MEETING AND EVENT Planning Guide
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CONTACT US
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1321 6th Street Brookings, SD 57006
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605.692.7444
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Info@VisitBrookingsSD.com
WELCOME
Visit Brookings is dedicated to helping you plan your next event. Whether you’re a professional or first-time meeting planner, this guide is designed to help you get started. We are your event planning experts and look forward to assisting you in creating a successful event.
who we are
Get to know the team at Visit Brookings! We each bring a different aspect and talent to the event planning process. Contact us today!
LAURA SCHOEN CARBONNEAU Executive Director
Laura@VisitBrookingsSD.com 605.696.7555
BRIDGIT BURGHARDT Director of Operations and Sales
Bridgit@VisitBrookingsSD.com 605.696.7556
KATE SOLBERG Marketing Coordinator
Kate@VisitBrookingsSD.com 605.696.7557
DON’T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT? FEEL FREE TO EMAIL
INFO@VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM AND OUR TEAM WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR REQUEST.
VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM 3
BRING YOUR EVENT T0 BROOKINGS Brookings is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 29 and Highway 14 on the east side of South Dakota. We’re just 50 minutes from the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and about 20 miles away from our Minnesota neigbors.
From the Sioux Falls airport, simply head north on Interstate 29 and take exit 132 for Brookings.
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TRANSPORTATION Getting around Brookings is pretty simple. We average a 13-minute commute no matter the destination. Whether traveling from afar or in-state, our transportation options accommodate individuals and groups.
Charter Service
BROOKINGS REGIONAL AIRPORT
Get Around Brookings TAXI LYFT lyft.com
RENTALS BROOKINGS AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY brookingsareatransit.com B&B AUTO SALES bnbautosales.com EINSPAHR AUTO PLAZA einspahr.com
The Brookings Regional Airport caters to charter business travel providing a safe, first class airport for regional residents and the flying community. The airport works diligently with the South Dakota State University Aviation Program and other local entities to provide flying instruction and other community activities related to aviation. Phone: 605.697.8664 Address: 509 West 2nd Street South, Brookings SD 57006
Passenger Service
SIOUX FALLS REGIONAL AIRPORT (FSD) Five airlines provide scheduled passenger service to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. Connections can be made to over 200 domestic cities as well as many international destinations. Sioux Falls is just a 50-minute drive on I-29.
WATERTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT (ATY) United Airlines, operating as SkyWest, offers daily service to Denver International Airport (DEN) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Watertown is a 40-minute drive north of Brookings on I-29. 5
VENUE CHART Brookings is a great place to meet with a mix of large convention space, small meeting rooms, and outdoor venues. This is just a sampling of our meeting spaces. For more details, check out:
VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM/PLAN-YOUR-EVENT
SQUARE FOOTAGE
BREAKOUT ROOMS
SEATING CAPACITY
Brookings Inn Convention Center
5,400
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Up to 700
McCrory Gardens Education & Visitor Center
3,000
4
Up to 300
Dacotah Bank Center
30,000
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Up to 5,700
Wilbert Square Event Center
10,800
4
Up to 1,000
SQUARE FOOTAGE
BREAKOUT ROOMS
SEATING CAPACITY
Club 71
12,000
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Up to 500
Old Sanctuary Reception, Lecture and Banquet Hall
3,870
1
Up to 400
CONVENTION CENTERS
EVENT HALLS
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ONSITE PLANNER
ONSITE CATERER
ONSITE PLANNER
ONSITE CATERER
EVENT GRANT PROGRAM The Event Grant Program is a great resource for community members and event planners. The grant program awards funding to organizations hosting events in Brookings, SD. It can be a critical tool in the development of your next meeting or tournament. The grant program is designed to help support first-time events, as well as foster event growth in our community. The grant program runs year-round with four submission deadlines annually: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Contact us at GRANTPROGRAM@VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM for a grant application and funding criteria.
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BROOKINGS INN CONVENTION CENTER The Brookings Inn Convention Center takes great pride and pleasure in offering you and your guests a comfortable atmosphere with warm, friendly service from our staff. From large weddings to small meetings, bridal showers, graduations, reunions, and more! We offer great service and will accommodate your needs to the best of our abilities to make your event special. Our hotel has 119 cozy guest rooms, on-site restaurant/bar and the Splashzone Waterpark.
ROOM NAME
DIMENSIONS
SQ FT
BANQUET
THEATER
CLASSROOM
CONFERENCE
Meeting Room A
30 x 30
900
40
75
35
22
Meeting Room B
30 x 30
900
40
75
35
22
Meeting Room C
30 x 60
1,800
125
180
80
N/A
Meeting Room D
30 x 60
1,800
125
180
80
N/A
A&B
30 x 60
1,800
125
180
80
N/A
A, B, & C
60 x 60
3,600
250
360
200
N/A
C&D
60 x 60
3,600
250
360
200
N/A
A-D
60 x 90
5,400
500
700
350
N/A
Seating capacity varies by room depending on setup, buffet, registration tables, etc. Two poolside hospitality rooms are available for small meeting groups of up to 10 individuals. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A/V equipment, business center, personal computer, wifi, restaurant, and indoor aquatic center.
A
B C D
Co n Ar ven tio ea n En tra nc e Coat Room
Service Hallway Maint.
Banquet Area
Rest Rooms
Convention Center Lobby
Storage Room
2500 EAST 6TH STREET• BROOKINGS, SD 57006 • 605.692.9471 • FRONTDESK@BROOKINGSINN.COM BROOKINGSINN.COM
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MCCRORY GARDENS EDUCATION & VISITOR CENTER
ROOM NAME
DIMENSIONS
SQ FT
BANQUET
THEATER
CLASSROOM
CONFERENCE
Great Hall
55 x 52.6
2,893
200
324
188
N/A
Meeting Room West
21 x 20
420
N/A
N/A
24
20
Meeting Room East
21 x 20
420
N/A
N/A
24
20
Combined Meeting Rooms
42 x 20
840
N/A
N/A
56
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McCrory Gardens is a 25-acre botanical garden, plus 45-acre arboretum perched on the edge of the South Dakota State University campus. In addition to being one of the prettiest places in Brookings, it’s a one-of-a-kind meeting and event destination. Small gatherings, weddings, special events and meetings fit comfortably inside with breathtaking views at every glance. ADDITION INFORMATION: Projectors & screen, DVD player, HDMI, VGA, RCA, IPOD hookups, laser pointer, podium and half podiums available in all rooms, microphones available in Great Hall, whiteboards in East and West meeting rooms.
631 22ND AVENUE • BROOKINGS, SD 57007 • 605.688.6707 • SDSU.MCRORYGARDENS@SDSTATE.EDU SDSTATE.EDU/MCCRORY-GARDENS
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DACOTAH BANK CENTER Dacotah Bank Center (formerly the Swiftel Center) is an international award-winning event center. Whether you’re hosting a meeting, banquet, annual conference or something entirely new, our flexible spaces can accommodate all your event needs. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and equipment, on-site event managers, and delicious in-house catering. Contact our team for your complimentary event estimate.
ROOM NAME
DIMENSIONS
SQ FT
BANQUET
THEATER
CLASSROOM
CONFERENCE
Arena
255’x114’
30,271
1,800
5,700
1,664
*
Concourse
23’x147’
4,124
240
540
240
*
Daktronics Conference Center - Room AB (combined)
48’x125’
6,085
360
688
370
*
Daktronics Conference Center - Room A
48’x72’
3,498
200
417
200
80
Daktronics Conference Center - Room B
48’x53’
2,588
160
272
152
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Daktronics Conference Center - Room CD (combined)
46’x100’
5,023
300
568
252
*
Daktronics Conference Center - Room C
46’x40’
1,966
100
192
80
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Daktronics Conference Center - Room D
46’x60’
3,057
180
346
144
80
Daktronics Board Room
20’x21’
430
10
50
22
16
Daktronics Conference Room
20’x28’
540
20
70
32
24
Mezzanine Board Room
16’x28’
420
20
49
24
24
Mezzanine Conference Room
16’x25’
400
20
49
21
24
Lobby A
28’x48’
1,380
80
132
56
*
* Available space is very large and better suited for an alternative seating arrangement. All seating is approximate. Numbers will vary based on each specific event requirements. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: LCD projectors, screens, house sound system, corded and wireless microphones, portable displays and monitors, staging, podiums, easels, pipe and drape, customizable color linens, and specialized lighting including bistro lights and LED uplights. Full-service WiFi capabilities throughout facility. Full staffing services including in-house catering, security, housekeeping, operations and dedicated on-site event managers. 824 32ND AVENUE • BROOKINGS, SD 57006 • 605.692.7539 • INFO@DACOTAHBANKCENTER.COM DACOTAHBANKCENTER.COM
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WILBERT SQUARE EVENT CENTER Wilbert Square Event Center is the all inclusive event and lodging venue in Brookings. This full service venue includes 10,800 square feet of meeting and dining space with great hotel rooms on one property. A full service and attentive staff will help you host your wedding, corporate meetings, lectures, seminars, trade shows, or a family get together.
ROOM NAME
DIMENSIONS
SQ FT
BANQUET
THEATER
CLASSROOM
CONFERENCE
Grand Ballroom
100 x 108
10,800
650
1,000
600
N/A
Ballroom A
50 x 108
5,200
300
475
275
N/A
Ballroom B
80 X 108
5,200
300
475
275
N/A
Gold Room
54 X 30
1,500
68
150
72
30
Red Room
25 X 54
1,300
50
65
35
24
2,250
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Wilbert’s Alehouse
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Full service audio visual, microphones, projectors, speaker system, dancefloor, pipe and drape, all tables, chairs, linens, china, silverware on site, full service catering and bar menu and full service attentive staff, attached to full service restaurant and award winning hotel.
931 25TH AVENUE • BROOKINGS, SD 57006 • 605.692.2484 • EVENTS@WILBERTSQUARE.COM WILBERTSQUAREEVENTCENTER.COM
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UNCONVENTIONAL MEETING SPACES Break out of the box and try someting different. Brookings offers a blend of outdoor, rustic, charming, and unconventional meeting spaces. Browse the entire list at: VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM/PLAN-YOUR-EVENT
SPORTS FACILITIES
FEATURES
Bob Shelden Field
Newly renovated, regulation size baseball diamond. Infield turf, concessions, restroom, stadium seating.
Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center
29,500 sq ft facility with Olympic-length archery range, shooting gallery and classrooms.
Fifth Street Gym
Three 84 x 50 indoor courts.
Fishback Soccer Complex
80 acres of green space which can hold 10 regulation size soccer fields.
Larson Ice Center
Two rinks, seating capacity up to 1,600, 10 locker rooms.
SouthBrook Softball Complex
Five lighted softball diamonds. Restrooms, concessions, bleachers.
THEATRE & GALLERIES Brookings Arts Council
Gallery space, art workshop.
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
State of the art facility, seating for 1,000, four performance spaces, dance studio, rehearsal spaces and lobby areas.
South Dakota Art Museum
Gallery space, permanent collections, small meeting room.
PARKS
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Hillcrest Park
Four picnic shelters, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, restrooms. Next to paved recreational trail and aquatic center.
Larson Nature Center
5,300 sq ft facility with small meeting room and outdoor equipment rentals. Located in Dakota Nature Park.
Pioneer Park
Picnic shelters, bandshell, restrooms. Home of the Brookings Area Community Band and Brookings Summer Arts Festival.
ON CAMPUS OPTIONS
FEATURES
Miller Wellness Center
Conference room, basketball courts, indoor pool, climbing wall.
Research Park at SDSU
Three small conference rooms, Conference phone, SMART Board.
Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex
149,384 sq feet with 8-lane indoor track, synthetic turf, sports medicine, athletic training, physical therapy, observation rooms.
Stanley J. Marshall HPER Center
Meeting rooms, 6,500 seat arena, home to SDSU Jackrabbit basketball, indoor track and swimming pool.
MEETING ROOMS & COMMUNITY SPACES Brookings Activity Center
Community room, kitchenette, tables and chairs.
Children’s Museum of South Dakota
Small meeting room, classrooms, onsite restaurant. 44,000 sq feet of exhibit space and 4 acres of outdoor prairie.
Community Life Center
Inside the First United Methodist Church. Gym, commercial kitchen, small stage.
Fika Room at Kool Beans
Small venue for up to 30 people. Both on and off-site catering available.
The Old Fire Hall
One large and three small rooms, deck space, entry space.
VFW
Large room, commercial kitchen, full-service bar.
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HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS LODGING VENUES
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# OF ROOMS
Brookings Inn 2500 East 6th Street • 605.692.9471
119
Comfort Suites University 929 25th Avenue • 605.692.2882
100
Country Inn & Suites 3000 LeFevre Drive • 605.2882.3500
73
EconoLodge Inn & Suites 2515 East 6t Street • 605.692.3111
101
Hampton Inn & Suites 3017 LeFevre Drive • 605.697.5232
87
Holiday Inn & Suites 3020 LeFevre Drive • 605.692.9060
62
My Place Hotel 711 32nd Avenue • 605.696.3150
63
Quality Inn 514 Sunrise Ridge Road • 605.692.9566
50
Super 8 3034 East 6th Street • 605.692.6920
65
The Sonshine Inn 108 6th Street • 605.692.6345
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BUSINESS CENTER
FITNESS CENTER
MEETING ROOM
CONVENTION SPACE
Brookings has 10 hotels providing a total of 758 rooms. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, clean accommodations, and friendly staff.
FREE WIFI
CONTINENTAL RESTAURANT/ INDOOR POOL/ BREAKFAST BAR ONSITE WATERPARK
WHIRLPOOL
PET FRIENDLY
CAMPGROUNDS Get in touch with nature while still staying close to city amenities. The Sexauer Park Campground contains 18 pads for trailers, RV’s and campers. Five campsites are designated for pull-through campers. Additionally, a large grass area site is available for tents. For more information or to reserve a campsite, visit cityofbrookings-sd.gov. • Open April-October, as weather permits • No water or sewer hookups and no firewood for sale
NEARBY CAMPGROUNDS Four state campgrounds are just a short drive away! For information about the campgrounds, or to reserve a campsite, visit www.gfp.sd.gov. • Lake Cochrane Recreation Area • Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area • Lake Thompson Recreation Area • Oakwood Lakes State Park
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BRING YOUR CREW
Networking is a big part of conferences and meetings. Explore the Brookings community and go beyond the board room to experience local activities and group tours.
THE BROOKINGS GREAT 8 PASSPORT & ARTFUL DOZEN
GROUP ACTIVITIES
The Brookings Great 8 is your passport to oneof-a-kind attractions in the community. Follow along the dotted trail and explore our great places and local hubs original to Brookings. The Artful Dozen is a collection of sculptures (indoor and out) around Brookings, dedicated to individual and community initiatives.
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VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM/THINGS-TO-DO/GREAT-8ATTRACTIONS
DOWNTOWN BROOKINGS The Brookings Commercial Historic District, or Downtown Brookings as we commonly call it, is the collective melting pot of Brookings. Local boutiques, pubs, antique stores, and restaurants fill the four blocks of Main Avenue. It’s the heart of our city and features eight large-scale art murals in what’s known as the Downtown Urban Canvas. DOWNTOWNBROOKINGS.ORG
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Tours & Tastings •
Brewery Tours/Tasting at Eponymous Brewing Company and Wooden Legs Brewing Company Winery Tours/Tasting at Schade Vineyards
Recreation & Events • • • • • • •
Take a spin and pedal your way through our historic downtown on Bums Bike & Brew Kayak adventures, bike rides, ice fishing excursions and more at Dakota Nature Park Show off your pump skills at the Single-Track Mountain Biking Trail Count the stairs up the Coughlin Campanile Take a swing at EdgeBrook Golf Course Catch a home SDSU basketball or football game Sip brews, dine on local street food, and listen to live music at Downtown at Sundown (Thursdays, July-August)
Local Goods •
Pick up local goods at the Brookings Farmers Market (open Saturday mornings, May-October)
COMPLIMENTARY VISIT BROOKINGS SERVICES Visit Brookings offers organizations, individuals, and meeting planners the tools and resources they need to plan and execute outstanding events. Our services include, but are not limited to:
• HOTEL ROOM BLOCKS • MARKETING ASSISTANCE • VENUE AVAILABILITY
• MEETING SUPPLIES • CUSTOM ITINERARIES • LOCAL CONTACTS
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DID YOU KNOW? Brookings is the 4th largest city in South Dakota with 23,577 residents.
Brookings is the first city in South Dakota to receive a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for LGBTQ inclusivity.
Brookings consistently ranks high for Best Place to Live in South Dakota, by Niche.
Brookings was rated 4th best city in South Dakota for Young Professionals (Niche, 2023).
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Get to know a little bit more about Brookings with these fun facts and community accolades.
Brookings has 29 acres of park land per 1,000 residents, soaring above the national average of 10.1 acres per 1,000 residents.
Ranked as the 2nd safest city in South Dakota by Safewise in 2023.
The Children’s Museum features the only permanent, animatronic T-Rex on display in South Dakota.
The SanfordJackrabbit Athletic Complex includes an 8-lane track and artificial turf. It’s so big Mt. Rushmore can fit inside.
SDSU is the largest land-grant university in South Dakota, welcoming students from every state and more than 90 countries.
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