 square feet of space with beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and an 8,900-squarefoot outdoor pier. Planners can also make use of the RiverPark Center, a world-class performing arts center with a 1,479-seat auditorium, a 300-seat cabaret theater and a spacious outdoor entertainment patio. Throughout the year, the
TEXAS
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Meeting Ideas
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Courtesy Visit Owensboro
Smothers Park sits on the banks of the Ohio River in Owensboro. center hosts a variety of performances from professional groups like the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and the Owensboro Dance Theatre. During the summer months, the RiverPark Center stages a concert series by the river called Friday After 5. A few other prominent attractions in the area are the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, the Museum of Science and History, the O.Z. Tyler
Bourbon Distillery and Smothers Park, which has been named one of the top playgrounds in the world. Before leaving town, visitors should be sure to stop by Owensboro’s world-famous Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn for a taste of signature Kentucky cuisine, like burgoo, barbecue mutton and banana salad. www. visitowensboro.com
10 REASONS TO MEET ON THE
©Lovetrolux
NORTHSHORE
Check out our website for 10 Reasons to Meet in St. Tammany Parish Location, unique facilities, a full-service sales department, and customized itineraries are just a few reasons to plan your meeting on Louisiana’s Northshore. See our website for more.
Contact Zondra at 800-634-9443 for more information.
8 0 0 - 6 3 4 - 9 4 4 3 • w w w. L o u i s i a n a N o r t h s h o r e . c o m / 1 0 M e e t September 2018
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THE OTHER KANSAS CITY Meeting opportunities abound on the Kansas side of the border By Elizabeth Hey
Kansas Speedway is the best known attraction on the Kansas side of Kansas City.
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Destination Showcase
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
“Although Kansas City, Kansas, is part of the metro Kansas City area, we’re a unique community with a hometown feel.” T
here are two sides to Kansas City. we really celebrate each one,” said Jobe. “We’re looking for that group This Midwestern destination sits on the state line that divides that wants something a bit different than the normal convention site.” Kansas and Missouri. And although most of the metropolitan Rest Easy area is on the Missouri side, Kansas City, Kansas, has a lot to offer meetMore than half of the city’s 2,000 hotel rooms are in the Village West ing planners, including affordable rates, abundant activities and easy area, and more hotel development will be completed in 2019. Two of access to the bigger city’s transportation infrastructure. This “city the city’s top properties are in Village West, where attendees can shop within a city” is close to Kansas City International Airport, which will at the Legends Outlets Kansas City, Cabela’s be completing a new single-terminal airport and the Nebraska Furniture Mart and dine at in 2021. It’s a three-hour flight from each coast. numerous restaurants. “We’re a very easy drive from Kansas City “The Kansas University Medical Center area International Airport,” said Kansas City, also offers two new properties for those that Kansas, Convention and Visitors Bureau execare conducting business there,” said Jobe. utive director Bridgette Jobe. “In fact, it’s easi“This location lies on the border of Kansas er to drive to Kansas City, Kansas, from the City, Missouri, with numerous restaurants and airport than it is to get to downtown.” the Country Club Plaza nearby.” In Kansas City, Kansas, Village West is one of At Village West, the Northwoods-style Great the hottest entertainment and lifestyle develWolf Lodge is the city’s largest hotel, with 281 opments in the entire Metro area. Village West suites and 3,800 square feet of flexible meetencompasses destination shopping at Legends ing space coupled with numerous dining Outlets KC, lodging options, and Major League options. Meeting space can accommodate any Soccer and minor league baseball action. More type of multimedia presentation, and on-site than 10 million visitors flock to this area technical support is available upon request. annually to enjoy family vacations, national Banquet menus feature an array of options, conferences and meetings of all sizes. from a simple continental breakfast to a for“Although Kansas City, Kansas, is part of the Dave and Busters at Legends mal, plated dinner. Year-round, the indoor metro Kansas City area, we’re a unique comwater park resort features abundant watermunity with a hometown feel,” said Jobe. “We All photos courtesy Kansas City, KS CVB slides, pools and two large whirlpools, a offer out-of-the-box convention and meeting favorite family attraction. facilities, and we’re most known for the The Best Western Premiere KC Speedway Inn Kansas Speedway and the Legends area.” LOCATION and Suites lies at the entrance to the Kansas Wyandotte County is the second-mostEastern Kansas Speedway just across from Children’s Mercy diverse community in the nation. One of its ACCESS Park soccer stadium. Each of the 82 rooms offers decidedly unique spots is Strawberry Hill Kansas City International Airport, the Guest Link system, which allows guests to Museum and Cultural Center, which celeInterstate 70 plug their laptop, iPhone or iPod directly into brates the many nationalities of Kansas City the TV system. Suites and balcony rooms offer MAJOR MEETING SPACES residents. Built in 1887, the Victorian Queen views of Kansas Speedway or Children’s Mercy Reardon Convention Center, Children’s Anne building was originally a private home. Park soccer stadium. A complimentary full Mercy Park Memorial Hall, Great Wolf Lodge, Another one-off spot, Original Juan Specialty breakfast is served each morning. Pinnacle National Development Training Center Foods on historic Southwest Boulevard, creConveniently located in Kansas City’s busiates specialty sauces, salsas, snacks and dips HOTEL ROOMS ness and government district, the Hilton for wholesale, retail and private label. 2,062 total rooms in KCK/Wyandotte County Garden Inn Kansas City/Kansas is attached to Customers can step up to the tasting table and OFFSITE VENUES the 20,000-square-foot Reardon Convention try one of the company’s 150 products manuKansas Speedway, Dave and Buster’s, Center. It’s also near the Dole Federal factured under 13 different brands and can Hollywood Casino, Legends Outlets, Zip KC, Courthouse and corporations such as General purchase “seconds” that can’t be sold at retail Children’s Mercy Park Motors, Colgate Palmolive and Keebler at bargain prices. CONTACT INFO Associated Wholesale Grocers. Only minutes “Our diversity makes us unique because Kansas City, Kansas, CVB from the American Royal and Bartle our ethnic majorities are primarily split 913-321-5800 Convention Center, this 147-room hotel offers between black, Hispanic and Caucasian, and www.visitkansascityks.com
Kansas City, Kansas
September 2018
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more than 1,375 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space for events.
Off-Site Spaces
Sporting Kansas City, a Major League Soccer team, plays in a stadium in Kansas.
Near Village West, the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame sits on 172 acres and accommodates groups of 20 to 5,000. On-site, the historic Farm Town offers parklike grounds along with the modern Smith Event Barn, which accommodates 200 inside and 600 people in the outdoor pavilion. The Rural Electric Theater seats 200 for business meetings and seminars. Memorial Hall, a veterans memorial and historic entertainment and event venue in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, can host various indoor events in its 3,000-seat arena. A large meeting room can accommodate more than 350 attendees. The gorgeous third-floor ballroom, with stained-glass windows, has been reopened for meetings and can accommodate up to 250 people seated in rounds. The Pinnacle National Training Development Center opened in January and sits adjacent to Village West. It serves as the state-of-the-art training facility of the Sporting Kansas City soccer team. The 80,000-square-foot facility can accommodate 550 people in the Grand Hall and 200 in the Grand Classroom. It has six additional conference rooms. Meeting or reception rooms are available at the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. Your group can try their luck at one of the 52 tables or 2,000 slot machines. Attendees can enjoy a drink overlooking turn No. 2 on the Kansas Speedway or dine at one of the casino’s five restaurants. Great for team building, Zip KC soars high above the bluffs of the Kansas River on nine zip lines that stretch over 5,800 feet and reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Options include a guided hike through the KC Timber Challenge Obstacle Course. The Night Flight tour begins after sundown for a zip under the stars with glow sticks, lasers and headlamps.
After-Hours Diversions
race into your next adventure
justin stine, meetings & sports sales manager 913.321.5800 | justin@ visitkansascityks.com visitkansasCitykS.com/ meetings
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Destination Showcase
Featuring a one-and-a-half-mile racetrack and a road course, the Kansas Speedway hosts two NASCAR Sprint races each year plus more than 200 events, including the American Royal World Series of BBQ and Rockfest, the largest one-day music festival in the nation. Opportunities range from track tours to rides in an official pace car, the Richard Petty Driving Experiences and on-track events. Your group can stand in Victory Lane or attend a reception in the pit area or one of the garages. T-Bones Stadium in Village West is home to the Kansas City T-Bones minor league professional baseball team. The stadium seats more than 6,500
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
fans, and there’s no bad seat in the house — the farthest seat is only 50 feet from the field of play — so fans can see it all. A center field party area and party decks make great spots for pregame receptions and dinners. One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer and the 2013 MLS Champions, Sporting Kansas City, competes at Children’s Mercy Park in Village West. This state-of-the-art venue hosts 18,500 fans under a canopy roof that covers every seating section. The nonstop action can also be viewed on the park’s massive high-definition video boards, and behind-the-scenes tours are available. Meeting spaces include several options for gatherings of up to 400 people, all which overlook the field. Wine buffs will want to check out Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery, just north of the Kansas Speedway. The vineyard grows nine varieties of hybrid and American native grapes. Groups can schedule a tasting of six to eight wines and receive a souvenir logo wine glass, browse the gift shop, stroll through the vineyard and take a tour led by the owners. Inside boutique Chateau Avalon Hotel, the d’Nile Wine Bar has created a thematic experience. From the “quicksand” floor to the eightfoot-tall gold Egyptian statues, there’s plenty to see. The menu features top-rated wines, spirits, small plates and desserts.
Service With a Smile
From start to finish, the Kansas City, Kansas, Convention and Visitors Bureau makes meetings easy to plan. Preconference site inspections or FAM tours can be arranged, and an extensive meeting planner guide gives suggestions for facilities, itineraries and other activities. During the conference or meeting, the CVB can offer a welcome from the mayor and/or the bureau president, as well as registration SmallMarketMeetings.qxp_Layout 1 8/16/18 3:18 PM Page 1
Legends Outlets is a popular retail, dining and entertainment complex in Kansas City. assistance. The CVB can supply planning assistance for off-site activities such as team building, dine-arounds and spouse tours. Welcome bags are customized for each group to make sure participants are acquainted with the Kansas City region. “Our goal is to make sure your event is as successful and memorable as possible,” said Jobe. “We want to partner with you from the beginning to the very end.”
unique
MEETINGS
Manhattan exceeds your expectations. • Unique dining • Exceptional meeting venues • Walkable meeting destinations
September 2018
Oh Manhaan !
VISITMANHATTANKS.ORG
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The Pride of the
By Kristy Alpert
T
he Keeneland Association was born out of equal parts need and passion. In 1933, when the Kentucky Association track — the oldest racetrack in America at the time — ceased operations, Lexington found itself without a Thoroughbred racetrack for the first time in 107 years. It took less than three years for the members of the central Kentucky Thoroughbred industry, as well as a few key investors, to design, build and open what would become the world’s largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house and racecourse. The Keeneland Association was founded with a mission to “create a model race track to perpetuate and improve the sport and to provide a course that is intended to serve as a symbol of the fine traditions of Thoroughbred racing.” Keeneland held its first race and meeting in October 1936 in the midst of the Great Depression. More than 8,000 fans came out to see the new facility and support their new hometown treasure. Since its inception, Keeneland has continually hosted two world-class race meets each year, one in the spring and one in the fall, and has operated as a nonprofit entity that invests everything back into the grounds, the industry or the community. Today, owners, trainers, riders and fans come from all over the world to watch and take part in the pomp and pageantry of these twice-annual race meets. Tradition remains a large part of Keeneland’s DNA. The track is known for its flawless tread and timeless beauty, and acted as the
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Venue Showcase
Photos courtesy Keeneland Association
Above: A group enjoys an elegant dinner in the paddock at Keeneland Race Course. Left: Keeneland’s executive chef prepares fine food for meetings. backdrop for many of the racing scenes in the 2003 movie “Seabiscuit” and many scenes in the 2010 movie “Secretariat.” Keeneland attracts the world’s most talented horses as well as the world’s finest jockeys, over the years having welcomed legends like Eddie Arcaro, Pat Day, Don Brumfield, Bill Shoemaker and Jerry Bailey. The tranquil setting and natural beauty, along with ample options for meeting spaces, make this National Historic Landmark an ideal place to bring the family, co-workers or friends for a memorable meeting any time of the year.
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Bluegrass
Meeting Spaces Keeneland sits on more than 1,000 acres on the outskirts of Lexington. It has 11 different event spaces and ample green space that meeting planners can use. Many events there take place in progressive stages at various spaces around the grounds. Spaces and their maximum number of guests include the Second Floor
Clubhouse, 200; the Sales Arena, 700; the Phoenix Room, 400; the Pavilion Bar, 100; the Limestone CafĂŠ, 150; the Lexington/Kentucky Room, 350; the Keeneland Room, 80; Keene Place, 125; the First Floor Clubhouse, 200; and the Entertainment Center and Keene Barn, 800.
Catering Keeneland Hospitality handles all the food-and-beverage needs for meeting groups, with all menus chosen specifically by executive chef Marc Therrien. Therrien brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to the company, having worked alongside Neil Connolly, the former personal chef for the Kennedy family, and then going on to oversee the food-and-beverage program at the
Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, home of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, cofounded by holistic physician Deepak Chopra. Custom menus are available upon request, but Therrien has become well known for his belief in simple food with good technique and locally sourced ingredients. Alcohol is available.
After Events
Keeneland LOCATION
In addition to traditional race-day experiences during the spring and fall, the meetings team at Keeneland offers walking tours and scavenger hunts for meetings groups during any season. The tours can be customized to any subject or theme that interests the group. Past tours have included a
walking history of the track, racing tours and even tours focused on the landscaping and grounds program. Since Keeneland is a boutique racing facility, the team is able to bring the excitement of a race day to events with mock racing games displayed on TVs in the private meeting rooms.
Lexington, Kentucky
TYPE OF VENUE Off-site, racecourse
CAPACITY 800-plus guests
NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS The Campbell House Lexington
CONTACT INFO 859-254-3412 www.keeneland.com
September 2018
Extras The team of experts at Keeneland is dedicated to the success of each event, including a broadcast team that can assist with the audiovisual aspects. Most of the venues have built-in TVs that work well for presentations, sponsor logos and slideshows. Planners can arrange for custom experiences during events,
including culinary experiences like a salsa challenge, where guests are divided into teams and challenged to create their own salsa. The Keeneland Hospitality team can create cooking classes, demonstrations and challenges that can engage guests in the world of cooking and help them leave inspired and energized.
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A Cavalier Comeback By Kristy Alpert
A
lthough it was a contest in a newspaper that gave the Cavalier Hotel its iconic name, it was the hotel’s heritage of hospitality that earned it a spot on the Historic Hotels of America list. When the Cavalier Hotel opened in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1927, its 195 guest rooms ranged from $4 to $18 per night, the latter including three multicourse meals on “The American Plan.” It had taken 13 months to complete the construction, which included laying more than 800,000 bricks and sealing the structure with fireproof cement-covered steel. During the span of the 1930s to the 1950s, the hotel was the largest hirer of Big Bands in the world, playing host to Sammy Kaye, Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Lawrence Welk, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Glen Miller. Ten U.S. presidents have stayed at the Cavalier, along with other celebrity guests, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Fatty Arbuckle, Rosemary Clooney, Muhammad Ali, Bob Hope and Will Rogers. Hank Ketchum drew many of his
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Hospitality Showcase
By Robert Benson
Photos courtesy The Cavalier
“Dennis the Menace” cartoons based off his time spent with his family at the Cavalier, and most recently, rapper Pusha T celebrated his nuptials at the hotel. There was even a brief time during World War II when the U.S. Navy occupied the hotel, using it as a radar training school where sailors conducted classes in the drained swimming pool. Today, the hotel stands as a reminder of the nation’s glamorous past while giving a look to the future after the remarkable multimillion-dollar restorations it underwent in 2002 and 2018. The Cavalier is now a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. It offers 85 guest rooms, including six distinct heritage suites. Meeting guests love the preserved historic elements of the hotel, where ornately plastered columns and terrazzo flooring guide the way to the showstoppers of the space, like the grand chandeliers, the rich velvet textures and the marble baths. The hotel is an icon, and the timeless elegance of the property makes it a memorable space for meetings and events.
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Cavalier Hotel Location Virginia Beach, Virginia
Meeting Spaces From traditional boardrooms to inspiring outdoor spaces overlooking the ocean, the meeting spaces at the Cavalier are as varied as they are ample. The ballroom boasts a restoration true to the original 1927 blueprint, with a maximum of 228 guests, and the Magnolia Garden’s new design pays homage to the garden’s 100-year-old history, with tiered brick staircases leading to an open-air event space that holds up to 100 guests. The hotel’s two salons can be combined or booked separately: Salon A can accommodate 50 guests, Salon B can accommodate 60 guests, and together, the Salons AB can accommodate 130 guests. The East Loggia and lawn are also available for cocktail hours, dinner stations and even a silent disco.
Size 85 rooms Meeting Space More than 5,000 square feet Access About 20 miles from Norfolk International Airport Contact Info 757-425-8555 www.cavalierhotel.com
Dining Along with three full-service restaurants — Becca, the Hunt Room and the Raleigh Room — the Cavalier Hotel is also home to the Tarnished Truth Distilling Company that offers a range of spirits made on-site. What cannot be made in house is sourced locally from the hotel’s Virginia partners: The Cavalier catering team regularly works with local cheese purveyors, farmers and ranchers to bring in the best and freshest ingredients for meetings and events. The catering team specializes in creating custom menus for events and has fun conjuring inspiration for themed menus. Their Taste of the 20s menu features Wee Wellingtons as a passed appetizer course and rich shellfish bisque served tableside before a dessert of Lindy Hop Cheesecake. Alcohol is available.
By Robert Benson
After Events The hotel’s unique history and location give it an appeal that attracts a wide range of guests, from artists and historians to adventurers and thrill-seekers. The meeting-planning team can arrange experiences both on-site and off-site that cater to each group’s interests. Past favorites have included culinary tours and immersions in the region’s military heritage. Groups never have to leave the property to find adventure though, and many guests prefer to stay on-site to walk the hotel and follow in the steps of Garland, Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Hope, Al Capone and more.
September 2018
By Ashley Lester
Left: The 85-room Cavalier Hotel first opened in Virginia Beach in 1927. Right: The Cavalier features a 6,000-square-foot spa, as well as a pool and fitness center. Opposite page: The Cavalier’s East Loggia meeting space overlooks a beautiful lawn.
Extras Meeting clients work with a team of seasoned professional event planners at the Cavalier Hotel to execute their visions for events. All spaces feature audiovisual equipment and support, as well as Wi-Fi and catering options. The hotel itself offers additional amenities for meeting guests, with a 6,060-square-foot spa and a 1,500-square-foot fitness and exercise lounge. There is a business center on-site for guests to use during meetings or overnight stays, and for those who do not want to dip into the seawater just beyond the shoreline outside, the hotel offers an indoor saltwater pool.
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All Roads Lead to Janesville By Savannah Osbourn
J A N E S V I L L E , W I S C O N S I N LOCATION Southern Wisconsin ACCESS Interstate 90, Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, Milwaukee airport, Chicago area airports MAJOR MEETING SPACES Pontiac Convention Center, Holiday Inn Express and Janesville Conference Center HOTEL ROOMS 750 OFF-SITE VENUES Rotary Botanical Gardens, the Venue, Janesville Performing Arts Center, The Armory, Rock County Historical Society CONTACT INFO Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 608-757-3171 www.janesvillecvb.com
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Destination Showcase
Above: Originally built as a church, the Venue is among Janesville’s most distinctive meeting locations. Left: The Carriage Barn at the Rock County Historical Society is available for private rentals.
W
hen you attend a meeting in Janesville, Wisconsin, a great walk is never far away. Janesville is the seat of Rock County, a picturesque region just north of the Illinois border with more than 2,500 acres of parkland and 30 miles of paved, off-road trails. These recreational opportunities draw a large number of hikers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Travelers can easily access the city from several major interstates and international airports. Meeting planners will find everything they need for a successful and memorable meeting in this charming town, which encompasses more than 100 restaurants, 750 hotel rooms and 13 historic districts. Traditional exhibit space is available at the Pontiac Convention Center or the Holiday Inn Express and Janesville Conference Center, but planners can also choose from a variety of more creative venues, such as the award-winning Rotary Botanical Gardens, the Janesville Performing Arts Center and a restored military facility called the Armory. “If you want meeting space with a unique atmosphere, the Armory is a great option,”
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Rotary Botanical Gardens The Rotary Botanical Gardens is special treat for anyone who enjoys nature-based attractions, spanning a lovely 20-acre property with over 24 distinct gardens and 4,000 varieties of plants. Event planners can take advantage of this top-rated botanical garden by hosting their seminar, training session or workshop in one of four on-site meeting rooms that overlook the gardens. Between sessions, attendees can stretch their legs and breathe in the fresh air as they wander through vibrant displays in the French Formal Garden, the Japanese Garden, the English Cottage Garden and other unique sections. Guided tours for groups of 15 or more must be reserved in advance.
The Armory Built in 1930, the Armory was originally used as a training center for soldiers in the years leading up to World War II. It was extensively renovated in 2005 and reopened as a premier event venue, having combined the historic facade with interior additions such as beautiful brickwork, terrazzo floors and decorative iron. It frequently plays host to weddings, corporate retreats, fundraising galas, professional musicals and other notable events. The historic Drill Hall can host 100 to 500 guests. Adjacent to the hall, the Bunker Lounge features a classy copper bar with space for live music and cocktail receptions. Upstairs, the Lieutenant’s Quarters offers a more intimate space for groups of up to 52.
All photos courtesy Janesville Area CVB
said Christine Rebout, executive director of the Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. After hours, attendees can tour a historic home once visited by Abraham Lincoln, enjoy a live show at one of the local pubs or catch a game from the Janesville Jets Hockey Team. Janesville is also home to the 19-time national champion Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team, which offers live performances twice a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. “Many people like to come early to the show and grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks,” said Rebout. “It’s a nice outing to do with your group and have some entertainment right on Rock River.”
September 2018
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Janesville offers a variety of meeting spaces and a wide selection of hotels, restaurants and attractions including many affordable options that provide you with great value. Janesville is easily accessible - right off of I-39/90. Call the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau today at (800) 487-2757.
Janesvillecvb.com 35
Rock County Historical Society The Rock County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the unique history of Rock County. It is based on a three-and-a-half-acre campus with five distinct historic structures, including a one-room schoolhouse, a recently restored carriage house and an 1842 Greek Revival residence. For smaller receptions, corporate meetings and other gatherings, planners can host up to 75 guests in the Lower Gallery of the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, up to 55 in the Lincoln-Tallman House and up to 20 in the Charles Tallman Archives and Research Center. Additional space is available outside on the grounds and grand porches.
The Venue Groups can meet in an 1842 Greek Revival home at the Rock County Historical Society.
Meetings meet Convenience
Complimentary services
Unique lakeside dining
In the heart of downtown, the Venue is another of Janesville’s most historic structures; it was initially owned by a church and later by a local chapter of Freemasons. After standing vacant for nearly 50 years, the building was lovingly restored in 2015 and reopened to the public as an upscale event venue. Reminiscent of its early days as a chapel, the Bower City Ballroom features a spacious layout with dark wooden arches and trim and accommodates up to 250 guests theater style. The 1870s Room re-creates an elegant 19th-century atmosphere with a built-in tin bar, a tin ceiling and restored wooden floors; capacity is 100 guests. The Second Empire Room provides a fine setting for smaller gatherings of 50 or fewer guests.
Team & social activities
Conveniently located between Milwaukee and Madison, we offer complimentary personalized services to help make your meeting a success. Additionally, our area offers: More than 100,000 square feet of affordable, flexible meeting space 1,100 guestrooms with complimentary parking Plenty of after-hours dining and entertainment options for your attendees
Learn more at visitwaukesha.org/meetings
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Destination Showcase
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Meet New England History By Rachel Carter By David J. Murray, courtesy The Music Hall
The Music Hall in Portsmouth began as a Victorian theater in 1878.
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ew England boasts some of the United States’ oldest history: ancient Native American tribes, French explorers and English settlers who arrived in the 1600s.
September 2018
With such a long history, planners have a plethora of options for historic New England venues, including expansive, opulent mansions and community gathering places, private summer estates and elegant Victorian theaters.
Alden Castle Brookline, Massachusetts
When Alden Park Manor opened in 1925 in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts, it was the world’s second-largest luxury residence hotel. The complex featured high-end amenities and attracted famous residents such as Boston Red Sox general manager Eddie Collins and Babe Ruth, who could be found drinking or playing cards in a speakeasy in the basement. Alden Castle, as it’s known today, still houses private residences, and its two public spaces continue to host events for big-name guests, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Stephen King, Jimmy Fallon and the Boston Celtics, said Nichole Wardle, director of sales and marketing for Longwood Venues and Destinations. Alden Castle was Longwood Venues’ first privateevent venue, and “now we have five properties in our collection and are growing,” she said. The space originally operated as a restaurant, but the current owner got so many requests for private parties, he decided to turn it into an event facility. In the two-level Vintage Ballroom, the mezzanine is
a good choice for cocktail hours, and the main floor can seat about 200 for dinner. The Modern Club, which features dark wood paneling and an intricately patterned ceiling, can seat about 100 for a meal. www.longwoodvenues.com/venues/brooklineevent-venue
The Lyceum Hartford, Connecticut
In 1895, the Archdiocese of Hartford started construction on a building in Hartford, Connecticut, that would serve as a wholesome gathering place for young men, naming it The Lyceum. The stately, three-story brick building has had many incarnations over the decades, housing a box company, a community center, a hot-airballoon manufacturer, a punk rock club and a rollerskating business. In 2003, the Melville Charitable Trust renovated the building to serve as a conference center, and all the money it raises goes to the Partnership for Strong Communities. So when groups reserve the space, “you’re actually paying to make a donation to expand affordable housing and end homelessness,” said Jane Peters, events and building manager with Partnership for Strong Communities. The main conference space, in the former auditorium, can seat 170 people theater style and has a stage with two balconies flanking the room. The space reopens this
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Courtesy Southern Vermont Arts Center
The Southern Vermont Arts Center preserves an estate built in 1917. month following a renovation that included new flooring and added a new rental space. The former reference library across the hall was underused, but it’s now available for events for 80 to 100 people. With original wood ceilings and stunning windows, “it’s my favorite room in the building,” Peters said. The Lyceum also has two additional conference rooms for 10 to 20 people. The center’s preferred caterer is the Kitchen at Billings Forge across the street, which provides on-the-job training and workforce development; it also offers cooking classes for groups. www.lyceumcenter.org
Portland Masonic Temple Portland, Maine
The Portland Masonic Temple was built in 1911, but it was only a few years ago that the Masonic Trustees of Portland opened some of the spaces to the public as event venues. The six-story building sits in the heart of downtown Portland, Maine. Behind the gray brick-and-stone facade, visitors will find impressive interiors filled with period millwork; painted plaster; original stained-glass windows; antique chandeliers; and extensive scagliola, a 17th-century plaster technique that creates a marblelike finish on walls and floors. The first floor features two function spaces. The Scottish Rite Reading Room works well for cocktail parties, with its antique wood paneling, Masonic portraits, a large fireplace, and original pool and snooker tables. Down the hall, 20-foot-tall doors open into the Armory, where up to 200 dinner guests will find hundreds of wooden Masonic Regalia lockers and an original stained-glass window that depicts the Knights Templar.
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New England Meeting Guide
On the second floor, Boody Hall works for 50-person gatherings. The 4,000-square-foot Corinthian Hall can seat up to 200 people and features Corinthian columns, a 20-foot stained-glass window and one of the largest working pipe organs in Maine. www.portlandmasonic.com
The Music Hall Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The Music Hall in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is an 1878 Victorian theater — the oldest in the state — that has welcomed such wide-ranging speakers and performers as Thomas Edison, Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, Tony Bennett and Ray Lamontagne. The movie theater managed to stay open through the Great Depression but closed in 1971 and sat vacant until the mid-1980s, when Friends of the Music Hall took it over. In the early 2000s, the nonprofit “did our big renovation and brought it back to its earlier glory,” said James Paone, general manager of front of house and rentals. Today, guests enter through the 2,600-square-foot Beaux Arts-style lobby before heading upstairs to the restored upper lobby and into the 895-seat auditorium. There, visitors will see original cherubs on the proscenium arch “that are beautifully detailed in gold leaf right over the center of the stage,” he said, and the wraparound balcony ends about 12 feet from the stage on either side. In addition to keynote speakers, presentations and fundraisers, the historic theater can be used for private parties and small gatherings, and the hall has even done onstage dinners with a curtain-raising reveal.
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
Groups of about 100 can use the lobby for receptions, and across the street, The Loft is a modern black-box space that can seat 124. www.themusichall.org
guests. All three spaces front the water. www.aldrichmansion.com
Aldrich Mansion Warwick, Rhode Island
The campus of the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, Vermont, began life in 1917 as a 400-acre private estate with a 28-room mansion. Southern Vermont Artists bought the estate in 1950, and it became the home of the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Today, the original building remains on more than 120 acres of forestland, and the campus now includes a modern museum, studio facilities, a 400-seat auditorium and the largest sculpture garden in the state. Housed in the historic mansion, the Yester House Galleries can accommodate up to 300 people for a reception or 100 guests for a seated meal. Visitors can explore artwork in 10 galleries and enjoy the mansion’s original hardwood floors, red walls and fireplace. Across the courtyard, the contemporary Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum features over 800 pieces of 19thand 20th-century art. The Wilson Museum and Galleries can accommodate events for up to 200 people. The Arkell Pavilion is a former barn that was restored and renovated in 2000. In addition to acting as the center’s performance space, the 400-seat indoor auditorium works well for presentations, speakers and screenings. www.svac.org
The Aldrich Mansion sits on a 70-acre estate in Warwick, Rhode Island, fronting Narragansett Bay. Construction started in 1896 on Sen. Nelson Aldrich’s mansion, and about 16 years later, his 70-room Chateau was complete. His daughter, Abby Aldrich, married John D. Rockefeller Jr. at the mansion in 1901. In 1939, the family transferred the Aldrich Mansion and 100 acres to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, which still owns the estate today. Inside the Chateau, visitors will find Italian marble, vaulted ceilings, soaring arches and intricate woodcarvings. The mansion offers 7,000 square feet of event space in several rooms; they include the Great Reception Hall, the Aldrich and Ivory dining rooms, a sitting room, a bar, a porch, a formal library and a grand terrace, as well as acres of manicured grounds overlooking the bay. The mansion can accommodate up to 230 guests for banquets and receptions. The Aldrich and Ivory dining rooms each hold 100 people, and the adjoining enclosed porch between them can accommodate another 30
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Southern Vermont Arts Center Manchester, Vermont
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New England Resorts By Rachel Carter
Courtesy Stowe Mountain Lodge
Surrounding mountains offer year-round activity options for groups meeting at Stowe Mountain Lodge.
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ew England is known for its craggy Atlantic coastline, its capes and bays, its harbors and historic lighthouses.
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But the region is also a mountainous mecca where visitors can explore lush forests, revel in a rainbow of fall foliage and ski down steep slopes. Visitors will find private beaches and gondola ski lifts, moose tours and clambakes, and sailing regattas and snowmobiling. No matter what planners are looking for, the following meeting resorts offer attendees the best New England has to offer, from mountain peak to ocean’s edge.
Stowe Mountain Lodge Stowe, Vermont
Since the 1800s, Stowe, Vermont, has been a resort destination for travelers looking “to get away from the city and have their respite in a cool mountain area,” said Jim Beaulieu, director of group sales for Stowe Mountain Lodge. Stowe is a quintessential New England town, surrounded by covered bridges and, in autumn, brilliant fall foliage, and the 235-room Stowe Mountain Lodge adds to the area’s appeal with both summer and winter activities. The ski lodge has about 12,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes the 6,000-square-foot Tamarack Ballroom that can be divided into five sections. The room has floor-to-ceiling windows and opens onto the terrace, which wraps around the hotel and where guests are “staring right at the ski slopes of Stowe, and the iconic Mount Mansfield view,” Beaulieu said. Across the hall, the 2,500-square-foot Junior Ballroom, which can be divided into four smaller spaces, also connects to the terrace.
New England Meeting Guide
Just behind the lodge, groups can use the 420-seat Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, and at the base of the ski area, Alpine Clubhouse is a high-end, private restaurant that is available for events, typically in spring, summer and fall. Next door, the Spruce Camp Base Lodge has 16,000 square feet of function space, which includes the 8,000-square-foot Great Room, an octagonal post-andbeam room that has vaulted ceilings, is encircled by windows and connects to an adjoining terrace. The lodge offers so many activities year-round that management created its own in-house destination management organization that offers a variety of packages and programs for groups. During a Water and Wine trip, groups take a guided kayak or canoe float on the Lamoille River and end at Boyden Valley Winery for a tour and tasting. On the Taste of Vermont tour, groups visit a local orchard, cheesemaker, chocolatier and distillery, or the resort can arrange a private artisanal farmers market on the village green for event attendees to sip, sample and shop wares from local makers. www.destinationhotels.com/stowe-mountain-lodge
Sunday River Resort and Conference Center Newry, Maine
The Sunday River Resort and Conference Center in Newry, Maine, is one of the state’s largest ski resorts, with 135 trails across eight interconnected mountain peaks. Whether or not attendees ski, many planners choose the resort for meetings because “they picture
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Maine’s Sunday Mountain Lodge has 500 guest rooms and 46,000 square feet of meeting space.
Courtesy Sunday River Resort
sitting around a fireplace with winter boots and a cup of hot chocolate in their hands,” said Mark Look, director of sales. The resort’s three hotels offer nearly 500 guest rooms as well as 46,000 square feet of meeting space, in addition to another 30,000 square feet of event space throughout the resort. In the Grand Summit Hotel, one wall of the 5,800-square-foot Grand Ballroom is all glass, and the room connects to an outdoor reception area with a fire pit, an arbor and grass for lawn games. In the same hotel, a slopeside conference room can accommodate up to 30 people, who can “can literally step right outside the room onto the slopes,” Look said. At the Jordan Hotel, the resort plans to build a new indoor function space in the next several months, and groups of up to 200 can also use the Sliders Restaurant and its large deck in the offseason. Guests can also take the “chondola” ski lift, which offers both chairs and gondolas, to the midmountain Peak Lodge for dinner or a cocktail reception. In addition to the full slate of winter activities, attendees can go zip lining, hiking, canoeing and kayaking; take guided moose tours; hunt for gems at an area mine; and play a round at the Sunday River Country Club. www.sundayriver.com
Island in Narragansett Bay, so the resort is almost completely surrounded by water, and so are its guests. The resort in Newport, Rhode Island, has 257 guest rooms, 27,000 square feet of indoor function space and more than 50,000 square feet of seaside lawns and pavilions. The 4,000-square-foot Rose Island Ballroom has an adjoining deck where guests can take in views of Newport Bridge. The 8,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom can seat up to 600 guests for banquets or be divided into four salons, and solid wood doors connect it to the 4,500-square-foot Brenton Hall. The Waterfront Pavilion is a covered open-air space where up to 300 guests can soak up water views. Groups often use the South Lawn next to it for team building. To add an “only in New England” flair to events, guests can mingle on the North Lawn beside the 1842 Newport Harbor Lighthouse. Scarpetta is a waterfront restaurant with two semiprivate dining rooms and multiple outdoor spaces for groups. The Regent Lounge has a three-tiered deck where guests can gather around fire pits or take in sunsets over the bay. www.gurneysresorts.com/newport
Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina Newport, Rhode Island
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich, Massachusetts, is a five-star resort set on 27 acres facing Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The resort
Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina sits on Goat
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Wequassett Resort and Golf Club Harwich, Massachusetts
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Courtesy Omni Mount Washington Resort
The Omni Mount Washington Resort is known for its Old World luxury.
Convenient. Customizable. Culture-rich.
Albany is more than a meeting place. It’s a meeting destination. Visit www.albany.org to find out more. ®NYSDED
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New England Meeting Guide
www.smallmarketmeetings.com
features 120 guest rooms, five restaurants, eight meeting rooms — most with water views — four tennis courts, two pools, a private beach and an 18-hole golf course. “Everything is right here, everything is within walking distance,” said Florence Kiernan, the resort’s director of communications. “It’s a sort of quintessential Cape Cod-style resort.” The 2,750-square-foot Pavilion, which overlooks the water, is the largest event space and can seat 220 for meals or be divided into five separate rooms. Next to it, the Fireplace and Garden rooms are “almost like living spaces for breaks,” Kiernan said. The Garden Terrace is a permanent tented structure with accordion-style glass doors that open onto a terrace with expansive views of Pleasant Bay. The Cape Villa Conference Center has three meeting rooms with garden views that can accommodate up to 150 attendees. The Twenty-Eight Atlantic restaurant offers private dining for 45 guests. The Outdoor Bar and Grille is hopping during the summer, but the restaurant and deck are available offseason for clambakes and theme-style dinners for 120 people. In addition to watersports, the resort can arrange sailing regattas; fishing charters; seal tours; and lobster tours, in which guests can see how traps are hauled and then eat lobster rolls for lunch. Groups can also visit the Chatham Shellfish Company for tours of the oyster farm, followed by an oyster-and-champagne pairing. www.wequassett.com
Omni Mount Washington Resort Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
The Mount Washington Hotel opened its doors in July 1902, and for the past 116 years, the grand, white-walled, red-roofed hotel has welcomed guests with the kind of Old World luxury and elegance of a bygone era. Omni Resorts and Hotels bought the historic 200-room hotel in 2015 after managing the property since 2009. The resort has 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including the divisible 6,900-square-foot Grand Ballroom in the heart of the historic hotel. In 2009, the resort opened a conference center that features a flexible 3,600-square-foot ballroom and three additional meeting rooms. Perhaps the resort’s biggest draw is its long list of amenities and activities. In addition to skiing at Bretton Woods or riding the nearby cog railway to the top of Mount Washington, guests can take horseback, carriage and sleigh rides; go zip lining, ice skating and snowshoeing; play tennis, golf and disc golf; and try archery, fly-fishing and mountain biking. www.omnihotels.com
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To show you a lively downtown riverfront bustling with arts, culture and outdoor recreation. VisitSiouxFalls.com/PlantoWin