2009 Facilities and Destinations Superbook

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Facilities & Facilitiesonline.com: Your industry portal for news, information & venues

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BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 6 East 46th Street, New York, NY 10017

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Destinations SuperBook

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For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

Featuring More Than

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2009 Awards of Excellence

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GRB Convention Center, Hilton Americas-Houston, Toyota Center, Discovery Green www.HoustonConventionCtr.com, www.AmericasHouston.Hilton.com, www.HoustonToyotaCenter.com, www.DiscoveryGreen.com

Come ready to play in our new front yard!

Spanning more than five blocks, the George R. Brown Convention Center anchors the revitalized east end of downtown Houston, where the surroundings bustle with new urban development and world-class amenities.

With Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park a block away and the 1,200-room Hilton Americas-Houston connected by sky bridge, the GRB couldn’t have dreamed of a better front yard than the new 12-acre downtown park, Discovery Green, across the street.

Houston Pavilions, Now Open www.houstonpavilions.com

Or walk to Houston Pavilions, the new four-block downtown retail, dining and entertainment hub, with House of Blues, McCormick and Schmick’s, BCBG and XXI Forever – all within walking distance of the convention center.

A VISION. A PLAN. A WALKABLE DESTINATION. SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A COSMOPOLITAN TWIST

Combine this with the convention center’s 1.2 million square feet of dedicated meeting space – including a 30,000-square-foot ballroom, 3,600- tier-seated amphitheater, 6,500-seat arena, four 3,000-squarefoot balconies, 100 flexible meeting rooms and an abundance of green initiatives – and Houston never has been more appealing.

1001 Avenida de las Americas

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Houston, Texas 77010

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1.800.427.4697

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www.HoustonConventionCtr.com

2009 Directory

Viewpoint.....2 On the Cover.....2 2009 Awards of Excellence.....12-13 2009 Award-Winning Team Leaders.....98-99 2010 Awards of Excellence Ballot.....14 SuperBook Directory.....14-92 FMG Buyer ’s Guide: Your Products & Services Resource.....93-96 F&D Directory Index.....97 Ad Index.....100 Columns Trade Show Perspectives.....4 Planner Perspectives.....6 Meeting Logistics.....8 Spotlight Feature “Conventions: A Reflection of the Economy” Q&A with Vicki Hawarden, Vice President of Knowledge Management & Member Events, MPI.....10 Spotlights: Facilities & Destinations

(*Exclusive Facility/CVB Spotlight)

Northeast Adventure Aquarium.....*15, 25 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.....*18, 14 Greater Boston CVB.....*16, 25 Jacob Javits Convention Center .....*20, 30 Lake George NY’s Adirondacks.....32 Meadowlands Exposition Center.....*22, 30 Oncenter.....*24, 30 Providence Warwick CVB.....*26, 32 Rochester Riverside Convention Center.....*28, 30 Valley Forge Convention Center.....*31, 32 Mid-Atlantic Charleston Civic Center.....34 Norfolk CVB.....34

Southeast Baton Rouge CVB.....*37, 50 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.....*38, 36 Daytona Beach Area CVB.....*40, 36 Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.....*41, 42 Miami Beach Convention Center.....42 Mobile Convention Center.....36 Morial Convention Center.....*44, 50 Orange County Convention Center.....*46, 42 Savannah Area CVB.....*48, 50 Midwest Akron/Summit CVB.....64 Alliant Energy Center of Dane County.....*54, 66 Branson Convention Center.....*55, 56 Greater Columbus Convention Center.....*58, 64 Kansas City Convention Center.....*60, 62 Midwest Airlines Center.....*61, 66 Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.....*63, 66 Positively Cleveland.....*57, 64 Rapid City CVB.....*65, 66 Salina Bicentennial Center.....*62, 52 West Albuquerque Convention Center.....*68, 72 Austin Convention Center..........*70, 78 Colorado Springs CVB.....*73, 72 Cox Business Services Convention Center.....*74, 78 Fairplex.....*76, 67 George R. Brown Convention Center.....*79, 82 Hawaii Convention Center.....*80, 72 Oklahoma City CVB.....*83, 78 Oregon Convention Center.....*84, 78 Sacramento Convention Center.....*86, 67 The Caribbean Puerto Rico Convention Center.....*90, 89 Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center.....*92, 89

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IEWPOINT Meetings Are Essential

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ith belt-tightening dominating everyone’s budget, rising unemployment impacting even the most secure professions and government provided bail out funds undergoing increasing levels of scrutiny, there has been some outcry that meetings are an unnecessary expense. Our industry has responded in force to this false perception with efforts such as “Meetings Mean Business,” a public awareness campaign conducted by a coalition of meeting planner and business travel organizations to disseminate information on the economic benefits of conventions and similar events for destinations and industries.

Meetings, conventions, exhibitions and trade shows are, in fact, more than necessary. They are essential to the well being of every industry and profession in the world. If the goal of current policy is to get the economy moving again, effective meetings must be encouraged. Economic growth occurs industry by industry, profession by profession, association by association and corporation by corporation. The basis for enabling economic growth—education, information, new breakthrough announcements, training, and networking—take place at meetings. Industries and associations are essential to the economy and meetings are essential to the health and well being of industries and associations.

Meeting Planners are no strangers to evaluations or to rolling with the punches. In terms of attendance for a meeting or any of its other components—such as education seminars or general sessions or the exhibition trade show floor—the top brass is constantly going over the Return-onInvestment and other reports to measure the success of an event. At the same time, resources are being slashed and the first item on the chopping block is often the meeting budget. The pressure to do more with less is increasing, but luckily it is a scenario many in the profession are already adept at.

Convention Centers, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, Meeting Hotels and other venues are under similar budgetary pressures. But not only must they also do more with less, cities and other destinations are dependent on the hospitality industry as a source of jobs and tax revenues. Leisure travel (and that has steeply declined anyway) alone is insufficient to sustain the hospitality industry in many destinations. CVBs and venues need meetings and the best have created new programs and incentives that take into account the current economic climate and the needs of the planner. So they can better partner with their meeting planner colleagues.

Because last year and this one is more challenging for both planners and destinations, the 2009 Facilities & Destinations SuperBook has an added magnitude.

Our Facilities & Destinations Prime Site, Top Destination and Hotel & Resort Awards winners (pages: 12-13) are voted on by our Meeting & Event Planner readership. A tough vote for tough times, but also a recognition by planning professionals of the venues who have partnered with them to meet the current challenges.

Meetings, Conventions, Trade Shows, and Exhibitions are not just essential to the economy, but will be essential in rising us up of out the current downturn. We at The Facilities Media Group strive to make Facilities & Destinations essential to Meeting Planners, with our website Facilitiesonline, and our annual issue of the best-of-the-best CVBs & Venues, Facilities & Destinations SuperBook.

2009

Volume 18 No. 1

Editorial Director Timothy Herrick Associate Publisher Michael Caffin Creative Direction & Design Scott-Goodman Associates Circulation Manager Therese Langer Account Executives Harry Mark Andrew Reeves Research Manager Amber Tavarez Business Operations Leo Oh © Copyright 2009 by Bedrock Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles and advertising copy are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisers are responsible for all costs, damages and claims regarding advertising insertions.

Facilities & Destinations is published twice a year by Bedrock Communications, Inc., 6 East 46th Street, Room 301, New York, NY 10017. Telephone: (212) 532-4150. Fax: (212) 213-6382.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Facilities & Destinations, 6 East 46th Street, Room 301, New York, NY 10017. Printed in U.S.A. Cover ad space is available by contacting a Facilities & Destinations advertising account executive at 212-532-4150 x103.

MEMBERS OF:

Timothy Herrick Editorial Director therrick@facilitiesonline.com

On The Cover:

Clockwise: A) Branson Convention Center; B) David L. Lawrence Convention Center; C) Rhode Island Convention Center; D) New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; E) The Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center; F) Orange County Convention Center.

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Year after year, SMG venues win more Prime Site Awards than those managed by every other facility management company combined. It’s a testament to SMG’s excellence, experience and industry know-how. The SMG brand is recognized the world over and that’s why they continue to be THE industry leader in convention centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters and food-service management.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Trade Show Perspectives

Exhibitor Education: Driving ROI and Retention

By Charles W. Allen

practices in pre-event promotion, winning booth presentations, Boothmanship mastery, and harvesting t’s my job to get the attendees to the show. It’s leads into sales and post event their job to get them to their booths.” This old measurement systems. adage no longer applies, especially in the current Exhibitor Education must be a economic climate. Planners of conventions and trade type of training that goes beyond shows know that whatever is required to maximize simply reinforcing or refreshing the demand for participation is their real job. skills and knowledge of more veteran Amidst the current economic challenges that exhibitions sales personnel. They arm veterans are facing, exhibitor retention rates (which are driven by with new skills, knowledge and ideas. exhibitor ROI) are in ‘top of mind’ position for organizers For novice exhibitor staff members, of trade shows and conventions. Large exhibitions this training fills in all of the gaps and now small-to-mid-size events have increasingly exponentially and improves their embraced Exhibitor Education and Training in order to ultimate results. A crucial component drive exhibitor success / retention in recent years. of trade show success is about how The best Exhibitor Education and Training programs well the people in the booth perform. contain pre-show, at-show and post-show components.

And naturally, profitable exhibitors are For maximum effectiveness, a program should repeat exhibitors who tend to come begin at least five to six months prior to the event back and do it bigger and better. and extend several months following its conclusion.

The current environment dictates “The current environment Furthermore, these programs should offer industryall exhibiting companies must do specific information to maximize the desired results dictates that all exhibiting that ‘more with less’. This is precisely why for all concerned. Event organizers should make sure companies must do professional Exhibitor Education and that the program they select offers a proven, turnkey Training is most important under these ‘more with less’.” ‘promotional kit’ (template announcement e-letters, conditions. We’re increasingly seeing etc.) for every segment of the program in order to fewer exhibit staffers manning the booth, maximize attendance and participation. amplifying the need of heightened ‘Boothmanship’ skills among Pre-show components can include: a series of interactive this reduced sales team. An effective booth presentation with a well Webinars (each covering a separate component of ‘total event ROI architected strategic message can make up for fewer booth staffers if maximization’), monthly educational newsletters, Q and A podcasts, the presentation itself stops attendees and causes them to think… “I one on one (personalized and tailored for each exhibitor’s specific want to learn more.” After all, this is the very job description of the needs) telephone consultations, lead management system education booth to begin with. as well as onsite programs.

The event organizer’s investment for a top tier Exhibitor At-show programs include a live, onsite, highly interactive Education and Training program varies greatly depending on the 90-minute Workshop and a follow-up of one on one ‘booth degree to which each program is truly comprehensive, as well as to consultations.’ The workshop and in-booth consultations are the extent a program is full-time exhibitor accessible. In terms of the designed to greatly sharpen exhibitor booth presentations and investment, the variance for a year-round, totally integrated program enhance mastery of face-to-face engagements. At-show components begins in the range of approximately $7,500. Those ‘full service’ of Exhibitor Education and Training programs are core to their programs which include unlimited exhibitor-accessible ‘consulting’ success and are quintessential retention tools—a tangible value-add services can top out a several times this figure. Normally, each event planners can offer exhibitors. organizer can select the various elements of an integrated program Post-show components involve one-on-one telephone that are most relevant to their respective event, and optimize the consultations (personalized and tailored for each exhibitor’s program accordingly. Every organizer should insist on a thorough respective needs and objectives) are critical as well. The real job review of exhibitor testimonials, references and evidence of positive of sales and relationship building often begins when the event results prior to making a selection. concludes.

Yesterday, it was about selling the swimming pool. Today, it’s In the face of major staff and budget cuts combined with declining about doing so while concurrently offering swimming lessons as part attendance, it’s more imperative than ever for exhibitors to have of a ‘total water recreation’ solution (if you’ll pardon the metaphor). a year-round, “high touch” exhibitor consulting solution in order Patrons of the pool are demanding this because amidst the more to ensure the achievement of their objectives. These programs are stormy waters, many of the ones who do not are drowning. increasingly proving to not only be an ideal competitive advantage for event organizers who offer them, but also for the participating Charles Allen, the 2008 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award exhibitors who become ‘raving fans’ of the event brand as a result. from the International Association of Exhibitions & Events, is the When shopping for an Exhibitor Education and Training Chairman & CEO of The C.W. Allen Group, a leading consulting component, planners should ensure that the respective program of firm for meetings, conventions, trade shows & events that focuses on choice includes: establishing specific exhibiting objectives, positively maximizing sponsorship sales, professional sales training/coaching, correlating each respective objective with the proven success educational and motivational speaking as well as full-service Integrated formulas, honing the strategic marketing message, tactical message Marketing Communications solutions. integration into all elements of the event marketing campaign, best Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook 4

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Planner perspectives

Bon Appetite: F&B Rants & Pet Peeves from a Foodie Planner the service and it was too painful to ask the poor staffer who was running and sweating to get her ood & Beverage is a favorite topic of mine. I may job done in the short not be a chef, but I do like good food and am a period of time given. foodie from a consumer standpoint. Knowing Conversely, at another that this piece appears in the Facilities & Destinations convention center meal SuperBook, I will focus on my experiences with large event, there were many meetings conventions and trade shows. buffets of good, flavorful Quality food & beverage can make or break an event. food set up for us to serve Large events will often have a breakfast, lunch and/or ourselves as we entered dinner banquet at the meeting facility where the general the room and service staff sessions and exhibition are held, and it is a costjust minded table extras, effective opportunity for all a meeting’s attendees to beverages and clearing gather and interact. But if the food is unmemorable, tables. Bravo! it may, unfortunately, be the only thing remembered It is not a good by event attendees. management decision So, here are some of my rants and pet peeves to put service time when it comes to F&B. constraints on staff that Number one—Why do chefs and F&B managers is not reasonable. There at convention centers and other venues always serve is such a thing as under the easiest, blandest food possible? Typically it is dry, planning. The solution is from a can, and fried, boiled or some other short cut for F&B providers to hire, in preparation. Hello! Taste? Excitement? train, schedule and staff properly and for When I have questioned the offending sources, “At large events, the enemy meeting and event planners to include the response I get is that serving a group is difficult staffing expectations the F&B contract. is time. Moving hundreds and limits the kitchen to what it could do in If we are going to be green, then let’s comparison to a restaurant serving single entrees. At of people into a meal room take specific F&B action! For instance, I large conferences in Europe & Asia I have attended, support using local beer & wines. It is not is time consuming.” food has been not only satisfying but interesting, only good for the economy but is green fresh, flavorful and memorable. In the U.S., some as it reduces carbon emissions from the convention centers have gotten the message and can shipping to some small extent. Easy green handle large groups and serve quality food! Unfortunately, too many solutions that can be used right away—cold water bubblers and not convention centers and larger meeting venues still need to get the plastic bottles of water and convention center chefs can buy fresh message and, hopefully, if more meeting planners complain loudly local products for meals—local bread, local herbs, local fruits & enough, they will. vegetables—just like many hotel restaurants are now doing. We can We all have experienced the chafing dishes of hard pastries, go green and upgrade F&B quality at the same time! uninspired breakfast food, grease in abundance, rubber chicken with I remember at a corporate meeting in Chicago, a planner a simple sauce, rice pilaf that is only white and brown kernels and designed a series of Mediterranean group meals for attendees, (shiver) sautéed squash. It’s time for more convention centers and predominantly from the Midwest. Although the food was well large meeting venues to quit playing it safe and use some spices! You prepared, at the end of the buffet line I heard the questions about are never going to please every single person in a group of 600, so, what hummus is and how strange certain dishes appeared. I met we shouldn’t obsess about it. If you serve quality, inspired meals... with the chef after the lunch service and the next day we switched trust me that the majority of the group will enjoy it. You can meet to a blue ribbon fried chicken, meatloaf & mashed potatoes. The the dietary requirements of those that indicate a need in advance of comments the next day were extremely positive as the group now the meeting and that too can be done with joy & passion from the not only had well prepared, delicious food but also identified with kitchen. what they were eating. The lesson learned—F&B success means At large events, the enemy is time. Moving hundreds of both quality food and knowing the participant’s palettes. people into a meal room, getting them seated and served is time Life should be fun! And so should eating. So, the most important consuming. Furthermore, we typically plan some messaging during thing, when the pressure is on and tensions are high—don’t forget to this period too or there’s an awards ceremony, speaker or other find the lighter side. Laugh & smile. It is contagious. Bon appetite. program that demands our attention while or after we chew. Proper staffing can move the meal segment of the program smoothly along Michael Patton, CMM, is a 28-year hospitality veteran and meeting so the other components presented can be appreciated. planner. Patton is currently the owner of POTHOS Inc., a professional In a conference I attended last year there was one service staff meeting management & corporate travel company that provides strategic for every 40 people (4 tables of 10). Insane! Needless to say many comprehensive services ranging from development of objectives, ROI, and tables were never served items that others had or were planned in Site-Selection to logistical planning & operations.

By Michael Patton, MA, CMM President & CEO, POTHOS, Inc.

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Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Meeting Logistics

Evaluating Your Transportation Provider for Cost Efficiency

By Jeremy Milikow Chief Executive Officer, UrbanRide

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& Event Expertise – does this firm have expertise to meet your specific needs; Clear & Honest Pricing – are hidden charges lurking behind proposals or policies, resulting in “unexpected” charges, such extra waiting time costs; Broad supply – Does this supplier have the resources to serve your needs; Partnership Approach – Can this supplier provide trustworthy value-added advice? Avoid firms that will either tell you what you want to hear or limit their advice to you spending more on their services; and lastly, Create and cultivate a Continual Constructive Feedback Loop so adjustments and fine tuning can be made quickly.

or anyone out there that’s been sleeping for the last six months, you may be shocked to learn that the meetings industry (along with the rest of the economy) is undergoing a dramatic shift. Large and small meetings and incentive programs are being cancelled at an accelerated pace. The upshot of this trend is that every supplier—from hotels to AV firms to transportation (and everyone else)—is under intense pressure to demonstrate the value they add to a meeting or event.

Now, more than ever, cost savings, efficiencies and ROI are key drivers in the planning decision-making process. For meeting planners, the question is then how do you make effective use of your transportation budget? Or more to the point, how do you ensure that Here are some other tips meeting transportation plays a positive role in ensuring the planners should keep in mind: success of your meeting or event?

Be Wary of Hotel Recommendations Transportation means more than just four wheels “How do you ensure that – Many hotels (or their staff ) receive and full tank of gas. Planners who fully examine their commissions from their preferred ground transportation plays a transportation providers realize how important this suppliers, and their component of a meeting is and how to optimize its positive role in ensuring the transportation recommendation may be based on an cost efficiency. success of your meeting?” undisclosed conflict.

In many ways, transportation providers must Demand Group Expertise possess the same qualities as other meeting products – Transportation for meetings & events is not the same as corporate & services: Superlative Customer Service (how to run a business travel, and certainly not the same as weddings & proms. DO NOT 101), Big Picture Focus (laser like focus on serving the meeting assume that your ground transportation provider understands your unique planner), and Unique Technology (the software and vehicles that requirements or is configured to handle group events. Make sure your can save meeting planners time and money). provider is an expert in managing group events, and can provide multiple Meeting planners should ask their transportation providers about meeting planner references. these issues. For example: Superlative Customer Service—the key Budget for Ground Staff - An experienced transportation personality traits for drivers are integrity and genuine kindness— manager and professional greeting staff can make the difference does your transportation provider have a customer service training between a smooth running program and absolute chaos. program for employees? Big Picture Focus – Let’s face it, we play Don’t Assume “Baggage Claim” – Every airport has different just one role (albeit a critical one) in a multi-faceted production. rules and procedures for drivers to meet arriving passengers. Make The goal of every player in the meeting is to ensure the success of sure you determine these procedures in advance and communicate the meeting planner in producing the meeting. Even if there was an them clearly to your attendees. adequate job in transportation but the meeting was not successful, Actively Manage Motorcoaches –Make sure you schedule your meeting planners will look for another provider next time. By motorcoaches to arrive early, prepare your own detailed printed the same token, bad transportation will undermine everything a directions, and consider hiring a dedicated staff person to manage meeting is trying to accomplish. Does your transportation provider the drivers directly. grasp YOUR Big Picture? And lastly, Unique Technology Expect Last-Minute Changes – Do not expect that you can transportation these days is about more than just vehicles, but also secure transportation on a moment’s notice. If you think you will software that makes transportation seamless for planners. Attributes have last-minute changes, make sure you have standby capacity. include: Flight schedule verification and updates; Advanced group One Flight – One Vehicle – You many be tempted to try to save booking functionality; client self-service tools, and enhanced money by grouping people arriving on different flights. DON’T accounting, billing & payment processing and reporting.

DO IT! Flights are increasingly delayed, and your waiting time It is extremely important to realize the key role that and greeting costs (not to mention attendee inconvenience) will transportation can play for your organization. If you chose your outweigh any potential savings. suppliers on an ad-hoc basis, short-term considerations will often cloud your judgment and prevent you and your organization from Jeremy Milikow, who worked as an Investment Banker in the Technology realizing all the cost-saving benefits that you can accrue: Corporate Finance division of Salomon Smith Barney and holds an MS ➤ Determine the strategic roles that ground transportation in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from MIT, has served is going to play. For an internal sales meeting, objectives will be as Chief Executive Officer of UrbanRide since its founding in 1999. different than that of a convention.

UrbanRide, “The Special Event Specialist,” works exclusively with ➤ Carefully select your supplier/s based on your objectives, meeting and event planners to provide all of their transportation needs. budgets and their capabilities. Criteria to use include: Meeting 8

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

The Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex offers outstanding facilities, amenities and service whether you are a rock star, CEO, athlete, conventioneer, or spectator.

The Complex is an ideal venue for your next meeting or event.

A COMPLEX made simple Rhode Island Convention Center Exhibition Hall and Grand Ballroom 23 meeting rooms and pre-function space Accommodations for groups of 10 - 5,000 Two parking garages Dunkin’ Donuts Center - Providence Assembly seating for up to 13,000 Sky-bridge connected to the RICC Luxury suite for groups up to 40 Five hospitality and meeting rooms 401.456.0200 meetings@GoProvidence.com GoProvidence.com

Conventions: A Reflection of the Economy

“Provide people with solutions & you help them help themselves out of difficult times” A Spotlight Interview with Vicki Hawarden, Vice President of Knowledge Management & Member Events, MPI

By Timothy Herrick

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Education & Conferences for the National Recreation and Park Association and prior, as Director of Meetings & Programs for the American Association of Blood Banks. From 1996 to 2000, Hawarden served as Vice President of Conventions at International Association for Exhibition Management (now the IAEE International Association of Exhibitions and Events).

Hawarden’s insight and candor result in a detailed analysis of how the economy is affecting our industry. In addition, she lays out cost-effective measures to both survive the downturn and enhance the viability of events.

t’s easy to say the economy is bad. Organizers of meetings, conventions, exhibitions and trade shows— and the managers of the venues who host those and similar events—require a more knowledgeable analysis of the downturn.

Unlike previous recessions, meeting planners face challenges unique to their profession. Meetings are not just the budget item in an organization’s profit and loss statement that some executives always want to cut, but because of the irresponsible spending of taxpayer bailout funding by certain companies, conventions have become a political hot potato. Meetings are now in the media spotlight and the scrutiny planners are under has intensified. This pressure is multi-layered and for most of 2009, both the pressure and the complexity of that pressure on planners seems likely to increase.

Coping with the current crisis means sorting through the various issues and evaluating some “That’s how you improve Facilities & Destinations: Is the convention/ of the recommendations. The solution will not be ROI, keep improving meeting industry more or less “recession proof ” simple. Facilities & Destinations, like everyone else than other industries? in the industry, doesn’t have a silver bullet answer your content and your Vicki Hawarden: The FutureWatch 2009 to the economic woes. However, exploring the networking opportunities research would indicate that the meeting various complications the global economic problem and conventions industry is a slightly is having on the industry seemed a good place to to ensure you give people lagging indicator of any market it serves. start. Luckily, Vicki Hawarden, Vice President ideas, content and The industry is neither more nor less of Knowledge Management & Member Events, recession proof than the overall economy, it Meeting Professionals International (MPI), agreed connections they can use to is a reflection. to an in-depth interview about the economy, improve their business.”

Organizations usually suffer slightly meetings and conventions. Hawarden addresses before their meetings and conventions the issues organizations and planners should be suffer, and usually recover slightly before thinking about and what policies they should be their meetings and conventions recover. implementing.

Earlier this year, in partnership with American Express, MPI—a F&D: Are there ways to improve Return on Investment (ROI) in a leading association in the meetings and conventions industry downturn? with an estimated 24,000 members belonging to 70 chapters VH: When in doubt, always spend more money on your content worldwide—released FutureWatch 2009, a detailed study of the and education. Attendees are there to learn and network, and if they meetings industries. In spite of the study’s finding that meeting can do that effectively, they probably won’t miss a couple of bells and industry is healthier than expected during the current economic whistles. That’s how you improve ROI, keep improving your content crisis, meeting planners are facing reduced budgets and declining and your networking opportunities to ensure you give people ideas, attendance. Meetings are being planned in sobering times. content and connections they can use to improve their business and FutureWatch 2009 served as the basis for several of the questions be better professionals. At MPI, since the economic downturn, we in this Spotlight. In her role at MPI, Hawarden is responsible for have noticed an up-tick in attendance at education sessions and the development and dissemination of the global organization’s planned conference lunches—people attending conferences seem to educational content, as well as creation and management of be more concerned about finding value through education. member event experiences. She has more than 15 years experience Continued on page 56 managing conventions and trade shows, most recently as Director of

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Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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Facilities & Destinations 2009

Facilities & Destinations 2009 Prime Site Award Winners The Facilities & Destinations Prime Site Awards are given to the top Convention, Exposition and Exhibition centers throughout North America and the Caribbean based on venue quality, features and services.

Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, NM Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD Baton Rouge River Center Convention Center, Baton Rouge, LA Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO Carolina First Center, Greenville, SC Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, WV Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT Cox Business Services Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Fairplex, Pomona, CA Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Fresno, CA George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX Georgia International Convention Center, College Park, GA Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA Hamilton Convention Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, VA Hawai’i Convention Center, Honolulu, HI Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, MS Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, TN Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ Memphis Cook Convention Center, Memphis, TN Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, WI Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison, WI Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA Nashville Convention Center, Nashville, TN Norfolk Scope Cultural & Convention Center, Norfolk, VA

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Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH Oncenter Complex, Syracuse, NY Ontario Convention Center, Ontario, CA Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ Prime Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, FL Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan, PR Quest Center, Omaha, NE Reliant Center, Houston, TX Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, MD Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, Savannah, GA TELUS Convention Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Tulsa Convention Center, Tulsa, OK Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia, PA Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA

Facilities & Destinations 2009 Top Destination Award Winners The Facilities & Destinations Top Destination Awards are given to the leading CVBs (Convention & Visitor Bureaus) or similar organization for marketing and meeting planner services.

Akron/Summit CVB, Akron, OH Amarillo CVB, Amarillo, TX Austin CVB, Austin, TX Baltimore Area CVB, Baltimore, MD Baton Rouge CVB, Baton Rouge, LA Greater Birmingham CVB, Birmingham, AL Boise CVB, Boise, ID Greater Boston CVB, Boston, MA Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Charlotte, NC Chicago CTB, Chicago, IL Positively Cleveland/Greater Cleveland CVB, Cleveland, OH Daytona Beach Area CVB, Daytona Beach, FL VISIT DENVER, Denver, CO Colorado Springs CVB, Colorado Springs, CO Greater Ft. Lauderdale CVB, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Fort Worth CVB, Fort Worth, TX Greater Hartford CVB, Hartford, CT Greater Houston CVB, Houston, TX Jacksonville & The Beaches CVB, Jacksonville, FL Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Awards of Excellence Kansas City CVB, Kansas City, MO Greater Lansing CVB, Lansing, MI Las Cruces CVB, Las Cruces, NM Las Vegas CVA, Las Vegas, NV Lexington CVB, Lexington, KY Lisle CVB, Lisle, IL Los Angeles CVB, Los Angeles, CA Louisville and Jefferson County CVB, Louisville, KY Memphis CVB, Memphis, TN Greater Miami CVB, Miami, FL Greater Milwaukee CVB, Milwaukee, WI Meet Minneapolis/Greater Minneapolis CVA, Minneapolis, MN Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB, Biloxi, MS Nashville CVB, Nashville, TN New Orleans CVB, New Orleans, LA Newport Beach CVB, Newport Beach, CA Norfolk CVB, Norfolk, VA Oakland CVB, Oakland, CA Ocean City CVB, Ocean City, MD Oklahoma City CVB, Oklahoma City, OK Greater Omaha CVB, Omaha, NE Palm Beach County CVB, Palm Beach, FL Pasadena CVB, Pasadena, CA Greater Phoenix CVB, Phoenix, AZ Visit Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Providence Warwick CVB, Providence, RI Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, San Juan, PR Rapid City CVB, Rapid City, SD Reno Sparks CVA, Reno, NV Richmond CVB, Richmond, VA Sacramento CVB, Sacramento, CA Saint Louis CVC, Saint Louis, MO Saint Paul CVB, Saint Paul, MN San Antonio CVB, San Antonio, TX Savannah CVB, Savannah, GA Seattle-King County CVB, Seattle, WA Topeka CVB, Topeka, KS Tourisme Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Tucson CVB, Tucson, AZ Tulsa CVB, Tulsa, OK Valley Forge CVB, Plymouth Meeting, PA Virginia Beach CVB, Virginia Beach, VA Greater Wilmington CVB, Wilmington, DE

2009 Hotels on the Elite List (H.O.T.E.L.) Award Winners The Facilities & Destinations Hotels on the Elite List (H.O.T.E.L) Awards are given to the premier meeting hotels and resorts in North America and the Caribbean based on venue quality, features and services.

Atlanta Hilton and Towers, Atlanta, GA Bellagio Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, MT Borgata Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO Caesar’s Atlantic City, Atlantic City, NJ Caesar’s Palace Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV Caribe Royale, Orlando, FL Chicago Hilton and Towers, Chicago, IL Disneyland Resorts Hotel, Anaheim, CA Fairmont Hotel San Francisco, San Francisco, CA Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT Galt House Hotel, Louisville, KY The Garden City Hotel, Garden City, NY Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, TN Gaylord Palm Resort & Convention. Center, Kissimmee-St. Cloud, FL The Grand Del Mar, San Diego, CA Grand Hyatt New York, New York, NY The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV Hershey Resorts, Hershey, PA Hilton Anatole, Dallas, TX Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LA Hilton New York, New York, NY Hilton Sedona, Sedona, AZ Inverness Hotel & Golf Club, Englewood, CO Lansdowne Resort, Leesburg, VA The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Marina, San Diego, CA Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV Mark Hopkins InterContinental, San Francisco, CA Marriott Marquis New York, New York, NY MGM Grand Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, NV Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL The Peabody Memphis, Memphis, TN Peabody Orlando, Orlando, FL Philadelphia Marriott, Philadelphia, PA Radisson Mart Plaza Hotel & Radisson Centre, Miami, FL Radisson Valley Forge Hotel & Conference Center, King of Prussia, PA Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Nashville, TN Renaissance Sea World Orlando, Orlando, FL Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, San Diego, CA Savannah Marriott Riverfront, Atlanta, GA Scottsdale Plaza Resort, Scottsdale, AZ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Sheraton World Resort Orlando, Orlando, FL Turning Stone Casino Resort, Verona, NY Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, Vail, CO Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, NV Waldorf Astoria, New York, NY Westin Copley Place, Boston, MA

Voted on by meeting/event planners & other industry members, FMG’s AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE is an annual recognition of special achievement by cities and venues in all categories. FMG congratulates all of the winners for going above and beyond in delivering quality and service to our industry.

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The Northeast

including a 70,000-sq.-ft. Main

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MASSACHUSETTS

Connecticut Massachusetts Maine New Hampshire New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont &

184,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall.

Venue Features: Free Wireless Internet, Internet II Abilene Network Capability, and Informational Plasma Screens located throughout the building; Transportation & Visitor Information Desk, Close proximity to public transportation.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 35,000.

BOSTON CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER

Transportation: two miles from Logan International Airport.

“Stunning Architecture. Superior Service. Unsurpassed Technology.”

Nearby Attractions: Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Harbor, Downtown Boston, Fenway Park, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Fine Arts, Black Heritage Trail, The Freedom Trial, Museum of Science.

415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210 (617) 954-2000; Fax: (617) 954-2299 www.massconvention.com Executive Director: James E. Rooney

Snapshot: Designed with input from association and corporate meeting planners as well as trade show producers worldwide, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) delivers more customerfocused features, greater flexibility, and more state-of-the-art services than any other convention center. Flexible, easily configured spaces make the BCEC the perfect choice for both large and small-scale events.

Meeting Space: More than 300,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 84 meeting rooms; 40,020-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 516,000 sq. ft. of Exhibition Space, including

Facilities&Destinations AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE VOTE

for the top Convention Centers, Exposition Centers, Destinations, CVBs, or Meeting Hotels & Resorts your organization has used for its conventions, tradeshows, meetings or comparable events in the last three years.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA WHEN VOTING: ● ATTRACTIVENESS & F UNCTIONALITY OF MEETING VENUE ● SIZE & QUALITY OF MEETING SPACE ● TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES ● QUALITY OF STAFF ● FOOD & BEVERAGE OPTIONS ● LIGHTING, ACOUSTICS, & INTERNET ACCESS ● MEETING/EVENT SUPPORT SERVICES ● AMENITIES ● RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ● DINING & ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS ● LODGING QUALITY ● ACCESSIBILITY TO AIRPORT ● EASE OF TRAVEL WITHIN DESTINATION

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See ad on page 19

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Name of Nominee _______________________________________________ Check Award You want to nominate the above for: ___ Prime Site (Convention Centers, Exposition Centers & Other Large Meeting Venues) ___ Top Destination (CVBs or Similar Agency representing a city or destination) ___ H.O.T.E.L. (Meeting Hotel & Resort) Name, Title:_____________________________________________________ Organization: ___________________________________________________ Phone:__________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________ Describe the Meeting or Event ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ May we contact you?

Yes____

KA CO EN FA

No____

Please Fill Out Form & Mail Your Vote To: Facilities & Destinations 6 East 46th Street, Suite #301, New York, NY 10017 or Fax it to: (212) 213-6382

Winners will be showcased in the Facilities & Destinations 2010 SuperBook Issue—Deadline is December 31, 2009. All votes will be kept confidential!

Sn dee Cit din tor off wit En squ me nee free

THE NORTHEAST / New Jersey

CURRENTS, THE BALLROOM AT ADVENTURE AQUARIUM

A

dventure Aquarium, on the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey, has enjoyed a very successful year and a half since they opened CURRENTS BALLROOM with their exclusive catering partner, ARAMARK. Corporate and social clients throughout the region are hosting a wide variety of events in this unique venue and are thrilled with the atmosphere.

CURRENTS offers unmatched panoramic views of the Philadelphia Skyline and three movie-screen sized windows into the 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit. With 7,000 square feet of space, CURRENTS offers room for sit-down functions of up to 400 guests and receptions for up to 1,000 guests. For smaller affairs, the space can be divided into three separate rooms, allowing the opportunity for multiple functions without sacrificing the views. The space also features state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities.

“CURRENTS is an extraordinarily sleek and contemporary space,” said Greg Charbeneau, Executive Director of Adventure Aquarium.

“It has set new standards for the event experience in our market, with its breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline and our Shark Realm exhibit. We couldn’t be happier with CURRENTS and the dynamic flexibility of this multi-use facility, which was built to accommodate the most exquisite events.”

With a separate entrance, staging area and facilities, CURRENTS offers an independent experience from Adventure Aquarium, allowing for daytime use without interruption. For those wanting to get more than their appetite “wet,” Adventure Aquarium offers experiences and merged space functions utilizing the Aquarium’s stunning and adventures.

Not only is the space gorgeous and the views exquisite, the food at CURRENTS is not your standard banquet fare! CURRENTS Executive Chef Jorge Czechura produces signature dishes flavored with intricate sauces and reductions. The menu also boasts intercontinental offerings, featuring fifteen top dishes from ARAMARK chefs around the globe, as well as an eclectic wine list.

According to CURRENTS’ clients, the goal of providing incredible experiences is consistently achieved. “Our event was wonderful,” said Doreen Donnelly of MEDecision, which held an event in October 2008. “I am so glad we chose Adventure Aquarium. Everyone loved the atmosphere! It is very unique. The food was very good and the staff was attentive.”

1 Aquarium Drive, Camden, NJ 08103 Phone: (856) 365-3300 ext. 7375 Fax: (856) 365-3311 www.currentsballroom.com Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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THE NORTHEAST / Massachusetts

David Fox Photograpy

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau 2 Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 867-8242; (888) SEE-BOSTON Fax: (617) 424-7664 • www.BostonUSA.com

B

oston. America’s Walking City. With a mix of colonial charm and urban sophistication, Boston is a city rich in history with great dining and nightlife, extraordinary shopping, championship professional and college sports teams, and a vibrant arts and cultural community, making it a dynamic meeting and convention destination.

From the downtown core to the outlying neighborhoods, Boston is a city of intriguing diversity. Recently named America’s Favorite City by Travel and Leisure online readers, Boston was also named the third greenest city in the United States by Popular Science Magazine.

Boston is also a world center for education, technology and life sciences.

Known also as the “Athens of America,” Boston’s medical and educational institutions have helped to make it an international center of learning and intellectual activity. The metropolitan area’s 35 hospitals and more than 60 colleges and universities can be a vast resource for your meeting or group.

Boston & Cambridge offers upscale, international, and eclectic options for the taste buds, and each unique neighborhood is home to a whole different dining scene. Great new restaurants join the mix on a regular basis, keeping things fresh and cutting-edge.

Key Exhibition Facilities The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) is the largest convention venue in New England, featuring 516,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 84 meeting rooms with 160,000 square feet of meeting space and a 40,020-square-foot ballroom. Also on the waterfront, the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center Boston offers 120,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, theatre-style seating for 7,000 and two 5,000-square-foot ballrooms with water views.

In the city’s historic Back Bay District, planners look to the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center. The facility offers more than 175,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 25,000-squarefoot ballroom, a 4,000-seat auditorium and 41 meeting rooms and is connected under one roof to 3,000 hotel rooms and two world-class shopping destinations.

Hotel Inventory The Greater Boston area has more than 150 hotels and 30,000 rooms with more opening each year.

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Boston is a city of intriguing diversity.

The 471-room Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel opened in 2008, as well as the 148-room Boston Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the 150room Fairmont Hotel at Battery Wharf. In 2009, the city will welcome the 113-room Morgans Hotel, a 235-room W Hotel and a 72-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites.

CVB Event Support Services With so much to offer, selection of a venue and other aspects of coordinating a meeting can be daunting. The award winning Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau makes it easy for meeting professionals to meet in the Greater Boston area. No one knows more about the region than the staff at the GBCVB. From assisting you with putting together your RFP to sending it out through their online system that distributes your RFP directly to hotels, attractions, transportation companies and more than 1,200 GBCVB members that you select the sales department will ensure that all of your planning needs are met.

The GBCVB staff can assist planners with: complimentary RFP’s for all of your meeting needs; site inspection assistance; attendance building promotions, including participating in your convention one year prior; destination collateral; housing services; and a concierge & restaurant services desk during your convention.

Airport & Transportation Located just three miles from the city, Logan International Airport has completed its $4 billion modernization project, including new terminals, new roadways, and a new harbor tunnel that connects the airport to the city center. Logan International Airport is served by major domestic and international carriers. The airport currently offers domestic service to 79 destinations and international service to 36 destinations with more than 1,500 flights a day arriving and departing from the airport.

Boston has excellent access to air, rail, and bus connections. Its two convention centers feature the fastest airport-to-convention centers in the country. It is three miles from Logan International Airport to downtown Boston. Boston is known as America’s Walking City, but when you can’t get around by foot, the city is easily accessible by the “T”, Boston’s public transportation system.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

THE NORTHEAST / massachusetts

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

Boston is the rare city that offers you not one, but two exceptional convention centers.

415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210 • (617) 954-2000; Fax: (617) 954-2299 • www.massconvention.com

B

oston is the rare city that offers you not one, but two exceptional convention centers. Each has its own niche, and its own personality. Both offer the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) attention to detail and commitment to exceptional customer service. Together, the exciting new Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center enable the MCCA to deliver more ways to exhibit, configure, modify, and extend your event.

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, opened in 2004, is one of the most spectacular event settings in the world. Designed with input from top international convention, meeting, and conference planners, the BCEC is a destination in itself. Built by users, for users, this state-of-the-art facility has been designed to maximize a successful event experience for you, your exhibitors and your attendees. A stunning architectural triumph, the BCEC is like no other facility in the world. The grand ballroom, one of the largest in New England, features a vaulted, wood-paneled ceiling. The adjacent pre-function room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a spectacular 270-degree view of Boston’s skyline and harbor.

516,000 square feet of Contiguous Exhibit Space ➤ Exhibit space of the 3 halls can be divided into 10 different configurations ➤ 180-foot clear span in the center of the hall ➤ Utility services conveniently provided from in-floor boxes ➤ 160,000 square feet of Flexible Meeting Space ➤ 84 separate Single, Double, and Triple meeting rooms provide easy access to each other and to exhibit halls ➤ Modern acoustics, state-of-the-art lighting control, and soundproof room dividers 40,020-square-foot Grand Ballroom Column-free space with 32-foot high wood panel ceiling, acoustically built

➤

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➤ ➤

Use for your General Session, keynote or special event Attached pre-function space with 270-degree view of Boston Harbor and skyline

John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center There’s no place quite like the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center. Located in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay, the Hynes provides an ideal setting for events of all sizes. The exhibition halls and grand ballroom are flexible enough to handle a wide variety of conferences, exhibits, and special events. Meeting rooms, including our elegant VIP suite, are more than just spaces.

Featuring fine carpeting, marble floors, acoustically designed wall treatments, and distinctive appointments, each creates a special environment that heightens the effectiveness of your event.

Pedestrian skybridges offer convenient access: attendees can walk to some of the city’s finest shopping, restaurants, and hotels without having to go outside—making the Hynes a perfect all-weather choice.

176,480 Square Feet of Exhibit Space Four exhibit halls and an Auditorium with air walls to accommodate single or concurrent events ➤ One hall can be used as an auditorium with seating for 4,000 71,644 Square Feet of Flexible Meeting Space ➤ 41 permanent-space meeting rooms, finished with fine carpeting and acoustically designed wall treatments ➤ State-of-the-art telecom and AV, full lighting controls and built-in sound system 160,000 Square Feet of Function Space ➤ Single or concurrent registration areas ➤ Choice of function areas offering dramatic views of Boston’s Back Bay 24,544-square-foot Grand Ballroom with Views of Boston ➤ Features vaulted ceilings, natural light, and soundproofing with acoustic panels ➤ Accommodates 2,200 for banquets or can be subdivided into three smaller ballrooms. ➤

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

THE NORTHEAST / NEW YORK

When a trade show or association seeks out a premier venue in which to hold an event or meeting, there is no better place than the Javits Center.

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 • (212) 216-2000 • Fax: (212) 216-2588 • www.javitscenter.com Location When a trade show or association seeks out a premier venue in which to hold an event or meeting, there is no better place than the Javits Center. The distinction of holding an event in New York City has an enormous advantage. Its cache typically increases attendance at least 20%. Javits is located on Manhattan’s far west side and is just minutes away from some of the world’s greatest attractions like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and Broadway’s “Great White Way.” It is an easy destination to get to with three major airports, world-class rail terminals, and the crossing point for three interstate highways.

Hotels There is no lack of hotel space. In fact, Manhattan has 72,500 hotel rooms available in a variety of styles — from sleek boutique hotels to large national chains. Many more rooms are currently under construction.

Vital Statistics Since its opening in 1986, the Javits Center has hosted thousands of trade shows, conferences and special events. Home to many of the top 200 tradeshows, the Center’s 760,000 square feet of exhibition space can be divided into nine self-contained halls, enabling us to accommodate trade shows and conventions of any size. While the mix of shows and events changes with each calendar year, Javits hosts in the vicinity of 80 major trade shows and conventions and 70 special events with an average attendance of 3.5 million a year.

Meetings and Events Our Special Events Hall can seat up to 3,200 for theater-style meetings and receptions, and up to 1,200 for banquets. Meeting facilities at the Javits Center are world class. There are over 75 newly-renovated meeting rooms to choose from. Many have flexible walls that allow for expansion or reduction to accommodate your particular needs. From committee meetings to a shareholders meeting to product presentations, the Javits Center is designed to maximize the effectiveness of any business gathering.

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Banquets and Receptions The 15-story Crystal Palace, a soaring structure of steel and glass, is a grand setting for a cocktail party or press conference. On level four, the elegant 45,000-square-foot Galleria and the glass enclosed River Pavilion, overlooking the Hudson River, provide a stunning venue for an unforgettable affair.

Tradeshows and Conventions The Javits Center is much more than a versatile space. It is people dedicated to assisting you in every step of the way. Our sales managers, convention services managers and in-house service managers work with you to assemble the perfect combination of space and services. They help with every stage from planning to the grand finale and packing it all up. Our labor force consists of 3,000 skilled professionals who strive to make every event a success and every event a pleasant experience. Selected workers polish their specialized skills with hands-on customer service training three times a year. Fifty loading docks allow freight to be moved with such efficiency that, in a recent study comparing labor efficiency of five major events around the country, Javits moved in 12.5% more freight in 16% less time, with 5% less labor hours — a cost savings to both show managers and exhibitors.

The Future of the Javits Center The Javits Center is about to embark on a major renovation that is scheduled to begin early 2010. The building will remain open to serve and support its customers. Renovation is just one of many projects in a much larger plan to revitalize the far west side of Manhattan. Known as Hudson Yards, the district consists of 26 acres, bound between W. 30th to W. 42nd Street from Eighth Avenue to the Hudson River. Javits Center renovation will serve as a catalyst in the revival of this heavily industrialized area to become a neighborhood of high-rise office buildings, apartment towers, hotels, a cultural facility, promenades and parks. Mass transportation will soon be coming to the far west side. As part of the Hudson Yards revitalization plans, an extension of the number 7 Subway line from Penn Station to 11th Avenue and 34th Street will connect Javits to all major transportation hubs in Manhattan and beyond. The renovation is expected to be completed by 2013.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is operated and maintained by the New York Convention Center Operating Corp

THE NORTHEAST / new Jersey

meadowlands exposition center Secaucus, New Jersey • (201) 330-7773 • www.mecexpo.com

W

ith great facilities, nearby sports, plenty of shopping, low hotel rates and the Big Apple only minutes away—why wouldn’t you meet here?

Almost any size or any type of group will find the perfect accommodations and hospitality at the SMG-managed Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. For instance, the Meadowlands is only minutes from New York City, the Capital of the World; and, it is in relatively close proximity to three major international airports.

Then there are five major hotels within walking distance of the facility with fabulous room rates that are about one-third less than New York City’s rates. Finally, rounding out its appeal, are a stadium, an arena and even a racetrack three miles away as well as movie theaters and dozens of restaurants.

Located in the Harmon Meadow Complex of the Secaucus community, the Meadowlands Expo Center also offers great demographics and it maintains a group-friendly facility with liberal work regulations. This cuts red tape, has added value on planning budgets, and allows planners to handcarry merchandise and setup their own displays.

Vital Stats For groups that range from 5,000 at a banquet to a tradeshow with almost 400 exhibit booths, the Meadowlands Exposition Center offers: ➤ 61,000 sq. ft. of contiguous, dedicated exhibit space with 20-ft. ceilings ➤ Accommodations for 336 large exhibit booths or 392 standard booths ➤ Two drive-in doors and four loading docks on street level for easy access ➤ Seating for up to 6,000 attendees, concert or theater-style ➤ Catering for up to 5,000 people ➤ Large, all-purpose lobby for registration, receptions or additional exhibit space ➤ 6,000 free parking spaces ➤ Five carpeted meeting rooms totaling 3,578 sq. ft.

Meadowlands Expo Center also offers great demographics and it maintains a groupfriendly facility with liberal work regulations.

allowing the user to access a virtual tour of the facility and gain more specifics about the building, services and the surrounding area.

Professional Service Onsite is a professional staff to work one-on-one with planners with special needs and budgets. Plus, there are event coordinators, in-house decorators and other support personnel to make any event a flawless event.

For food and beverage, the Meadowlands has also renovated and restructured their operations to better suit the individual needs of each event held at the facility. There are also three food concession stands, all of which also have been recently renovated.

Hotel Partners Five national chain hotels are within a walking distance of the Meadowlands Exposition Center. Together they total approximately 1,000 guestrooms and there are another 1,500 rooms in the nearby area.

Some of the major properties include: Holiday Inn • Embassy Suites • Hampton Inn • Hyatt • Courtyard by Marriott Things to See & Do During freetime hours, meeting attendees can enjoy some 40 restaurants and a wide range of shopping opportunities—including the Secaucus Outlet Center with over 100 shops and the equally popular Jersey Gardens Mega Mall. More than that, the Meadowlands is three miles from Giants Stadium, IZOD Center and the Meadowlands Racetrack; and who would miss out on a short trip to the Big Apple, only minutes away. All in all, this is one of few facilities in the country that has the world’s greatest city at its feet.

Transportation Part of the Meadowlands’ attraction to meeting planners is that it can be easily reached by three international airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Technological Capabilities Newark International Airport. And, only 12 minutes from the facility Technological capabilities at the Center include T1, ISND, Internet and satellite uplink support. Teleconferencing and simulcasting to other locations is the Teterboro Jetport. For driving enthusiasts, Newark is also in close are also available. And, on the exhibit floor, the electricity is “flown from the proximity to major interstates including the New Jersey Turnpike and the air.” Also of note is a newly-designed Web site that informs the public about Garden State Parkway. Also, both the New York and New Jersey transit system schedule stops right at the door. upcoming events at the center. This Web site features the latest technology 22

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

1-888-400-EXPO (3976)

COME IN AND TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR AT www.mecexpo.com

355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094 • 201-330-7773 • sales@mecexpo.com

• THREE CONCESSION STANDS

• CATERING CAPABILITIES FOR UP TO 5,000

• SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED TO REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

• MULTIPURPOSE, CARPETED LOBBY WITH BOX OFFICE

• GREEN, ENVIORMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE FACILITY

• EXHIBIT DECORATOR MAINTAINS WAREHOUSE ON SITE

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

 61, 000 s q. ft . of c ont iguous , obst r uct ion -f r ee exhibit s pac e  20- f oot high c eilings  3, 128 s q. f t. of divis ible s em inar r oom s wit h air walls  Two dr iv e- in doors wit h f our loading doc ks  110/ 220/ 480 elect r ic power , f lown fr om t he air for v er s at ility  Wir eles s inter net, t elephone, wat er and c om pr es s ed air Capac ity f or: 392 8x 10’ boot hs 336 10x 10’ boot hs 6, 000 s eats t heatr e st y le 5, 000 s eats s port ev ent s t y le 3, 500 s eats banquet s ty le

A flexible floor plan solution for all of your event needs

WE’ V E WOR KE D WI T H A DI VE RS E C US TO ME R B AS E. HO W CA N WE HE LP Y O U?

The Meadowlands Exposition Center offers one of the most complete and convenient facility packages in the northeast region. By offering the drawing power of the Metropolitan area, your event, exhibitors and attendees can all take advantage by booking your event at an affordable price.

THE RIGHT FACILITIES. THE RIGHT LOCATION. THE RIGHT PRICE.

 FREE PARKING

OUTSTANDING LOCATION / JUST FIVE MILES FROM MANHATTAN COST EFFECTIVE / HIGH VALUE DEDICATED EVENT COORDINATORS EASY ACCESS FROM MAJOR HIGHWAYS MINUTES AWAY FROM NEWARK LIBERTY AIRPORT SURROUNDED BY HOTELS AND SHOPS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

M E C I S Y O U R E C O N O M I C A L A LT E R N AT I V E T O N Y C …

      

THE NORTHEAST / New York

Oncenter Complex

T

he Oncenter Complex is made up of three facilities – a convention center, an arena and theaters – all under one management.

Located in the center of New York State, the possibilities are endless...conventions, concerts, tradeshows, workshops, lectures, theater shows, events large and small!

Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center The Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter offers 99,000 square feet of everything you would ever need for your next event. The convention center includes a 65,000-square-foot multi-purpose exhibit hall, a beautiful 15,000-square-foot newly renovated ballroom, an openspace atrium and 10 meeting rooms.

War Memorial Arena The War Memorial Arena at Oncenter can be tailored to your specific needs. Home of the American Hockey League’s Syracuse Crunch, the War Memorial features not only full ice arena capacity, but a 7,000-seat arena, meeting rooms and exhibit space.

Thruway and just minutes from Hancock International Airport, with easy access to hotels, restaurants and entertainment.

John H. Mulroy Civic Center Theaters The John H. Mulroy Civic Center Theaters at Oncenter provide a full range of meeting and presentation options for events of all sizes. The Civic Center comprises a 2,100-seat Crouse-Hinds Theater, 428-seat Carrier Theater, 150-seat Bevard Studio, spacious lobby areas, and is home to the Syracuse Symphony and Opera.

“Emerald City” Syracuse has become a leader in being green. In 2008, Syracuse ranked 17th on the Popular Science “List of America’s 50 Greenest Cities” and is quickly becoming known as the “Emerald City.” The Oncenter Complex uses eco-friendly products and has implemented sustainable practices throughout its facilities.

Syracuse, NY Syracuse, NY is full of attractions, festivals and events. There are great opportunities year round for shopping, fine dining, exciting nightlife, outdoor recreation and sporting events. Come to Syracuse and see how we’ll surprise you! The Oncenter Complex is right off the New York State

We’re On It The Oncenter Complex has a full staff of professionals that can handle all aspects of your event including catering, technology, audiovisual needs, security, box office, décor and design, operations and much more. Let us make your next event your best event.

800 South State Street, Syracuse, NY 13202-3017 • (315) 435-8000; (888) 797-6623 • Fax: 315-435-8099 • www.oncenter.org

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Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

THE NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY

MASSACHUSETTS

GREATER BOSTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

2 Copley Place, Suite 105 Boston, MA 02116 (617) 867-8242; (888) SEE-BOSTON Fax: (617) 424-7664 www.BostonUSA.com President & CEO: Patrick B. Moscaritolo Vice President Convention Services & Sales: Beth Stehley

Boston. America’s Walking City Snapshot: With a mix of colonial charm and urban sophistication, Boston is a city rich in history with great dining and nightlife, extraordinary shopping, championship professional and college sports teams, and a vibrant arts and cultural community, making it a dynamic meeting and convention destination.

Convention/Exhibition Facilities: The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the largest convention venue in New England - 516,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 84 meeting rooms with

160,000 sq. ft. of meeting space: Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center Boston 120,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 7,000-seat theatre-style; 2 5,000sq-ft ballrooms; John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center- 175,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 4,000-seat auditorium and 41 meeting rooms (connected to 3,000 hotel rooms).

Hotel Inventory: 150+ hotels and 30,000+ rooms.

CURRENTS, THE BALLROOM AT ADVENTURE AQUARIUM

New Hotels: Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel; Boston Mandarin Oriental Hotel; Fairmont Hotel at Battery Wharf; Morgans Hotel; Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites.

Transportation: 3 miles from the city, Logan International Airport has completed its $4 billion modernization project.

Attractions: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Children’s Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Science, John F. Kennedy Library & Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, African Meetings House and New England Aquarium.

1 Aquarium Drive Camden, NJ 08103 Phone: (856) 365-3300 ext. 7375 Fax: (856) 365-3311 www.currentsballroom.com Facility Sales Manager: Stacy Steffen

A ballroom under the sea with a skyline view.

Snapshot: This is a premier event space offering an experience like no other.

CURRENTS Ballroom offers your guests views of the Philadelphia skyline and huge viewing windows aside the 550,000 gallon Shark Realm Exhibit.

The walls and ceiling embrace the underwater feeling with etched wave décor and tranquil colors. With colorful lighting, the latest audio-visual components, unsurpassed service, gourmet food and breathtaking views, CURRENTS will provide your guests with an experience for every sense.

See ad on page 17

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Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Meeting Sizes Accommodated: 20 to 500.

Overall Meeting Size: 7,000 sq. ft.

Meeting Rooms: CURRENTS Ballroom, full (Banquet: 400; Classroom: 380; Theater: 500) West Wind (Banquet: 160; Classroom: 124; Theater: 300) Oceanic (Banquet: 170; Classroom: 128; Theater: 305) Gulfstream (Banquet: 170; Classroom: 128; Theater: 305).

Meeting Technology: CURRENTS Ballroom has three movie screen sized viewing panels into our captivating Shark Realm Exhibit; Two Projection Screens, 9x12 and 7x9; Two LCD Projectors; Three LCD monitors in pre-function area; various lighting settings .

Food & Beverage: Catering provided

by ARAMARK, with customized menus available.

Lodging: Crowne Plaza Hotel (408 Guest Rooms); Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing (349 Guest Rooms) – both hotels within approximately 5 miles.

Transportation: Philadelphia International Airport is 12 miles away.

See ad on Page 15

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THE NORTHEAST / Rhode Island

in the heart of the city, within walking distance of hotels, & a diverse culinary scene.

Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau 144 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 • Phone: (401) 456-0200 Fax: (401) 273-7046 • www.GoProvidence.com

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rovidence, Rhode Island is known for its rich history, arts and culture, and nationally acclaimed dining. The Rhode Island Convention and Entertainment Complex, which consists of the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (DDC), and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium Arts & Cultural Center (VMA), stands in the heart of the city, within walking distance of hotels, a diverse culinary scene, eclectic shops and scores of arts and cultural attractions.

The Complex offers outstanding facilities, amenities and service in a convenient location. The RICC, which has continually received the Facilities & Destinations Prime Site Award, features a 100,000 contiguous square-foot exhibition hall, a 20,000-square-foot ballroom, 23 meeting rooms, and two adjacent garages. The RICC’s Rotunda Room, a special function space, offers spectacular city views.

The adjacent 13,000-seat DDC arena recently unveiled its $80million renovation with a grand re-opening. More than 35,000 square feet was added to the DDC, now connected to the Convention Center via skywalk. The DDC features 31,000 square feet of arena space with a ceiling height of 90 feet, a 25,000-square-foot concourse, a new 12,000-square-foot lobby, two party suites and two loges, a new restaurant, and five renovated meeting/hospitality rooms.

The VMA, a historic performing arts venue, is the newest addition to the Rhode Island Convention Center’s family. The Center’s governing authority now manages and operates the 1,900seat theater. Combined with the recent opening of a skywalk between the Convention Center and Dunkin’ Donuts Center, this acquisition has led to the Center becoming known as the Rhode Island Convention and Entertainment Complex. Having this mix of arena, exhibition and performance space managed by one company streamlines the planning process.

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There are 5,500 hotel rooms in the Greater Providence area, and 2,200 of them are within one mile of the RICC Complex. Providence is easily accessible for event attendees, with about 25 percent of the United States’ population living within 300 miles of the city.

Providence is recognized as one of the country’s hottest culinary destinations, and is home to Johnson & Wales University, the world’s largest culinary educator. Many of the university’s chefs remain in Providence after graduation, which is reflected in the city’s muchlauded dining scene. From authentic ethnic foods to seafood fresh from Narragansett Bay, the city’s vast array of restaurants offers something for everyone.

The famed Rhode Island School of Design is also located in Providence, and as a staunch supporter of the arts, the city has become a haven for artists and entertainers. With the largest number of working artists in the country, Providence boasts an eclectic mix of galleries, theaters and museums.

With a thriving arts district, a commitment to historical preservation, and a sophisticated nightlife, the area also offers a variety of choices for shopping and entertainment. One of Providence’s most popular cultural events is WaterFire, a multisensory art installation, highlighted by a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. Held mostly in the warm weather months, WaterFire has drawn tens of thousands of people in a single evening.

Nearby Warwick, Rhode Island is centrally located, and within easy reach of just about any destination in the state. For those flying into Providence, Warwick’s T.F. Green Airport is just a short, tenminute drive from downtown. Warwick also features miles of scenic coastline and spectacular views, and offers additional hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

We’re really not the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow But, if your having an event, we’re darn close 4 season destination, 3 hours from NYC, Boston & Montreal with 9,900 rooms, 300 restaurants, 6 cruise boats, over 400,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, 145 attractions, 1 ILS state-of-the-art airport, directly off I-87, all wrapped around one huge crystal clear lake surrounded by towering mountains plus~ a $50,000 incentive!

To learn about successful events held in the Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks call 800-365-1050 xC844 or go to~

VisitLakeGeorge.com It’s more than luck~we work hard for your success

THE NORTHEAST / New York

New York state’s only one-stop convention facility

Rochester Riverside Convention Center 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14564 • (585) 232-7200 • Fax: (585) 232-1510 • www.rrcc.com

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onveniently located in the heart of Rochester, N.Y., the Rochester Riverside Convention Center enjoys a scenic setting on the Genesee River with outdoor patios and balconies providing wonderful views.

It also offers the convenience of enclosed walkway connections to large hotels and parking garages.

which just completed a $6-million renovation of its facility, and 336-room Hyatt Regency, which has already completed a $16-million renovation of its facility. Delegates also enjoy the convenience of walking between hotels and the Convention Center in minutes using the enclosed skywalk system or scenic riverside walkway.

Technological Features Located in a community known around the world for its high-tech expertise, the Rochester Riverside gets high marks for handling all types of technology needs. Extensively wired with T1 lines as well as providing wireless access throughout the facility, this convention center easily meets every group’s hightech and communication needs with “no problem” solutions.

Nearby Attractions Several entertainment districts surround the Rochester Riverside with their restaurants and cafés, coffee houses and pubs, dance clubs and music halls, theatres and more. Sports venues within a few blocks include Frontier Field, home of Rochester’s professional baseball team, and the Blue Cross Arena, where professional hockey is played in addition to hosting large concerts and other events. Also nearby is Rochester Rhinos Stadium, the city’s new soccer stadium plus outdoor music venue, and the recently restored historic Armory with space for sporting competitions, concerts and other events all taking place at the same time. Rochester also boasts numerous museums, including two National Historic Landmarks—George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film and the Susan B. Anthony House—plus the acclaimed Strong National Museum of Play, which also houses the National Toy Hall of Fame. Waterway attractions range from the historic Erie Canal to new developments along the Genesee River from downtown’s Corn Hill Landing to the beaches and boardwalk at Lake Ontario.

Other Features “We routinely offer services not found at most other convention centers,” says Executive Director Joseph A. Floreano, CFE. “One example is our in-house food and beverage operation, including two pastry chefs. In addition, our Riverside Productions and Riverside Catering divisions can even assist groups utilizing space in other places throughout the region. Basically, we are New York state’s only one-stop convention facility.” With Rochester’s 12 colleges and universities, world-famous corporations, and growing number of hightech firms, there are also plenty of local speakers and other resources available from this combination of educational, business and research expertise.

Personalized service and a can-do attitude are additional features that meeting planners really appreciate. According to Dr. Steven E. Schopp, Executive Administrator of the New York State School Music Association, “What I most enjoy about working with the Rochester Riverside Convention Center—aside from a general professionalism that is the rule rather than the exception—is the friendly, positive attitude of staff at every level. These are people I like to work with and that, combined with a first-class facility, makes the Riverside an outstanding convention venue.”

Hotel Rooms More than 1,100 rooms in a trio of major hotels connect with the Rochester Riverside Convention Center to create a compact convention district in the center of the city. There is a 362-room Rochester Plaza, 465-room Radisson, 28

Destination Features Rochester is the northern gateway to the magnificent Finger Lakes region with its rolling hills, lush valleys and 11 namesake lakes. It is also a region becoming famous for its more than 100 vineyards, excellent wines and numerous “wine trails.” With the recent addition of the New York Wine and Culinary Center in nearby Canandaigua, the wineries and farmer’s markets of the Finger Lakes region offer delegates meeting in Rochester wonderful day trip options for pre- or post-conference enjoyment.

Distance to Airport The Greater Rochester International Airport—150 flights daily—is an easy, stress-free, 10-minute drive from the Rochester Riverside Convention Center’s front door.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

accommodations for up to 400 exhibit booths; five meeting/seminar rooms;

THE NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY

NEW JERSEY NEW YORK

flexible lobby for registration, reception or additional exhibit space; Seating for up to 6,000 attendees, concert or theater-style.

MEADOWLANDS EXPOSITION CENTER 355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 330-7773; (888) 400-EXPO Fax: (201) 330-1172 www.mecexpo.com SMG Regional General Manager: Robin Cuneo

“MEC Is Your Cost Efficient Alternative To NYC!” Snapshot: A convenient and costeffective facility in the Northeast, Meadowlands Exposition Center, a nine-time Prime Site Award Winner, features more than 60,000 square feet of dedicated meeting/exhibition space and state-of-the-art facilities and onsite services.

Meeting Space: 64,758 sq. ft. square feet of contiguous, dedicated exhibit space, including a 61,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 20-foot ceiling heights; accommodations for up to 400 exhibit booths; five meeting/seminar rooms;

NEW YORK NEW YORK

JAVITS CENTER ONCENTER 655 West 34th Street COMPLEX

800 South Street New York, State NY 10001 Syracuse, NY 13202-3017 Tel: (212) 216-2000 Fax: (212) 216-2588 (315) 435-8000; (888) 797-6623 www.javitscenter.com Fax: 315-435-8099 VP Sales & Marketing: Doreen Guerin; www.oncenter.org dguerin@javitscenter.com; (212) 216-2103 Vice President of & Sales & Marketing: Director of Sales Marketing: Sandra Baker James Hamilton; jhamilton@javitscenter.com; (212) 216-2186 “Three facilities.

Sales Manager for Special Events: Endless possibilities.”

Anne Houlihan; Snapshot: The Oncenter Complex is ahoulihan@javitscenter.com; (212) 216-2006

made up of three facilities – the

“Marketplace the World”Center, Nicholas J. Pirrofor Convention

Snapshot: Glass-enclosed structure the War Memorial Arena and the John stretching blocks along the – all H. Mulroyfive Civic Center Theaters Hudson under oneRiver. management. Located in the center of Space: New York State, Meeting More thanthe 1.8possibilimillion tiesftare sq. of endless…conventions, space; 760,000 sq. ft. ofconcerts, exhibit tradeshows, workshops, lectures, theater space on three different levels, including shows, events small.Hall; From 405,000 sq. ft. large Mainand Exhibit can be every aspect of event planning,forthe divided into 10 halls; capacity 102 friendly, expert staff at the Oncenter meeting rooms; Special Events Hall can Complex on it!for theater-style meetseat up to is3,300 Meeting/Exhibition Space: 200,000+ ings, and up to 2,700 for banquets and sq. ft. of available space, receptions; more than 100including function 10 meeting rooms (Convention Center),

30 3

Venue Features: T-1,Wireless Internet, satellite uplink support, “flown from the air” electric, teleconferencing capabilities; Catering facilities for up to 5,000 dinner guests; three newly-renovated concession stands; Onsite Decorating Services; 2 drive-in doors and 4 loading docks on street level for easy access; over 3,000 free parking spaces.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 1,000 hotel rooms within walking distance; additional 1,500 rooms within a five-mile radius.

Transportation: Seven miles from Newark Liberty International Airport; adjacent to a network of major highways.

Nearby Attractions: Minutes from Manhattan; surrounded by six major hotels and approximately 40 restaurants and eateries; Meadowlands Sports Complex, which includes Giants Stadium, IZOD Center and the Meadowlands Racetrack.

See Ad on Page 23

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rooms for seminars hospitality Venue Features:andThe Center’ssuites.

45 Alsomeeting 65,000 sq. ft. offeature dedicated registrarooms soundproof tionpanels, space with terrazzo floors. assisted listening systems and

Venue: On-site prepare voice, video kitchen and datacan communications 5,000 meals simultaneously; electronicfor capabilities; MATV connection media include Information audio and Visitor video playback from point System, exterior marquee, Javits TV netto point makes possible an “in-house worktelevision utilizing station” 65+ plasma screenspromotion and a for event 14’ X 18’messaging; JumbotronNew information and plasma display informawithtion graphics capabilities, video wall. screens; high-speed capabilities; State-of-the-Art Database incorporatService Partners: Centerplate, FedEx ing sales and operations enhancing ATLANTIC CITY Kinko’s, Hudson News and Golden JAVITS CENTER facility efficiency. Services.

CENTER Touch Transportation 655 CONVENTION West 34th Street Miss NewOne York, NY America 10001 Way Convention/Guest Rooms: Technological Features:Hotel wifi available Atlantic City, NJFax: 08401 Tel: (212) 216-2000 (212) 216-2588 10,000. the building. throughout (609) 449-2000; Fax: (609) 449-2090 www.javitscenter.com Transportation: Hotel One hour from General Manager: Charlie Convention/Guest Rooms: VP Sales & Marketing: DoreenBeirne Guerin; www.atlanticcitynj.com Philadelphia International Airport; dguerin@javitscenter.com; (212) 216-2103 72,500 hotel rooms in Manhattan.

20 minutes from Atlantic City Director Sales & Marketing: "YourofNortheast Business Address" Transportation: James Hamilton; International Riverfront Airport. location minutes from Midtown Manhattan; Snapshot: The Atlantic City jhamilton@javitscenter.com; (212) 216-2186 Atlantic City Boardwalk threeAttractions: major airports, 13,000 taxis and Convention Center is designed Sales Manager for Special Events: to Hall, 114,500 casinos, beaches, boardwalk, buses, 500 subway Anneincorporate Houlihan; and reflect Atlantic City’s limousines, several outletfeeder and retail ahoulihan@javitscenter.com; (212) 216-2006 andbrand countless roads.shopseaside location. The venue has won the stations, ping attractions, vibrant nightlife prestigious “Award Excellence in “Marketplace for the of World” Distance to nearestand airports: entertainment upscale dinning.

Architectural Design” from the LaGuardia Airport – 8 miles; JFK Snapshot: Glass-enclosed Pennsylvania Society ofstructure Architects.

Airport – 15 miles; Newark Airport– stretching five blocks along theof nearly The facility occupies a site 12 miles.

Hudson River.

31 acres, making it one of the East Nearby Attractions: Times Square, Meeting Space: More than 1.8 million Coast’s largest Convention Centers. sq. ftMeeting of space;Space: 760,000595,700 sq. ft. ofsquare exhibitfeet Broadway theaters and museums.

See ad on page 21 space three different levels, including ofon meeting space; 500,000 contiguous 405,000 sq. square ft. Main Exhibit Hall;45can be exhibit feet of space; meeting divided intosurrounding 10 halls; capacity for 102 atrirooms, the expansive meeting rooms;and Special can feet. um lobby total Events 109,100Hall square seatRoom up to 3,300 for theater-style meetdimensions range from 11,880 ings,square and upfeet to 2,700 banquets to 672for square feet. and receptions; more than 100 function

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rooms for seminars and hospitality suites.

31,000-sq.-ft. hall (War Also 65,000 sq.assembly ft. of dedicated registraMemorial and 4 floors. meeting rooms tion space Arena) with terrazzo (War Memorial Arena); 15,000-sq.-ft.

Venue: On-site kitchenCenter); can prepare ballroom (Convention 65,0005,000 meals simultaneously; sq.-ft. multi-purpose exhibitelectronic hall media includeCenter) Visitor & Information (Convention 44,000-sq.-ft.

System, exterior marquee, Javits Arena).

TV netexhibition hall (War Memorial work utilizing 65+ plasma screens and a Theater: 2,100-seat Crouse-Hinds 14’ X 18’ Jumbotron information display Theater (Civic Center), 428-seat Carrier with graphics capabilities, video wall.

Theater (Civic Center), 150-seat Bevard Service(Civic Partners: Centerplate, FedEx Studio Center) & 7,000-seat arena Kinko’s, HudsonArena).

News and Golden (War Memorial Touch Transportation Services.

Technology: Wi-Fi network and full Technological suite of updatedFeatures: technologywifi to available meet all throughout the building.

Audio/Visual needs.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: Venue Features: State-of-the-art 72,500 hotel rooms in Manhattan. kitchen with the recently installed Electrolux air-o-system.

Transportation: Riverfront location minutes from Manhattan; Lodging: 900+Midtown hotel rooms within two three of major airports, 13,000 taxis and miles Complex; 6,000+ within limousines, 10 miles. 4,500 buses, 500 subway stations, and countless roads.

Transportation: 7 milesfeeder from Hancock Distance to nearest International Airport.airports: LaGuardia Airport 8 miles; JFK Attractions: Located– in downtown Airport –with 15 miles; Newark Syracuse easy access to Airport– hotels, 12 miles. restaurants and entertainshopping, ment; Finger Lakes Region wine Nearby Attractions: Times and Square, country; future site and of Destiny USA. Broadway theaters museums.

See See ad ad on page 21 on page 24

NEW YORK NEW YORK

hotels and unique outdoorwired event space.

Venue Features: Extensively Adirondack-themed lodges to withFrom T1 lines; wireless access throughisland resorts, our diversity is out private the facility. what makes us so special!

Convention/Hotel Rooms: More Resort: 26,000 ft meeting thanSagamore 1,100 rooms connect withsqthe space, including 10,080-sq.-ft. ballRochester Riverside Convention room, indoor pool & spa,Plaza, 18-hole golf Center—362-room Crowne course,Hyatt 5 restuarants; guest rooms.

336-room Regency,330 which recently completed $16-million Six Flags Greata Escape Lodge: renovation of its Theme, facility and Adirondack 200 Radisson guest rooms Hotel just andRochester 38,000 sqRiverside, ft. indoorwhich waterpark.

-million a $6ft. renovation.

4,800-sq.. Ballroom; 7 additional LAKE GEORGE AREA IN completed ROCHESTER RIVERSIDE meeting rooms.

NY’S ADIRONDACKS Transportation: 10-minute drive to CONVENTION Warren County TourismCENTER Dept.

Greater International FortRochester William Henry Resort & 123 1340 East Main StateStreet Rt. 9 Airport.

Conference Center: 18-acre estate Rochester, NY 14564 Lake George, NY 12845 overlooking Lakeentertainment George with 15,000 (585)(518) 232-7200; Fax: (800) (585) 365-1050 232-1510 ext C844 Attractions: Several 761-6575; sq. ft.surround of meeting 13 conference www.rrcc.com districts thespace; Rochester Fax: (518) 761-6368 Executive Director: rooms;with 196 restaurants guest roomsand available.

VisitLakeGeorge.com Riverside cafés, Joseph A. Floreano, CFE Tanya Brand Meeting Promoter: coffee housesWarren and pubs, danceTourism clubs Services: County “DoBetcha’ it better themake Rochester andDept. musicoffers halls,resource theatresassistance, and more;on-line weatcan you smile!

Riverside where you and your Frontier Rhinos Stadium; RFPs,Field; Site Inspections, Hospitality Snapshot: The Lake George Area in event are always the center of restored historic Armory; Materials George and Exhibits, Promotional NY’s Adirondacks is a 4-season destiour attention!”

Eastman HouseTax International Occupancy Funding Assistance. nation filled with adventurous meeting Museum of Photography and Film; Snapshot: Conveniently in the Transportation: located off I-87, midpossibilities.

Whetherlocated its whitewater Susan B. Anthony House; National heart of Rochester, N.Y.,hiking the Rochester way between Manhattan and Montreal rafting, boat cruises, or horseMuseum of Play; National Toy Hall of Riverside Convention Center enjoys a and only 3 hours from Boston; 50 Miles back riding, Lake George promises big Fame; Boardwalk at Lake Ontario; scenic on the Genesee north of Albany International Airport funsetting and beautiful views forRiver your gathermore than 100 vineyards and withing. outdoor patios and balconiesyear-round proand approx. 10 miles from local Floyd World-class attractions, numerous “wine trails”; New York viding wonderful views.

It also offers Bennett Memorial Airport recreational activities, a multitude of Wine and Culinary Center. the lodging convenience of enclosed walkway and dining options, along with See Ad on Cover 3 connections to large hotels and parking a ever expanding array of quality meet- See ad on page 29 garages. ing space, all make us an ideal and uniqueSpace: meeting and event choice.

Meeting 100,000 sq. ftsite of meeting/exhibition space;400,000 22 meeting Meeting Space: + sq.rooms; ft of 10,028-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; meeting/exhibit space49,275-sq.-ft. including conferMain Exhibit Hall; 5,000-seat Theater. ence centers, exposition halls, meeting

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Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook Venue Features: DS3 high-speed

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THE NORTHEAST / pennsylvania

Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center AMENITIES The Scanticon offers an extensive 3,000-sq-ft. Health and Fitness Center, including nautilus, free weights and a racquetball court.

Outdoor Garden pool. 24-Hour Business Center for all your copy, fax and internet needs.

MEETING ROOM OVERVIEW The Scanticon was specifically created to be a premier conference site, was designed for comfort and function and is officially approved by the International Association of Conference Centers.

The Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center is located in the Valley Forge Convention Plaza, also home to the Valley Forge Convention Center and the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge.

GUESTROOM SUMMARY All 160 Guest Suites in the Scanticon Hotel are equipped with whirlpool baths, a microwave, refrigerator, wireless internet access and more!

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT OVERVIEW The Scanticon features three restaurants and a nightclub on property.

No matter what you’re craving, you are sure to find it right on site!

Café Soleil for fluffy omelets, Chumley’s Sports Bar for a juicy burger and pasta, Chumley’s Fine Dining for the steak lover, Blue Grotto for a delicious Italian meal and Ice Nightclub to dance the night away!

LOCATION OVERVIEW Located in the heart of the Valley Forge business district, adjacent to Valley Forge National Park and minutes from the King of Prussia Mall, the largest mall on the east coast. Minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, I-476, Route 202 & 422. 20 minutes from the Philadelphia Premium Outlets.

1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406 • (610) 265-1500 • Fax: (610) 768-0183 • www.ScanticonValleyForge.com

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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accommodations for up to 400 exhibit booths; five meeting/seminar rooms;

Room dimensions range from 11,880 square feet to 672 square feet.

NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA OHIO

NEW YORK OKLAHOMA

THE NORTHEAST

rooms for seminars and hospitality suites.

Space— Also313¸400 65,000 sq.ft. sq. ft.of of Exhibit dedicated registra236¸900 sq. ft. is culinary column tion space with terrazzo floors.free; 76¸500 full-service, on-site sq. ft. of Secondary Exhibit Space; department. professional Venue: On-siteClients kitchenreceive can prepare 31¸610-sq-ft.

Spirit of Pittsburgh service from the Center’s Director 5,000 meals simultaneously; electronicof Ballroom Showcase Food Serviceand andRegional Executive Chef. both media include Visitor Information presented by Dollar Bank; 51 Meeting System, exterior marquee, Javits TV netConvention/Guest Hotel Rooms: Rooms; Two 250 – seat Lecture Halls; work utilizing 65+ plasma screens and a Adjacent Downtown, 364; Summit 60,000-sq.-ft.of pre-function space 14’ X 18’ Jumbotron information display County: 5,000+. overlooking Allegheny River. with graphics capabilities, Transportation: milesvideo fromwall.

Akron Venue Features:1112¸000-sq.-ft.

Main Service Partners: Centerplate, Canton Airport; 30 miles fromFedEx Kitchen; 37 Highly Accessible Loading Kinko’s, Hudson News and Golden Cleveland Hopkins International JAVITS CENTER DAVID L. LAWRENCE Docks; State-of-the-Art Teleconference Transportation Services.

Airport.

655 West 34th JOHN S. Street KNIGHTCENTER Touch CONVENTION and Telecommunications; Available New York,Ft.NY 10001 Blvd 1000 Duquesne Technological Features: wifigarage. available Attractions: National Inventors Hall of CENTER Internet Access; 700-car Tel: (212) Fax: (212) 216-2588 PA 15222 77 Pittsburgh, E. Mill216-2000 Street throughout thePark building.

Fame, Canal Stadium, Akron Transportation: Pittsburgh www.javitscenter.com (412)OH 565-6000; Akron, 44308 Fax: (412) 565-6008 Civic Theatre, The University of Convention/Guest Hotel VP Sales & Marketing: Doreen Guerin; International Airport is Rooms: world-class www.pittsburghcc.com (330) 374-8900; (800) 245-4254; Akron, E.J. Thomas dguerin@javitscenter.com; (212) 216-2103 72,500 rooms in Performing Manhattan. withhotel about 290 non-stop flightsArts per day Manager: Mark Leahy Fax:General (330) 374-8971 Hall, Cuyahoga Valley Director of Sales & Marketing: to 80 destinations, andScenic islocation served by 19 www.johnsknightcenter.org Transportation: Riverfront Railroad, Stan Hywet Hall & James Hamilton; Snapshot: Officially opened Vice President/COO: Gregg Mervisin air carriers.

PittsburghManhattan; is within 500 minutes from Midtown jhamilton@javitscenter.com; (212) 216-2186 Gardens, 3than Live,half AkronU.S. Art September the $375-million miles ofLock more three major airports, 13,000the taxis “The Center2003, of Sales Manager foran Special Events: Museum, Summit Artspace & and David L Lawrence Convention Center population, and the city is less than limousines, 4,500 buses, 500 Park. subway Anne Houlihan; City” All-America Cuyahoga Valley National received “Gold” rating (212) in Energy and stations, 90 minutes flying time from 20 states ahoulihan@javitscenter.com; 216-2006 and countless feeder roads.

Snapshot: Located in the(L.E.E.D) heart of by Environmental Design and Canada.

“Marketplace for the Distance to nearest airports: downtown the World” John S. Knight the by theAkron, U.S. Green Building LaGuardia Airport – 8 miles; JFK Center is one of Ohio’s premier Snapshot: structure Council,Glass-enclosed making it the first “green” Airport – 15 miles; Newark Airport– meeting and facilities. stretching fiveexposition blocks along the largest convention center and world’s Event planners valueLocated our accessibility, Hudson River. “green” building. in the hub of 12 miles. flexibility and attention for detail.

Nearby Attractions: Times Square, Pittsburgh’s cultural, business and Meeting Space: More than 1.8 million Broadway theaters and museums. entertainment district, theof55,000 Center Meeting Space: More sq. ft of space; 760,000 sq.than ft. exhibitsq. blends unparalleled function- See ad on page 21 ft.effectively ofon total meeting/exhibit space three different levels,space, including ality with technology to including meeting rooms, 12,000405,000 sq.16 ft.cutting-edge Main Exhibit Hall; can be offerballroom, meeting planners, exhibitors sq.-ft.

30,000-sq.-ft. divided into 10 halls; capacity for Main 102 and attendees unforgettable Exhibit Hall.anSpecial meeting rooms; Events meeting Hall can experience. seat up to 3,300 forState-of-the-art theater-style meetVenue Features: audio ings, and to 2,700wireless for Million banquets Space: 1.5 ofand total andMeeting videoupservices, Internet receptions; thanconferencing 100 function Buildingmore Square Footage, including connectivity, video & video streaming technologies; a

LAKE GEORGE AREA IN OKLAHOMA CITY NY’S ADIRONDACKS Warren County Tourism Dept.& CONVENTION 1340 State Rt. 9 BUREAU VISITORS Lake George, NY 12845 189 West Sheridan (518) 761-6575; 365-1050 ext C844 Oklahoma City, (800) OK 73102 Fax: 761-6368 (405)(518) 297-8912; (800) 225-5652 VisitLakeGeorge.com Fax: (405) 297-8888 Meeting Promoter: Tanya Brand www.visitokc.com

Directorwe of Convention Sales & Services: Betcha’ can make you smile!

Elizabeth Buckley

Snapshot: The•Lake George Area in (405) 297-8952 ebuckley@okccvb.org NY’s Adirondacks is a 4-season destination filledOklahoma with adventurous Snapshot: City hasmeeting it all— possibilities.

Whether whitewater from the historic Oldits West in rafting, boat City cruises, hiking or horseStockyards to the vibrant energy of back riding, Lake George big Bricktown, the city’s livelypromises entertainfun anddistrict. beautiful views for your gatherment Our museums hold artising.

World-class year-round tic treasures andattractions, our sports venues have recreational activities, a multitude something for everyone.

Choices of lodging dining options,you’ll alongcherish. with aboundand for an experience a ever expanding array of quality meetMain Meeting Venue: Cox Business ing space, all make us an ideal and Convention Center (405-602-8500; unique meeting and event site choice. www.coxconventioncenter.com) — Meeting 400,000Hall + sq.can ft of 100,000 Space: sq. ft. Exhibit be meeting/exhibit space including conferdivided into 8 smaller halls or comence centers, exposition halls,formeeting bined with the Arena floor 132,000

hotels and unique outdoor event space. sq. ft.Adirondack-themed of total exhibit space; 105,000 From lodges to sq. ft. Meeting with 21 private islandRoom resorts,complex our diversity is meeting rooms a 25,000 sq. ft. what makes us soand special!

Ballroom; 15,000-seat Arena. General Sagamore Resort: 26,000-sq.-ft. meetManager - Gary Dejardins. ing space, including 10,080-sq.-ft. ballVenueindoor Features: internet golf room, poolwireless & spa, 18-hole service5and access speeds up torooms. one course, restaurants; 330 guest Gigabit available; four (4) FREE preSix Flags Great Escape Lodge: function wi-fi zones; meeting rooms Adirondack Theme, 200 guest rooms and ballroom equipped with state-ofand 38,000-sq.-ft. indoor waterpark. the-art audio-visual equipment; SMG 4,800-sq-ft. Ballroom; 7 additional Video Conferencing Services available. meeting rooms.

Hotel Rooms: 1,680 rooms in Fort William Henry Resort & Downtown Oklahoma City and Conference Center: 18-acre estate 15,000 citywide. overlooking Lake George with 15,000 Transportation: 10 miles/15 minutes sq. ft. of meeting space; 13 conference from Will Worldavailable.

Airport. rooms; 196 Rogers guest rooms Nearby Attractions: Bricktown Services: Warren County Tourism Dining & Entertainment District—a Dept. offers resource assistance, on-line vibrant urban neighborhood with a RFPs, Site Inspections, Hospitality variety ofPromotional new canal-side restaurants, Exhibits, Materials and clubs, music andAssistance. attractions., Occupancy Taxvenues Funding OKC National Memorial & Museum, Transportation: located off I-87, midOklahoma City Museum of Art; way between Manhattan and Montreal Myriad Botanical Gardens; AT&T and only 3 hours from Boston; 50 Miles Bricktown Ballpark; Ford Center; north of Albany International Airport Civic Center Music Hall; Oklahoma and approx. 10 miles from local Floyd City Zoo; National Cowboy and Bennett Memorial Airport.

Western See ad on page 27 Heritage Museum.

See Ads on Pages 29, 31

52

PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND PENNSYLVANIA

meetings/conventions large and small.

The Convention Center more than meetings/conventions large and small.

Marketing Services: Thehas PWCVB 440,000 sq. ft.with of exhibit including The Convention Center hasspace, more than to works closely meeting planners a 315,000-sq.-ft.

Mainspace, Exhibit Hall; 440,000 sq. ft.attendance of exhibit including help boost through targeted 33,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 52 meeting a 315,000-sq.-ft.

Main Exhibit Hall; e-mail blasts, postcard mailings, reciproomsWeb offering anpre-promotion additional 120,000 33,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 52 meeting rocal links, at prior square feet; 6,300-sq.-ft., 600-seat therooms offering an additional 120,000 year’s meeting, customized interactive ater. feet; Once complete, the600-seat expanded square 6,300-sq.-ft., themaps, access to a stock photo library, Convention Center willexpanded provide planners ater.

Once complete, the attendee Web site/microsite, collateral a total of one million square of Convention Center willbanners providefeet planners materials, welcome throughout saleable space (700,000 square feet of a total of one square feet of the city, andmillion welcome signage in memexhibit space, 541,000square squarefeet feetofof saleable space (700,000 ber establishments.

PENNSYLVANIA whichspace, is contiguous); the largest exhibit 541,000 square feet ofamount PROVIDENCE PENNSYLVANIA Hotel Rooms: 2,200 rooms within one CONVENTIONWARWICK CENTER which of ballroom space ofthe any convention is contiguous); largest amount CONVENTION & 1101 Arch Street mile of RICC, 5,500 in Greater CONVENTION CENTER on space the East Coast at 93,000 sq. ft.; of center ballroom of any convention Philadelphia, VISITORS BUREAU 1101 Arch StreetPA 19107 Providence area. and aontotal 87 Coast meeting rooms. sq. ft.; center the of East at 93,000 (215)Westminster 636-3300; (800) CALL-PHL 144 Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 and a totalFeatures: of 87Providence, meeting rooms.

Destination: Rhode Venue Free wireless Internet Fax:636-3300; (215) 636-3327 Providence, RI(800) 02903 (215) CALL-PHL Island is brimming with history, www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel Phone: 456-0200; Fax: (401) 273-7046 with Features: Internet access up to rich one Gigabit; Venue Free wireless Internet Fax: (215) (401) 636-3327 natural beauty, architecVice President/Convention Services: www.GoProvidence.com www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel an Internet internal fiber optic and data with accessand up stunning tobackbone, one Gigabit; Patricia Kraft President: Hilpl The city’s compact downtown Senior Vice Vice President/Convention Services: cabling throughout the entire facility. anture. internal fiber optic backbone, and data Neil R.Kraft Schriever Patricia Hilpl – Be at Liberty to area—where the the Rhode “Philadelphia cabling throughout entireIsland facility.

Convention/Guest Rooms: Convention Center Hotel is located—makes Providence: The Meet” “Philadelphia – BeCreative at LibertyCapital to 10,000 rooms in city; 3,682 within Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: it an extremely walkable city, with Meet” Snapshot: The Providence two-minutes ofcity; Pennsylvania When you meetWarwick in 10,000 rooms 3,682 and within hotels, greatinrestaurants, stellar Convention &you Visitors Bureau Convention Philadelphia, more two-minutes ofCenter.

Pennsylvania Snapshot: When yougetmeet inthan a shopping all within blocks of each (PWCVB) books meetings, venue, you get good mixthan ofconvenwork Center. 20 Philadelphia, youaget more a and Convention Transportation: minutes to other.

Providence is easily accessible tions, trade shows of any play. you The Pennsylvania Convention venue, get a goodand mixevents of work and Philadelphia Transportation: 20 minutes to by air, rail or International highway, and Airport. about 25 size in Providence, Warwick, surCenter, known for its beauty, and flexibility play.

The Pennsylvania Convention Philadelphia International Airport. percent of the United States’ populaAttractions: More than 20 major rounding areas.

Our knowledgeable and location in offlexibility Center Center, known forthe its heart beauty, tion lives within 500 of the city. performing arts facilities, including More thanmiles 20 major staff isasready to assist a suc- Attractions: City, well dining, and location in as thefive-star heartinofensuring Centertax-free See ad on page 25 jazz, drama venues forarts ballet, and facilities, including cessful event. shopping, and ease in dining, travelingtax-free in, out performing City, as well as five-star musical moredrama than and 200 venues for theater; ballet, jazz, and around the shopping, and easecity. in traveling in, out Largest Meeting Venue: Rhode Island musical restaurants in Center City. theater; more than 200 and around Spaces: the&city.

Convention Entertainment Meeting Currently, the restaurants in Center City.

Complex, which includes the RI Pennsylvania Convention Center Meeting Spaces: Currently, the Convention Center 137,000 sq. ft. stretches over six citywith blocks, providing Pennsylvania Convention Center of totalof exhibit space, the a total 610,000 sq. ft. of13,000-seat stretches over six city blocks, providing Dunkin’ Donutssq.

Center, andeasily the 1,900meeting/function space a total of 610,000 ft. ofthat seat VMA Artsthe & Cultural Center. accommodates needs meeting/function space thatofeasily accommodates the needs of

he Northeast 3254 17

Facilities & Destinations

PENNSYLVANIA

SCANTICON HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER

1210 First Avenue King of Prussia, PA 19406 (610) 265-1500; Fax: (610) 768-0183 www.ScanticonValleyForge.com Vice President of Sales and Marketing: Candice Ellesin

Valley Forge, A premier destination for your exceptional event Snapshot: The Scanticon was specifically created to be a premier conference site. All designed for comfort and function and is officially approved by the International Association of Conference Centers. The Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center is located in the Valley Forge Convention Plaza, also home to the Valley Forge Convention Center and the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge.

Meeting Space: Over 150,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space between the Scanticon, Radisson and Valley Forge Convention Center, including: 61

meeting rooms; 8,865-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 54,000-sq-ft., 3,800-seat theater.

Exhibit Space: 108,000 sq. ft. of Exhibit Space, including 54,000-sq.-ft.

Main Exhibit Hall.

Technology: Wifi in all guestrooms and public space; On-site Audio Visual Company. Multi-Level Ballroom, The Waterford, features state-of-the-art Audio Visual with built in screens, plasma televisions, sound system and different lighting scenes.

Food & Beverage: The Scanticon features three restaurants and a nightclub on property—Café Soleil, Chumley’s Sports Bar and Steakhouse, Blue Grotto, and Ice Nightclub.

Guest Rooms: 160 Guestrooms in the Scanticon Hotel; The adjoining Radisson Hotel offers an additional 328 guestrooms.

Amenities: 3,000-sq.-ft. Health and Fitness Center; Outdoor Garden Pool; 24-Hour Business Center.

Transportation: 25 miles to Philadelphia International Airport.

Attractions: Located in the heart of the Valley Forge business district, adjacent to Valley Forge National Park; King of Prussia Mall.

See Ad on Page 31

Facilities Destinations 2009 SuperBook Facilities &&Destinations Planner Guide

Mid-Atlantic

MARYLAND

MARYLAND

Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia Washington, D.C.

ROLAND E. POWELL CONVENTION CENTER 4001 Coastal Hwy Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 289-8181; (800) OC-OCEAN Fax: (410) 723-8655 Director of Sales & Marketing: R. Frederick Wise, CHAE www.ococean.com

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 10,000 hotel rooms, 25,000 rentable condos.

Transportation: 28 miles from Salisbury-Ocean City Airport.

Nearby Attractions: Atlantic Ocean, beaches and Boardwalk; Deep Sea Marina; 18 Championship golf courses.

See Ad on Page 41

Snapshot: Our contemporary convention center offers 22 meeting rooms, 67,000 square feet of exhibition space, and a 25,000-square-foot ballroom. And the rest of Ocean City, Maryland offers some of the world’s best golf courses, a free beach, festivals, and fishing.

Meeting Space: 182,000 sq. ft of meeting/exhibition space, including 22 meeting rooms, 68,000 sq. ft of Total Exhibit Space, including a 45,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 22,000-sq.-ft Ballroom with 35’ ceilings; 4,700-seat Theater.

MARYLAND

Venue Features: State-of-the-art sound system throughout; wireless Internet; ground level loading docks; built-in theatrical ballroom stage; 1,200 free parking spaces; Ocean City Information & Welcome Center on site; in-house cleaning services, full-service food and beverage department.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 10,000 hotel rooms, 25,000 rentable condos.

Transportation: 28 miles from Salisbury-Ocean City Airport.

4001 Coastal Hwy Nearby Attractions: Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 289-8181; (800) OC-OCEAN beaches and Boardwalk; Deep Sea Fax: (410) 723-8655 Marina; 18 Championship golf Director of Sales & Marketing: courses.

They wanted high-style in a small city.

R. Frederick Wise, CHAE See Ad on Page 41 www.ococean.com So, Mary took the meeting

to Norfolk, Virginia.

Snapshot: Our contemporary convention center 22 meeting Talkoffers about smooth sailing. rooms, 67,000 square feet of exhibition space, and a 25,000-square-foot ballroom. And the rest of Ocean City, Maryland offers some of the world’s best golf courses, a free beach, festivals, and fishing.

Meeting Space: 182,000 sq. ft of meeting/exhibition space, including Contact thesq.NCVB 22 meeting rooms, 68,000 ft of today and start planning your Total Exhibit Space, including a next meeting.

45,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 22,000-sq.-ft Ballroom with 35’ ceilings;1-800-368-3097 4,700-seat Theater. • www.norfolkcvb.com

BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER One West Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21291 (410) 649-7000 Fax: (410) 649-7008 www.bccenter.org Executive Director: Peggy Daidakis

“The Baltimore Convention Center—the Center of It All” Snapshot: Downtown 1,225,000square-foot facility is connected by skywalk to several major hotels and area attractions. It is conveniently located between Baltimore’s world-renowned Inner Harbor and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Major Meeting Space: 300,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 85,000-sq.-ft. meeting space, 35,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.

Technology: State-of-the-art telecommunications with multimode and single mode fiber optic backbone. High speed, category five cabling is connected to all floor boxes and outlets and in the meeting rooms. In addition, more than

MARYLAND

Eat. Drink.

And be Mary.

ROLAND E. POWELL CONVENTION CENTER

40 meeting rooms are equipped with an in-house sound system and tied to a centrally located recording feed. The ballroom also has an in-house sound system that includes two Peavy Media Matrix computers.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: Downtown has an inventory of 6,600 hotel rooms. Construction has begun on a new, 757-room Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel expected to open in August 2008 with additional meeting space.

Transportation: Easy access by MARC Train or Baltimore’s Lightrail to Washington, D.C. or the Baltimore International Airport (BWI).

Baltimore’s Penn Station is a short 7-minute drive while BWI Airport is only 20 minutes by car.

Nearby Attractions: In addition to the Orioles and Ravens: Inner Harbor, Harborplace and The Gallery, Observation level at the World Trade Center, as well as restaurants, nightspots and shopping centers; Maryland Science Center, Baltimore Aquarium, Fort McHenry and Baltimore Maritime Museum.

Venue Features: State-of-the-art sound system throughout; wireless Internet; ground level loading docks; built-in theatrical ballroom stage; 1,200 free parking spaces; Ocean City Information & Welcome Center on site; in-house cleaning services, full-service food and beverage department.

BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER One West Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21291 (410) 649-7000 Fax: (410) 649-7008 www.bccenter.org Executive Director: Peggy Daidakis

“The Baltimore Convention Center—the Center of It All” Snapshot: Downtown 1,225,000square-foot facility is connected by skywalk to several major hotels and area attractions. It is conveniently located between Baltimore’s world-renowned Inner Harbor and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Major Meeting Space: 300,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 85,000-sq.-ft. meeting space, 35,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.

Technology: State-of-the-art telecommunications with multimode and single mode fiber optic backbone. High speed, Mary Sullivan category five cabling is connected to all MEETING PLANNER floor boxes and outlets and in the meeting rooms. In addition, more than

40 meeting rooms are equipped with an in-house sound system and tied to a centrally located recording feed. The ballroom also has an in-house sound system that includes two Peavy Media Matrix computers.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: Downtown has an inventory of 6,600 hotel rooms. Construction has begun on a new, 757-room Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel expected to open in August 2008 with additional meeting space.

Transportation: Easy access by MARC Train or Baltimore’s Lightrail to Washington, D.C. or the Baltimore International Airport (BWI).

Baltimore’s Penn Station is a short 7-minute drive while BWI Airport is only 20 minutes by car.

Nearby Attractions: In addition to the Orioles and Ravens: Inner Harbor, Harborplace and The Gallery, Observation level at the World Trade Center, as well as restaurants, nightspots and shopping centers; Maryland Science Center, Baltimore Aquarium, Fort McHenry and Baltimore Maritime Museum.

As Seen on Page 40 in Facilities & Destinations 2008 SuperBook Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

33

MID-ATLANTIC VIRGINIA VIRGINIA TEXAS TEXAS

VIRGINIA VIRGINIA VIRGINIA

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NORFOLK HAMPTONCONVENTION ROADS GAYLORD & VISITORSTEXAN BUREAU CONVENTION CENTER 232 East Main Street RESORT & 1610 Coliseum Drive Norfolk, VAVA 23510 Hampton, 23666 CONVENTION CENTER (757)664-6620; (800) 368-3097

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(757) (800) 487-8778 1501 Gaylord 1501722-1222; Gaylord Trail Trail Fax: (757) FAX: (757) 622-3663 896-4600 Grapevine, TX Grapevine, TX 76051 76051 www.visitnorfolktoday.com www.thehrcc.com (817) (817) 778-1000; 778-1000; Fax: Fax: (817) (817) 778-1149 778-1149 Vice President of Sales andCVB: Marketing: Director of Sales Hampton www.gaylordtexan.com www.gaylordtexan.com Donna Allen Lacy Gibson Public Relations Public Relations Manager: Manager: Director, Hampton Martha Martha Neibling Neibling Snapshot: LocatedRoads in the heart of the Convention Center: Lew Dawley

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Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk is a compact “Located in theUnder Center ofhotels itRoof!” all”and “Everything One meetings destination with convention facilities a short walk from ais Snapshot: Opened in 2005, the 344,000Snapshot: The Gaylord Texan Resort Snapshot: sparkling waterfront dotted trendy square-foot Hampton Roadswith Convention aa total offering world-class total destination restaurants, arts 35 districts, museums, Center features flexible meeting meeting facilities, impeccable customer meeting patriotic attractions and shopping. spaces capacity for 14,000 delegates. service, exciting entertainment andThe service,with FREE Norfolk Electric Transit (NET) A spectacular tensile its main recreation-all onsite.structure Sitting at high on a recreation-all shuttle lets you get the around time the entrance and water features throughout bluff sparkling waters bluff overlooking smart way.Grapevine, are reminiscent of Hampton’s nautical of this awe-inspiring of Lake Lake heritage, and addThe to anWaterside elegant setting for Meeting Space: resort guests to an authentic resort welcomes aTexas wide experience. rangeConnection, of events.

Convention which features Gaylord Texan Resort Texas 200+ first-class and suites,1,511 55 & Center features & Convention Convention Major Meetingrooms Spaces: 157,580 sq. ft., meeting rooms and 121,000 ft. of luxury sophisticated meeting luxury rooms, including 35 meeting rooms;sq.

28,000convention space,space, includes: and five Norfolk signature and convention sq.-ft Ballroom; 102,000-sq.-ft.

Main Waterside Marriott, Sheraton restaurants, live restaurants, Exhibit Hall, andentertainment 108,000 sq.Norfolk ft.nightly of Waterside, The Radisson Hotel Norfolk at Cactus nightclub ontothe shores at Glass Glass total exhibit Space; adjacent 11,127-

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L’ENFANT PLAZA HOTEL 480 L’Enfant Plaza, SW OF UNIVERSITY Washington, D.C. 20024 VIRGINIA ALUMNI (202) 484-1000; Fax: (202) 646-5060 ASSOCIATION Senior Group Sales Manager:

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211 Emmet Emmet Street 211 Christopher Salyer Charlottesville, VA 22903 Charlottesville, www.lenfantplazahotel.com (434) 243-2665; Fax: (434) 243-9080 (434) 243-2665; www.alumni.virginia.edu/reservations/ www.alumni.virginia.edu/reservations/ Snapshot: Located in the center of Reservation Reservation Coordinator: Washington, D.C, this luxury meeting Carol Anne Anne Abbott Abbott Carol

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hotel is within easy walking access to “Your HomeMuseums, on the Grounds” Smithsonian National Snapshot: Nestled Nestled in the thePotomac heart of of the the Monuments, restaurants, Snapshot: in heart Blue Ridge Ridge Mountains in agencies.

River, and major government Blue Mountains in Charlottesville, Virginia, the University University Two METRO rail stops from Capitol Charlottesville, Virginia, the of Virginia Virginia Alumni Association, Hill and three from the new of Alumni Association, Alumni Hall, Hall,Convention the place placeCenter. for your yourDirect next Washington Alumni isis the for next event. Alumni Alumni Hall’shotel spacious facilities elevator access from lobbyfacilities to event.

Hall’s spacious are ideal ideal for for banquets, banquets, receptions, board L’Enfant Plaza METRO rail station are receptions, board meetings or conferences. conferences.

Alumni Hall and Promenade consisting Alumni of 50 unique meetings or Hall features 7,064 square feet feet of of meeting meeting shops and7,064 eateries. features square space, with with three three main main rooms rooms that that can space, Meeting Space: 21,000 sq. ft. of can handle groups groups of of 10 10 to to 400.

400. The The handle meeting/exhibition space; 19 meeting newly renovated renovated Jefferson Jefferson Ballroom— Ballroom— newly rooms; 5,354-sq.-ft. Ballroom; Three completed in in January 2007—now 2007—now holds holds completed restaurants forJanuary casual or elegant dining. up to to 400 400 guests guests for for aa seated seated event. event. up Available for for receptions, receptions, conferences, conferences, Available meetings, and and events events of of all all types, types, meetings,

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See ad on page 34

features 60,000 sq. ft. of and andMarriott the theWaterside Waterside Festival Festival Marketplace; Marketplace; space, including: 45 The Themeeting/invent city’s city’s Norfolk NorfolkInternational International conference/meeting rooms; 14,400-sq.Airport Airport area areahotel hotelselection selection includes: includes: ft. Ballroom, 2,000-seat Theater Hilton Hilton Norfolk NorfolkAirport, Airport, Holiday Holiday Inn Innand 3 concierge levels. Doubletree Select Select Norfolk NorfolkAirport, Airport, Doubletree Hotel Hotel Norfolk NorfolkAirport, Airport, American’s Best Best Technology: WiredAmerican’s and wireless highValue Value Inn InnInternet , ,Military Military Circle, Circle, Days Inn, Inn,areas, speed access in Days all public Ramada Ramada Norfolk Airport, Airport, Residence Residence guestNorfolk rooms and meeting rooms.

Inn InnOther by byMarriott Marriott and andWaterside Hampton HamptonInn Inn&& (Norfolk Marriott) Suites.

Suites.

The TheLake Lake Wright Wright areaincludes includes Features: Shula’s 347 area Steakhouse; Quality Quality Suites Suites and and Sleep SleepInn InnFitness hotels. hotels.center; Indoor pool; Whirlpool; NORFOLK CONVENTION NCVB NORFOLK NORFOLK CONVENTION CONVENTION NCVB Services: Comprehensive Comprehensive TheServices: Dining Room restaurant.

AND VISITORS BUREAU Online Online Directory, Directory,conference conference registra& &VISITORS VISITORS BUREAU BUREAU Convention/Guest HotelregistraRooms: 232 Main Street 232 232East EastEast Main Main Street Street tion, tion,405 housing, housing, event eventplanning, planning, photogphotogguest rooms (Norfolk Waterside Norfolk, VA 23510 Norfolk, Norfolk, VA VA23510 23510 raphy raphy & & catering. catering.

Marriott); more than 1,200 rooms 664-6620; 368-3097 (757) (757)(757) 664-6620; 664-6620; (800) (800)(800) 368-3097 368-3097 Unique Unique Meeting Meeting Venues: Riverboat within walkingVenues: distanceRiverboat of convention (757) 628-6452 Fax: Fax:Fax: (757) (757) 622-3663 622-3663 Cruises; Cruises; Chrysler ChryslerMuseum MuseumofofArt, Art, www.norfolkcvb.com center. www.visitnorfolktoday.com www.visitnorfolktoday.com President of Sales: Historic Historic Theaters.

Theaters. 9 miles from Norfolk Vice ViceNCVB/Vice President PresidentofofSales Salesand andMarketing: Marketing: Transportation: Donna Allen Donna Donna Allen Allen Hotel Rooms: Rooms:Approximately Approximately 5,000 5,000 International Airport.

Marriott Norfolk/Director of Sales and Hotel city-wide. city-wide.

Snapshot: Snapshot: Located Located in the theheart heart628-6410 ofofthe the Marketing: Cathyin Grieve (757) Nearby Attractions: MacArthur Mid-Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic,Norfolk Norfolkisisaacompact compact Attractions: Attractions: MacArthur MacArthur Center Center Mall, Mall, Center Mall; Chrysler Museum of Snapshot: Set in the heart of the meetings meetingsdestination destinationwith withhotels hotelsand and Chrysler Chrysler Museumof ofFoundation Art, Art,Hermitage Hermitage Arts; Museum Hermitage historic district of Norfolk, with its convention conventionfacilities facilitiesaashort shortwalk walkfrom fromaa Foundation Museum, Hunter Hunter House House Museum;Museum, Hunter House Victorian vibrant, revitalized waterfront, world- Foundation sparkling sparklingwaterfront waterfrontdotted dottedwith withtrendy trendy Victorian Museum, Museum, MacArthur MacArthur Museum; MacArthur Memorial; class shopping, delectable dining, and Victorian restaurants, restaurants,arts artsdistricts, districts,museums, museums, Memorial,Norfolk Memorial,Norfolk Tides TidesBaseball AAA AAA at Norfolk Tides AAA unforgettable museums, Norfolk patriotic patrioticattractions attractionsand andshopping. shopping.The The Baseball Baseball atatHarbor Harbor Park, Park,Schooner Schooner Harbor Park; Schooner Virginia; The Waterside Marriott and Waterside FREE FREENorfolk NorfolkElectric ElectricTransit Transit(NET) (NET) Virginia,The Norfolk Norfolk History Historyat the Norfolk History Museum Convention Center is an unparalleled Virginia,The shuttle shuttlelets letsyou youget getaround aroundtime timethe the Museum atatthe theWilloughbyWilloughbyBaylor Baylor Willoughby-Baylor House; Victory choice for successful meetings, events Museum smart smartway. way.

House, House, Victory Victory Rover Naval NavalBase Base Rover NavalRover Base Cruise; Virginia and business engagements.

Cruise, Cruise, Virginia Virginia Zoological Zoological Park, Zoological Park; NorfolkPark, Admirals Meeting MeetingSpace: Space:The TheWaterside Waterside Meeting Space: The Waterside Norfolk Admirals AHLHockey.

Hockey.

AHLAdmirals Hockey. AHL Convention ConventionConnection, Connection,which whichfeatures features Norfolk Convention Center features 55 meeting 200+ 200+first-class first-classrooms roomsand andsuites, suites,55 55 See SeeSee ad adon on page 33 33 40 Adpage on Page rooms and 121,000 sq. ft. of convention meeting meetingrooms roomsand and121,000 121,000sq. sq.ft. ft.ofof space and only blocks away from the convention conventionspace, space,includes: includes:Norfolk Norfolk Norfolk Scope Arena, which has an Waterside WatersideMarriott, Marriott,Sheraton SheratonNorfolk Norfolk additional 85,000 square feet of Waterside, Waterside,The TheRadisson RadissonHotel HotelNorfolk Norfolk meeting space. The Norfolk Waterside WEST VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON, D.C. VIRGINIA VIRGINIA

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seat,the 84,000-sq.-ft Hampton Coliseum. and Waterside Festival Marketplace; The city’s Norfolk International of Lake Lake Grapevine, theavailable world-class Venue Features: WiFi through of Grapevine, the world-class Airport hotel selection Relachearea Spa, and unique shopping. shopping. business center, high-speed Internet Relache Spa, and unique includes:Hilton Norfolk Airport, throughout building, webcasting/videoHoliday Inn Select Norfolkdigital Airport, conferencing; multi-media sigMeeting Space: 400,000 sq. ft. ft. of of overoverMeeting Space: sq.

Doubletree Hotel 400,000 Norfolk nage and interactive kiosks,Airport, on-site techall space, space, 69 69 meeting rooms, 50,000all meeting rooms, 50,000American’s Best Value Inn , Military nical support, digital lighting control and sq.-ft.Days ballroom, 180,000-sq.-ft. exhibit sq.-ft. ballroom, 180,000-sq.-ft. exhibit Circle, Inn, Ramada digital sound system, with Norfolk fully digital hall plus plusResidence 17 dedicated dedicated loading docks, hall 17 loading docks, Airport, Inn by Marriott and environmental controls.

29,000-seat theater.

29,000-seat Hampton Inntheater. & Suites. The Lake Convention/Guest Hotel Wright area includes QualityRooms: Suites Venueguest Features: Fiber-optic cable, and catVenue Features: cable, cat3,000 roomsFiber-optic located in Hampton; Sleep Inn hotels. egory 5E and Cat 3 cable, withimmeflexiegory 5E and Cat 3 cable, with aa flexiadditional 2,500 located within ble DS3 DS3 pipe for for backbone bandwith NCVB Services: ble pipe backbone diate proximity toComprehensive HRCC. bandwith that will will support conference requests for forregistraISDN, Online Directory, that support requests ISDN, Transportation: Norfolk International T1 and and T3 communications. communications. tion, housing, event planning, photogT1 T3 Airport and Newport News International raphy &Rooms: catering.

Guest Rooms: 1,511 luxury units, Guest Airport are both 1,511 locatedluxury withinunits, 20 miles.

Unique Meeting Venues: Riverboat including 127 suites.

Nearby Attractions: Virginia Air & Cruises; Chrysler Museum of Art, Transportation: minutes from from Space Center withSix Riverside IMAX® Historic Theaters.

DFW International Airport.

Theater, Miss Hampton II Harbor Hotel Approximately 5,000 Tours,Rooms: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, city-wide.

Hampton History Museum, Colonial Williamsburg, HamptonCenter Coliseum, the Attractions: MacArthur Mall, CasemateMuseum MuseumofatArt, FortHermitage Monroe, Chrysler Jamestown Settlement, Hampton Foundation Museum, Hunter House UniversityMuseum, Museum,MacArthur Osprey Cruises, Victorian Virginia Beach oceanfront,The Memorial,Norfolk Tides AAA AmericanatTheatre, Naval Base, Baseball Harbor Norfolk Park, Schooner Yorktown Victory Center, Cousteau Virginia,The Norfolk History Society, Ocean Charters,The Museum at the Eagle WilloughbyBaylor Hamptons and The Woodlands golf House, Victory Rover Naval Base courses.Virginia Zoological Park, Cruise, Norfolk Admirals AHL Hockey.

Venue Features: High-speed, wireless Alumni access; Hall is open and features features Internet WiFitoinall both on-site parking, choice ofSpace, 14 area catercaterGuestrooms & Meeting Onsite ers, and additional outdoor andCenter; indoor indoor Audio Visual services; Business meeting spaces.

Concierge Services; Multilingual staff; Rooftop Fitness MeetingYear-Round Space: 7,064Pool, sq. ft., includes includes 33 Facility Aerobics/Yoga Studio. meetingwith rooms, Jefferson Ballroom Ballroom (4,320 sq. ft.); Annex (1,332 sq. ft.); ft.);370.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: Terrace (2,738 sq. Ft); Board Room Room Transportation: Reagan National (1,104 sq. ft.); Small Conference Room Airport (DCA), less than 4 miles; Room (308 sq. ft.).

METRO 4 stops direct. 2 1/2 Blocks FoodSmithsonian & Beverage:Castle 14 approved area area from and National caterers for youfrom to select from4 for the the Mall.

6 Blocks Capital.

Blocks event.Waterfront. from Technology:The High-speed wireless Attractions: hotel is awireless short walk Internet the building, LCD LCD away fromthroughout the Smithsonian Castle, projectors available in the ballroom the World War II Memorial, the and ballroom and board room. Mall, and the Jefferson Washington Memorial.

It isrooms also inwithin close walking proximity Lodging: 300 walking to the White House, a short distance & over 2,500and in the vicinity. vicinity. distance from the Georgetown Transportation: Charlottesville Airport Airport Historic District.

8.9 8.9 miles. miles.

Nearby Nearby Attractions: Attractions: John John Paul Paul Jones Jones Arena, Arena, Monticello, Monticello, Michie Michie Tavern, Tavern, Ashlawn-Highland Ashlawn-Highland ..

88 WEST VIRGINIA

CHARLESTON CHARLESTON CIVIC CENTER 200 CivicCENTER Center Drive CIVIC

25301 200Charleston, Civic CenterWV Drive (304) 345-1500; Fax: (304) 345-3492 Charleston, WV 25301 (304)www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com 345-1500; Fax: (304) 345-3492 General Manager: John Robertson www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com General Manager: John Robertson

“Center of Excitement” “Center of Excitement” Snapshot: The Charleston Civic Center

accommodate up to 256 standard accommodate standard booths and up cantobe256 divided into four booths canMunicipal be dividedAuditorium into four 3,483 areas;and The areas; TheThe Municipal Auditorium 3,483 seats; Little Theater 738 seats; seats; TheCenter Little Coliseum Theater 738 seats; Civic offers over Civic Center offers over space 30,000 sq. Coliseum ft of event/exhibition 30,000 ft of event/exhibition withsq. seating for up to 13,600 space and with seating for up160 to 13,600 accommodates 10’x10’and booths. accommodates 160 10’x10’ booths.

Venue Features: Distinctive Gourmet Venue Features: Distinctive serves as exclusive, on-siteGourmet caterer. serves as exclusive, Parking: On-siteon-site parkingcaterer. for 2,000 Parking: On-site parking for 2,000 vehicles; additional parking to more than vehicles; parking to more than 4,000 additional vehicles within a three-block area.

4,000 vehicles withinYeager a three-block Transportation: Airportarea. is a Transportation: Yeager Airport is a five-minute drive to the facility. five-minute drive to theHotel facility.

Convention/Guest Rooms: Convention/Guest Over 4,000 hotel Hotel roomsRooms: (1,750 within Over within one4,000 mile hotel of therooms Civic (1,750 Center). oneAttractions: mile of the Civic Center).

Charleston Town Center, Attractions: Charleston Town Center, located across the street from the comlocated street fromurban the complex,across is one the of the largest shopplex, is one of the urbanThe shopping centers in largest the country; WV ping centersComplex; in the country; The WV for Capitol the Clay Center Capitol Complex; the Clay for the Arts & Sciences; theCenter Avampato theDiscovery Arts & Sciences; theThe Avampato Museum; Capitol Discovery Theof Capitol Market Museum; with a variety specialty Market with a variety of specialty shops, Tri-State Racetrack and shops, Tri-State Racetrack Gaming Center as well asand the new Gaming Center asPower well asBaseball the newPark.

West Virginia West Virginia Power Baseball Park.

Snapshot: The Charleston Civic Centercenis the convention and entertainment is the convention and entertainment terpiece of Charleston, hosting thecenterpiece of Charleston, majority of the state’shosting premiertheconvenmajority theshows, state’s premier conven-sporttions, of trade entertainment, tions, shows, entertainment, sportingtrade and corporate events. As one of the ingmost and corporate events. in Asthe oneMidof the flexible facilities most flexibleregion, facilities the Mid- Civic Atlantic theinCharleston Atlantic the Charleston Civic Centerregion, is comprised of four versatile Center is comprised of four versatile venues—The Charleston Convention venues—The Convention Center, TheCharleston Civic Center Coliseum, The Center, The Civic Center Coliseum, The Municipal Auditorium, and The Civic See Ad on Page 35 Municipal Auditorium, Center Little Theater.and The Civic Center Littlespace: Theater.

Meeting 86,000 sq. ft. of Class Meeting space: sq. ft.

Class The A event space;86,000 18 break outofrooms; A event 18 breakHall out offers rooms;over The Grandspace; Convention Grand Convention Hall offers Aover 50,000 square feet of Class 50,000 square feet of Class meeting/exhibition space,Aenough to meeting/exhibition space, enough to

Mid-Atlantic Facilities & & Destinations Facilities Destinations Planner Planner Guide Guide

WISCONSIN

Facilities & Destinations

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook quet rooms; 37,500-sq.-ft. ballroom;

G

The Southeast

Alabama Arkansas Florida Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee

BIRMINGHAMFRESNO CONVENTION JEFFERSON & ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION COMPLEX 2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard North CENTER Birmingham, 848 M. StreetAL 35203 (205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438 Fresno, CA 93721 www.bjcc.org (559) 445-8100; Fax: (559) 445-8110 Director Marketing: Director of of Sales Sales and & Marketing: Susette Claudia Hunter Arguelles www.fresnoconventioncenter.com

Snapshot: The Birmingham-Jefferson “We’re Always at theisHeart” Convention Complex Alabama’s largest convention facility Complex, and one of Snapshot: Multi Facility the best values in the South.

The BJCC including the elegant and spacious isFresno uniqueConvention in that it offers convention Center Exhibit and event Ernest venues Valdez up to Hall,meeting the veryspace, functional 18,000 seats and Alabama’s largest conHall, the historic William Saroyan vention all on one campus.

Theatrehotel and the newly-remodeled Selland Space: Arena. 220,000 Adjacentsquare to thefeet, Robert Exhibit A. Schoettler Conference Center. main including the 111,000-square-foot exhibition hall. 66,371-sq.-ft. Fresno Meeting Space: Exhibit Hall that174,000 can be used three Meeting Space: squareasfeet separate halls; column space,74 of total meeting space, free including 11,628-sq.-ft. lobby; 30 meeting rooms;pre-function 15,000-square-foot meeting rooms; ValdezArena; Hall features ballroom; 18,000-seat 2,800-seat 32,000 sq. ft. of column free space and Concert Hall.

Technology: In addition to video servseatsBJCC 3,000 Productions theater styleoffers or 2,400 banices, full-servquet style; for 11,000-seat SellandasArena; ice editing special projects well as Saroyan Theatre, a2,359-seat 3,800-square-foot broadcastwhose studio lobbylive canTV be capabilities, used for 38-48 Exhibit with satellite Booths.capabilities Robert A.and Schoettler uplink distance video Conference Center features a 13,129learning capacity. square-foot ballroom that may be feadividMedical Forum: Ten-story tower ed into 7 salonsmeeting for 50 torooms, 340 people or tures high-tech includ90 8’ x 10’ booths. lab equipped with ing a demonstration Venue Features: individual circuits Exhibit for laser,Hall air, includes oxygen, on-site,and full-service catering kitchen; suction natural/nitrogen gases.

Executive conference room/show office Transportation: Birmingham with built-in Airport bar, multiple International is fivephone miles lines away. & T1 connections; voice and data techNearby Attractions: Birmingham nology throughout; drive-in access from Museum of Art,dock Birmingham Civil covered loading directly onto Rights Alabama Sports Hall exhibit Institute, floor. of Fame, McWane Science Center, Transportation:Robert Six miles from Fresno award-winning Trent Jones Yosemite Airport.

Golf trail International courses and three state Nearby Attractions: Yosemite parks.

National Grizzlies Baseball See ad on Park, page 39 @ Chuckchansi Park.com.

16 FLORIDA

ALABAMA

ARTHUR R. OUTLAW MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 208-2100; Fax: (251) 208-2150 www.mobileconventions.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Shana Jordan

“The Gulf Coast’s Premier Meeting and Convention Facility!”

Snapshot: The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center is located on the banks of the Mobile River.

Outside are river walks, terraces, a private meeting planners’ office, and a covered crosswalk to connecting hotel. The beautiful state-of-the-art facility is one of the premier Convention Centers in the country. Winner of numerous awards for its architecture and service, the Convention Center takes full advantage of its superb waterfront setting.

36

ALABAMA CALIFORNIA

Meeting Space: 317,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibition space; 18 meeting rooms; 15,500-sq-ft. Ballroom; 100,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall.

Venue Features: T1 wireless internet; VIP lounge overlooking the Exhibit Hall and the Mobile River; Ballroom stage and two dressing rooms; Meeting planners & show manager offices adjacent to the Exhibit Hall and VIP Lounge; Registration secured storage area; Full-service kitchen with complete corridor access; Two permanent concession stands (one with outdoor seating).

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 1,000 Committable Downtown Hotel Rooms (walking distance to the Convention Center); 5,500 city-wide.

Transportation: 20 minutes from Mobile Regional Airport.

Attractions: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Bellingrath Gardens, Carnival Cruise Lines, Cooper Riverside Park, Fort Conde' Welcome Center, Gulf Coast Exploreum, Mobile Carnival Museum, Museum of Mobile, and USS ALABAMA Battleship.

See Ad on Page 3

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Exhibit Space: 167,980 sq. ft., including 94,770-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall.

Arena: 46,000 sq. ft; 9,600 seats.

Hotel Rooms: 13,000 Transportation: 5 miles from Daytona Beach International Airport.

Attractions: The Daytona Beach area is home to 23 miles of sparkling Oscar McGaskey beaches; top notch golf and tennis facilities including LPGA KANSAS CITY CONVENTION DAYTONA BEACH AREA International and the United States & ENTERTAINMENT CVB / OCEAN CENTER Tennis Association’s Florida Tennis FACILITIES COMPLEX Center; Daytona Lagoon; Ocean Walk CONVENTION ➤ 388,800 sq. ft. exhibit space & 126 East Orange Ave., Shoppes; several new spas and restauDaytona Beach,sq.

FLft. 32114 62,000 meeting space rants, unique shopping, and an array 1-800-544-0415 ext.129 ➤ Sprint Center, Kansas City Jazz of family and cultural attractions; Fax: (386) 255-5478 Daytona International Speedway; the Museum & Power and Light District www.daytonabeachmeetings.com ➤ 1,500 guest rooms within walkingNews-Journal Center; the historic Director of Convention Sales oceanfront Bandshell and Oceanfront Daytona BeachofArea Conventioncenter distance convention Park; the Mary McLeod Bethune and Visitors Page: 50 Bureau: Sally Gardiner Performing Arts Center; Peabody Auditorium.

Daytona Beach:

P L A N N E R G U I D E S

Way More than A Beach

Ad on Page 40 RobinSee Cuneo

Snapshot: Located in the heart ofMEADOWLANDS the Daytona Beach Resort Area and just EXPOSITION CENTER

400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean,➤ the“ Your Cost Efficient Alternative Ocean Center is the area’s premier To NYC!” meeting facility. The Ocean Center ➤ 60,000+ sq. ft. of recently unveiled a $76-million expansion that increases its meeting and meeting/exhibition space ➤ 1,000 hotel rooms within exhibit space to 205,536 square feet. walking distance Meeting Space: 45,945 sq. ft., includPage: 52 ing: 37 meeting rooms; 11,715-sq.-ft Ballroom.

48

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS LISTING INDEX A-Z

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THE SOUTHEAST / Louisiana

Baton Rouge Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

A

s the creative capital of the South, Baton Rouge offers the complete Louisiana experience along with many other reasons to be your choice for your next meeting or convention. With its mix of unique cultures from all over the state, along with its small town charm, yet the convenience and amenities of a big city, Baton Rouge is the perfect setting for a truly memorable event. Not only does Baton Rouge offer competitive resources to help suit your needs in one of the fastest growing cities in the South, but also boasts great weather, spicy food, fun-loving locals and limitless opportunities to experience the history, culture, food and mystique of Louisiana.

Downtown Baton Rouge has been completely transformed by the expanded Baton Rouge River Center, located on the banks of the Mississippi River. The entire complex, including the Arena and Theatre for the Performing Arts and the Exhibition Hall, accommodates groups in more than 200,000 square feet of new and renovated space as well as incorporates state-of-the-art exhibition, meeting, concession, and kitchen facilities. It is centrally located near numerous hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, retail space and riverboat casinos. Add to that more than 9,000 guest rooms in more than 75 hotels, and you’ll already have a great reason to book your next meeting or convention in Baton Rouge.

From the distinct tastes of the local cuisine to the soulful sounds of blues and gospel, this is a city that celebrates life to the fullest.

Spend a night on the town at one of the many live music clubs or try your luck at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and Hollywood Casino.

Delve into the colorful history of politics in Louisiana and visit the Old Governor’s Mansion, the Old State Capitol and the State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the United States. Finally, dine in one of the area’s 900 restaurants and taste what the buzz is really all about.

The Baton Rouge Area Convention & Visitors Bureau provides complete convention services free of charge for all convention and group meetings in our area: proposal solicitation assistance, preregistration assistance, pre-convention counseling, on-site registration, local publicity assistance, welcome bags, tour information, city information, area brochures, conventions badges and much more.

359 Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA •1-800-LA ROUGE • www.visitbatonrouge.com

Need a good reason to meet in Baton Rouge?

We don’t have one. We have 225.

Baton Rouge is the destination where the attraction is the experience. Numerous venues can support a meeting of any size, with a breathtaking view of our city as your backdrop. Treat your group to the benefits of great activities that range from the sights and sounds of local nightlife, to an up close and personal tour of our famous swamps. You can deliver your message just about anywhere, but when you’re ready to leave a lasting impression, give us a call.

Log on to our website and discover that there are more than 225 reasons to stick around Baton Rouge.

no.96 Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

800 LA ROUGE 37

THE SOUTHEAST /alabama

If you haven’t been to Birmingham lately, get ready to see a brand new city.

BIRMINGHAM-JEFFERSON CONVENTION COMPLEX 2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438 • www.bjcc.org

T

he Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex has had a whirlwind 2009 thus far with one of the busiest spring calendars in its more than 30-year history. The peak of the season was the first weekend in March, when the BJCC simultaneously hosted the Southeastern Theatre Conference in its convention halls, a boat show in its exhibition space, a full weekend of symphony performances it its Concert Hall and the First Round Davis Cup Tie featuring international tennis stars in its Arena.

The weekend proved the BJCC’s extreme versatility. It is one of few complexes offering such a diverse array of event venues, all for a great value in a very challenging economic time for meetings and conventions.

Recent complex improvements The BJCC continues its efforts to dramatically improved usability of its venues. After completing $42 million in capital improvements over the last five years, the BJCC continues with improvement projects. In the last 12 months the BJCC has completed renovations to its Concert Hall lobby space, its Arena Concourse, backstage areas in the Arena, and its North and South Hall meeting rooms.

In June of 2009 the BJCC expects to complete a new skywalk and walkway corridor leading from the Sheraton to the North and South halls, making all of the BJCC’s convention space and its Arena accessible from the hotel and parking deck without having to step out into the elements.

The central courtyard of the complex also recently received new lighting and landscaping, making outdoor events a pleasure at the complex.

Location One of the BJCC’s selling points is its location. In addition to Birmingham being a hot spot in the middle of the South, the BJCC is located in the heart of downtown with easy Interstate access. It is also a short seven-minute drive from the Birmingham International Airport. Attractions within walking distance include the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

Plus: “If you haven’t been to Birmingham lately, get ready to see a brand new city,” said Susette Hunter, director of sales and marketing

38

at the BJCC. “Birmingham’s downtown is more lively than ever with newly opened restaurants and bars and a booming loft district.”

Details on space Total exhibition space = 220,000 square feet with 20-30 foot ceilings Number of meeting rooms = 74 Largest ballroom = 15,552 square feet Banquet seating capacity = 8,800 seats Event space = 2,800-seat Concert Hall; 1,000-seat Theatre; 18,000-seat Arena Hotel partners The 757-room Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and The Tutwiler Hotel are within walking distance of the BJCC and offer just under 1,000 rooms combined. Both hotels have recently been renovated with rooms receiving complete makeovers from the wall treatments to the furniture. The historic Tutwiler now offers a lobby gallery of historic Birmingham photos complete with an audio tour while the Sheraton offers its Sheraton Link café with Internet access and business services in the lobby.

Meeting services/support The BJCC offers video conferencing, satellite teleconferencing, in-house Ethernet cabling for event use, microwave and satellite connectivity, wireless access to exhibitor network, as well as a fullystaffed broadcast quality studio with pre- and post-production capabilities. BJCC Productions recently assisted with the broadcast of the Davis Cup on the Tennis Channel and has acted as an on-site studio for ESPN and Fox News.

Off-site recreation The BJCC can help arrange nature excursions such as kayaking on the nearby Cahaba River or hiking at Ruffner Mountain State Park only a few miles away. Trolleys make regular trips to Birmingham’s Southside, where culinary fans will find two restaurants under the direction of world-renowned chef and cookbook author Frank Stitt.

Golfing is available at more than a dozen public courses, including two award-winning Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

ALABAMA’S LARGEST AND MOST DYNAMIC MEETING FACILITY, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex offers 220,000 square feet of exhibition space and 74 meeting rooms, all that can adapt to just the size you need. And for convenience and ease, we’re located in the heart of downtown, 10 minutes from the airport with easy interstate access.

See the new and improved Birmingham. The BJCC has great things underway as it nears completion on $39 million in renovations, including the adjoining 757-room Sheraton Hotel.

For more information and to download the BJCC facility guidelines, visit us online.

WWW.BJCC.ORG • 2100 RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BLVD. NORTH • 1-877-THE-BJCC

DAY320 Facilities 3.479x10.127 4C Ad:Layout 1

THE SOUTHEAST / FLORIDA

3/19/09

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Daytona Beach, Florida – Way More than a Beach.

Make a

Major Discovery

Ocean Center Convention Complex

I

In addition to 23 miles of breathtaking beach, you’ll discover: Newly expanded Ocean Center Convention Complex, now featuring 205,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and exhibit space More than 12,000 guest rooms, many at upscale resorts and full-service hotels, close to shops and restaurants, and offering spas and meeting space Daytona Beach International Airport, with service from airports nationwide A variety of fine and casual dining and nightlife Shopping on Downtown Daytona Beach’s quaint Beach Street

To realize your meeting possibilities, call our meeting professionals at 1-866-530-3140 or visit www.DaytonaBeachMeetings.com today.

The Daytona Beach Area: Way More Than A Beach

n addition to the Ocean Center, the area offers an array of other unique meeting facilities including the world-famous Daytona International Speedway/Daytona 500 Experience; the NewsJournal Center in downtown Daytona Beach; the historic oceanfront Bandshell and Oceanfront Park; the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center; Peabody Auditorium; and the area’s most famous asset – the beach.

Home to approximately 13,000 hotel rooms, groups meeting in the Daytona Beach area will find accommodations to fit any budget. Several hotels have recently undergone multi-million dollar refurbishment projects, including the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center which unveiled its $30-million transformation in February 2008.

The Daytona Beach area is a great place for work and play. The area’s legendary 23 miles of sparkling beaches are perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. A popular golf destination, the area is home to several championship greens that make it an ideal spot for year-round golfing fun.

Unique shopping and dining spots can be found along Beach Street in historic downtown Daytona Beach and along Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach. The area’s newest shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Ocean Walk Shoppes at Ocean Walk Village, is the perfect place for fun. Enjoy the 10-cinema theater complex, restaurants and plenty of apparel and gift stores all just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.

New resort spas also await visitors. The area’s newest, Terra Acqua Day Spa at the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center, joins The Spa at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, Indulge at The Shores Resort & Spa, the Vacation Therapy Spa at Ocean Walk Resort and Ocean Waters Spa at The Plaza Resort & Spa in offering visitors a complete respite that rejuvenates the mind, body and spirit.

Airport & Transportation Conveniently located in Central East Florida, the Daytona Beach area is easy to reach via Interstate 95 and Interstate 4. Direct flights from the Atlanta and Charlotte metro areas to Daytona Beach International Airport depart daily via US Airways and Delta.

CVB Services The Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a variety of convention support services to meeting planners including assistance with site inspections, volunteers, vendor contacts and online RFPs.

126 East Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (800) 544-0415 ext. 129 • Fax: (386) 255-5478 www.oceancenter.com 40

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE/BROWARD COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

THE SOUTHEAST / Florida

Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward F County Convention Center

“

terminal to connecting superhighways. And it’s only five minutes rom a gorgeous beach chic setting to the state-of-the-art from the Broward County Convention Center, major hotels, beachmeeting facilities of the Broward County Convention Center, es and Port Everglades, the world’s largest five-star cruise port.

Greater Fort Lauderdale has a knack for making every Greater Fort• Fax: (954) 763-9551 • www.sunny.org/meetings plannerBoulevard, a hero.

1950 meeting Eisenhower Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 • (954) 765-5900 TECHNOLOGY Lauderdale Throughout the facility, you’ll find a fiber-optic 5 and Cat 6 MEETING SPACE Florida décor and an eye-catching waterfront location.

WithinCat these GET MORE MEETING FOR LESS has a knack infrastructure with Ethernet connections in meeting Spanning three floors, the Broward County Convention Center surroundings, four spacious exhibit halls total nearly 200,000 sq. ft.rooms, on the IN GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE spaces and of lobby areas. High speed Internet access is features 600,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space highlighted by first floor. You’llexhibit also find an array high-tech features, such as a 1,300-sq. for making accomplishedSuite via T-1 lines well as available ISDN lines. A cool Florida décor an eye-catching waterfront location. ft. Executive Teleconference with 62”asflat screen digital TV, WiFi n addition to topand facilities, comprehensive services and a beach chic Cyber Café and conveniently kiosks put PCs at your finYou’ll feelthe right at easeFort amid dramatic skylights, lofty&ceilings, every meeting hotspots, video conferencing and high-speedlocated Internet access. setting, Greater Lauderdale Convention Visitors Bureau can’t have next-level technology without bronze sailfish sculptures and unique motif carpetFive-star foodgertips. serviceOfis course, a given you at the Broward County Convention has given meeting planners anotherunderwater reason to choose this inviting planner tech catering support. staff That’sand why you’ll enjoy on-site Internettosupport ing. And with style comesSummer substance, such as reliable electrical Center. The expert large kitchens are equipped destination: SUNsational Savings.

24/7.10 Virtual meetings are easy with video conferencing capaand telephone service, a first aid room Convention and a full range of lightto 10,000, providing everything from coffee breaks When you book the Broward County Center from June a 15hero.handle groups from bilities throughout the facility. and sound controls. performance wall par- Center to elegant sit-down meals, accompanied by unparalleled service and toing October 15, 2009, 2010Portable or 2011, you’ll enjoystages, free Convention titions, full adance floors, risers and anreception, elevated aseating riser on exclusive dazzling presentation. rental space, free one-hour welcome 10% credit RECREATION & ACTIVITIES system allow for complete

Convention Center services,versatility. and an additional 2.5% commission or credit palm-fringed beaches, yacht-lined waterways, great golf, culthese surroundings, exhibit halls totalCVB will Getting here isThe a breeze. to theWithin hotel master account. Plus,four thespacious Greater Fort Lauderdale tural attractions and designer shopping of Greater Fort Lauderdale prove that sq. ft. on the first floor.

Meanwhile, second floor has a Greater Fort Lauderdale considers convenient, user-friendly transportation flynearly you in200,000 for a destination preview.

Submit an RFP the at sunny.org/flyfree. it’spriority. possibleFort to mix business and pleasure. International Just a short drive from(FLL) the Broward multitude of rooms for break-out sessions.

You’ll also find an array of high- a top Lauderdale-Hollywood airport Contact GFLMeetings@broward.org for complete details.

County Center, Fort Lauderdale is where’s features theConvention lowest airfares inDowntown South Florida, as well as 600 flightshappening. a day tech bells and whistles, such as a 1,300-sq.-ft. Executive Teleconference the shops, and than restaurants trendyfree LasWiFi Olas Boulevard Suite,VIP WiFiroom hotspots, conferencing and high-speed Internet access. withExplore non-stop servicegalleries from more 55 U.S.ofcities, Internet, and Enjoy rates video with CVB LauderDeals. the Riverwalk Artsshops, & Entertainment District, which the Broward restaurants and gift and a consolidated Rentalincludes Car Center located You’re a “very important planner,” so Greater Fort Lauderdale is Center theAnd Performing Grand Opera, of Discovery FOOD plenty & BEVERAGE under onefor roof.

FLL isArts, onlyFlorida seven minutes fromMuseum the Broward County& offering of special deals on guestrooms, meeting space, food and Science and Blockbuster® 3D IMAX® Theater, andEverglades, Museum of the Art world’s of Fort Five-starand foodmore service is a given the Broward Countyoffers Convention Center. Convention Center, major hotels, beaches and Port beverage, at some of ouratfinest hotels. These are available Lauderdale.

In fact, this the first convention centeritto be awarded thestretch prestigious largest five-star cruise port. exclusively to was meeting planners — making easier for you to your Throughout the year, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s calendar is filled with Confrerie la Chaine Rotisseurs award. The expert catering staff and budget and de impress yourdes guests. events that that provide for convention. unique party venues and ways to unwind, including large areinequipped handle groups from 10 to have 10,000, providing A destination defies Holdkitchens a meeting Greaterto Fort Lauderdale and you’ll 3,500 festivals, concerts jazz to rock, stand-upgreat comedy Broadway everything from coffee breaks to elegant sit-down accompanied Thearts palm-fringed beaches,from yacht-lined waterways, golf,and cultural hotel rooms within one mile of the Broward Countymeals, Convention Centerby shows. For information and schedules, visit it’ sunny.org. service andhotel dazzling presentation. attractions andmore designer outlet shopping prove that s possible – unparalleled that’s out of the 33,000 rooms in great locations from Hollywood to mix business and pleasure. Just a short drive from the Broward to Deerfield Beach.

ACCOMMODATIONS AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION County Convention Center, Downtown Fort Lauderdale is where it’s Select theAND convenience of a hotel near the airport or choose scenic Lodgings Explore are one more detailgalleries you won’t sleep over.

HoldOlas a meeting or Gettingalong aroundthe Greater Fort Lauderdale a breeze.

WhenFrom you step off your happening. the shops, andlose restaurants of Las lodgings waterways or the BlueisWave beaches. convention Greater Fort Lauderdale and you’ll have 3,500 It’s hotel rooms plane intospa theresorts terminal Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Boulevard andinthe Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. game full-service to at theFort area’s intimate and comfortable Superior one mile the Browardwhether County Convention Center out of the 30,000 you’llLodgings immediately see that Greater Fort Lauderdale considers timewithin in Greater FortofLauderdale, it’s watching the Florida Small to every option in between, you’ll find quality convenient, hotel rooms in greatatlocations throughout this spectacular destination, user-friendly transportation a top priority. customer service.

Panthers play hockey the BankAtlantic Center, or at the gaming tablesfrom accommodations coupled with sunsational Hollywood to DeerfieldHard Beach.

Everything at the airport has been updated, from its parking garage and of Hollywood Seminole Rock Hotel & Casino, Gulfstream Park,

Isle Casino and Mardi Gras. For information visit sunny.org.

SUNsational Service starts at the Broward Convention Center.

From its modern meeting facilities to its seasoned catering staff, the G RCounty E ATConvention E R F OCenter R T Lspecializes A U D Ein R DYou’ll A L Eexperience / B R O WTo A start R Dplanning C O Uyour N next T Y great C Omeeting N V EorNconvention, T I O N contact: CENTER Broward ease.

Christine Tascione, Vice President, Convention Sales it from the moment you contact the SUNsational Service team, and it 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, 100 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 200 continues as you reach the Convention Center to find everything has • www.sunny.org/meetings Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 been expertly prepared just as you expected. (954) 765-5900 • Fax: (954) 763-9551 Toll free: (800) 356-1662 Spanning three floors, the Broward County Convention Center 20 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide Email: ctascione@broward.org features 600,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space highlighted by cool Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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I

41

air-conditioned air-conditioned exhibit exhibit air-conditioned halls halls ranging ranging exhibit halls ranging air-conditioned exhibit halls ranging from from 33,600 33,600 sq. sq.sq. ft.ft.from to to105,000 105,000 33,600 sq. sq.sq. ft. ft.; ft.;toft.;105,000 sq. ft.; from 33,600 ft. to 105,000

THE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA

FLORIDA FLORIDA

FLORIDA

FLORIDA Meeting Meeting Space: Space: 349,514 Meeting 349,514 sq.

Space: sq.ft.ft. ofof349,514 Meeting Space: 349,514 sq. ft. of sq. ft. of -ud7,980 sq. ft., includudmeeting/exhibit meeting/exhibit space; meeting/exhibit space; 32 32 meeting meeting space; 32 meeting space; 32 or meeting largemeeting/exhibit expanse of exhibit space, subdiMain ll. Exhibit Hall. all. rooms; rooms; Three Three Ballrooms, Ballrooms, rooms; Three including including Ballrooms, including rooms; Three Ballrooms, including vided into four separate halls, ft; 9,600 seats.

30,000-sq.-ft.

30,000-sq.-ft.

Grand Grand 30,000-sq.-ft.

Floridian Floridian Grand 30,000-sq.-ft.

HALL A - 119,970Grand sq. ft.Floridian HALL B -Floridian Ballroom, Ballroom, 20,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, 20,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, Floridian 000 117,648 sq.20,000-sq.-ft. ft.,20,000-sq.-ft.

HALL CFloridian -Floridian 132,240 sq. Floridian Ballroom, Ballroom, and and-and 10,000-sq.-ft.

10,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, Palm 10,000-sq.-ft.

Palm Ballroom, 10,000-sq.-ft.

Palm ft., HALL D 132,990 sq. and ft.Palm aona miles from Daytona ona Ballroom; Ballroom; 250,486 250,486 Ballroom; sq. sq.ft.ft.

250,486 Exhibit Exhibit sq. ft. of Exhibit Ballroom; 250,486 sq.ofof ft. of Exhibit al Airport Venue Features: unlimited floor load Space, Space, including including Space, 64,887-sq.-ft.-Main 64,887-sq.-ft.-Main including 64,887-sq.-ft.-Main Space, including 64,887-sq.-ft.-Main capacity, and 35-foot ceilings; State-ofaDaytona rea Beach area Exhibit Exhibit Hall; Hall; 15,000-seat 15,000-seat Exhibit Hall; Theater.

Theater.

15,000-seat Theater. area Exhibit Hall; 15,000-seat the-art telecommunications to Theater. suit es of sparkling Venue Venue Features: Features: Venue wifi; wifi; webcasting; webcasting; Features: wifi; CAT CAT webcasting; CAT CAT everyVenue need. Features: wifi; webcasting; h golf and tennis 5; on-site on-site kitchen; kitchen; 5; Breezin’ on-site Breezin’ kitchen; Java/Cyber Java/Cyber Breezin’ Java/Cyber 5; on-site kitchen; Breezin’ Java/Cyber Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: g LPGA Café Café which which features features Caféeight eight which permanent permanent features eight permanent MIAMI MIAMIBEACH BEACH Café which features eight permanent THE THE GREATER GREATER THEFORT FORT GREATER THE GREATER FORT FORT 6,000. essthe United States terminals terminals and andand atatleast terminals least eight eight and more more atmore least eight more MIAMI BEACH DAYTONA BEACH AREA CONVENTION CENTER terminals at least eight CONVENTION CENTER LAUDERDALE/ LAUDERDALE/ LAUDERDALE/ isn’s LAUDERDALE/ is Florida Tennis Transportation: only minutes from plug-in plug-in table table locations locations plug-in for for table laptops, laptops, locations 1901Convention Convention CenterCENTER Drive CONVENTION CENTERCOUNTY / OCEAN 1901 Center Drive plug-in table locations for laptops, for laptops, CVB BROWARD BROWARD COUNTY BROWARD COUNTY Walk Lagoon; lk Ocean1901 Walk BROWARD COUNTY Walk Miami International MiamiBeach, Beach,FlFl 33139 33139 COMPLEX Starbuck’s Starbuck’s coffees, coffees, Starbuck’s asasAirport. well well asas coffees, specialty specialty as well as specialtyCONVENTION Convention Center Drive Miami Starbuck’s coffees, as well as specialty new -au- spas and restauCONVENTION CONVENTION CENTER CENTER (305) 673-7311; Fax:(305) (305)673-7435 673-7435 tauCONVENTION CENTER CENTER Miami Beach, FL 33139CONVENTION (305) Fax: foods foods & & beverages beverages foods and and TV & TV beverages monitors monitors and TV monitors 101 N.673-7311; Atlantic Avenue Attractions: Drive, Lincoln foods & Ocean beverages and TV monitors 1950 1950 Eisenhower Eisenhower Blvd Blvd 1950 Eisenhower Blvd pping, ay and an array www.MiamiBeachConvention.com (305)1950 673-7311; Fax: (305) Eisenhower Blvd673-7435 www.MiamiBeachConvention.com ay Daytona Beach, FL 32118 tuned tuned to to CNN/MSNBC CNN/MSNBC tuned news.

CNN/MSNBC news.

Road, South Beach ArttoDeco District, news. tuned to CNN/MSNBC news.

Fort Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale, FL FL 33316 33316 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Director of Sales and Marketing: Kay ural attractions; www.miamibeachconvention.com Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Director of Sales Marketing: Kay (800) 858-6444; (386)and 254-4500 white sandy beaches, and renowned (954) (954) 765-5900; 765-5900; Fax: Fax: 954 (954) 954 763-9551 763-9551 765-5900; Fax: 954 763-9551 Transportation: Transportation: Fort Transportation: FortFort LauderdaleLauderdaleFort Lauderdale- Fax: Hollander Director of Sales: Kay Hollander (954) 765-5900; Fax: 954 763-9551 Transportation: LauderdaleHollander eional the the (386) 254-4512 the Speedway; and entertainment. www.ftlauderdalecc.com www.ftlauderdalecc.com dining Hollywood Hollywood International International Hollywood Airport.

Airport.

International www.ftlauderdalecc.com Hollywood International Airport. Airport. www.oceancenter.com nter; the historicwww.ftlauderdalecc.com LifeisisGood, Good,On Onthe theBeach Beach Life Assistant Assistant General General Manager: Assistant Manager: General Terry Terry Kuca Kuca Manager: Terry Kuca Assistant General Manager: Terry Kuca of Convention Sales hell ont t and Oceanfront Convention/Guest Convention/Guest Convention/Guest Hotel Hotel Rooms: Rooms: more more Hotel Rooms: moreDirector ront Snapshot: Located in the heart of Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: more Snapshot: Located in the heartofof Snapshot: Located in the heart Beach Area Convention Premier Premier Oceanside Oceanside Premier Convention Convention Oceanside Convention cLeod Bethune Premier Oceanside Convention than thanthan 33,000 33,000 hotel hotel than rooms rooms 33,000 atata avariety variety rooms ofof ofat a variety of Daytona South Florida, in world-renowned 33,000 hotel rooms athotel a variety South Beach, theMiami MiamiBeach Beach South Beach, the and Visitors Bureau: Center Center Located Located In Center In The The Venice Venice Located In The Venice Center; Peabody Center Located In The Venice hotels, hotels, resorts resorts and and hotels, Superior Superior resorts Small Small and Superior Small Miami Beach, The Miami Beach hotels, resorts and Superior Small Convention Center(MBCC) (MBCC)boasts boasts Sally Gardiner Center Convention ofofAmerica ofAmerica America Lodgings.

Lodgings.

Convention Centerofis America conveniently situLodgings. Lodgings. over1,000,000 1,000,000 sq.ft. ft.ofofflexible flexiblespace, space, over sq.

Daytona Beach: Snapshot: Snapshot: The The 600,000-sq.ft.

600,000-sq.ft.

Snapshot: The Greater Greater 600,000-sq.ft.

Greater 23 ated only minutes from the Miami Snapshot: The 600,000-sq.ft.

Greater Attractions: Attractions: 23miles miles ofofBlue Blue Wave Wave 23 miles including; over500,000 500,000 sq.ft. ft.ofofexhibit exhibit including; over sq.

Attractions: 23Attractions: miles of Blue Waveof Blue Wave Way More than A Beach Fort Fort Lauderdale/Broward Lauderdale/Broward Fortdowntown Lauderdale/Broward County County County International Airport, Fort Lauderdale/Broward County beaches, beaches, 300 300miles miles beaches, ofofnavigable navigable 300 miles of navigable space,over over100,000 100,000sq. sq.ft. ft.ofofversatile versatile space, beaches, 300 miles of navigable Convention Convention Center, Center, Convention one one ofofthe thethe Center, premier premier one of the premier Miami and the Port of Miami.

Located in the heart of the Convention Center, one of premier inland inland waterways, waterways, downtown inland downtown waterways, Arts Arts& & downtown Arts & Snapshot: pre-function areaspace space and 70meeting meeting pre-function area and 70 inland waterways, downtown Arts & large large meeting meeting venues large ininmeeting the the southeast, southeast, venuesisin isthe southeast, is district, Spanning four venues city blocks ofthe a sunny Beach Resort Area and large meeting venues in southeast, Entertainment Entertainment district, Entertainment 4,000 4,000 restaurants, restaurants, district, 4,000 restaurants,Daytona roomscomprised comprised 127,000 sq.just ft. rooms ofof127,000 sq. ft.

Entertainment district, 4,000 restaurants, easily easily accessible, accessible, located located easily accessible, justjust five fivefive minutes located just 50 fivegolf minutes south Florida Beach, thejust center isminutes 400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean, the easily accessible, located minutes golf courses, courses, International International 50 golf courses, Swimming Swimming International Amenities theMiami MiamiBeach Beach Amenities atatthe 50 golf courses, International Swimming Swimming from from the the Fort Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Lauderdale-Hollywood from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood within easy walking distance of the art Ocean CenterCenter is the include area’s premier from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Hall HallHall of ofFame, Fame, Sawgrass Sawgrass Hall of Mills Mills Fame, Mall.

Mall.

Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Convention Center include business Convention aabusiness of Fame, Sawgrass Mills Mall.

International International Airport.

Airport.

International And the theAirport.

And the deco district and some ofAnd america’s meeting facility.

Thecyber Ocean Center center,board board room, cyber café, box is International Airport.

And the center, room, café, box See ad Cover 3See SeeSee ad on on Cover 3 3ad on Cover 3 ad on Cover renowned renowned five-star five-star renowned food food and andand beverage five-star beverage food and beverage most spectacular beaches. currently undergoing a $76-million offices,concierge concierge desks, concession renowned five-star food beverage offices, desks, concession expansion thatoffices will nearly its size. department, department, famous famous for forfor its itsgourmet gourmet famous stands,show show offices andaatriple uniquely department, famous its gourmet Meeting Space: 72 department, meeting rooms; a for its gourmet stands, and uniquely seated seated meals meals and and selection selection seated meals ofofsnack snack of snack designedSpace: skywalk205,536 thatfeatures features center seated meals and selection ofand snack 21,252-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; 125,910 sq.selection ft.

Meeting sq. ft.,aacenter designed skywalk that carts, ensure ensure meetings meetings carts,atatensure the thethe Center Center meetings are are at the Center are podwith witha37 abuffet buffet cocktail loungeand and carts, ensure meetings at Center ofcarts, meeting and function space on two including: meeting rooms; lounge pod &&cocktail a success. a success. a success. anunrestricted unrestricted viewofofall allfour fourexhibit exhibit a success. levels; 502,848-sq.-ft Total Exhibit 11,715-sq.-ft Ballroom. an view halls.MBCC MBCCisishome hometotomajor majorannual annual Space that can be configured as one halls.

FLORIDA FLORIDA

tradeand andpublic publicshows showssuch such as: as:Cruise Cruise trade ShippingMiami, Miami,South SouthFlorida Florida Shipping Exhibit Space:Auto 173,767 sq.Miami ft., includInternational Auto Show, Miami International Show, ing 94,695-sq.-ft.

Exhibit Hall.

International BoatMain Show (Largest in International Boat Show (Largest in Arena: ft;North 9,500America’s seats.

United42,000 States)sq. and North America’s United States) and mostimportant important contemporary art art fair, fair, most contemporary Hotel Rooms: 13,000 ArtBasel BaselMiami MiamiBeach.

Beach.

Art Transportation: 5 miles from Daytona Meeting Space:127,000 127,000 sq.ft., ft.,includincludMeeting Space: sq.

Beach International Airport ing72 72meeting meetingrooms, rooms,22,000-sq.-ft.

22,000-sq.-ft. ing Attractions: Ballroom. The Daytona Beach area Ballroom. is home to 23 miles of sparkling Exhibition Space: 130,000-sq.-ft.

Exhibition beaches; topSpace: notch 130,000-sq.-ft. golf and tennis ExhibitHall( Hall(502,000 502,000 sq.ft. ft.of of exhibit exhibit Exhibit sq. facilities including LPGA center in center. center in center.

International and the United States Technology: Wifi,Video Video Tennis Association’s Florida Tennis Technology: Wifi, Conferencing, Video Broadcasting, Center; Daytona Lagoon; Ocean Walk Conferencing, Video Broadcasting, Webcasting.

Shoppes; several new spas and restauWebcasting. rants, unique shopping, and an array Venue Features: Business center; board Venue Features: Business center; board of family andcafé; cultural attractions; room; cyber café; concierge desks;concesconcesroom; cyber concierge desks; Daytona International the sionstands; stands; showoffices; offices;Speedway; skywalkwith with an sion show skywalk an News-Journal Center; the halls. historic unrestrictedview view allfour four halls. unrestricted ofofall oceanfront Bandshell and Oceanfront Guest Rooms: 2,000hotel hotel rooms withwithGuest Rooms: 2,000 rooms Park; the Mary McLeod Bethune walkingdistance. distance. ininwalking Performing Arts Center; Peabody Transportation:Miami MiamiInternational International Auditorium.

Transportation: Airport15 Minutes.

AirportMinutes.

See Ad on15 Page 58 Attractions:Atlantic AtlanticOcean; Ocean;Lincoln Lincoln Attractions: RoadMall; Mall;Miami MiamiBeach BeachGolf GolfClub; Club; Road JungleIsland; Island;American AmericanAirlines Airlines Jungle Arena.

Arena.

Seead adon onpage page43 43 See

13

13FLORIDA Facilities Facilities &Facilities Destinations Destinations & Destinations Planner Planner Guide Guide Planner Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide Guide

ORANGE ORANGE COUNTY COUNTY CONVENTION CONVENTION CENTER CENTER

West West Concourse Concourse -- 9800 9800 International International Drive; Drive; South South Concourse Concourse - -9899 9899International InternationalDrive; Drive; North North Concourse Concourse -- 9400 9400 Universal Universal Blvd.

Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 Orlando, FL 32819 (407) (407) 685-9800; 685-9800; (800) (800) 345-9800 345-9800 Fax: Fax: (407) (407) 685-9876 685-9876 www.occc.net Senior Director/Sales, Marketing, Senior Director/Sales, Marketing, Event Management & Exhibitor Services: Event and Exhibitor Yulita Management Osuba Services: Yulita Osuba www.occc.net

“The “The Center Center of of Hospitality” Hospitality” Snapshot: Snapshot: Orange Orange County County Convention Convention Center Center (OCCC) (OCCC) ranks ranks as as the the nation’s nation’s second second largest largest convention convention facility, facility, featuring 7 million sq. sq. ft. of featuring 7 million ft.combined of combined meeting meeting and and public public space space in in two two remarkable remarkable facilities.The facilities and Center providesisa total located in one of the most of 2.1 million square feet ofbeautiful exhibition and entertaining places in thedock space with adjacent covered world—Orlando. access. It is located in one of the most beautiful and entertaining in the Meeting/Exhibition space:places 74 meeting world, Orlando. rooms/235 breakout rooms; 62,182-sq.ft. multi-purpose room; 2,643-seat Meeting/Exhibition space: 7 million Chapin andmeeting a 160-seat sq. ft ofTheater combined and lecture public

hall.

2.1including million sq. of exhibit ionand space, 74 ft. meeting rooms space, 1.1 million sq. ft. of which is ball235 breakout rooms; 62,182-sq.-ft. contiguous; two 92,000 sq.exhibit foot general room 2.1 million sq. ft of space, assembly threeTheater full-service restau2,643-seatareas; Chapin and 160rants; 8 food courts; three business seat Lecture Hall; 3 and full-service restaucenters. rants/8 food courts; 4 business centers.

Venue VenueFeatures: Features: WIFI; WIFI; interior interior plasma plasma directional directional monitors; monitors; DMS DMS directional directional signs signs on on Universal Universal Boulevard Boulevard and and on on International International Drive; Drive; DMS DMS signs signs with with video feed capabilities; in-house audio video feed capabilities; in-house audio & & intercom intercom system; system; direct direct on-line on-line show show management management & & exhibitor exhibitor services services ordering; internet café set-ups; telecom ordering; internet café set-ups; telecom & covered & webcasting webcasting services; services; three 3 covered loading onloading docks; docks; 173 173 truck truck bays; bays; and On-site site parking for 6,227. parking for 6,227.

Convention/Guest Convention/GuestHotel HotelRooms: Rooms: Surrounded Surrounded by by 113,000 113,000 hotel hotel rooms. rooms.

Transportation: Transportation: 12 12 miles miles to to Orlando Orlando International International Airport Airport (MCO).

(MCO).

Attractions: SeaWorld,Walt Attractions: Universal, Universal, SeaWorld, Walt Disney World; upscale shopping; Disney World; upscale shopping; 10,000 seats.

10,000 fine fine dining dining seats.

See ad on Page 47

Facilities & Destinations 42

Boardrooms and VIP Suite; 19,000-sq.ft. pre-function area, 11,000-sq.-ft.terrace; 31,500-sq.-ft.. fenced grass Pavilion; 10,000-sq.-ft. Grand Lobby with 75’ vaulted ceiling.

Venue Features: Internet and wifi; state-of-the-art audio and visual systems available throughout the center; fully equipped, 5,000-sq.-ft. kitchen capable Bordelon of gourmet service for over Geraldine 3,000 guests; the AREA center has on-site BATON ROGUE PRIME F. OSBORN III parking for 860 Parking spaces cars, CONVENTION AND CONVENTION CENTER with 4,000 additional spaces within VISITORS BUREAU 1000 Water Street easy walking distance.

Jacksonville, FL 32204 ➤ New 70,000-square-foot Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: (904) 630-4000; Fax: (904) 630-4029 exhibition hall Within five miles of over 1,500 hotel Facility Director: Jim Pritchard ➤ 9,000 rooms; hotel rooms www.jaxevents.com 22,425 in the Northeast Florida ➤ Arnold Palmer-designed The Bluffs Region.

Creek golf courseaway from Snapshot: When it was built in 1919,on Thompson Transportation: 20 minutes Page: 50Jacksonville International Airport.

Jacksonville Terminal was the railroad gateway to Florida. Now it is completeNearby Attractions: Jacksonville ly restored and renovated. Where the Landing; Zoo; St. Augustine; Beaches. trains once ran on time, boat shows, conventions, trade shows, banquets, and meetingsJohn now runRobertson like clockwork. With 265,000CHARLESTON square feet of space, the Prime Osborn CIVIC ConventionCENTER Center is large enough ➤ and50,000-sq.-ft.Grand versatile enough to accommodate gatherings of virtually Convention Hallany size, small or large. ➤ 4,000+hotel rooms Meeting➤Space: 156,184 sq. ft. of total Tri-State Racetrack meeting space; 78,500 sq.Center ft of contigu& Gaming ous exhibit space; 100,000 sq. ft. total: Page: 57 can fit 450 10x10’ booths in contiguous space, 550 total; 2 Executive

P L A N N E R G U I D E S

The Southeast

ILLINOIS

KANSAS

Theater Seating: 175

61 Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook enough for 150 people. Two other rooms measure 20’ x 44’ and accommo-

THE SOUTHEAST / louisiana

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 582-3023; Fax: (504) 582-3032 • www.mccno.com

O

Over the past 12 months, the Convention Center has transformed itself into having more of a hotel attitude

ver 3,000 of the meeting world’s most discriminating professionals convened in New Orleans for Professional Convention Management Association’s 53rd Annual Meeting, and the attendees were effusive with their praise of New Orleans. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center had been readied with almost $8 million in improvements in addition to the $60-million renovation in 2006.

the new additions. A 10 gigabyte internet backbone will provide meeting planners with unlimited technological opportunities to extend programming to attendees and exhibitors. Among other improvements, the Convention Center plans to open two executive cyber lounges and install card-key systems to all 140 meeting rooms.

The Center’s two ballrooms, both in excess of 30,000 square feet, are also slated for renovation in 2009.

Conventioneers will first notice extensive landscaping enhancements, which gives the Convention Center a vibrant and welcoming look and at every entrance attendees are greeted by the Convention Center’s “Fleur de Lis Ambassadors” wearing their unmistakable purple blazers. For major events, the Convention Center’s lobby is sprinkled with mimes, jugglers and stilt walkers from the streets of New Orleans, which are perfect complements to the new decorative banner program the Center recently installed. The large banners throughout the lobby feature iconic New Orleans images of art, music, food, history and architecture and are the first phase of larger way-finding system planned for the Center in 2009.

PCMA’s Annual Meeting proved that New Orleans remains one of the most authentic cities in America. The food, the music, the people and the culture cannot be replicated and makes for the perfect meeting destination when paired with the necessary facilities of exhibit space, meeting rooms and hotel rooms. Most of the 20,000 hotel rooms, all within walking distance of the Convention Center, have been totally renovated in the last 4 years. Almost 3,000 hotel rooms are in the immediate vicinity of the Convention Center, which minimizes the need for shuttle. The center’s proximity to hotels, restaurants and cultural activities presents the meeting planner with a full range of options for their attendees. New Orleans boasts over 900 signature restaurants representing some of the most world-renowned chefs. The City’s newest family-friendly attraction is the Audubon Insectarium, a brand new, 23,000-square-foot museum showcasing an exotic collection of the planet’s smallest creatures.

Over the past 12 months, the Convention Center has transformed itself into having more of a hotel attitude in both form and function.

Comfortable furniture groupings and new digital, flat panel audio/ video information systems have been strategically placed throughout the main lobby and meeting room levels and in pre-function areas where attendees gather to network or relax. The Convention Center has also re-purposed pay phone bays into “I-Cove” stations where attendees can connect their laptops to the internet and/or or recharge electronic devices.

Additional aesthetic, technological and functional upgrades are planned for 2009 totaling $12 million. Meeting planners will enjoy additional opportunities to reduce cost and generate revenue with 44

Producing an of event of any type at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has never been easier, more efficient or more enjoyable for both planners and attendees. With 140 meeting rooms located directly above the 12 contiguous exhibit halls totaling 1.1 million square feet of space, plus three restaurants, a VIP dining suite, a 4,000-seat theater, and two 30,000+ square foot ballrooms, every amenity is conveniently located under one roof. Meeting planners also highly value the building’s team of 250 seasoned industry professionals with 1,165 combined years of experience.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

A FACILITY AS DISTINCTIVE AS THE CITY IT CALLS HOME New Orleans’ Convention Center has over 1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space,

two 30,000 square foot ballrooms, a 4,000-seat theater and 140 meeting rooms. Cross the street

and you’ll find more than 3,000 hotel rooms, with another 20,000 rooms within just a few blocks.

Not to mention all of the city’s amazing restaurants and French Quarter attractions.

To check availability, call 504.582.3023 | www.mccno.com

THE SOUTHEAST / florida

Orange County Convention Center West Concourse - 9800 International Drive South Concourse - 9899 International Drive North Concourse - 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 685-9800; (800) 345-9800 • Fax: (407) 685-9876 • www.occc.net ORLANDO’S ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER UNLOCKS THE SECRET TO MEETING SUCCESS It’s simple: superb hospitality, flawless service and total convenience.

These elements define the attendee experience, affecting how they feel, how well they’re able to network and how they perceive the event as a whole. If any one of them falls short, so does the event.

One venue that recognizes this reality is Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Here, tropical ambiance and colossal space (7 million square feet in two buildings, connected by an open-air pedestrian walkway) are just the beginning. The OCCC also offers an outstanding level of service—one that has cemented the Center’s position among the world’s premier meeting and trade show destinations.

OCCC’s SERVICES OCCC’s broad offering of show management and exhibitor services, ranging from catering to telecommunications, is considered one of the finest in the convention industry, and contributes to the Center’s reputation as one of the best places in the country to hold a meeting.

The Center’s Marketing Executives and Sales Managers are dedicated to providing clients with an experience that is flawless from beginning to end. For every size and type of event, these seasoned professionals provide solutions that exceed everyone’s expectations, and will ensure that your needs are communicated efficiently during the client servicing process.

OCCC’s Event Managers are certified meeting professionals with the highest level of industry experience. They will assist show managers with planning the logistical details of their convention, trade show or special event. Serving as the main conduit for OCCC communication and information – before, during and after the show – these dedicated team members ensure the most complete, productive and enjoyable experience for both show planners and attendees.

For the optimum exhibitor experience, OCCC Show Managers and exhibitors turn to the Center’s Exhibitor Services Department. Individual Exhibitor Service Representatives assigned to every OCCC event will ensure total satisfaction. Beyond the services offered on the show floor, this team can provide custom web pages hosted by the OCCC, bonus amenities for your Top 20 Exhibitors, and coordination of pre-event meetings. For maximum convenience, the OCCC’s Exhibitor Mobile 46

Tropical ambiance and colossal space are just the beginning.

Connection brings the capabilities of a service desk directly to the show floor, where roaming EMC representatives will respond to exhibitor requests on the spot, so they never have to leave their booths for assistance.

OCCC’s GOLD KEY PARTNERS The OCCC is also proud to be the only convention center in the country to partner with the world’s most famous theme parks—Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld‚ Orlando and WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort.

With offices right on-site, OCCC’s Gold Key Partners are always available to help show management and their exhibitors plan dynamic entertainment and events. From theme park tickets to private events at theme parks and resorts, plus entertainment and networking opportunities at a variety of amazing on-site venues and dining complexes, OCCC’s Gold Key Partners will help make any Orlando meeting experience unforgettable.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS Orlando, Florida, a city already renowned for its world-class hospitality, entertainment and business offerings, is adding to its appeal with a number of new developments in the Orange County Convention Center area.

Upon completion, the following developments will add nearly 2,150 rooms to Orlando’s current 113,000-room inventory, making this center of hospitality more welcoming than ever.

Hilton Convention Center Hotel: Construction has begun on a new 1,400-room Hilton Convention Center Hotel, which is scheduled to open in the summer 2009, and will be the first hotel to connect to the Center’s North/South Concourse by a pedestrian sky bridge.

Peabody Hotel: The Peabody Orlando has broken ground on a 750-room expansion this fall, adding a 32-story, 750-room guest tower. Plans include two pedestrian bridges, connecting the hotel with the Convention Center’s North/South and West Concourses.

And, the pace of change shows no sign of slowing. Even as these projects approach completion, new plans are being laid every day that will give Orlando and Orange County Convention Center even more to offer.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

J U DY S M I T H , D E A L E R M A R K E T M A N AG E R , O RG I L L D E A L E R M A R K E TS

Judy can depend on the OCCC Team to produce a successful Orlando event year after year. “ Each year we hold two Buying Markets where we showcase every product, program and service we have to offer. This means a lot of logistical work before, during and after our events. Along with making sure the events run like clockwork, we also want to provide our customers with an enjoyable experience while they are at our shows. The OCCC team and the facilities allow us to achieve both these goals. We couldn’t ask for a better venue or partner for conducting these events.”

To discover what the Orange County Convention Center can do for you, call the OCCC Sales, Marketing, Event Management and Exhibitor Services team at 1-800-345-9845 or email info@occc.net.

THE SOUTHEAST / georgia

Savannah International Trade & Convention Center One International Drive, Savannah, GA 31402 Trade Center (912) 447-4000; (888) 644-6822 • Savannah CVB (912) 644-6400; (877) 728-2662 www.savtcc.com • www.savannahvisit.com

Experience Authentic Southern Hospitality in Savannah’s Historic Meetings District

M

eeting planners who have been to Savannah will quickly tell you that Savannah is more than just a wonderful leisure destination – it’s also a fantastic meetings destination. Founded in 1733, Savannah was the first city established in Georgia, the thirteenth colony. The city is a dynamic meetings location capable of hosting large or small groups by offering unique hospitality, high quality selection of full service hotels and small to mid-sized inns, golf, Lowcountry cuisine, specialty shops and art galleries as well as Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach, located only 20 minutes away.

Savannah’s Historic Meetings District is nestled in the heart of the city’s 2.5 square mile Landmark Historic District. Meeting attendees will be surprised that everything they need for a successful meeting is within walking distance. With more than 3,000 hotel rooms, Savannah offers a great selection for all kinds of meeting groups. Nestled among Savannah’s antebellum homes and southern charm, contemporary meeting sites for all kinds of groups from trade shows to corporate meetings can be found; as well as a diversity of off-site meeting venues like a Savannah square or beautiful Tybee Island that promise to make your event a memorable one.

The city allows everyone to experience the history, elegance and grace of the South while enjoying the broad range of meeting facilities, array of accommodations and variety of restaurants and attractions. Group transportation is also made easy with everything from pedicabs and limousines to trolley cars and river ferries; getting around is simple, entertaining and very unique.

“Savannah continues to be a very popular meetings and conventions destination,” said Joseph Marinelli, President of the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This city offers an authentic and unique visitor experience that, quite frankly, few destinations can match.”

48

Savannah’s Historic Meetings District is nestled in the heart of the city’s 2.5 square mile Landmark Historic District.

Whatever your needs, Savannah can handle all the details with our local professionals. Come experience why Savannah is known for her hospitality and service. For additional information or to request a Meeting Planner, visit us online at www.SavannahMeetings.com or call 1.877.SAVANNAH. Facts to file: CONVENTION FACILITIES: The 330,000-square-foot Savannah International Trade & Convention Center complex offers 100,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, including 13 meeting rooms, four executive board rooms, a 25,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and a state-of-the-art auditorium. Additional meeting facilities include the Coastal Georgia Center and the Savannah Civic Center.

ROOMS CITYWIDE: approximately 13,250 ROOMS IN HISTORIC MEETINGS DISTRICT: approximately 3,300; Rooms committable for meetings: approximately 1,600 ATTRACTIONS: Boutiques, galleries and specialty shops in Historic Meetings District; 21 historic squares, walking tours, trolley tours, Jepson Center for the Arts, The Telfair Museum of Art, Juliette Gordon Low (Founder of the Girl Scouts) Birthplace, Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Mighty Eight Air Force Museum, City Market, River Street, Forsyth Park and numerous golf courses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bill McKay, Vice President, Sales, 101 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401; Phone: (912) 644-6424; Fax: (912) 644-6499; E-mail: bmckay@savannahvisit.com; www.

SavannahMeetings.com www.SavannahMeetings.com.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

THE SOUTHEAST GEORGIA GEORGIA

SAVANNAH SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONALTRADE TRADE & &CONVENTION CONVENTION CENTER CENTER One OneInternational InternationalDrive Drive Savannah, Savannah,GA GA31402 31402 Trade TradeCenter Center(912) (912)447-4000; 447-4000;(888)644-6822 (888)644-6822 Savannah SavannahCVB CVB(912) (912)644-6400; 644-6400;(877) (877)728-2662 728-2662 FAX: FAX:(912) (912)447-4722 447-4722 www.savtcc.com www.savtcc.com www.savannahvisit.com www.savannahvisit.com V.P/Sales V.P/SalesSavannah SavannahArea AreaCVB: CVB: Bill BillMcKay McKay(912) (912)644-6424 644-6424

Snapshot: Snapshot:Located Locatedon onthe theSavannah SavannahRiver River with withpanoramic panoramicviews viewsofofthe thecity’ city’ssfamed famed Historic HistoricRiverfront Riverfrontand andeye eyecatching catchingvesvessels selspassing passingdaily, daily,the theSMG-managed SMG-managed Savannah SavannahInternational InternationalTrade Tradeand and Convention ConventionCenter’ Center’ss330,000-sq.-ft.

330,000-sq.-ft. waterfront waterfrontcomplex complexoffers offersaavibrant vibrantand and enjoyable enjoyableatmosphere atmosphereininaacity citysosograciousgraciouslylyknown knownfor forits itshospitality. hospitality.

Meeting MeetingSpace: Space:50,000 50,000sq. sq.ft. ft.including including 13 13meeting meetingrooms; rooms;44board boardrooms; rooms; 25,000-sq-ft.

25,000-sq-ft.ballroom. ballroom.

Exhibit ExhibitSpace: Space:55,000-sq.ft.

55,000-sq.ft.Main Main Exhibit ExhibitHall, Hall,100,000 100,000sq. sq.ft. ft.total total Exhibit ExhibitSpace SpaceTheater: Theater:367 367fixed fixedseats seats.

Technology: Technology:Internet Internetservice serviceincludes includes shared sharedT-1 T-1and andfull fullT-1 T-1with withup uptoto 100 100Mps; Mps;Voice, Voice,data, data,fiber fiberoptic, optic, Distributed DistributedTelevision Televisionthroughout throughout facility, facility,Simultaneous Simultaneousinterpretive interpretive technology technologyand andfull-service, full-service,in-house in-house audio/visual audio/visualsupport supportand andvideovideoteleconferencing. teleconferencing.

Food Food& &Beverage: Beverage:SAVOR SAVORisisthe the exclusive exclusivefood foodservice servicecontractor contractor ofofthe thecenter. center.

Hotel HotelRooms: Rooms:3,800 3,800city-wide. city-wide.

Transportation: Transportation:20 20minutes minutestoto Savannah SavannahInternational InternationalAirport.

Airport.

Attractions: Attractions:Jepson JepsonCenter Centerfor forthe the Arts; Arts;Jepson JepsonCenter Centerfor forthe theArts; Arts;City City Market; Market;Savannah SavannahTheatre; Theatre;Mary Mary Ingalls IngallsGlass GlassStudio; Studio;Meinhardt Meinhardt Vineyards Vineyards& &Winery; Winery;Diamond Diamond Casino, Casino,Pirates’ Pirates’House Houserestaurant; restaurant;The The Club ClubatatSavannah SavannahHarbor HarborTroon TroonGolf Golf & &The TheGreenbrier GreenbrierSpa; Spa;Outdoor Outdoorfun fun includes includeschampionship championshipgolf golfcourses, courses, deep deepsea seafishing fishingcharters, charters, Historic Historic District Districtoffers offersentertainment entertainmentvenues, venues, night nightlife, life,and andrestaurants. restaurants.

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22 22

LOUISIANA LOUISIANA

Venue Features: State-of-the-art grid Exhibition withfor a capacity for 335 system withHall, conduits all services, including electric, Internet,Theater. phone and 10x10 booths; 1,897-seat water; fullState-of-the-art service; CVB proVenueon-site, Features: grid vides convention systemcomplete with conduits for allservices. services,

BATON ROUGE AREA BATON ROUGE&AREA CONVENTION CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 359 Third Street BUREAU VISITORS

Baton Rouge, LA 70801 702 North Boulevard (225) LA-ROUGE Baton383-1825; Rouge, LA(800) 70802 Fax: 338-6134 (225)(225) 383-1825; (800) LA-ROUGE www.visitbatonrouge.com Fax: (225) 382-1253 Director Destination Sales: ExecutiveofVice President Sales and Geraldine Bordelon, CMP Marketing: Renee Areng www.visitbatonrouge.com

Snapshot: Located right on the leg“Authentic Louisiana Every endary Mississippi River,atthe Baton Turn” River Center provides excellent Rouge world-class meetingright space.onThe Snapshot: Located theentire complex moreRiver, than 200,000 sq. legendaryfeatures Mississippi the Baton ft. of space, a 70,000-sq.-ft.

Rouge Riverincluding Center provides excellent exhibition world-classhall. meeting space. The entire complex features more than 200,000 Meeting Space: Baton Rouge River square feet of new and renovated Center features 200,000+ sq. ft. ofspace, includingspace, a newincluding 70,000-square-foot meeting 8 meeting exhibition hall. rooms; 125,000-sq.-ft.Ballroom Arena; 70,000-sq.-ft.

Main Exhibitrooms; Hall Meeting Space: 8 meeting (100,000 sq. ft. ballroom of total Exhibit 125,000-sq.-ft. arena; Space) & 1,897- seat Theater.

100,000-sq.-ft. of total Exhibit Space, including a 70,000-sq.-ft. Main

“Explore “Explore “ExploreCulture, Culture, Culture,Not Not NotaaaProperty” Property” Property” Snapshot: Snapshot: Snapshot:In In Inaddition addition additiontototothe the the$60 $60 $60-milmilmillion lion lionrenovation renovation renovationininin2006, 2006, 2006,the the theCenter Center Center recently recently recentlycompleted completed completed$8 $8 $8million million millionininin improvements improvements improvementsincluding including includingextensive extensive extensivelandlandlandscaping scaping scapingenhancements enhancements enhancementsand and anddecorative decorative decorative lobby lobby lobbybanners. banners. banners.Conventioneers Conventioneers Conventioneerswill will willalso also also enjoy enjoy enjoycomfortable comfortable comfortablefurniture furniture furnituregroupings, groupings, groupings, new new newdigital, digital, digital,flat-panel flat-panel flat-panelaudio/video audio/video audio/video information information informationsystems systems systemsinininpre-function pre-function pre-function areas, areas, areas,plus plus plus“I-Cove” “I-Cove” “I-Cove”stations stations stationstototoconnect connect connect tototothe the theinternet internet internetand/or and/or and/orre-charge re-charge re-chargeelecelecelectronic tronic tronicdevices. devices. devices.

50 111

Center for the Arts; The Bluffs on Thompson Creek, designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer.

See Ad on Page 56

Venue Venue VenueFeatures: Features: Features:High High Highspeed speed speedinternet, internet, internet, Wi-fi Wi-fi Wi-fiinininpublic public publicareas, areas, areas,videoconferencvideoconferencvideoconferencing, ing, ing,satellite satellite satelliteuplinks uplinks uplinksand and anddownlinks, downlinks, downlinks, video video videostreaming, streaming, streaming,webcasting, webcasting, webcasting,state-ofstate-ofstate-ofthe-art the-art the-artaudio/visual audio/visual audio/visualcapabilities; capabilities; capabilities;on-site on-site on-site technological technological technologicalsupport. support. support.AAA10 10 10gigabyte gigabyte gigabyte internet internet internetbackbone, backbone, backbone,two two twoexecutive executive executivecyber cyber cyber lounges lounges loungesand and andcard-key card-key card-keysystems systems systemstototoall all all140 140 140 meeting meeting meetingrooms rooms roomswill will willbe be beadded added addedininin2009.

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Convention/Guest Convention/Guest Convention/GuestHotel Hotel HotelRooms: Rooms: Rooms: 20,000 20,000 20,000hotel hotel hotelrooms. rooms. rooms.

Transportation: Transportation: Transportation:Approximately Approximately Approximately14 14 14 miles miles milesfrom from fromthe the theairport. airport. airport.

Attractions: Attractions: Attractions:Within Within Withinwalking walking walkingdistance distance distance of of ofhotels, hotels, hotels,fine fine finedining, dining, dining,attractions attractions attractionsand and and entertainment: entertainment: entertainment:French French FrenchQuarter, Quarter, Quarter, Warehouse/Arts Warehouse/Arts Warehouse/ArtsDistrict, District, District,Aquarium Aquarium Aquarium of of ofthe the theAmericas, Americas, Americas,Children’s Children’s Children’sMuseum, Museum, Museum, The The TheNational National NationalWorld World WorldWar War WarIIIIIIMuseum Museum Museum and and andthe the thenew new newAudubon Audubon AudubonInsectarium.

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Meeting Space: 128,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 23 meeting rooms, 25,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom and 60,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall.

Total Exhibit Space: 85,000 sq. ft.

Meeting Meeting MeetingSpace: Space: Space:1.1 1.1 1.1million million millionsq.ft. sq.ft. sq.ft.ofofof flexible flexible flexibleexhibit exhibit exhibitspace, space, space,4,000-seat 4,000-seat 4,000-seatthethetheater, ater, ater,140 140 140meeting meeting meetingrooms, rooms, rooms,two two twoballrooms ballrooms ballrooms spanning spanning spanning32,000 32,000 32,000and and and36,000 36,000 36,000sq.ft. sq.ft. sq.ft. respectively. respectively. respectively.

900 900 900Convention Convention ConventionCenter Center CenterBlvd Blvd Blvd New New NewOrleans, Orleans, Orleans,LA LA LA70130 70130 70130 (504)582-3023; (504)582-3023; (504)582-3023;Fax: Fax: Fax:(504)582-3032 (504)582-3032 (504)582-3032 Vice-President Vice-President Vice-PresidentofofofSales Sales Sales&&&Marketing: Marketing: Marketing: Tim Tim TimHemphill Hemphill Hemphill Director Director DirectorofofofSales: Sales: Sales: Keith Keith KeithLevey Levey Levey www.mccno.com www.mccno.com www.mccno.com

See ad on page 37 House; Shaw Nottoway; Houma’s

15 MISSISSIPPI

LOUISIANA LOUISIANA LOUISIANA

NEW NEW NEWORLEANS ORLEANS ORLEANS ERNEST ERNEST ERNESTN. N. N.MORIAL MORIAL MORIAL CONVENTION CONVENTION CONVENTIONCENTER CENTER CENTER

Hotel Rooms: 9,000 in thephone, Baton and including electric, Internet, Rouge Area; 4,500 committable for water; on-site, full service catering citywide available;events.

CVB provides complete convention services. The Baton Rouge Transportation: Metropolitan AirportHotel is within Convention/Guest Rooms: 10 minutes downtown the4,500 River 9,000 in theofBaton Rougeand Area; Center. committable for citywide events.

Attractions: FewThe cities offerRouge the diverTransportation: Baton sity of cultureAirport and entertainment Metropolitan is within found in Louisiana’s stateand capital; 10 minutes of downtown the Alligator Bayou Swamp Tours; River Center.

Nottoway; House; Attractions:Houmas Few cities offerShaw the Center Arts;and the entertainment Bluffs on diversityforofthe culture Thompson Creek, designed by found in Louisiana’s state capital; legendary golfer Swamp Arnold Tours; Palmer.

Alligator Bayou

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JACKSON CONVENTION COMPLEX 105 E Pascagoula Street Jackson, MS 39201 (601) 960-2321, (877) 383-MEET Fax: (601) 960-2584 www.jacksonconventioncomplex.com General Manager: Linda McCarthy

Where Mississippi Meets the World Snapshot: Built to stringent green-facility standards, the new JCC features 85,000 sq. ft. of divisible space, encompassing a 60,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, a 25,000-sq.-ft ballroom, and 33,000 sq. ft. of lobbies, concourse, and registration areas. The venue can accommodate no less than 425 exhibit spaces and includes multiple easy-access loading docks, a gleaming 9,000-sq.-ft. kitchen, and two full-service concession areas – all accented by the very latest in fiber optic technology, Wi-Fi capability, and state-ofthe-art sound. The complex is conveniently located within walking distance of many fine restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues downtown.

Theater: 6,000 total capacity.

Technology: State-of-the-art telecommunications and audio-visual; Plasma screen monitors and electronic directional signage throughout; CAT 5 wiring and communication data ports throughout; Satellite and television cable distribution.

Other Venue Features: Fenced staging and load-in dock area; Movable wall divider system; Easily accessible freight elevators; Ballroom and exhibit hall rigging points; Acoustic wall panels in exhibit hall; Business Center; Separate ballroom Entrance from Street.

Transportation: 12 miles Jackson International Airport Nearby Attractions: The Eudora Welty House & Gardens, The new Mississippi Museum of Art; Russell C. Davis Planetarium; One of the oldest governor’s mansions in the US; The new Mississippi Children’s Museum.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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THE SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA

GREATER RALEIGH CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

421 Fayetteville Street Suite 1505 Raleigh, NC 27601 (800) 849-8499: (919) 834-5900 Fax: (919) 831-2887 www.visitRaleigh.com Director of Sales: Jana Rae Oliver

Snapshot: Business and pleasure are both indulged as you take in Greater Raleigh’s more than $3 billion in new development, surrounded by a world of eclectic eateries, Broadway shows and incredible sports. The state-of-the-art Raleigh Convention Center, a catalyst for downtown Raleigh’s redevelopment, opened in September 2008, connected to it via interior walkways, the new, 400-room Raleigh Marriott City Center & recently renovated 353-room Sheraton Raleigh.

Raleigh Convention Center: features 500,000 sq. ft of meeting space, including a 50,000-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall;

32,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom; 20 Meeting Rooms (32,000 sq. ft. total).

Other Raleigh Meeting Venues: Sheraton Raleigh (20,000 sq. ft of meeting space) Raleigh Marriott City Center (14 meeting rooms); Umstead Hotel and Spa, ( 7 meeting rooms & 10,200 sq. ft. of meeting space); The Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts (80,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 4,770 seating capacity); NC State Fairgrounds (344-acre complex with 398,000 sq. ft. of indoor event space); The Mckimmon Conference and Training Center ( hitech educational environment with 37,000 sq. ft of meeting/exhibition space).

Attractions: Entertainment districts feature nightlife, dining & shopping; RBC Center, NC Museum of Art, NC Museum of History and the southeast’s largest natural history museum, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences; 18 golf courses, including new Lonnie Poole Golf Course; N.C. Symphony; Opera Company of North Carolina; the Bicentennial Plaza Historic Oakwood neighborhood; Raleigh Flea Market Mall; High Point, furniture capital of the world.

25

TENNESSEE

TEN

meeting rooms; a 28,000-sq.-ft. elegantly appointed ballroom; a 35,000sq.-ft. exhibit hall (South Hall); and the new, state-of-the-art 2,100-seat Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

Hotel Rooms: More than 2,000 hotel rooms within eight blocks of the center.

Transportation: 20 minutes from Memphis International Airport.

MEMPHIS COOK CONVENTION CENTER 255 North Main Street Memphis, TN 38103-0016 (901) 576-1200; (800) 726-0915 Fax: (901) 576-1212 www. memphisconvention.com General Manager: Pierre Landaiche

Give Me Memphis Snapshot: Downtown Memphis is coming alive with new growth, and at the heart of Downtown is the Memphis Cook Convention Center. The 300,000-sq.-ft., multi-use convention center is designed especially for conventions, trade shows, and the performing arts. Smack dab on the Downtown Trolley Line and within walking distance of numerous hotels, attractions and world-famous Beale Street, the Memphis Cook Convention Center can meet all your needs.

Meeting Space: More than 300,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space; a 125,000sq.-ft., column-free Exhibit Hall; 31

Nearby Attractions: National Civil Rights Museum; Soulsville: Stax Museum of American Soul Music; Graceland, Home of Elvis Presley; Sun Studio; Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous World Famous Ribs; B.B. King’s Blues Club; Beale Street Entertainment District; Overton Square Entertainment District; Delta Blues Museum; Memphis Brooks Museum of Art; Memphis Riverboats; Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum; Mud Island River Park; Center for Southern Folklore; Chucalissa Museum.

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www.Facilitiesonline.com the information you need now

www.facilitieson Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Facilities & Destinations

The Southea 51

Illinois • Indiana SALINA BICENTENNIAL CENTER Iowa • Kansas Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska North Dakota Ohio South Dakota SALINA BICENTENNIAL CENTER Wisconsin

INDIANA

E

The Midwest

FLORIDA

ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

hall. 2.1 million sq. ft. of exhibit ion space, 1.1 million sq. ft. of which is contiguous; two 92,000 sq. foot general assembly areas; three full-service restaurants; 8 food courts; and three business centers.

Venue Features: WIFI; interior plasma directional monitors; DMS directional signs on Universal Boulevard and on International Drive; DMS signs with video feed capabilities; in-house audio & intercom system; direct on-line show management & exhibitor services ordering; internet café set-ups; telecom & webcasting services; three covered loading docks; 173 truck bays; and onsite parking for 6,227.

©2007C Bicentennial Center BICE-2029

West Concourse - 9800 International Drive; South Concourse - 9899 International Drive; North Concourse - 9400 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 685-9800; (800) 345-9800 Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: Fax: (407) 685-9876 Surrounded by 113,000 hotel rooms. www.occc.net One ofDirector/Sales, the most versatile public facilitiesTransportation: in the Midwest 12 is located the heart Senior Marketing, miles toinOrlando Event Management and Exhibitor of Kansas at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135.

Salina’sAirport Bicentennial International (MCO). Center Services: serves aYulita tradeOsuba area of 350,000 and hosts everything from seminars to conven-

nd from na; r.

Attractions: Universal, SeaWorld, “The of Hospitality” tionsCenter and tradeshows, and from ballet to Walt basketball monster trucks.

It is proDisneyand World; upscale shopping; fessionallyOrange managed, fullyConvention equipped, and 10,000 surrounded by acres of free parking.

Snapshot: County fine dining seats.

Center ranks as the nation’s The(OCCC) Exhibition Hall holds 2,000 with See staging and temporary seating, 1,000 Ad on Page 47 second convention fea- – in 18,000 square feet of column-free dinnerlargest guests, or small facility, trade shows turing million sq. ft. ofwalls. combined space7with movable Eight meeting rooms handle groups of 50 to 190. meeting public two for up to 7,600 and 21,000 square feet of Theand Arena hasspace fixedinseating remarkable facilities.The Center is multi-use floor space that converts into an exhibition hall, an auditorium or located in one of the most beautiful theater with additional seating—or a sports facility. and entertaining places in the world—Orlando.

Meeting/Exhibition space: 74 meeting rooms/235 breakout rooms; 62,182-sq.ft. multi-purpose room;Midway, 2,643-seat 800 The P.O. Box 1727, Salina, KS 67402-1727 Chapin Theater and a 160-seat lecture

Phone: (785) 826-7200 • Fax: (785) 826-7207 • www.bicentennial.org

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IOWA EVENTS CENTER 730 Third Street UNIVERSITY CENTER Des Moines, IA 50309 CHICAGO CONFERENCE (515) 564-8135 Fax: (515) 564-8001

525 S. State Street www.iowaeventscenter.com Chicago, IL 60605 Director of Convention Services: (312) 924-8000; Fax: (312) 924-8100 Carrie Jackson www.universitycenter.com Snapshot: TheMark IowaCalderone Events Center is a Sales Manager: multi-purpose, complex Sales Associate: four-venue LaChandra Simon

overlooking the Des Moines River and includes the Polk County Convention Snapshot: This new property is conveCenter, Veterans Memorial niently located in downtown Chicago Auditorium, H-Vee Hall and the Wells and offers a new and exciting environFargo Arena, all of which are connected ment for large to small conferences at by a convenient skywalks and tunnels. extremely competitive rates. It is a perMeeting Iowa Events fect settingSpace: for yourThe executive board Center contains than 260,000 meeting, seminar, more workshop, trainingsq. ft. of overall space; 200,000 ft. of session or retreat.

During thesq. summer, total exhibit/meeting space, including a University Center offers full-service 150,000-sq.-ft. main exhibit hall; and 36 overnight accommodations. meeting rooms, among other options.

Overall Meeting Space: 15,000 sq. ft.

There is also a 17,000-seat arena.

Number of Meeting Rooms: 10 Polk County Convention Center: (meeting rooms range from 435 to 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space, 2,400 sq.ft.). including 47,000 sq. ft. of clear-span Exhibit Space: 2,400 sq. ft.

Exhibit Space: 747,000 sq. ft. total; 564,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall (largest hall is 88,600 sq. ft.).

Technology: WiFi for webcasting and other social media needs; On-site staff of tech.

Hotel Rooms: 29,000

P L A N N E R G U I D E S

Transportation: Indianapolis International Airport, just 10-minutes from theBordelon convention center & downGeraldine town, has invested $1 billion in a new INDIANAPOLIS BATON ROGUE AREA terminal and concourse.

CONVENTION & CONVENTION AND VISITORS ASSOCIATION Destination: Indianapolis is the 13th BUREAU 30 South Meridian Street, Suite 410 VISITORS largest city in the nation and is comIndianapolis, IN 46204 ➤ New 70,000-square-foot pleting $3 billion in new construction (800) 983-INDY; (317) 639-4282 exhibition directlyhall benefiting meetings and conFax: (317) 639-5273 New multi-use stadium offers ➤ 9,000ventions. hotel rooms www.visitindy.com 183,000 sq. ft. of exhibitThe space.

Indiana ➤ Arnold Palmer-designed Bluffs Senior VP of Sales: Ronnie Burt Convention Center—will soon double rburt@visitindy.com on Thompson Creek golf course Indianapolis, Raising the game Page: 50in size to nearly 800,000 sq. ft.

Attractions: The Indianapolis Motor Snapshot:The Indiana Convention Speedway home to the famed Indy Center is currently doubling in size, 500—with museum open year round; moving from 33rd to the 16th largest NCAA’s Hall of Champions Museum convention center in the U.S. It will (30,000 sq ft. of meeting space), John Robertson open in February 2011 with 564,000 sq. celebrating all 23 sports the CHARLESTON ft. of contiguous space. When comNCAA sanctions. bined with the newCENTER Lucas Oil Stadium, CIVIC the facilities will tout 747,000 sq. ft. ➤ 50,000-sq.-ft.Grand Meeting Space: Currently,Hall the Indiana Convention Convention Center offers rooms and 120,000 ➤ 4,000+hotel sq. ft. of➤ meeting space,Racetrack including 83 Tri-State rooms; 60,573-sq.-ft.

Ballroom. & Gaming CenterThe University Place Hotel, located downPage: 57 town Indianapolis, also offers theater seating for more than 400.

24 KANSAS

space, 27 meeting rooms and, spacious Theater Seating: 175and planner offices. registration lobbies Classroom Seating: 80 H-Vee Hall: up to 150,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Technology: spaces contiguous exhibition;Meeting 23,700-sq. ft. of feature white board, pre-function space.projection screen and has wireless internet access. Some Veterans Memorial Auditorium: two meeting rooms are equipped an levels offer 100,000 sq. ft. ofwith exhibits LCD projector, DVD player, VHS and trades shows; seats 7,200. player, Copy Cam and one lavaliere Wells FargoAudio/visual Arena: seatsequipment, 17,000. microphone. computer data Center projection and video Convention Features: Hiconferencing available. speed Internet Access; in-House Telecommunications; Food & Beverage: On climate premisecontrolled catering skywalk onsite connecting to hotels and provided; restaurant. restaurants; onsite parking for 1,300 Lodging: guest rooms.by Ovations vehicles; 504 onsite catering

Amenities: During the summer, Food Services.

University Center offersHotel full-service Convention/Guest Rooms: overnight accommodations, including use 1,700 downtown hotel rooms. of the building’s recreation area, fitness Transportation: Situated at thearea. center, outdoor terrace and dining crossroads of I-80 I-35; 10 miles Guests also have the and added benefit of fromtonearest airport. access kitchen and laundry facilities.

Attractions: Principal Science Transportation: 17 milesPark, to O’Hare Centersteps of Des Moines, Court Airport; away from all CTAAvenue Entertainment District; Civic Center train lines. of Greater Des Moines; Heritage See Ad on Page 43 Carousel, Brass Armadillo Antique Mall, Big Creek Marina.

The Midwest Facilities & Destinations PlannerFacilities Guide & Destinations 52

SALINA BICENTENNIAL CENTER 800 The Midway P.O. Box 1727 Salina, KS 67402-1727 (785) 826-7200; (888) 826-SHOW Fax: (785) 826-7207 Manager: Keith Rawlings www.bicentennial.org

“Mid America’s Meeting Place” Snapshot: The Bicentennial Center in Salina, Kansas qualifies as one of the most versatile public assembly facilities in the Midwest.

Meeting Space: More than 45,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 18,360-sq.-ft.

Exhibition Hall, a 120’ x 153’ configuration that divides neatly into 4 aisles of trade show booths, with floor-to-ceiling moveable walls and column-free space; accommodates 2,000 people with temporary seating and staging or 1,000 for sit-down banquet; 17 meeting rooms— Six of the rooms, designed for groups of 50 or fewer, measure 19’6” x 27’ and can be reconfigured into a single room large

enough for 150 people. Two other rooms measure 20’ x 44’ and accommodate up to 100 people each; versatile Arena converts easily into an excellent auditorium, theater, sports facility, or exhibition hall with over 21,000 square feet of floor space (104’ x 203’), a 48foot ceiling (maximum to steel), and seating for up to 7,500 guests and includes two large concession areas, four large restrooms, team-style and plush dressing rooms, and a 14’ x 17’8” overhead-door entrance designed to accommodate virtually any exhibition equipment or vehicle.

Venue Features: High Speed Wireless Internet; All rooms column free; Separate sound and air conditioning system for each meeting room; Excellent lighting and acoustics. Extra circuits are available for special staging effects.

Convention/Guest Rooms: 2,000 hotel rooms in the city of Salina.

Transportation: five miles from Salina Airport.

Attractions: Smokey Hill Museum; Salina Art Center, Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure; downtown shopping district.

See ad on page 62

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

49

S

ituated among the rolling hills of Northeast Ohio, Greater Akron Ohio’s popularity as a meeting destination is underscored by our convenient location.

Attendees will find Summit County's accessibility unmatched, including Interstates 76, 77 and 71, State Route 8, and the Ohio Turnpike.

G

reater Akron also boasts the recently expanded Akron-Canton Airport ... featuring low-cost carriers AirTran Airways & Frontier Airlines, which join their other four major carriers. Last year, more than 1.5 million passengers flew in/out on 90 daily flights, including 14 non-stop destinations.

I

n addition to eleven full-service hotels, the John S. Knight Center features an exhibition hall of 30,000 square feet; 12,000 square feet of banquet space; an additional 12,600 square feet of meeting space; and 22,000 square feet of magnificent lobby, highlighted by a distinctive glass rotunda and spiral staircase.

M

ore than 5,000 guest rooms throughout the county accommodate every need and budget.

the mid west / wisconsin

Alliant Energy Center of Dane County

T

he Alliant Energy Center is an award-winning prime venue located just minutes from downtown Madison, Wisconsin.

Sitting upon 164 acres, The Center is a multi-building complex featuring the 255,000-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall, the 10,000-seat Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the 22,000-sq. -ft. Arena and the 29-acre outdoor venue Willow Island.

The Center produces over 500 events annually, and welcomes more than one million visitors annually. Events range from local meetings and banquets to conventions, major trade shows, sporting events and concerts.

Exhibition Hall is ideal for events of all sizes, offering 14 meeting rooms and 150,000 sq. ft. of show space. Event planners enjoy conveniences offered by The Alliant Energy Center, including an online request for proposal and attention to detail provided by professional event coordinators.

54

Location and accessibility are additional attributes that attract major events to Exhibition Hall each year. The Center has direct access to Interstate 90/94, making it convenient for visitors from all over the Midwest, including Chicago and Minneapolis. Located minutes from the Wisconsin State Capitol and the Dane County Regional Airport, travel to the Alliant Energy Center is hassle-free.

All events at the Alliant Energy Center take advantage of on-site amenities including ample parking, catering by Centerplate, a full range of A/V equipment, high speed internet and an experienced staff. The awardwinning Clarion Suites Hotel is directly attached to Exhibition Hall through a climate-controlled walkway, while the Sheraton Hotel Madison and Holiday Inn Express are both within walking distance.

Whether you’re planning a meeting for 12 or an elaborate banquet for 3,000, the Alliant Energy Center offers the flexibility and functionality to make your event one you’ll never forget.

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 (608) 267-3991; Fax: (608) 267-0146 www.alliantenergycenter.com

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

the mid west / Missouri

Branson Convention Center

T

he Midwest’s most exciting new meeting facility is already an award winner! The Branson Convention Center celebrated its grand opening in September 2007, and just one year later celebrated its first anniversary by winning the 2008 Planners’ Choice Award from Meeting News magazine. 4,000 meeting planners voted and the Branson Convention Center was selected as one of 25 convention centers to earn this prestigious award.

The center can accommodate up to 4,500 people in a beautiful, state-of-the-art setting. Situated on the shores of picturesque Lake Taneycomo, the center’s unique design makes it an ideal location for a diverse range of events and gatherings—from national and regional trade shows and conventions, to religious symposiums, corporate meetings, public expos and large-scale entertainment events.

The Branson Convention Center offers guests 220,000 gross square feet of convention center exhibit space. The first level consists of a 47,000-square-foot exhibit hall that can be divided into two sections, as well as a 23,000-square-foot ballroom. The second level features five meeting rooms, ranging in size from 1,200 to 5,500 square feet. The larger meeting rooms can also be divided to provide additional space options The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is the perfect extension of the Branson Convention Center. Together, they offer guests an exceptional level of comfort and convenience.

The towering Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel rises 12 stories above the adjacent Branson Convention Center. The hotel features 294 rooms, many offering scenic views of beautiful Lake

Taneycomo, and Branson Landing. The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is also an award winner, having been designated as a “Four Diamond” lodging establishment by the AAA (American Automobile Association).

200 Sycamore Street, Branson, MO 65616 • (417) 336-5401; Fax: (417) 243-238 • www.bransonconvention.com

BRANSON CONVENTION CENTER WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER

E

Everything you need to plan your next meeting or event is right here at the world-class facilities of the Branson Convention Center.

Located across from the bustling Branson Landing and only minutes away from historic downtown Branson, your guests can conveniently enjoy upscale shopping, first-class dining and entertainment with over 49 shows and theaters.

Bring your next meeting or event to Branson and let Hilton, the first name in hospitality, take care of every detail and professional amenity that your event requires. With 220,000 square feet of wall-to-wall cutting-edge meeting technology and endless audio-visual possibilities, the Branson Convention Center has the resources and experience to make your meeting one of a kind.

Branson is your convenient and affordable meeting destination, and now with direct flights into the new Branson Airport beginning May 11, 2009, the Branson Convention Center will be even more convenient.

Bring it all together for your next event at the Branson Convention Center. Call us today.

Managed by Hilton

Hotels Corporation

bransonconvention.com | 417.336.5401 | 200 Sycamore Street Branson, MO 65616

of Exhibit Space (600,000 sq. ft. of contiguous space on one level); 5 sepa-

the mid west MINNESOTA

s/

MEET MINNEAPOLIS THE OFFICIAL CONVENTION + VISITORS ASSOCIATION 250 Marquette Avenue South, Suite 1300 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 767-8000; (800) 445-7412 FAX: (612) 767-8001 www.minneapolismeetings.com VP of Convention Sales: Kevin Lewis

“There’s no place quite like Minneapolis” Snapshot: It’s a city of amazing contrasts and combinations. Where down home people meet uptown style. Where below zero temperatures meets above average intelligence. Where modern glass architecture meets outdoor green adventure. Where every season, every art and every type meet in every possible way. We want everyone to Meet Minneapolis, and see firsthand what an amazing place this is.

Main Convention Space: The Minneapolis Convention Center features 480,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 87

ers, n ity

The Midwest

MISSOURI MISSOURI

meeting rooms a 28,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and a 3,400 fixed-seat, state-ofthe-art auditorium.

Other Meeting Space: Hilton Minneapolis (connected via Skyway to the Minneapolis Convention Center) features 74,000 sq. ft. of function space including a 25,000-sq.-ft. foot ballroom, a 7,400-sq.-ft. junior ballroom, and the Hilton Meetings Conrad space; Walker Art Center (flexible indoor and outdoor space); Mill City Museum (Meet within a National Historic Landmark - the Washburn A Mill) .

Guthrie Theater (the 3-theater complex; Minneapolis Public Library (conference rooms, boardrooms and auditorium); Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Special event spaces include the new Graves Reception Hall.)

Services: Meet Minneapolis provides a full range of meeting services, including turnkey housing programs for reserving and managing room blocks; one-of-akind on line Registration Services; onsite staff in registration and information booths; full-service Meeting Planning.

Attractions: Hennepin Avenue Theatre District; Mall of America, Nicollet Mall; Restaurants include La Belle, Chambers Kitchen and Wolfgang Puck’s 20.21.

BRANSON BRANSON CONVENTION CONVENTIONCENTER CENTER 200 Sycamore Street

200 Sycamore Street Branson, MO 65616 Branson, MO 65616 (417) 336-5401; Fax: (417) 243-2387 (417) 336-5401; Fax: (417) 243-2387 www.bransonconvention.com www.bransonconvention.com Director of Sales and Marketing: William Director of Sales and Marketing: William R. Tirone R. Tirone

Where WhereWater WaterMeets MeetsSpectacle Spectacle

Snapshot: The Branson Convention Snapshot: The Branson Convention Center offers 220,000sq. ft. of meeting Center offers 220,000sq. ft. of meeting space and can accommodate up to space and can accommodate up to 4,500 people in a beautiful, state-of4,500 people in a beautiful, state-ofthe-art setting. Situated on the shores the-art setting. Situated on the shores ofofpicturesque picturesqueLake LakeTaneycomo, Taneycomo,the the center’s center’sunique uniquedesign designmakes makesititan anideal ideal location for a diverse range of events location for a diverse range of events and gatherings—from national and and gatherings—from national and regional regionaltrade tradeshows showsand andconventions, conventions, totoreligious religioussymposiums, symposiums,corporate corporate meetings, meetings,public publicexpos exposand andlarge-scale large-scale entertainment entertainmentevents. events.The Thefacility facilityisis managed by Hilton Hotels and managed by Hilton Hotels andisisconconnected nectedtotoHilton HiltonBranson BransonConvention Convention Center Hotel.

Center Hotel.

Destination: Known as the Music Destination: Known as the Music Capital of the Midwest, Branson has Capital of the Midwest, Branson has more theatre seats than Broadway, mulmore theatre seats than Broadway, multiple Amusement Parks, Museums and tiple Amusement Parks, Museums and Attractions & 11 championship golf Attractions & 11 championship golf courses. courses.

Meeting Space: 220,000 sq. ft. of overMeeting Space: 220,000 sq. ft. of overall space, including 70,000 sq. ft. of all space, including 70,000 sq. ft. of Exhibit Space; 10 meeting rooms; Exhibit Space; 10 meeting rooms; 23,000-sq-ft. ballroom; 47,000-sq-ft.

23,000-sq-ft. ballroom; 47,000-sq-ft.

Main Exhibit Hall; 4,500-seat Theater.

Main Exhibit Hall; 4,500-seat Theater.

Transportation: Springfield Branson Transportation: Springfield Branson National Airport is 45 minutes away National Airport is 45 minutes away and the new Branson Airport is only 15 and the new Branson Airport is only 15 minutes away. minutes away.

Attractions: Branson Landing, Silver Attractions: Branson Landing, Silver Dollar City Amusement Park and the Dollar City Amusement Park and the Branson Strip with over 100 live Branson Strip with over 100 live shows daily. shows daily.

See ad on page 55 See ad on page 55

Managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation Managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation

Facilities & Destinations 11

11 Conventions: A Reflection of the Economy Continued from page 10

It’s always more difficult, budget wise, to manage an event with fewer attendees than expected. If you work very hard to find ways to tightly manage costs you’ll save money and the attendee experience and ROI will not be affected.

F&D: Such as?

VH: Such as ordering no more food than you need—perhaps only 80 percent of attendees typically stay for lunch, so set your guarantee below 100 percent—and not having more shuttle buses than you need for the expected volume.

F&D: Is there a fear that economic news can dominate a convention?

VH: It can certainly create a negative environment if you let it, especially in professions that are hardest hit. If you anticipate that and provide people with solutions to help them survive, you help them help themselves out of these difficult times. Then the talk at the convention turns to how they as individuals, and how their industry, can proactively manage this crisis, instead of simply focusing on the doom and gloom of the times.

F&D: According to FutureWatch 2009, meeting attendance is expected to decline five percent—is this across the board?

VH: That number is across the board. Associations and government sectors predict less of a decline than corporate. In relative terms, governments see many meetings and conventions as “required,” and associations often see meetings and conventions as a significant revenue source, while corporate has more flexibility to postpone and/or cancel meetings and conventions.

F&D: The study said that meeting planners are already changing the way they do their jobs. What is changing?

VH: Most change is reflected in an increase in the number of responsibilities people have as well as an increase in the number of hours they work. A lot of time is currently being spent on changing venues and programs, and negotiating new agreements wherever possible.

F&D: Smaller meetings, corporate meetings and many conference centers are concerned about the “AIG effect” – a backlash against trips and meetings that can be seen as rewards. Is there a similar concern among larger meetings, trade shows and conventions?

VH: Yes, larger venues, destinations, and events are all concerned— Las Vegas, for example. Conventions, such as those held by associations, generate revenue so cancellation is typically not a concern. Tightened budgets due to lower attendance is a concern with associations, however. More affordable venue options would certainly be considered, however, most large conventions select their locations at least 2-3 years in advance, with contracts in place, so it’s more likely association planners are looking for ways to produce the meeting more cost effectively or reduce their room blocks rather than cancel and relocate a convention.

F&D: Because meeting budgets have been suddenly slashed?

VH: Yes, budgets are now being cut more because of the economy, but I believe that a large majority of planners are used to creating the same conference/meeting experience from one year to the next with less money. There are usually opportunities to cut back and renegotiate many different aspects of a convention. Be honest with your partners about your budget. Your partners want to showcase Continued on page 96

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Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

the mid west / ohio

The Cleveland Convention Center

T

he Cleveland Convention Center is an excellent option for events of all sizes, but a new convention center is being planned, which should open in 2013. Until then, Cleveland is booking meetings and conventions in alternative venues such as the International Exposition Center, with more than 1 million square feet of space, including an 800,000 square-foot main exhibit hall.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS Home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra; the Cleveland Museum of Art and more arts, cultural, educational and health institutions in one square mile than anywhere else in the nation. Dinner and dancing cruises on Lake Erie are popular with conventiongoers, as are kayaking, charter fishing, and other lake activities. Many also choose to hit the links, as there are hundreds of public golf courses in Cleveland Plus. There’s plenty to love for sports fans, ranging from the Cavaliers (featuring superstar LeBron James), the Indians and the Browns.

ACCOMMODATIONS Eight downtown hotels offer nearly 5,000 rooms within walking distance of the current convention center.

DINING In the East Fourth Street District, attendees can dine at Lola, the newest Iron Chef America’s restaurant; enjoy martinis and bowling at the upscale Corner Alley; see live music at the House of Blues; or check out Pickwick and Frolic, a champagne bar/restaurant/comedy club. The Warehouse District offers late-night salsa dancing at Sunset Lounge, Brazilian cuisine at Brasa Grill, seafood at Blue Point Grille, and tapas and vino at D’vine Wine.

AFFORDABILITY Cleveland offers competitive pricing and lower costs than most major U.S. cities. According to Runzheimer International’s Guide to Daily Travel Prices, Cleveland features lower airfare and lower hotel rates as well as lower costs for food and entertainment.

ACCESS Cleveland is within 500 miles of 43% of the U.S. population.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is just a few miles from downtown, and the Akron-Canton Airport is just an hour south. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority features service from CLE to downtown.

500 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 875-6600; (800) 321-1001 Fax: (216) 621-5967 www.clevelandmeetings.com / Twitter@CleveMtgs

MEET IN THE CITY

Built+ on rocK

roll

AND YOUR ATTENDEES WILL claMor for an encore Schedule your meeting in Cleveland when you want a city that is accessible, affordable and chock full of the amenities your group deserves. You’ll show your group that you’re a rock star.

discover the unexpected side of cle+

meetings

Find it all at www.cleveland .com, the official website of Positively Cleveland CVB.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

57

the mid west / ohio

GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER T he SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center is located in Ohio’s capital city. The Midwest facility originally opened in 1993 and has been expanded so that the massive complex bears a stunning footprint of 1.7 million square feet with 426,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Architecturally, the center is an extraordinary play of color, angles, concrete and glass designed by Peter Eisenman. Located in a multicultural metropolis, the city itself reveals a patchwork of interesting neighborhoods that can range from the artistic to the academic sides of life, with area restaurants and attractions reflecting a dynamic diversity.

Two-thirds of the entire U.S. population is within a 550mile radius, making the complex the ideal site for trade shows, conventions, seminars, meetings and consumer shows.

Meeting planners also appreciate the fact that the facility is exhibitor friendly and easily accessible from its local airport and nearby interstate highways and is surrounded by brand name, meeting-style hotels. Columbus was named the second-most affordable trade show destination in the country.

Exhibit/Meeting Space In 2009, an existing exhibition/concert venue is being transformed into Battelle Grand, a magnificent ballroom that will be one of the largest in the Midwest and the biggest in Ohio. The resulting $40-million renovation will include a 74,000-square-foot ballroom with 50,000 square feet on the main floor and 24,000 on the mezzanine; floor-toceiling windows with city views; area divisible into 5 configurations; LED “fin” lighting with 65,000 color combination options.

• Hall C: Single level totaling 98,000 square feet of exhibit space, 8,000 seats and accommodations for 530 booths.

• Hall D: Single level totaling 118,000 square feet of exhibit space, 8,000 seats and accommodations for 630 booths. (Halls C&D are flexible and may be combined.)

• Hall E: Single level totaling 57,000 square feet of exhibit space and accommodations for 302 booths.

• Hall F: Single level totaling 56,000 square feet of exhibit space and accommodations for 206 booths. (Halls E&F are flexible and may be combined.) Halls C, D, E and F can be combined for a total of 336,000 square feet.

58

Two-thirds of the entire U.S. population is within a 550-mile radius 400 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241 Fax: (614) 827-2659 www.columbusconventions.com In addition, the Columbus facility includes the Grand Ballroom and Terrace Ballroom encompassing 40,000 square feet and 61 meeting rooms that are fully carpeted and equipped with acoustical wall treatments, individual temperature controls, and sound and lighting controls. Upon completion in December 2009, the facility’s renovation will also include additional meeting rooms, a catering kitchen, an enhanced south entrance and an expanded public seating area in which guests may relax, enjoy a meal and check their e-mail messages.

Special Services As expansive as this multi-purpose convention center is in space, so it is in the number of business and convention services it offers. A brief list of such helpful services includes: registrar services; party decorators; equipment and furniture rentals; exhibit and display rentals; audio-visual equipment and support staff; banners and signage technology. In addition, the high-tech center includes an in-house location of The UPS Store and Business Center within the 100,000 square feet of Food Court & Shops retail space.

Food & Beverage Nationally-acclaimed ARAMARK is the exclusive food and beverage provider at the convention center, offering customized menus and catered events for all size groups including served meals for more than 5,000 guests.

Hotel Info & Parking The Greater Columbus Convention Center is connected directly to a 631-room Hyatt Regency and three additional hotels by covered walkway. It is also surrounded by a dozen or more first-class hotels that include such familiar names as Renaissance, Crowne Plaza, Westin, a second Hyatt and others. When tallied, hotel inventory of rooms (within walking distance of the convention center) totals 3,500 rooms. Recently announced was the financing agreement for a new 500-room convention hotel to be built across the street from the facility. There are more than 22,000 hotel rooms citywide.

Parking at the convention center accommodates 3,000 vehicles.

There is parking for an additional 10,000 cars throughout the downtown area.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

the mid west / Missouri

Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities 301 West 13th Street, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 513-5015 • Fax: (816) 513-5001 www.kcconvention.com

G

reat meetings in Kansas City happen at the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities. The eight-squareblock convention and special event facility located in the heart of downtown can accommodate conventions and special events all in one place. Attendees are right in the heart of the city’s convention district and steps from hotels restaurants and entertainments. The newly-renovated and expanded convention center features a $150million expansion & technology upgrade and includes one of the ten largest, most sophisticated ballrooms in the country. Located twenty minutes from Kansas City International Airport, the convenient location assures convention attendees will arrive with ease.

The Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities offers 388,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space on one floor, 48 state-of-the art meeting rooms, a 2,400-seat fine arts theater and an arena that seats more than 10,700 people. The complex is connected to major downtown hotels and underground parking by glassenclosed skywalks and below-ground walkways.

Grand Ballroom The dramatic ballroom structure is a monumental engineering and architectural achievement. Opened in May 2007, it is one of the ten largest convention center ballrooms in the country. The

40,400-square-foot ballroom can be expanded to 46,400 square feet and boasts a 3,000-guest seating capacity that is divisible into three separate ballrooms that can be operated independently for greater meeting flexibility. The ballroom connects to the existing Conference Center to accommodate additional breakout rooms.

It features one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world. The upper walls of the ballroom can be programmed to display any color, offering planners more than 350 trillion color combinations. The ballroom features dramatic views to the south from a 38-foot-high glass wall covering the entire length of the south wall and opens to an outdoor plaza at the southeast corner of the Convention Center complex.

This progressive structure has been awarded the LEED® Silver rating by the U.S Green Building Council. The facility utilizes waterless plumbing fixtures. The use of natural light was a key element in the design highlighted by its energy-efficient daylighting system. The green building also features energy efficient heating and cooling systems.

For more information about the Kansas City Convention Center, please call 816-513-5015 or visit www.kcconventioncenter.com

60

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

the mid west / wisconsin

MIDWEST AIRLINES CENTER

Accessible, Affordable & Hospitable

MMid west Airlines Center “

The Midwest Airlines Center faces Wisconsin Avenue,the city’s “Main Street.”

ATTRACTIONS Milwaukee is emerging as a top ilwaukee’s Midwest Airlines Center continues to hone the leading convention and tourist destination. Downtown is edge of the convention center industry with outstanding service, flexialive with museums, dining, nightlife, promeble, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown Milwaukee, The Midwest nades, public art, and the new Harley Davidson now nationally recognized as a fun, friendly and exciting destination Museum opening in Summer 2008; the in itself.

Airlines Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District (WCD), the Milwaukee, Wisconsin • (414) 908-6000 • www.midwestairlinescenter.com Midwest Airlines Center faces Wisconsin Avenue, the city’s “Main Street,” Center faces designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, has become a world-renowned symbol of the city; and is within steps of leading hotels, retail establishments, attractions, dinWisconsin Miller Park is among the most breathtaking, faning, nightclubs, and transportation. It is even connected via skywalk to two Midwest Airlines Center Center, which also boastsfriendly an indoor waterpark.

Sevenand other hotels baseball parks anywhere; these gemsare major hotels—theilwaukee’s Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the Hilton continues Milwaukee City Avenue, to hone the the convention by skywalk.

Milwaukee hastrails, about are set among a glittering array of parks, Center. Adjacent neighbors alsoleading owned byedge WCDofinclude the 12,700-seat U.S. within three blocks or connected industry Theatre, with outstanding service, 3,000 downtown and nearly 15,000 therooms city’s golf courses and lake citywide. vistas.

Cellular Arena andcenter The Milwaukee which opened in 2003flexible, as a new, comfortable facilities 4,087-seat theatrical and assembly venue, and built ainsetting the shellinofdowntown the historic “Main Street.” FOOD &is BEVERAGE Restaurants, WCD’s Milwaukee Auditorium.

Both offer excellent options for generalas sessions, Milwaukee, now nationally recognized a fun, ATTRACTIONS Milwaukee emerging asLevy a top convention and catering and concessions partner,nightlife, receives consisentertainment and other functions tied to Midwest Airlines Center conventions. friendly and exciting destination in itself. tourist destination, alive with museums, dining, culture, praisehighlights: from banquet meeting planners.

Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District promenades and public art.tent Recent theand Harley Davidson Efficient service Park is facilitated byDiscovery the center’sWorld; MEETING EXHIBIT Airlines SPACE The Midwest Airlines Center’s Avenue, 188,695(WCD), the &Midwest Center faces Wisconsin Museum; the newly-renovated Mitchell Domes; design, but moreArt important are high standards and creativity derived (gsf) exhibit hallwithin is divisible halls hotels, of 31,000retail or thegross-square-foot city’s “Main Street,” and is stepsinto of four leading the Milwaukee Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, designed by from Santiago Milwaukee’s traditions of hospitality and excellence combined with Levy’s 63,000 gsf, with 90-foot minimum spans between pillars.

In addition, 39,360 establishments, attractions, dining, nightclubs, and transportation.

Calatrava, now a world-renowned symbol of the city; and Miller Park, well-known committment to a memorable dining experience everywhere they of meeting space can be divided into 28 breakouts or as few as six meetIt isgsfeven connected via skywalk to two major hotels—the Hyatt among the most fan-friendly baseball parks anywhere. These gems are set operate. ing/banquet rooms from 5,200 to 8,300 gsf each. A luxurious, 37,500-gsf Regency-Milwaukee andfour thesmaller Hilton Milwaukee Citylike Center. among a glittering array of parks, trails, golf courses and lake vistas. ballroom is divisible into rooms and equipped a concert hall Adjacent neighbors WCD include the 12,700-seat TECHNOLOGY Ranked among the world’s “technologically elite” convention for corporate theateralso and owned banquet by entertainment.

Abundant, well-appointed U.S.pre-function Cellular Arena The Milwaukee Theatre, which opened FOOD Restaurants, WCD’s and centers, & theBEVERAGE Midwest AirlinesLevy Center can outperform almost catering any external areas onand all levels serve excellently for receptions, breaks, in 2003 as a new, 4,087-seat assembly venue, the concessions partner, receives praise fromprovides banquet and network or ISP connected to it. Aconsistent skilled, flexible IT staff tech users showcase exhibits and eventheatrical full-serviceand dining.

Power, data andbuilt phoneinconshell of theare historic Milwaukee meeting planners. service connections is facilitated by the center’s customized, in-showEfficient LANs, high-speed to corporate WANs, design, and nections plentiful everywhere.Auditorium. Both are excellent for convention functions, and all three venues are “green” equipped and but morerange important creativity from a wide of phoneare andhigh videostandards services. AVand provider Unitedderived Visual offers state-of-the-art projection,ofsound, lightingand and more.

HOTELto INVENTORY Midwest Airlines Center is linked by skywalk to operated minimize The environmental impacts.

Milwaukee’s traditions hospitality excellence combined with two first-class convention hotels: the 484-room Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee Levy’s well-known committment to a memorable dining experience ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and get around in! and the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee CityThe Center, which also boastsCenter’s an MEETING & EXHIBIT SPACE Midwest Airlines everywhere they operate.

User-friendly General Mitchell International Airport, serving 14 airlines and indoor gross-square-foot waterpark. Seven other hotels are within blocks or connected 188,695 (gsf ) exhibit hall three is divisible into four some 90 cities, is onlyRanked eight miles from downtown, O’Hare is just an elite” by of skywalk.

Milwaukee hasgsf, about 3,000 rooms minimum downtown and overbetween halls 31,000 or 63,000 with 90-foot spans TECHNOLOGY among the world’sand “technologically hour-and-a-half car trip. newly renovated station just a few 12,000 pillars.

Incitywide. addition, 39,360 gsf of meeting space can be divided into convention centers, theThe Midwest AirlinesAmtrak Center can is outperform blocks away, and the city enjoys a safe and very walkable downtown.

“

M

28 breakouts or as few as six meeting/banquet rooms from 5,200 almost any external network or ISP connected to it. A skilled, flexible to 8,300 gsf each. A luxurious, 37,500 gsf ballroom is divisible into IT staff provides tech users customized, in-show LANs, high-speed four smaller rooms and equipped like a concert hall for corporate connections to corporate WANs, and a wide range of phone and video theater and banquet entertainment. Abundant, well-appointed preservices. AV provider United Visual offers state-of-the-art projection, function areas on all levels serve excellently for receptions, breaks, sound, lighting and more. showcase exhibits and even full-service dining.M Power, data IDW E Sand T AIRLINES CENTER phone connections are plentiful everywhere.

ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and get Milwaukee, around Wisconsin in! User-friendly General Mitchell International Airport, 908-6000 •serving www.wcd.org HOTEL INVENTORY The Midwest Airlines Center is(414) linked 14 airlines and some 90 cities, is only eight miles from by skywalk to two first-class convention hotels: the 484-room Hyatt downtown, and O’Hare is just an hour-and-a-half car trip. The newly 70 Destinations renovated Amtrak station is just a few Facilities blocks away,&and the city enjoys Regency-Milwaukee and the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee CityThe Midwest a safe and very walkable downtown.

Milwaukee is emerging as a top convention and tourist destination.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

61

the mid west MISSOURI

MISSOURI

ft. of meeting room space, a 2,400-seat renovated Music Hall, a 10,700-seat renovated arena and over 100,000 sq. ft. of unique outdoor festival and reception space.

Meeting Space: 62,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 48 breakout rooms.

Ballroom: New, state-of-the-art 40,500-sq.-ft. ballroom can be expanded to 46,484 sq. ft.; divisible into 3 separate rooms; controllable digital day-lighting system.

Exhibit Hall: 388,800 sq. ft.

KANSAS CITY CONVENTION & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES

301 West 13th Street, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 513-5015; Fax: (816) 513-5001 www.kcconvention.com Executive Director of the Kansas City Convention Center: Oscar McGaskey Sales & Marketing Manager: Janet O’Hagen

City of Fountains… Heart of the Nation…Kansas City, Missouri Snapshot: No matter how your attendees define fun, they’ll find it in Kansas City. From elegant shopping and fine dining to thrilling theme parks and historic jazz clubs, the City of Fountains offers a great mix of exciting attractions within minutes of the Convention & Entertainment District. The eightsquare-block convention and entertainment facilities can accommodate every need with 388,800 sq. ft. of columnfree contiguous exhibit space, 62,000sq. s.

ST. LOUIS CONVENTION & VISITORS COMMISSION

Hotel Rooms: 1,500 guest rooms within walking distance of convention center.

701 Convention Plaza, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63101 (314) 421-1023; (800) 325-7962 Fax: (314) 621-7729 www.slcvc.com National Convention Sales Manager: Michelle Taylor

Transportation: 20 minutes from the Kansas City International Airport.

Nearby Attractions: Sprint Center, College Basketball Experience, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City Jazz Museum, Power and Light District, City Market, Kemper Arena, Arrowhead Stadium, Kauffman Stadium, Nelson Art Gallery, Country Club Plaza, Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas Speedway, Argosy Casino, Harrah’s Casino, Ameristar Casino.

Snapshot: Founded in 1909, The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission is the sales and marketing organization responsible for selling St. Louis City and St. Louis County as a convention and meeting site. The organization also manages and operates the America’s Center convention complex, Edward Jones Dome at America’s Center, the Ferrara Theatre, a 28,000square-foot ballroom and the St. Louis Executive Conference Center.

Meeting Space: America’s Center features 502,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space within six halls; 83 meet-

See Ad on Page 60

ing rooms; a 28,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; the 1,411-seat Ferrara Theatre; the St. Louis Executive Conference Center accommodates meetings up to 100; multilevel, multipurpose Edward Jones Dome seats 70,000.

Technological Features: Onsite communication services include single phone lines and instruments, multi-line instruments, direct dial lines, special circuits and Nextel phone rental.

Internet access with full T-1 bandwidth in all halls and meeting rooms.

Convention/Hotel Guest Rooms: 35,000 city-wide hotel rooms.

Transportation: The Lambert-St. Louis International Airport is located 13 miles from America’s Center.

Attractions: St. Louis features variety of recreational areas, including the 419-acre Route 66 State Park, and regional wineries, including the popular Mt. Pleasant Winery; 1,000 one-of-a-kind restaurants including America’s Incredible Pizza Co.; City Museum, the Cherokee-Lemp Historic Downtown District, both the Casino Queen and Ameristar Casino, several historic houses (including the home of Daniel Boone).

Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

BBO OO OK K Y YO OU UR R NNE XE TX T E EV EV NE NT T A AT T

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Facilities & Destinations

Comprehensive Directory of Conference Centers, College & University Conference Facilities, Meeting & Boutique Hotels, Small-to-Mid-Size Meeting & Event Venues

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PHONE 785-826-7200 FAXFAX 785-826-7207 •• PHONE 785-826-7200 785-826-7207 1727 SALINA , K,ANSAS 67402-1727 www.bicentennial.org P.O. BOX •• •• 1727 SALINA KANSAS 67402-1727 www.bicentennial.org P.O. BOX

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CONTACT ARSHALL P. P.PERRY CONTACTMM ARSHALL PERRYFORFORBOOKING BOOKINGINFORMATION INFORMATION

Salina SalinaBicentennial BicentennialCenter Center

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Meeting Space: 232, 827 sq. ft of

Location and versatile design make this 8,000-plus-seat arena and convenLocation and versatile design make this 8,000-plus-seat arena and convention facility a great venue forfor everything from rock to to Ravel, basketball to to tion facility a great venue everything from rock Ravel, basketball ballet, rodeo to Broadway musicals, and wrestling to monster trucks.

The ballet, rodeo to Broadway musicals, and wrestling to monster trucks. The Center is is located in in Salina, KS,KS, a thriving town of of 50,000 at at thethe intersecCenter located Salina, a thriving town 50,000 intersection of of I-70 and I-135, and serves a 24-county trade area of of 350,000.

It is tion I-70 and I-135, and serves a 24-county trade area 350,000.

It is professionally managed, fully equipped and surrounded by ample free offprofessionally managed, fully equipped and surrounded by ample free offstreet parking. street parking.

The Salina Bicentennial Center has fixed arena seating forfor upup to to 7,600 The Salina Bicentennial Center has fixed arena seating 7,600 surrounding 21,000 square feet of of open multi-use floor space that easily surrounding 21,000 square feet open multi-use floor space that easily converts to to anan auditorium or or theater with temporary seating, a sports converts auditorium theater with temporary seating, a sports facility, or an exhibition hall.

Just outside the floor space are concession facility, or an exhibition hall. Just outside the floor space are concession areas, restrooms, dressing rooms, and a super-sized overhead door forfor areas, restrooms, dressing rooms, and a super-sized overhead door vehicles and equipment. vehicles and equipment.

THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUP

800 The Midway, P.O. Box 1727, Salina, KS 67402-1727 Essential Planning Tools 800 The Midway, P.O. Box 1727, Salina, KS 67402-1727 (785) 826-7200 • Fax: (785) 826-7207 • www.bicentennial.org (785) 826-7200 • Fax: (785) 826-7207 • www.bicentennial.org

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Facilities SuperBook 2009 Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook Facilities SuperBook 2009

the mid west / Wisconsin

monona terrace convention center One John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 441-3942 • Fax: (608) 258-4950 • www.mononaterrace.com Madison, Wisconsin: An Inspiring Place for Smart Meetings. adison, Wisconsin, combines exceptional facilities with the intellectual and emotional capital needed for meeting success.

Home to the renowned University of Wisconsin–Madison, the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright, the insight of Aldo Leopold and a majestic Capitol built upon an isthmus alive with cultural arts, engaging intellectual pursuits and a wealth of recreational opportunities, Madison is the place for smart meetings.

Monona Terrace, the crown jewel of Madison’s cultural isthmus, recently became the first convention center in the nation to be LEEDEB-certified at the Silver Level as a “green” building. To earn its silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Existing Building (LEED-EB) program, the Convention Center invested in initiatives to increase recycling rates, utilize green cleaning products, and promote clean energy use and conversation. Monona Terrace has become a symbol of sustainability for the community of Madison and inspiration to all those who choose to visit the city.

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Accommodations More than 8,000 hotel rooms are available to groups in Madison, with 1,000 rooms within walking distance of the Monona Terrace® Convention Center. Accommodation styles run the gamut from firstclass convention hotels, such as the 240-room Hilton Madison (the

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

headquarters hotel for the convention center), to limited-service hotels and budget-conscious motels. Bed and breakfasts are another attractive choice in Madison, and several provide services and amenities appropriate for executive attendees.

Convention Facilities The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace® Convention Center is a touchstone for both the Madison community and groups coming to the city. Sweeping lines and vast, arched windows typify the structure, which offers dramatic surroundings for groups. In total, Monona Terrace Convention Center offers 85,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. Highlights of the center include: ➤ 37,200-square-foot Exhibition Hall that accommodates 212, 10’ x 10’ booths ➤ 13,524-square-foot Madison Ballroom, divisible by four ➤ 7,000-square-foot Grand Terrace serves as pre-function space for the Madison Ballroom or use on its own as a magnificent indoor event space ➤ 68,000 square feet of rooftop gardens may also be reserved for events

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attendees); Ballroom 5 (up to 1,050 attendees); Ballroom 4 (up to 1,050 attendees); Junior Ballrooms 1 & 3 (up to 241attendees); Junior Ballroom 2 (up to 144 attendees).

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full-service, on-site culinary department. Clients receive professional service from the Center’s Director of Food Service and Executive Chef.

Arena eating Capacities: Total –21,389; Arena Set End Stage: 11,029; Round: 12, 914; Half-House: 8,245; Standard Theater: 2,619.

ALERUS CENTER

1200 South 42nd Street Grand Forks, ND 58201 (701) 792-1200; Fax: (701) 746-6511 www.aleruscenter.com Director of Administration: Vione Jordheim

Snapshot: The Alerus Center, built in 2001, is the region’s premier, full service convention, meeting, exhibition, trade show and event center. It features both a convention center and an arena. The Alerus Center’s Convention Center is built for functionality and ambiance.

The Alerus Center Arena was designed to serve as a multi-purpose, versatile facility capable of quick conversions while maintaining the integrity of the “entertainment experience”. The arena floor is a massive 99,600 sq. ft. with seating capacity for almost 22,000 people.

Meeting Space: Convention Center features 12 individual meeting rooms ranging from 600 sq. ft. to 1,300 sq. ft. & a 25,588-sq-ft. ballroom. In addition: Aurora Ballroom (up to 3,150

12 OHIO

GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER

400 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 827-2500; (800) 626-0241 Fax: (614) 827-2659 www.columbusconventions.com Regional General Manager: Craig Liston Senior Director of Sales: Sherry Chambers, CMP

Snapshot: The 1.7-million-square-foot Greater Columbus Convention Center is an award-winning facility located in the heart of a vibrant entertainment district and within 550 miles of two thirds of the nation’s population. Managed by SMG, the Greater Columbus Convention Center is an exhibitor-friendly venue welcoming more than 2.5 million guests annually to the country’s 15th largest city.

Meeting Space: 99,410 sq. ft. of meeting space; 61 meeting rooms; 25,000- sq.-ft.

Grand Ballroom; 15,000-sq.-ft. Terrace Ballroom; Five exhibit halls, including 336,000 sq. ft. contiguous and a total exhibit space of 426,000 sq. ft.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: Adjacent Downtown, 364; Summit County: 5,000+.

Backstage Areas: 8 locker rooms; private offices, meeting rooms and start dressing rooms are available. Sound System: custom Bose system, powered

by Crown amplification, and includes corded microphones, wireless microphones, CD and cassette players, mixing boards, and a variety of other audiovisual equipment. Lighting: mix of metal halide and quartz fixtures with a Douglas programmable controller; full black-out capabilities via an extensive half-house curtaining system.

Food & Beverage: Alerus Center also provides exclusive on-site catering service.

Parking: 3,388 on-site spaces.

Marketing: Full in-house marketing department.

Demographics: More than one million people within 2-hour driving radius.

JOHN S. KNIGHT CENTER

77 E. Mill Street Akron, OH 44308 (330) 374-8900; (800) 245-4254; Fax: (330) 374-8971 www.johnsknightcenter.org Vice President/COO: Gregg Mervis

“The Center of an All-America City” Snapshot: Located in the heart of downtown Akron, the John S. Knight Center is one of Ohio’s premier meeting and exposition facilities.

Event planners value our accessibility, flexibility and attention for detail.

Meeting Space: More than 55,000 sq. ft. of total meeting/exhibit space, including 16 meeting rooms, 12,000sq.-ft. ballroom, 30,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall.

See ad on page 53

PENNSYLVANIA OHIO

Venue Features: DS3 high-speed Internet network, wireless hotspots, online ordering of exhibitor services, fiber-optic connections to all spaces; onsite Food Court & Shops, caterer, and services including The UPS Store and Business Center, 33 loading docks and 3 drive-in ramps, connected to four hotels by enclosed walkway, more than 3,000 facility parking spaces with 10,000 additional parking spaces nearby.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 2,600 committable hotel rooms with 22,000 citywide.

Transportation: Port Columbus International Airport is located 10 minutes from the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

PENNSYLVANIA CLEVELAND CONVENTION CENTER CONVENTION CENTER 1101 Arch Street 500 Lakeside Avenue Philadelphia, 19107 Cleveland, OHPA44114 (215) CALL-PHL (216) 636-3300; 875-6600; (800) (800) 321-1001 Fax: Fax: (215) (216) 636-3327 621-5967 www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel www.clevelandmeetings.com Vice Services: Vice President/Convention President of Sales at Positively Patricia KraftKelly HilplBrewer Cleveland:

Attractions: More than 100 restaurants, casual eateries, fun nightspots and attractions within walking distance;The Cap at Union Station, an architectural work of art that connects the convention district to shopping and dining in the Short North Arts District; the Arena District, which includes Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets and new Huntington Park, home of the Triple A Columbus Clippers baseball team; German Village, Brewery District; Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and Franklin Park Conservatory.

“Philadelphia – Be at Liberty to Snapshot: The Cleveland Convention Meet”

Center is a multi-purpose performing arts, Snapshot: When you meet in entertainment and exposition facility conPhiladelphia, youinget a veniently located themore heart than of downvenue, you get asurrounded good mix of and town Cleveland, by work the city’ s play.

Pennsylvania Convention finestThe hotels and restaurants and within Center, its beauty, flexibility walking known distancefor of several entertainment and location in venues. the heart Center and sightseeing It isofonly 15 minCity, as well as five-star dining, tax-free utes from Cleveland Hopkins shopping, and ease in traveling in, out International Airport. and around the city.

Meeting Space: 375,000 sq. ft., including Meeting theBallroom, 22 meetingSpaces: rooms, Currently, 39,000-sq.-ft.

Pennsylvania 113,000-sq.-ft.Convention Main ExhibitCenter Hall. stretches over six city blocks, providing The performing aTheater: total of 610,000 sq. ft. ofarts area of the Center featuresspace a 10,000-seat meeting/function that easilyauditorium, the 3,000-seat Cleveland Music accommodates the needs of Hall and 600-seat Little Theater.

See ad on page 59

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Venue Features: State-of-the-art audio and video services, wireless Internet connectivity, video conferencing & video streaming technologies; a

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Transportation: 11 miles from Akron Canton Airport; 30 miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Attractions: National Inventors Hall of Fame, Canal Park Stadium, Akron Civic Theatre, The University of Akron, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Lock 3 Live, Akron Art Museum, Summit Artspace & Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

meetings/conventions large and small.

The Convention Center has more than Technology: Wi-fi; Lighting capabili440,000 sq. ft. oforexhibit space, including ty for television cable transmission, a 315,000-sq.-ft.

Main Exhibit Hall; and outlets for broadcast, wire service, 33,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 52 meeting teleconferencing, etc; extensive phone rooms offering additional 120,000 system providesaneach booth with its square feet; 6,300-sq.-ft., 600-seat own direct line and 800 numbers. theater. Once complete, the expanded Venue Features: Exhibitors can unload, Convention Center will provide planners set up exhibits and operate equipment a total of one million square feet of with their own personnel or our highly saleable space (700,000 square feet of skilled labor force; full-service catering exhibit space, 541,000 feet of available; no charge forsquare first-time setup which is contiguous); the largest6,000+ amount of chairs, tables and podiums; of ballroom space of any convention parking spaces within walking distance; center exhibit on the East sq. ft.; direct floor Coast accessatby93,000 truck and and a total 87 meeting rooms. trailer rigs; of centrally located 21,780-sq.Venue Features: Freefor wireless Internet ft. registration lobby registration and with Internet access up to one Gigabit; reception activities. an internal fiber15 optic backbone, and data Hotel Rooms: major hotels within cabling throughout the entire facility. walking distance; 3,898 downtown; Convention/Guest 22,000 city-wide. Hotel Rooms: 10,000 roomsRock in city; Attractions: and3,682 Roll within Hall of two-minutes of Pennsylvania Fame and Museum, Great Lakes Convention Center.

Science Center, Cleveland Browns Stadium, Quicken20Loans Arena, Transportation: minutes to Progressive Int’l Women’s PhiladelphiaField, International Airport.Air & Space Museum, Attractions: MoreCleveland than 20 major Metroparks PlayhouseSquare, performing Zoo, arts facilities, including East 4thfor Street andjazz, the drama Warehouse venues ballet, and District. musical theater; more than 200 See ad on Page 57 restaurants in Center City.

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the mid west / south dakota

Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau

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othing can inspire great getaways like presidential views and the wonder of the Black Hills. Close to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Rapid City, South Dakota is an affordable, central location for conventions, meetings and special events.

Recently voted a Facilities & Destinations Top Destination Award Winner, Rapid City offers thousands of hotel rooms and spacious meeting facilities with direct flights from four major hubs.

Guests can spend their mornings in meetings and afternoons deep in underground caves, shopping or taking in an amazing view of Crazy Horse Memorial.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Working with the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau can save meeting planners time and money with transportation, accommodations and area attractions. We welcome millions of guests each year and know how to make delegates, attendees and guests feel at home. Simplify your planning process and contact us today

444 Mt. Rushmore Road North, Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 718-8488; (800) 487-3223 Fax: (605) 348-921 www.visitrapidcity.com

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RAPID CITY CONVENTION CHARLESTON & VISITORS BUREAU CIVIC CENTER

444 Road North 200 Mt. CivicRushmore Center Drive Rapid City, SD Charleston, WV57701 25301 (605) 487-3223 (304) 718-8488; 345-1500; (800) Fax: (304) 345-3492 Fax: (605) 348-9217 www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com www.visitrapidcity.com General Manager: John Robertson Senior Convention Sales Manager: “Center of Excitement” Lisa Storms

Snapshot: The Charleston Real.

America.

Up close. Civic Center

is the convention and entertainment cenSnapshot: Located close to Mt. terpiece of Charleston, hosting the Rushmore Dakota, majority of in thescenic state’sSouth premier convenRapid City shows, offers an array of meeting tions, trade entertainment, sportfacilities, affordable accommodations, ing and corporate events.

As one of the fine varietyinoftheoutdoor mostdining flexibleand facilities Midrecreational opportunities.

With more Atlantic region, the Charleston Civic than 5,000 sleeping rooms, Rapid City Center is comprised of four versatile can host conventions largeConvention and small. venues—The Charleston Center, The CivicLocated Center Coliseum, Meeting Space: downtown,The Municipal Auditorium, andCenter The Civic the Rushmore Plaza Civic has a Center Littleindoor Theater.

10,000-seat arena, a 1,752-seat performing arts theatre, andft.a of 175,000Meeting space: 86,000 sq.

Class sq-ft space whichout canrooms; be set The up sq.-event ft. facility A space; 18 break for a variety of meetings, exhibitions Grand Convention Hall offers over or indoor A new multi-purpose 50,000 sports. square feet of Class A meeting/exhibition space, enough to

Milwaukee, WI (414) 908-6000; Fax: (414) 908-6010 President/CEO: Richard A. Geyer www.midwestairlinescenter.com

Snapshot: The Midwest Airlines Center offers outstanding service, flexible, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown Milwaukee, now nationally recognized as a fun, friendly and exciting destination. The Midwest Airlines Center is adjacent to the 12,700-seat U.S. Cellular Arena and the 4,100-seat The Milwaukee Theatre, offering excellent options for general sessions, entertainment and other functions tied to conventions.

Meeting Space: 188,695-gross-sq.-ft. exhibit hall is divisible into four halls ranging from 31,000 sq. ft. to 63,000 sq. ft. with 90-foot minimum spans between pillars; additional 39,360 sq. ft of meeting space can be divided into 28 breakouts or as few as six meeting/ban-

Exhibition Hall: 100,000 sq. ft; more than 150,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space overall.

P L A N N E R G U I D E S

Technology: Wifi, A/V equipment, high-speed internet.

Food & Beverage: On-site catering & concessions by Centerplate; 5,800 paved parking spaces.

Guest Rooms: Hotel connector to Clarion Suites Madison, 504 adjacent rooms, more than 4,000 city-wide.

ALLIANT ENERGY Rosa M. Luke CENTER OF RICO Transportation: 15 minutes from Dane PUERTO DANE COUNTY County Regional Airport, which offers CONVENTION CENTER 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way 100 + commercial flights daily. ➤ 580,000+ sq. ft. of Madison, WI 53713 Attractions: The Wisconsin state meeting/exhibition (608) 267-3991; Fax: (608) 267-0146 space capitol building, the University of www.alliantenergycenter.com ➤ 6,000+ Convention/Guest Rooms Wisconsin campus, Overture Center Assistant Center Manager SalesRestaurants and ➤ Resorts, Night –Life, Marketing: Ted Ballweg for the Arts; the State Street Shopping & new “Paseo de las Fuentes,” & Entertainment District.

Great Center, Great City

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See ad on Page 54 Snapshot: The Alliant Energy Center of Dane County, an award-winning, multi-building complex, comprises 164 acres and includes Exhibition Hall,Laura Cornell Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Willow MONONA TERRACE Island, Arena and nine agriculturalCONVENTION CENTER exhibit buildings. The Center hosts ➤ “where business and inspiration meet” more than 500 events—ranging from meetings, banquets, conventions &➤ Spectacular multi-level structure, 250,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space trade shows to large sporting events and ➤ Museum Mile & State Street—eclectic major concerts—and welcomes more than one million attendees annually. shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes Meeting space: 18,000 sq. ft withPage: 58 14 meeting rooms.

See Ad on Page 17

8 WISCONSIN

MIDWEST AIRLINES CENTER

WISCONSIN

arena opened in 2008 and boasts a 5,200 seat capacity, skyboxes, and a peraccommodate up to 256 standard manent ice sub-floor. booths and can be divided into four Rushmore Plaza CivicAuditorium Center: 233,483 areas; The Municipal meeting rooms; seats; The Little15,000-sq-ft.

Theater 738 Ballroom; seats; 30,000-sq-ft Exhibit Hall Civic CenterMain Coliseum offers over (175,000 total exhibit space) 30,000 sq.sq.ft ft. of of event/exhibition space& 1,752-seat Theater. with seating for up to 13,600 and Hotel Rooms: Over 5,000 sleeping accommodates 160 10’x10’ booths. rooms and around the Rapid City Venuein Features: Distinctive Gourmet area. serves as exclusive, on-site caterer.

Transportation: Parking: On-siteRapid parkingCity for Regional 2,000 Airport located approximately 9 miles vehicles;isadditional parking to more than from downtown Rapid City.

4,000 vehicles within a three-block area.

Attractions: OneYeager of the most comTransportation: Airport is a monly hearddrive phrases from visitors to five-minute to the facility.

Rapid City is: “If we had known there Convention/Guest Hotel was so much to do and see Rooms: in and Over 4,000 hotel rooms within around Rapid City, we’d (1,750 have planned onestay mile of the Civic Center). to longer!”

Centrally located in the United States, RapidTown City offers Attractions: Charleston Center, accessibility to the many beautiful andcomlocated across street from the interesting in America plex, is oneattractions of the largest urban shopincluding nearly a million acres ping centers in the country; TheofWV breathtaking Blackthe Hills Scenery, Capitol Complex; Clay Center for abundant andthe unforgettable the Arts &wildlife Sciences; Avampato adventures.

See Mt. Rushmore Discovery Museum; The Capitol National Memorial, Horse Market with a varietyCrazy of specialty Memorial, BlackRacetrack Hills National shops, Tri-State and Forest, State Park.

GamingCuster Center as well as the new WestadVirginia Baseball Park.

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quet rooms; 37,500-sq.-ft. ballroom; well-appointed pre-function areas on all.

Other Venue Features: Power, data and phone connections are plentiful throughout venue; high-speed connections to corporate WANs, and a wide range of phone and video services.

State-of-the-art projection, sound, and lighting; on-site IT staff.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: linked by skywalk to the 484-room Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee City Center; Seven other hotels are within three blocks or connected by skywalk.

Milwaukee has about 3,000 rooms downtown and nearly 15,000 citywide.

Transportation: General Mitchell International Airport, serving 14 airlines and some 90 cities, is only eight miles from downtown.

Attractions: Public Museum; Public Market; the Milwaukee Art Museum; Pier Wisconsin; the Harley Davidson Museum; newly-renovated Mitchell Park Domes; Miller Park is among the most breathtaking, fan-friendly baseball parks.

See ad on Cover 4

WISCONSIN

14,000-sq.-ft Ballroom. The 68,000 sq. ft. of rooftop gardens can be reserved for events.

Venue Features: Wireless access is available throughout Monona Terrace with excellent coverage; Monona Terrace is one of only a handful of convention centers offering Internet 2 access; Special amenities include a greeter at the main entrance to assist guests, business center, gift shop, art/ exhibit area and expansive areas for MONONA TERRACE registration and information needs.

CONVENTION CENTER Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: One John Nolen Drive Madison, WI 53703 240-room attached Hilton Madison, (608) 261-4100; Fax: (608) 261-4049 1,000 rooms within walking distance of Sales/Event Services Manager: Monona Terrace, more than 8,000 hotel Laura Cornell, CMP rooms are available to groups in www.mononaterrace.com Madison.

“Where business and inspiration Transportation: Madison is accessible meet.” by air from every major metro area in Snapshot: The Frank Lloyd Wrightthe country and is served by the Dane designed Monona Terrace Community County Regional Airport. Monona and Convention Center is located in Terrace is a 10-minute drive from the heart of Madison’s vibrant downtown airport. on the shore of Lake Monona. This Attractions: The State Capitol buildspectacular multi-level structure features ing. Museum Mile offers six public promenades, meeting rooms with fascinating museums, plus several striking lake views, extensive rooftop art galleries for gardens and the attached Hilton browsers and Madison. collectors alike.

Facilities & Destinations Meeting Space: 250,000-sq.-ft., State Street – 5-level facility; 85,000 sq. ft. of meetMadison’s famed Facilities • Conference • Planner Guide ing/exhibit space; 23 meeting rooms; pedestrian mall.

Facilities & Event Management 40,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; See Ad on 5,540-sq.-ft. Lecturewww.Facilitiesonline.com Hall, seating 320; Page 63

Don’t Get Stuck in a Fishbowl!

The Facilities Media Group

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The West

Alaska • Arizona California Colorado Hawai’i • Idaho Montana • Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Oregon • Texas Utah • Washington Wyoming

CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA

PALM SPRINGS FAIRPLEX 1101 W. McKinley Ave. CENTER CONVENTION Pomona, CA 91768 277 N. Avenida Caballeros (909)Springs, 623-3111;CAFax: (909) 623-9599 Palm 92262 www.fairplex.com (800) 333-7535; (760) 325-6611 Director of Sales: Melissa Tapia Fax: (760) 778-4102 www.palmspringscc.com “Southern California’s Event and Director of Sales: Rick Leson, CMP Entertainment Center”

“The Meeting Oasis” Snapshot: Fairplex is Southern

California’sThe most diverse event location Snapshot: Palm Springs attracting more thanreintroduced 3 million annual Convention Center, in the visitors.

Home L.A. County Fair fall of 2005 afterofa the $32.3-million since 1922,isthe also the preexpansion, an facility almost is all-new statemier location for consumer shows in of-the-art facility.

The 261,000-sq.-ft.

Southern California, hosting more the than Convention Center now combines 350 services events per best andyear. staff, with a worldclass setting, and11,000 a building that Meeting Space: sq. ft. of meetsurpasses expectations. ing space,allincluding 11 meeting rooms; 355,000 sq. ft. of143,000 exhibition Meeting Space: sq. space, ft. of with exhibit halls rangingspace; from19 10,000 sq. ft. meeting/exhibition meeting to 105,000 sq. ft.; 6,400-sq.-ft. ballrooms; 20,016-sq.ft.

Ballroom; 112,561 room; theater.Space, including sq. ft. of400-seat Total Exhibit 92,545-sq.-ft.

Main Exhibit Hall; Venue Features: Large, column-free, 9,254-seat Theater. air-conditioned exhibit halls ranging from 33,600 sq. ft. to 105,000 sq. ft.;

Technology: wireless or hard-wired On-site connectivity newly renovated internet withSheraton VPN access Fairplex hotel, Wifi capabilities; a 12throughout the building. acre KOA/RV Park with 185 full-servVenue FullyforCarpeted ice sitesFeatures: and parking more than Exhibit Hall divisible into 4 sections; 30,000 vehicles.

12-bay loading dock; Scenic 20,000 sq.

Convention/Guest HotelAttached Rooms: to ft. outdoor function area; 247410-room suites. Wyndham Palm Springs the Transportation: is just 9 miles Resort offering anFairplex additional 30,000 sq. from Ontario space.

International Airport and ft. of meeting 45 freeway miles from LAX, and is easConvention/Guest Hotel Rooms: ily accessible from three major free1,100 within walking distance; ways.

1,900-Citywide.

Attractions: Retail Transportation: twoestablishments, miles from Palm restaurants, the 18-hole Mountain Springs International Airport.

Meadows Golf Course, cultural faciliAttractions: Palm Springs a true ties, an art district, historicissites and desert paradise by lofty nightlife.

Just asurrounded short drive away from mountain peaks.

The downtown theaters, museums, sports arenas,area local ismountain located 4retreats, blocks from the Disneyland, Convention and offers a broad Knott’s BerryCenter . and diverse selection of restaurants, See ad on page 77 entertainment and shopping venues.

Other attractions include: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; Indian Canyons; Palm Springs Art Museum: Knott’s Soak City Water Park; Desert Adventures Jeep Tours; Joshua Tree National Park.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook CALIFORNIA

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provider; Meeting Services, Inc. (MSI)

ALASKA

ANCHORAGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

524 W Fourth Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501-2212 (907) 276-4118; Fax: (907) 278-5559 www.Anchorage.net Vice President, Convention Sales: R.J. (Jim) Henderson

Snapshot: Anchorage’s three premier convention facilities—the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, the Dena`ina Civic & Convention Center, & Alaska Center for the Performing Arts are the cornerstone of the Civic & Convention district, located in the heart of downtown Anchorage. The District is within easy walking distance of 3,000+ modern hotel rooms, diverse cuisine, an 11-block park, a world-class history and art museum, wilderness adventures and the best shopping in the city.

Meeting Space: William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center has 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space, including 25 function rooms with movable configuCALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA

ANAHEIM SACRAMENTOCENTER CONVENTION CONVENTION CENTER 800 West Katella Ave.

1030 15thCA Street, Anaheim, 92802Suite 100 Sacramento, CAFax: 95814 (714) 765-8950; (714) 765-8965 (916) President 808-5291; Fax: (916) 808-7687 Vice of Marketing: John Fuhr www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com www.anaheimconventioncenter.com General Manager: Judith A. Goldbar

Snapshot: The Anaheim Convention Snapshot: Small town friendly with big Center is an architecturally-striking city amenities, California’s capitol city multi-purpose facility featuring glass hosts more than 6 million visitors each walls and a main lobby that soars nearly year. Located in the heart of downtown, 200 feet to the highest spire. the a Sacramento Convention Center Meeting Space: 815,000Exhibit sq. ft. ofHall, total includes 134,000-sq.-ft. exhibit ft.consumer of prewhich isspace; ideal200,000 for tradesq. and function space; sessions, 130,000 sq. ft. of meetshows, general professional ing/ballroom meetings andspace; other 38,058-sq.-ft events as well Main as the Ballroom; D can sitand 15,000 Memorial Hall Auditorium the theater-style or serve 13,800 banquet-style.

Community Center Theater.

Venue Features: Smart City is a service Meeting Space: The Sacramento partner that provides state-of-the-art Convention Center features 31 meeting technology. data networking rooms; two “Turnkey” separate 10,000-sq.-ft. regservices create Local Area Networks istration/pre-function areas; the (LANs), Widewith Area134,000 Networks Exhibit Hall, sq. (WANs) ft. of and Virtualspace, Private (VPNs)into contigous andNetworks can be divided five separate areas; an elegant 25,000sq.-ft. Ballroom, accommodating 1,500

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COLORADO

rations and multiple-use. Theatre-style seating is available for 40 – 2,540 people and banquet-style seating ranges from 24 - 1,440; 19,306-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall. The Dena`ina Civic & Convention Center, scheduled to open in 2008, will increase Anchorage convention capacity by more than 300 percent. Venue to include: 25,332-sq.-ft. ballroom with capacity for 140 booths, 1,800 banquet seats and 2,867 theatre style; An exhibit hall accommodating 274 trade show booths, 3,408 banquet seating and 5,000 theater and 10,372 sq. ft. of meeting rooms.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 8,000.

Transportation: 5 miles to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Attractions: Anchorage Museum of History and Art, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Imaginarium, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Aviation Heritage Museum; 5th Ave. Mall; Anchorage Market & Festivals; Ship Creek fishing; Alaska Railroad Depot; Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center; Alaska Native Heritage Center; Historic Native village at Eklutna; Chugach State Park; Kincaid Park.

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11,200-sq.-ft. facility withis12 Ethernet AVW-TELAV meeting rooms, connected concourse another service provider thatbysupplies a to therange Exhibit Hall; 4,000-seat wide of audio-visual services.

Memorial Auditorium; 2,452-seat ARAMARK providesTheater. all banquet and Community Center catering services; Kinko’s maintains an Venue Services: Classique Catering, onsite business center. on-site caterer; Wolfgang Pucks Convention/Guest Rooms: The Incenter Express; Starbucks Coffeehouse; ishouse part audio-visual of the Anaheim Resort area vendor, Advantage which contains12 1,000s of first-class Presentations; loading docks and five guest truck rooms. doors; exhibit floor offers complete electrical, water, telephone, Transportation: Easy air, Access to video, data-transmission and satelliteAnaheim International Airport projection and LAX. capabilities.

Convention/Guest more than Nearby Attractions: Rooms: Disneyland, 10,000 hotel rooms in the greater California Adventure, golfing, Sacramento area, 2,000 ofHouse which of are entertainment including within downtown walking distance from the Blues, Anaheim downtown Convention Center. and Los Angeles.

Transportation: 10 miles to Sacramento International Airport Attractions: world-class shopping, restaurants, golf courses, Old Sacramento Historic District; Town & Country Village; Folsom Premium Outlets; Nimbus Winery Mall; Raging Waters.

Sacramento Zoo; over 40 art galleries; Crocker Art Museum.

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Hotel Crowne Plaza (500 rooms, 43,000 sq. ft. meeting space); Cheyenne

the west / NEW Mexico

nestled between the breath-taking Sandia Mountains and the majestic Rio Grande River

ALBUQUERQUE CONVENTION CENTER 401 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 768-4575; Fax: (505) 768-3239 • www.albuquerquecc.com

WELCOME TO THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT! The 600,000-square-foot Albuquerque Convention Center (ACC) is a multi-purpose event complex located in the heart of vibrant downtown Albuquerque. Proudly managed by SMG and nestled between the breath-taking Sandia Mountains and the majestic Rio Grande River, the ACC is the premier venue in the Southwest and the place to call “home” for your next event.

The ACC is comprised of two complexes housed under one roof, making it the ideal facility to host your next meeting, tradeshow, convention, banquet or concert. Our professional event staff is at your service to ensure that your event at the ACC is memorable.

We invite you to visit us online at www.albuquerquecc.com to find out all Albuquerque and our facility has to offer!

MEETING ROOMS & FACILITIES Flexible space, convenient location and great service. It all adds up to the Albuquerque Convention Center being the perfect place to do business!

The ACC is in short-walking distance of 900 hotel rooms and the city’s dining and entertainment heartbeat. Just a quick 10-minute drive from the Albuquerque International Sunport where I-25 and I-40 meets, the Center is easily accessible for in-town and out-oftown visitors.

Our facility showcases 167,000 square feet of exhibit space with 106,000 square foot of contiguous, column-free space. We have 30 flexible meeting rooms, which can hold an intimate meeting of 10 people to a large breakout for 1,110 people. Our amazing 31,000square-foot Ballroom lends itself to a magnificent banquet space for up to 2,000 people or an impressive general session area for 2,500 68

people. The crowning jewel of our facility, the 2,300-seat Kiva Auditorium, is the perfect space for a keynote speaker.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR SAVOR...Catering by SMG, is proud to be the exclusive provider of Food & Beverage services at the Albuquerque Convention Center and the Kiva Auditorium. SAVOR is a company that has built an impressive national reputation for superior food and beverage service in convention centers, stadiums, arenas and performing arts venues.

By placing emphasis on freshness, quality, and customer care, we ensure that only the finest service is provided. SMG pays particular attention to detail in presentation, making sure that menu selections and decor incorporate the ambiance and flavor of each unique event.

VENUE AMENITIES Every event is not complete without the special touches that provide a WOW factor! At the ACC, we know that in-house services and vendors are an integral part of your event’s success. Our venue offers the following in-house services available on demand: ➤ Audio Visual Services ➤ Electrical & Utility Services ➤ Equipment Rentals ➤ Event Management ➤ Food & Beverage/Catering Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

the west /texas

Austin Convention Center 500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701 (512) 404-4000 • Fax: (512) 404-4416 • www.austinconventioncenter.com

A

winner of the Prime Site Award every year since 1995, the Austin Convention Center has emerged as a leader in the convention and meeting market. A premier facility located in the heart of the capital city’s downtown business district, the Center spans six city blocks with 374,255 square feet of exhibit and meeting space. The five column-free exhibit halls, totaling 246,097 square feet, accommodate 1,289 10’ X 10’ exhibit booths. Seven ballrooms ranging from 3,896 to 43,300 square feet in size, and 54 meeting rooms and show offices totaling 61,440 square feet, complete the four-story convention center. Ample parking is provided in two parking garages with a total capacity of 1,700 spaces.

Technological Features Rated one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in the country, this gigabit-rated facility moves voice, video, and data at over one billion bits per second. The Austin Convention Center offers a variety of in-house services including complimentary Wireless Internet access, redundant high-speed Internet II access, plug and play capabilities, and an on-site technical staff to help with networking needs.

Hotels Austin offers more than 25,000 hotel rooms, with 5,500 located downtown, including the 800-room Hilton Austin adjacent to the convention center. Additional nearby hotels include: Four Seasons Hotel Austin; Courtyard by Marriott; Residence Inn by Marriott; Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown; Radisson Hotel & Suites; Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown; Driskill Hotel; Omni Austin Hotel Downtown; and Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel.

Austin by Night After conventions and meetings wrap-up each night, attendees may choose to enjoy Austin’s entertainment districts, the Warehouse District and famous Sixth Street. The Austin Convention Center is just down the street from the city’s vibrant nightlife, where visitors can also enjoy everything from fine dining in four-star restaurants, to down-home barbecue and authentic Tex-Mex. As the Live Music 70

located in the heart of the capital city’s downtown business district, the Center spans six city blocks.

Capital of the World, Austin echoes with the sound of country, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz and Tejano. On any given evening, one can find live music playing in nearly 200 different venues.

Austin by Day During the day, visitors can enjoy the capital city’s many historical attractions, including the State Capitol, the LBJ Presidential Library, the Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, and many more museums and art galleries. Or, one can experience the beauty of central Texas, captured by downtown’s Lady Bird Lake, bordered by 10 miles of trails enjoyed by runners, walkers and cyclists. Surrounded by three lakes and a network of parks, Austin offers the perfect environment for enjoying the best of nature.

Austin ➤ Hotels: 5,500 downtown hotel rooms; adjacent 800-room Hilton Austin ➤ Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, eight miles from facility ➤ Nearby Attractions: State Capitol, Sixth Street Entertainment District, Warehouse Entertainment District, University of Texas, LBJ Presidential Library, more than 20 museums including The Texas State History Museum, dozens of art galleries and historical attractions, Lady Bird Lake.

fast facts

Location: Downtown Austin Total Area: spans six city blocks Exhibit Space: 246,097 contiguous sq. ft., column free Ballrooms: 43,300 sq. ft. level 4; 23,418 sq. ft. level 1 Meeting Space: 54 meeting rooms totaling 61,440 square feet Technology: Gigabit-rated facility, wireless Internet access, plug and play capabilities Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

contigous space, and can be divided into five separate areas; an elegant 25,000sq.-ft. Ballroom, accommodating 1,500

the west COLORADO

COLORADO SPRINGS CVB

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515 S. Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (800) 888-4748 ext. 132; Fax: (719) 635-4968 www.VisitCOS.com Director of Convention Sales: Kathy Reak

“Meeting Higher Expectations” Snapshot: Colorado Springs is a second-tier city with first-class facilities and amenities. Meeting planners & attendees will love the weather, the after-hour activities and the ease with which they travel in and out of the Colorado Springs Airport.

Meeting Space: Approximately 495,000 square feet of meeting space throughout the area, including conference centers, exposition halls, meeting hotels and unique venues. Colorado Springs offers 21 full-service properties with 5,000 rooms as well as numerous limited-service properties. Major venues include: The Broadmoor (700 rooms, 185,000 sq. ft. meeting space); Sheraton

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NEW NEWMEXICO MEXICO The West

ALBUQUERQUE ALBUQUERQUE CONVENTION CONVENTIONCENTER CENTER 401 4012nd 2ndStreet StreetNW NW Albuquerque, Albuquerque,NM NM87102 87102 (505) (505)768-4575; 768-4575;Fax: Fax:(505) (505)768-3239 768-3239 www.albuquerquecc.com www.albuquerquecc.com Director DirectorofofSales Sales&&Event EventServices: Services: Carisa CarisaMalanum, Malanum,CMP CMP

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Snapshot: Snapshot:The TheSMG-managed SMG-managed Albuquerque AlbuquerqueConvention ConventionCenter Centerisis made madeup upofoftwo twocomplexes complexesspanning spanning 600,000 600,000sq. sq.ft.ft.and andboasts boasts167,000 167,000sq. sq. ft.ft.ofofprime primeexhibit exhibitspace, space,30 30flexible flexible meeting meetingrooms, rooms,aa31,000-sq-ft 31,000-sq-ftballroom ballroom &&the thestunning stunning2,300-seat 2,300-seatKiva Kiva Auditorium.

Auditorium.Located Locatedininthe theheart heartofof Albuquerque’s Albuquerque’svibrant vibrantdowntown downtowndisdistrict trictwith with(900) (900)hotel hotelrooms roomswithin within walking walkingdistance. distance.

Meeting MeetingSpace: Space:78,000 78,000sq. sq.ft.ft.ofoftotal total meeting meetingspace, space,including including30 30meeting meeting rooms; rooms;31,164-sq.ft.

31,164-sq.ft.ballroom; ballroom;106,200 106,200 square squarefeet feetExhibit ExhibitHall Hall(167,000 (167,000sq. sq.ft.ft.

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See Ad on Page 79

Hotel Crowne Plaza (500 rooms, 43,000 sq. ft. meeting space); Cheyenne Mountain Resort (321 rooms, 40,000 sq. ft. meeting space) Antlers Hilton (299 rooms, 27,000 sq. ft. meeting space); DoubleTree Colorado Springs, World Arena (305 rooms, 21,135 sq. ft. meeting space); and Garden of the Gods Club (108 rooms, and 13,428 sq. ft. meeting space).

Convention/Guest Rooms: 14,000 in the area.

Transportation: Colorado Springs Airport-FlyCos.com (70 mi. south of Denver).

Destination Features: Mild, pleasant climate with 300 days of annual sunshine, spectacular scenery; a variety of exciting outdoor activities and 50+ attractions and activities to enjoy.

Attractions: Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs and the Cog Railway, U.S. Air Force Academy, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Olympic Training Center, Pioneer’s Museum, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and Memorial Park Skate Park.

See Ad on Page 73

Facilities & Destinations ofoftotal totalExhibit ExhibitSpace; Space; 2,300-seat )2,300-seat Auditorium.

Auditorium.

Technology: Technology:Complimentary Complimentarywireless wireless Internet Internetaccess accessininlobby lobbyareas; areas;complete complete fiber fiber optic opticbackbone; backbone;scalable scalablebandbandwidth widthcapability; capability;web webcasting/teleconcasting/teleconferencing. ferencing.

Food Food&&Beverage: Beverage:SAVOR SAVOR exclusive exclusive onsite onsiteprovider. provider.

Hotel HotelRooms: Rooms:900 900rooms rooms Transportation: Transportation:77miles milestotoABQ ABQ International InternationalAirport.

Airport.

Destination DestinationFeatures: Features:Rich Richininmultimulticulture culturehistory historyand andheritage; heritage;unique unique dining diningexperience; experience;endless endlessoutdoor outdoor recreation recreationactivities activitiesyear-round; year-round;over over 300 300days daysofofsunshine sunshineannually annually&& nationally-ranked nationally-rankedgolf golfcourses courses ( (www.itsatrip.org) www.itsatrip.org) Attractions: Attractions:Old OldTown TownNob NobHill Hill Shopping ShoppingDistrict; District;Albuquerque Albuquerque Aerial AerialTram; Tram;Museum MuseumRow; Row; International InternationalBalloon BalloonMuseum; Museum; Petroglyph PetroglyphNational NationalMonument; Monument; National NationalHispanic HispanicCultural CulturalCenter; Center; Indian IndianPueblo PuebloCultural CulturalCenter.

Center.

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HAWAI’I HAWAI’I

HAWAI’I HAWAI’I CONVENTION CENTER 1801 Kalakaua Avenue CENTER CONVENTION Honolulu, HI 96815 1801 Kalakaua Avenue (808) 943-3500; (800) 295-6603 Honolulu, HI 96815 FAX: 943-3500; (808) 943-3599 (808) (800) 295-6603 www.hawaiiconvention.com FAX: (808) 943-3599 Executive Director of Sales www.hawaiiconvention.com & Marketing: Neil Mullanaphy Executive Director of Sales & Marketing: Neil Mullanaphy “Where Business and Aloha Meet”

“Where Business and Aloha Meet” Snapshot: The Hawai‘i Convention

Center opened June 1998 and is conSnapshot: The in Hawai‘i Convention sistentlyopened recognized by 1998 meeting Center in June andplanis conners andrecognized conventioneers as the world’s sistently by meeting planmostand desirable convention meetings ners conventioneers as and the world’s destination. withand a Hawaiian most desirableDesigned convention meetings Sense of Place, come towith oneaofHawaiian the most destination.

Designed beautiful placescome on earth, hold Sense of Place, to one of events the most that are more beautiful placesproductive on earth, and holdhave events everyone leaveproductive with the feeling they’ve that are more and have just had the experience a lifetime. everyone leave with the of feeling they’ve just had the experience of a lifetime.

Meeting Space: The Center features 1.1 million sq. ft.The of total space to Meeting Space: Center features include: 35,000-sq.-ft. lobby, 1.1 million sq. ft. of total space103,610 to sq. ft. of35,000-sq.-ft. total meeting lobby, space (47 rooms, include: 103,610 2 theaters), executive meeting rooms sq. ft. of total10meeting space (47 rooms, 2 theaters), 10 executive meeting rooms NEVADA NEVADA

LAS VEGAS LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER 3150 Paradise Road CONVENTION CENTER Las Vegas, NVRoad 89109 3150 Paradise (702)Vegas, 892-0711; (877) 847-4858 Las NV 89109 www.lvcva.com or 847-4858 (702) 892-0711; (877) www.visitlasvegas.com www.lvcva.com or Vice President of Convention Center www.visitlasvegas.com Sales: Chris Meyer Vice President of Convention Center Sales: Chris Meyer

with mountain valley views, terraces, or courtyards, 35,259-sq.-ft. ballroom, with mountain valley views, terraces, or divisible into 3 sections; 204,249courtyards, 35,259-sq.-ft. ballroom, square-foot Hall.204,249divisible intoExhibit 3 sections; square-foot Hall.

High-TechExhibit Features: Fiber optic cabling, multi-lingual translation High-Tech Features: Fiber optic stations,multi-lingual satellite and microwave cabling, translation broadcastsatellite capability, conferencing; stations, and video microwave High-speed Internetvideo accessconferencing; throughout broadcast capability, entire building; Capacity to throughout accommoHigh-speed Internet access date upbuilding; to 400 computers entire Capacity tosimultaneousaccommoly in up onetomeeting room; Auditorium date 400 computers simultaneouswith built-in projection ly in one meeting room; room; Auditorium On-premise studio. with built-in digital projection room; On-premise digital Convention studio.

New Technology: Television—fiber trunk line, built New Technology:optic Convention especially for Waikiki, propriTelevision—fiber optic transmit trunk line, built etary visitor convention informaespecially forand Waikiki, transmit proprition directly to allconvention conventioninformahotels in etary visitor and the city.

Thisto“Narrowcasting” targets tion directly all convention hotels in messages to specific groups. targets the city. This “Narrowcasting” messages to specific groups.

Convention/Guest Rooms: 30,000 hotel rooms within aRooms: 1.5-mile30,000 radius Convention/Guest of therooms convention hotel withincenter. a 1.5-mile radius of the conventionNine center.

Transportation: miles from the Honolulu International Airport.

Transportation: Nine miles from the Honolulu International Airport.

Attractions: Waikiki beach, the Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Attractions: Waikiki beach,Park, the the Waikiki Aquarium.

Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, the Waikiki Aquarium.

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Venue Features: Full service kitchen facilities, two restaurants withkitchen seating Venue Features: Full service for 1,200,two 15 restaurants concession stands, and facilities, with seating two1,200, Starbucks cafes. Event services for 15 concession stands, and include a master antenna two Starbucks cafes.

Eventsystem, serviceslocal, cable and closed antenna circuit television and include a master system, local, audioand recording conventionand cable closed rooms; circuit television housing services;rooms; registration services; audio recording convention badges and badgeregistration holders available housing services; services; upon request.

Theholders LVCC’savailable parking lots badges and badge have over 5,200 spaces. upon request.

The LVCC’s parking lots have over 5,200 spaces.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 133,000 in Las Vegas.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: 133,000 in Las Vegas.

Transportation: three miles from McCarran International Airport.

Transportation: three miles from McCarran International Airport.

Attractions: Las Vegas Strip; Fremont Street; Hoover Dam; Attractions: Las Vegas Strip; Red RockStreet; Canyon.

Fremont Hoover Dam; Red Rock Canyon.

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Snapshot: The Las Vegas Convention Center is one theVegas most Convention modern and Snapshot: TheofLas functional facilities the modern world - aand 3.2 Center is one of theinmost million-square-foot Operated functional facilities infacility. the world - a 3.2 by the Las Vegas Convention and million-square-foot facility. Operated Visitors Authority, the center and is well by the Las Vegas Convention known among industry professionals Visitors Authority, the center is well for its versatility. known among industry professionals for its versatility.

Meeting Space: 243,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 244ft.meeting Meeting Space:including 243,000 sq. of rooms; 2space, million sq. ft. of 244 Exhibit meeting including meeting Space, including South - 908,000 rooms; 2 million sq. ft. ofHall Exhibit sq. ft.; including Central Hall – 623,000-sq.-ft.; Space, South Hall - 908,000 North Hall – 406,000 sq. ft. sq. ft.; Central Hall – 623,000-sq.-ft.; North Hall – 406,000 sq. ft.

Facilities & Destinations

IDA IDA

The West

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

the west / colorado

Colorado Springs Go Mainstream or Discover Our Hidden Gems

C

ome to Colorado Springs for what sets the ultimate standard in outdoor scenery (think Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Seven Falls) or have a look at the icons of this thriving city like the Air Force Academy, Olympic Training Center and the buzzing downtown district. A different route - take a peek into the past at the Pioneers Museum, Old Colorado City or the historic mining town of Cripple Creek.

Another option is to steal away to the hidden gems of this awe-inspiring mountain city; catch your breath and let your feet and mind wander along 750 acres of the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. These unique formations show evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago and feature geographical spires and hoodoos created by eons of erosive action. Other hidden gems include the sprawling open spaces of Red Rock Canyon, America the Beautiful Park, Bear Creek & Fountain Creek Nature Centers and the New Sante Fe Regional Trail showcasing local wildlife, grasslands, wildflowers and geological landmarks.

These open spaces and their surroundings are sure to inspire, and with over 300 days of annual sunshine and a mild climate, there’s no reason or season they should be missed. Come to Colorado Springs for the fresh air, outdoor activities, history and culture and discover a new combination of adventure. Just a 70-mile drive south of Denver or a flight straight into the Colorado Springs Airport makes it even easier to see what all the fuss is about.

Colorado Springs, the gem of the Rockies, provides first-tier amenities at second-tier price tags. The award-winning staff at Experience Colorado Springs, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, can help you plan a successful and memorable meeting, convention or event.

Find your riches here; 50+ attractions, 5,000 convention rooms, 495,000 square feet of meeting space and limitless possibilities.

515 South Cascade Avenue | Colorado Springs | CO | 80903 (800) 888-4748 ext. 132 Fax (719) 635-4968 • VisitCOS.com

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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the west / OKLAHOMA

Cox Business Services Convention Center One Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 602-8500 • Fax (405) 602-5129 www.coxconventioncenter.com

Meeting Rooms & Ballrooms The meeting room complex at the Cox Business Services Convention Center features 21 Meeting Rooms, varying in size from 672 square feet to 6,412 square feet; a permanent Board Room for 20 to 50 people; and a 25,000-square-foot Ballroom, which can be divided into 5 smaller halls or meeting rooms ranging from 3,278 square feet to 11,216 square feet.

Technology As the venue’s naming rights partner, and provider of telecommunications services, Cox continues to ensure that the convention center meets and/or exceeds the requirements of its clients and guests. Cox increased wireless Internet capabilities throughout the convention center, allowing SMG to offer free wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots to visitors in designated pre-function areas.

Cox also enhanced the venue’s technology infrastructure to allow Internet access speeds of up to one Gigabit.

T

he SMG-managed Cox Business Services Convention Center is located in downtown Oklahoma City – a city known for being both accommodating and affordable.

The one-million-square-foot facility is surrounded by a growing number of hotels and attractions, including the Bricktown dining and entertainment district, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Ford Center, a 20,000-seat arena, which is also managed by SMG. The Cox Business Services Convention Center is a multi-purpose venue designed to host everything from small corporate meetings to large conventions, as well as tradeshows, concerts and sporting events.

The one-million-square-foot facility is surrounded by a growing number of hotels and attractions.

Arena With seating for up to 15,000, 65-foot ceilings and over 32,000 square feet of floor space, the Arena, located in the heart of the Cox Business Services Convention Center, offers an environment designed for epic exhibitions, inspirational rallies, major sporting events and world-class entertainment.

Exhibit Hall The main Exhibit Hall totals more than 100,000 square feet, 80,000 of which is column-free. It can be divided in up to eight halls, and features four street-level doors, each 24 feet wide and 20 feet tall, along with an added loading dock.

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Transportation The Cox Business Services Convention Center in Oklahoma City is one of the most centrally located facilities of its kind in the nation, located just off I-40 between I-35 and I44, and just 10 miles/15 minutes from the Will Rogers World Airport.

Hotels & Parking More than 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s 15,000-plus hotel rooms are located within walking distance of the Cox Business Services Convention Center. Among them are two connecting hotels: the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel, which is connected by a glass-enclosed sky bridge; and the Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel, which offers access through downtown Oklahoma City’s newly-renovated underground concourse, which opens into the convention center’s 900-space underground parking garage. A total of more than 20,000 parking spaces are available throughout Downtown Oklahoma City and Bricktown.

Attractions & Activities Visitors can enjoy the mild climate while strolling along the Bricktown canal, or through the 17-acre Myriad Botanical Gardens featuring the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.

Restaurants, shops and theatres are also within walking distance.

Other must-see attractions located downtown include the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. The Oklahoma City Zoo, Omniplex, and National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum are also visitor favorites.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

the west / california

FAIRPLEX 1101 W. McKinley Avenue , Pomona, CA 91768 (909) 623-3111 • Fax: (909) 623-9599 • www.fairplex.com

A DESTINATION OF EPIC PROPORTIONS

F

airplex, established in 1922, is such a well-known destination that its extensive and diverse amenities may be taken for granted. While it’s best known as home of the annual L.A. County Fair, the facility’s signature event, a flurry of activity is ongoing 365 days a year.

Today, the L.A. County Fair attracts more than 1.4 million people. The 2009 L.A. County Fair expands to include the Labor Day weekend and 23 full days and nights of fun and programming like no other event. Another 1.3 million attend the myriad year-round activities at the entertainment venue.

Fairplex has come a long way since hosting just the annual Fair.

More than $132 million has been invested in capital improvements since 1981. Year-round programming and services to complement that viable industry have brought a new dimension to the facility.

Cornucopia Foods LLC was added in 2004 to manage the Fairplex year-round food and beverage operation, providing Fairplex with the capacity to serve from 10 to 10,000 with choices and possibilities as open and as varied as its programming and audience. Barretts is now the destination for satellite wagering – a redo that introduces the exciting sport of horse racing to new fans and embraces seasoned veterans. The look is modern, warm, comfy, inviting, appealing and fun. Looking ahead, with support from local community leaders, plans for a 50,000-square-foot Sheraton Conference Center continue to take shape.

Located in the fastest-growing region of the nation, Fairplex is centrally located and accessible from Southern California’s major freeways. Because of its uniqueness the facility can accommodate a huge amount of requests and because of its exemplary staff the deliverables are measurable. With its extensive services, facilities and equipment, expansive grounds and a certain level of privacy, Fairplex is a perfect location for movie and television productions, recently hosting the movie productions “Live Free or Die Hard” and “Seabiscuit,” the television shows “Jericho,” “NUMB3RS,” and, of course, the L.A. County Fair’s own award-winning TV commercials Fairplex is home to more than 500 year-round events including longtime attractions such as the National Hot Rod Association’s Winternationals and World Finals held annually at famous Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The Asian/American Expo, Los Angeles County Irish Fair & Music Festival, Equine Affaire, Tattoo & Body Art Expo and Love Ride illustrate the scope of the facility and its ability to effectively accommodate and facilitate big events attended by a large number of people. It is also home to the Annual California RV Show, Off Road Expo and annual L.A. Roadsters. When it comes to putting on a first-rate show, Fairplex ranks high in the convention and trade show industry.

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What to Expect ➤ Nine spacious exhibit halls with a combined total capacity of 325,000 square feet and an additional 30,800-square-foot exhibit/ warehouse building ➤ The 40,000-seat Auto Club Raceway at Pomona ➤ A 10,000-seat grandstand in the Fairplex Park horse racing facility ➤ Comfortable accommodations for nearly 800 guests at Barretts ➤ Twelve acres of carnival grounds ➤ Parking for more than 30,000 vehicles Accommodations Fairplex is home to the newly renovated Sheraton Fairplex hotel, which also features 11,000 square feet of meeting space for smaller events, wine tasting events and McKinley’s Bar & Grill. The 12-acre awardwinning Fairplex KOA/RV Park has 185 full-service sites available on a year-round basis.

Food & Beverage Fairplex has full catering service for events of all sizes, offering customized cuisine from picnic fare to ethnic dishes to gourmet dining. They also provide flawless service to groups of 10 to 10,000.

Special Services With more than 80 years of experience in the industry, Fairplex has a customer-oriented staff trained to deliver a stress-free, professional event.

Onsite services include a full-service garage, mechanics, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, welders, an onsite telecommunications team, shipping and receiving, temporary storage facilities and even horticulturists and landscape designers.

Attractions Not many facilities can claim their own art gallery, permanent miniature train exhibit, world-class horse shows, child development center and allsuites hotel. More enticement resides with an amazing array of more than 50 years of automotive history featured at the impressive on-site Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. Fairplex is also home to the only place in the world to see both the largest steam engine and the largest diesel locomotive ever to ride the rails. If you need to leave, nearby are many retail establishments, restaurants, the 18-hole Mountain Meadows Golf Course, cultural facilities, an art district, historic sites, nightlife and other amusements. Just a short drive away are theaters, museums, sports arenas, local mountain retreats, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios to the west, and Victoria Gardens’ al fresco shopping to the east.

Transportation Fairplex is just 9 miles from Ontario International Airport and 45 freeway miles from LAX, and is easily accessible to three major freeways.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

A Great Place for People!

All this, And More!

• Well-known as the choice consumer show location in Southern California • Award-winning customer service • 543 acres of indoor and outdoor space • Parking for more than 30,000 cars • 235,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space with choice of column-free, high-ceilinged, air-conditioned exhibit halls • Exhibit halls pre-wired for highspeed internet and DSL • Outside areas are perfect for automotive, boat and outdoor recreational shows • Park-like settings, fountains and beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds • Conveniently located near the 10, 210 and 57 freeways • Touch-free restrooms, including family restrooms in all exhibit halls • Portable concessions stands and ATMs • Award-winning marketing staff and powerful public relations to help bring more people to your event

sherAton FAirPleX • 247 two-room suites with deluxe amenities • 11,000 sq. ft. of elegant meeting space • Professional catering and convention staff

1101 W. McKinley Ave. Pomona,CA 91769-2250 (909) 623-3111 (909) 623-9599 Fax For more info, please contact: (909) 865-4041 sales@fairplex.com Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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fairplex.com

the west OKLAHOMA

COX BUSINESS SERVICES CONVENTION CENTER One Myriad Gardens Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 602-8500; Fax (405) 602-5129 www.coxconventioncenter.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Tim Linville

Snapshot: The Cox Business Services Convention Center is one of the most centrally located venues of its kind in the nation. The SMG-managed facility offers over 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 25,000-square-foot ballroom, 21 meeting rooms and a 15,000-seat arena, all just steps away from a growing number of downtown hotels and a vibrant entertainment district featuring a variety of canal-side restaurants, clubs, music venues and attractions.

Meeting Space: 100,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall can be divided into 8 smaller halls or combined with the Arena floor for 132,000 sq. ft. of total exhibit space; 105,000 sq. ft. Meeting Room complex

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OKLAHOMA

with 21 meeting rooms and a 25,000 sq. ft. Ballroom; 15,000-seat Arena.

Venue Features: wireless internet service and access speeds up to one Gigabit available; four (4) FREE pre-function wi-fi zones; meeting rooms and ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment; SMG Video Conferencing Services available.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: more than 1,400 hotel rooms currently available downtown; three (3) hotels located directly across from convention center, while remainder are within walking distance; new hotels currently under construction.

OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

189 West Sheridan Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 297-8912; (800) 225-5652 Fax: (405) 297-8888 www.visitokc.com Director of Convention Sales & Services: Elizabeth Buckley ebuckley@okccvb.org

Transportation: 10 miles/15 minutes from Will Rogers World Airport; located just off I-40, between I-35 and I-44.

Attractions: Myriad Botanical Gardens; Oklahoma City Museum of Art; Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum; Bricktown Canal & Water Taxis; Bricktown Dining & Entertainment District; AT&T Bricktown Ballpark; Ford Center; Civic Center Music Hall; Oklahoma City Zoo; Omniplex; National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Snapshot: Oklahoma City…the NBA’s next jewel in the crown. Where a streamlined airport means you’re in fast. And with the best entertainment just a few minutes’ walk from your hotel, you’re out even faster. It’s our Meet & Greet. Our Nice & Easy. Our Cool & Warm.

Meetings: Meeting Planners will find Oklahoma City one of the most accommodating meeting destinations in the Southwest, with a variety of meeting venues that accommodate any size gathering, from a corporate conference of 25 persons to an international convention with 20,000 delegates. The OKCCVB offers

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Director of Sales & Marketing: Matt Pizzuti MattPizzuti@oregoncc.org

At the Center of Success Snapshot: The Oregon Convention Center is the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, making it an ideal venue for conventions, industry tradeshows, meetings, and banquets.

Located in beautiful & lively downtown Portland, the OCC is the preferred destination for many groups because of its commitment to customer service and leadership in sustainable practices.

Meeting Space: 50 meeting rooms; 2 grand ballrooms; 255,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibition space.

Technology: WiFi infrastructure

Venue Features: recertified with the LEED-EB Silver rating from the United States Green Building Council, the first convention center in the nation to achieve recertification at a higher rating. The center’s aggressive recycling and waste management efforts diverted 266 tons of materials from landfills in fiscal year 2007-2008.

TEX

Transporation: 8 miles from airport.

Attractions: Located within Portland’s city center, right around the corner from famous restaurants, popular cultural attractions and wide-ranging entertainment - Rose Garden Arena, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland Art Museum, Oregon Zoo, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Japanese Gardens, Mt. Hood skiing and recreation area, Portland’s MAX light-rail system makes getting around easy.

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AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER 500 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78759 (512) 404-4000; Fax: (512) 404-4416 www.austinconventioncenter.com Director of Austin Convention Center Department: Mark Tester Director of Sales: Ann Perkins

Snapshot: Rated one of the country’s most technologically advanced convention centers, the Austin Convention Center has a convenient downtown location near the city’s famous entertainment districts. The facility spans six city blocks with five column-free exhibit halls, seven ballrooms and 54 meeting rooms.

Meeting Space: 374,255 sq. ft, including 54 meeting rooms and a 43,300sq.-ft. Ballroom.

Exhibit Space: 5 contiguous Exhibit Halls with 246,097 sq. ft. of total Exhibit Space: Theater Seating: 20,333 in Exhibit Halls; 2,291 in South

Ballroom; 3,940 in North Ballroom.

Technology: Gigabit-rated building (voice, video and data move at over 1 billion bits per second); complimentary WiFi, running on a CISCO powered gigabit Ethernet infrastructure; redundant high-speed, 100 mg/sec. Internet II access; plug and play capabilities; on-site technical staff.

Venue Features: Flexible and practical floor plan; 18 loading docks; 2 parking garages; pre-function spaces offer views of downtown Austin.

Hotel Rooms: 5,500 downtown hotel rooms.

Transportation: 8 miles to the AustinBergstrom International Airport.

Attractions: State Capitol; Sixth Street Entertainment District; Warehouse Entertainment District; University of Texas; LBJ Presidential Library; Texas State History Museum; dozens of museums and art galleries; Lady Bird Lake with ten miles of trails.

See Ad on Page 71

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Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

78 9

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TEXAS

supports 5,000 simultaneous users; in-house audiovisual team offers clients reliable, state-of-the-art equipment and support.

777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Portland, OR 97232 (503) 235.7575; (800) 791.2250 Fax: (503) 731-7802 www.oregoncc.org

Hotel Rooms: 15,000 city-wide.

Attractions: Bricktown Entertainment District (historic & popular destination for dining, night-life & shopping); the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum; AT&T Bricktown Ballpark; Ford Center; Civic Center Music Hall; Oklahoma City Zoo.

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OREGON

OREGON CONVENTION CENTER

complete servicing and support, including housing & registration technology.

Cox Convention Center: 27,500 sq. ft. of flexible convention and pre-convenention space, with 21 meeting rooms and a 25,000-sq-ft ballroom; 100,000sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; 32,000-sq.-ft., 15,000-seat Arena.

Meeting Venues: Beacon Club, Best Western Saddleback Inn and Conference Center, Character Training Institute Conference Center, Clarion-Meridian Hotel & Convention Center; Express Event Center; Lansbrook Event Center; Lazy E Arena; PHF Research Park Conference Center; Crowne Plaza Hotel & Conference Center.

Unique Meetings Venues: Oklahoma City Museum of Art; Chesapeake Boathouse; Oklahoma River Cruises, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (includes 16,5000-sq-ft. sq. ft.

Special Event Center).

VIRGINIA

Marriott features 60,000 sq. ft. of

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the west / TEXAS

George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas 77010 (713) 853-8000; (800) 427-4697 Fax: (713) 853-8090 • www.HoustonConventionCtr.com

T

he George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston has a brand new front yard, one that offers all the benefits of being outdoors and none of the crabgrass.

Directly across the street, Discovery Green looms as a 12-acre park full of green spaces and lush landscaping. Fountains, water basins, jogging trails and an amphitheater are perfect for grabbing a breath of fresh air between sessions at Houston’s downtown convention center.

On any given day, visitors might be pleasantly surprised by activities scheduled at the park. It might be a yoga class, a farmer’s market, a concert or even model boat races.

Discovery Green includes two restaurants by the Schiller del Grande Group (Café Annie, Café Express, Taco Milagro). The Grove is an upscale place that serves rotisserie specialties, steaks and seafood, while the more informal Lake House is the place for burgers and hotdogs.

“Discovery Green has been a big asset for us,” says Luther Villagomez, general manager of the GRB. “In the year that it has been open, our clients have found that it’s ideal for corporate events and off-site convention meetings, or dining with friends and colleagues.”

Another new feature at the convention centers is the new garage beneath the park. The garage accommodates nearly 700 cars, replacing two surface lots that were removed to make way for the park.

Those convening at the GRB will want to check out Houston Pavilions, the new entertainment and retail hub four short blocks from the convention center. Houston Pavilions encompasses three city blocks with major tenants such as House of Blues, McCormick & Schmick’s and Books-A-Million.

The GRB is flanked by Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park, so meeting planners may want to consider sporting events and big-name concerts as off-site activities. Hilton Americas-Houston, a 1,200-room headquarters hotel attached to the GRB via sky bridges, is another huge convenience that visitors can appreciate.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Discovery Green looms as a 12-acre park full of green spaces and lush landscaping.

The GRB itself – which ranks among the nation’s 10 largest convention centers with 1.2 million square feet of exhibition, meeting and registration space – has no shortage of venues. In addition to seven exhibit halls and more than 100 meeting rooms, the 3,600-seat General Assembly Theater, the 31,590-square-foot Grand Ballroom and 6,600 retractable seats in Hall B3 translate into a plethora of meeting options.

Within one mile of the downtown convention center are more than 5,000 hotel rooms. Citywide, Houston has more than 50,000 rooms.

Also within the one-mile radius, convention guests will find a sparkling Theater District, which is second only to New York in the number of theater seats in a concentrated downtown area. Visitors can ride the light-rail system to connect to Houston’s Museum District and other points south of downtown.

Of course, Houston is more than first-class class convention and hotel facilities. The fourth-largest city in the United States is an affordable destination that is easy to reach from any part of the country and serves as an international gateway.

Above all else, the staff at GRB understands that nothing is more important than taking care of clients’ meeting needs.

“Every convention center has four walls, a roof and enough space to host the majority of events that take place in this business,” Villagomez says. “What separates the GRB from other convention centers, we believe, is the quality of service we provide to our clients.”

Villagomez adds: “Most groups can hold their meetings anywhere, but we want them to come to Houston because they know they’ll receive the level of attention they won’t get anywhere else.”

In short, there has never been a better time to take another look at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

And be sure to check out our new front yard!

For more information about hosting your next event at the George R. Brown Convention Center, visit www.HoustonConventionCtr.com.

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the west / Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i offers an ideal spot for international meetings, with the added benefit of providing an array of leisure options

Hawai‘i Convention Center 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 • (808) 943-3500, Toll-free (800) 295-6603 • Fax: (808) 943-3599 • www.hawaiiconvention.com

F

or generations, Hawai‘i has been a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Today, it is an accommodating host culture, melding mores of various ethnicities and serving as a crossroads where the aloha spirit prevails and guests feel welcome. It is this environment about which President Barack Obama wrote: “The opportunity that Hawai‘i offered – to experience a variety of culture in a climate of mutual respect – became an integral part of my world view, and a basis for the values I hold most dear” (Punahou Bulletin, 1999).

Well situated between the U.S. mainland and Pacific Rim countries, Hawai‘i offers an ideal spot for international meetings, with the added benefit of providing an array of leisure options for accompanying family and friends. Given Hawai‘i’s prime geographic location, the Center’s development of a marketing team that focuses on global outreach to countries throughout the Pacific Rim makes sound business sense.

Depending on need, the Center’s marketing team provides businesses and associations with insight and guidance. While these organizations’ top priority is to achieve their business goals, it is important that they realize there are differences in approach. The team is well versed in the nuances of conducting business on an international level.

As host, the Hawai‘i Convention Center assures meeting planners that it provides the perfect setting to conduct business with global implications. Various marketing tools are utilized – from promotional collateral to custom-designed “micro sites” that are tailored to that organization’s meeting mission – and made available in multiple languages.

The result is an effortless information sharing and application process for international constituents who may never have attended a U.S.-based meeting. Access to the micro site, which can feature testimonies, welcome messages from association and Hawai‘i dignitaries, and access to housing information, emphasizes the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s mission of conducting business with aloha. And since it’s a meeting in Hawai‘i—where Pacific Rim cultures blend with ease—attendance from Asian countries has proven to increase because the Center offers an atmosphere conducive to comfortable business introductions that lead to successful and enduring collaborations.

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The Convention Center has also focused on building tradeshow participation – particularly to attract exhibitors from Asia and the South Pacific. To promote attendance at the Hawai‘i event, the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s sales team identifies potential exhibitors and even participates as an exhibitor itself at tradeshows of partner associations in Asia the year prior to the Hawai‘i event.

Other assistance includes identifying travel company partners to develop tours and packages to bring delegates to the Hawai‘i convention. Editorial outreach, which spans a chronology that begins months before an event and extends months beyond, is designed to send the message that Hawai‘i is a destination which is hospitable to both domestic and international members.

To reinforce the idea that Hawai‘i offers an ideal setting for meetings, METROPOLL XII, a survey conducted on behalf of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, has determined that Hawai‘i continues to rank as the top choice of a vacation destination, and close to the Top 10 as a convention site. The survey also noted the perception that Hawai‘i is good for international conventions. Hawai‘i ranks in the Top 10 among 40 destinations covered in the study when it comes to international draw. In the national market, Hawai‘i maintains its increased incidents of major meetings, which was also noted in the previous survey, Metropoll XI. The survey credits this to the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s marketing impact. Exposure to Hawai‘i marketing activities included trade-book ads, calls from the convention center’s sales staff, trade booth and web site visits. Hawai‘i’s Internet advertising is also strong, ranking 6th on both web site visits and among those who saw Internet ads.

It was also concluded that the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s image is more positive now than it was in the Metropoll XI survey.

Of the 21 convention center image attributes covered, the Hawai‘i Convention Center ranks in the Top 10 on 12 aspects. These above average perceptions occur in the general categories of capacity, facilities and support.

For information on how to maximize attendance, increase productivity, globalize your meeting, reduce airfare or shipping costs, or to read numerous testimonials, please visit www.hawaiiconvention.com .

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Perfect climate. Sudden brainstorms. No place on earth fuels creativity and innovation like Hawai‘i. For proof, go to BusinessAloha.com and watch video testimonials from planners who’ve already reaped the rewards of meeting in the Islands of Aloha. We’ll also give you an inside look at the competitively-priced Hawai‘i Convention Center, link you to dozens of information resources, and assist you in planning a successful meeting in Hawai‘i. Visit BusinessAloha.com for details.

Hall, The gallery and outdoor terrace is 9,500 square feet of functional space.

Exhibit Space: Theater Seating: 20,333 in Exhibit Halls; 2,291 in South

the west TEXAS TEXAS

DALLAS FORT WORTH CENTER CONVENTION 650 South Griffin St. CONVENTION CENTER Dallas, TX 75202 1201 Houston Street (214)Worth, 939-2700; Fax: (214) 939-2795 Fort TX 76102 www.dallasconventioncenter.com (817) 392-MEET (6338); (866) 630-2588 Director: Frank Poe Fax: (817) 392-2756 www.fortworth.com “Welcome to the CENTER Vice President of Meeting Sales: of the Universe!”

John Cychol

Snapshot: The Dallas Convention Snapshot: The $75-million Center is aRevitalized. mega-size, multi-purpose expansion of the Fort Worth Convention facility that can be easily tailored to any Center has created an incredible facility sizeaor typevariety of event.

It is conveniently for wide of events, from convenlocated a vibrant is tions to in trade showsdowntown to corporatethat meetclose to businesses, entertainment, ings. This high-tech center featuresculturmore al venues, shopping, more. than 250,000 square sports feet of and exhibit space, the largestSpace: ballroom the citycontains at 28,160 Meeting Theincenter square feet, 1,000,000 and a 55,000-square-foot more than sq. ft. of prime events plaza to space the beautiful meeting andlinked exhibit and hasWater Gardens.

From 727,000 the breathtaking approximately sq. ft. ofarchicontecture the state-of-the-art tiguousoutside exhibittospace, including a facilities inside, the Fort Worth 203,000-sq.-ft., column-free exhibit Convention Center is one of the nation’s hall. There’s also a 9,826-seat arena, a premier sites for events of all sizes.

1,740-seat theater, 105 meeting rooms Meeting Space:ballrooms, 253,226 sq.asft.,well including and 2 gigantic as 75 41 Breakout truck berths.Rooms, 28,160-sq.-ft.

Ballroom.

98 UTAH

SALT PALACE CONVENTION CENTER

100 South West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (801) 534-4777; Fax: (801) 534-6383 www.saltpalace.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Dan Hayes

“in the middle of it all” Snapshot: Nestled in the heart of dowtown Salt Lake, the Salt Palace Convention Center is the perfect place for meetings, conventions, trade shows, exhibitons and events of any size. This state-of-the-art venue recently completed an ambitious $52-million expansion, growing the facility by 40 percent.

The expansion includes an additional 145,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, and 64,000 of new meeting room space.

Salt Palace Convention Center is in a select category of convention facilities that can offer to its clients over a half million-square-feet of contiguous exhibit space!

Meeting Space: The original Salt

TEXAS TEXAS TEXAS

ramps and drive-in doors. Other facilities and Amphitheatre. include a ballroom measuring 31,500 sq.

Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: of Lake Grapevine, the world-class ft., a 3,600-seat tied amphitheater, an More than 4 dozen lodging facilities to Relache unique shopping. exhibit hallSpa, withand retractable seating for fit every budget—including upscale, 6,000, 100 meeting rooms and four exterimeeting-style hotels like the Hyatt orMeeting balconies suitable for outdoor recepRegency. Space: 400,000 sq. ft. of overtions, each measuring nearly 3,000 sq. ft. all space, 69 meeting rooms, 50,000Technology: An updated convention Technology: The GRB plans to install a sq.-ft. ballroom, 180,000-sq.-ft. exhibit center offers computerized lighting, a 100-kilowatt energy system a pilot hall plus 17solar dedicated loadingas docks, new HVAC system, new sound system HOUSTON project on the roof in 2009. In addition to 29,000-seat theater. and high-quality acoustics throughout traditional services, the GRB offerscable, presenVenue Features: Fiber-optic catthe complex. tation wired into egorymanagement 5E and Catsystems 3 cable, with a flexiGEORGE BROWN EL PASOR. CONVENTION Venue Features: 28-ft. ceiling height, every meeting room, custom floor plan servble DS3 pipe for backbone bandwith GAYLORD TEXAN CONVENTION CENTER & VISITORS BUREAU 135-lb. per sq. inch floor loadrendercapacity, ices andwill three-dimensional CAD that support requests for ISDN, 1001 de las Americas OneAvenida Civic Center RESORT &Plaza 3 access doors,systems, gas and24compressed ings, 50 digi-mic computer/ air Houston, Texas 77010 T1 and T3 communications.

El Paso, TX 79901 CONVENTION CENTER uponwork request. printer stations, online presentation (713) 853-8000; (800) 427-4697 (915) 534-0601; (800) 351-6024 1501 Gaylord Trail Guestand Rooms: 1,511 luxury units, services portable, digital bays.

Fax: (713) 853-8090 Transportation: El Pasovideo International.

Fax: (915) 534-0687 Grapevine, TX 76051 including 127 suites. www.HoustonConventionCtr.com www.elpasocvb.com Hotel Rooms: 5,000 within one mile of (817) 778-1000; Fax: (817) 778-1149 Attractions: Historic attractions, www.youtube.com/user/GRBmarketing General Manager: Bill Blaziek Transportation: Six minutes from www.gaylordtexan.com GRB; 60,000 citywide. multi-cultural activities, nearby General Manager: Luther Villagomez Snapshot: Located in the western tip DFW International Airport.

Public Relations Manager: foreign country andIntercontinental sun 302 days of Transportation: Bush of the Lone Star state, where it conMartha Neibling the year; Botanical Gardens, Fort Snapshot: Located the Mexico heart of and downverges with both in New “old” Airport and Hobby Airport are both fullBliss,airports.

El PasoFlat Zoo, Mayapan town Houston, the George R. Brownby service rateCafé $6 cab rides anyMexico, El Paso is characterized “Everything Under Onecomfortable Roof!” marketplace, National Forest, Convention within where downtown.Lincoln Light-rail service from remindersCenter of the ishistoric Old West, a numbertoofpoints wineries and plenty of Snapshot: The Gaylord Texan Resort is walking distance of several major attracdowntown south. influences of its Spanish-mission days golf courses. Unique shopping sites aand total world-class tions.

Across the street is the lush 12-acre thedestination heritage ofoffering Native Americans.

Attractions: Discovery Green,Theater include the malls, local boutiques, meeting facilities, impeccable Discovery Park.

Nearby arecustomer Toyota MillionsGreen of visitors come here annually District, Houston Pavilions, Space shops and mercados offering authentic service, andto Center andexciting Maid Park. New to enjoy aMinute uniqueentertainment destination that Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, southwest wares. Popular dining spots onsite.

Sitting a Houston therecreation-all neighborhood isMexico the Houston includes Juarez, as itshigh nexton door Livestock Show and Rodeo, include Cattle Baron Steak and bluff overlooking the hub. sparkling waters Pavilions entertainment Convenient? neighbor.

Museum District, Galleria shopping, all Seafood, Billy Crew’s, Andovino’s of Fun? Lake You Grapevine, this awe-inspiring Yes. bet. major sports Meeting Space:guests The Judson F. and Landry’s. resort welcomes to an authentic Meeting Space: The GRBCenter features and yearWilliams Convention hasResort 3 Texas experience.

Gaylord Texan 1,200,000 sq. ft.80,000 of exhibition, round golf. exhibit halls, sq.features ft. meeting of column& Convention Center 1,511 and space, includingrooms, 639,000 See ad lessregistration floor space, 17 meeting luxury rooms, sophisticated meeting contiguous sq.36,000 ft. on five moreconvention than sq. street-level ft. pre-function on Cover 2 and space, fiveofsignature exhibit Twovenues exhibit halls ontwo thethespace.halls.

Other include restaurants, live entertainment nightly third level areMcKelligon accessible toCanyon trucks via aters and Pavilion at Glass Cactus nightclub on the shores

Convention/Guest Rooms: The city of Exhibit Space: 182,613ofsq.more ft., includDallas has an inventory than ing 56,508-sq.-ft. exhibit hall. rooms.

60,000 first class and economy The downtown area is wellPermanent; represented Theater Seating: 10,418 by brand name, meeting-style hotels, the 2,596 Temporary; 44 Wheelchair largest of which include Adams Mark, Accessible; 44 Companion.

Hyatt Regency at Reunion, Dallas Hotel Rooms: center (Will Fairmont Hotel1,200 Dallas,near Hotel Interbe 2,000+ byDallas, 1/1/09); 11,300 rooms Continental Hyatt Regency city-wide.

Dallas, and Wyndham Anatole Hotel.

Transportation: Worth Venue Features: Dallas/Fort Touted as the first International miles from 100% wirelessAirport facility isin17.5 the nation, the Fort Worth. center now offers seamless connectivity Attractions: main entertainment in everythingThree from meeting rooms to districts—all withinto3 the miles of each pre-function space parking other—Sundance Square (35 square garage, which enables attendees to blocks of shopping, more or than a dozen access e-mail via laptops PDAs, restaurants, theater, while exhibitors are art ablegalleries); to run realStockyards National District time streaming videoHistoric or applications (Old West/Texas-themed among multiple users. shopping and cuisine, rodeos, Western saloons, the Transportation: Dallas Love Field Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Airport and Dallas/Ft. Worthand the Fort Worth Herd dailyare cattle drive;proxInternational Airport in close Livestock ExchangeDallas.

Building; imity of downtown Numerous Western shops, including Attractions: Texas Motor Speedway, Maverick, Fincher’s and Leddy’s; hisStateExchange Fair, TasteAvenue); of Dallas, Meyerson toric Fort Worth Symphony Center, Lone Star Park, Six Cultural District (five world-class Flags Over Dallas Opera and museums inTexas, a relaxing, park-like setwhole lot more.

Inisaddition, there are a ting—Fort Worth considered “the multitude of restaurants offering every museum capital of the Southwest.”) type of cuisine and service.

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Facilities & Destinations Palace Convention Center featured 35,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, and 100,000 square feet of meeting space including a 45,000-square-foot grand ballroom. The recent expansion project added another exhibit hall 145,000 sq. ft. and three new levels of meeting rooms (64,000 sq. ft). Today, the completed venue offers 515,000 sq. ft of contiguous exhibit space and 164,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 66 meeting rooms.

Convention/Hotel Rooms: 7,125 downtown hotel rooms within walking distance of Salt Palace.

Transportation: 10 minutes to Salt Lake City International Airport.

Attractions: Clark Planetarium; Ballet West; Beehive House; Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts; Classic Cars International; Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Memorial Museum; Fort Douglas Museum Association; Grand America Spa; Museum of Church History & Art; Museum of Utah Art & History; Palmers Gallery Fine Art; Salt Lake Art Center; Salt Lake County Center for the Arts; EnergySolutions Arena; More than 90 restaurants and entertianment venues are within walking distance of the Salt-Palace Convention Center.

4 WASHINGTON WASHINGTON

team offers custom catered menus to enhance theme ofwith yourballroom event. room (may bethe combined Meeting Space: 372,000 sq. ft.,space); for 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting including 25 meeting 42,436 square feet ofrooms prefunction & (35,732 sq. ft. total). additional event space.

Largest (size, sq. ft.) lobby Venue Ballroom: Features: Glass-enclosed 25,310-sq-ft Ballroom (Divisible intoof3 and pre-function spaces with views sections) & 139,200 sq. ft. of ExhibitBay; Mt. Rainier and Commencement Space, including Mainramp 5 loading bays, 100,160-sq-ft including drive-on Exhibit Hall.hall; Power, water, phone, to exhibit data easily accessedPerforming at points inArts floor Theater: 2,700-seat boxes throughout exhibit hall.

Center; 270-seat, tiered multimedia SPOKANE THE GREATER TACOMA theater.

Convention/Guest Rooms: Adjacent CONVENTION CONVENTIONCENTER & to 319-roomCampus-wide Sheraton Tacoma and Technology: wireless 334 West Spokane Falls Boulevard TRADE CENTER 160-room Courtyard

by Marriott; access, fiber optic network backbone, Spokane, WA 99201 1500 Broadway Tacoma offers 1,500 committable (509) 624-1341: (800) 662-0084 full-building automation, 25 interiorguest Tacoma, WA 98402 rooms for city-wide conventions.

Fax: (509) 623-1297 LCD displays; 2 large-format (253) 830-6601; Fax: (253) 573-2363 www.visitspokane.com exterior marquees. 18 miles south of General Manager: David Bobo Transportation: Vice President and Director of Sales: www.tacomaconventioncenter.com SeaTac (Seattle-Tacoma) International Venue Features: recent expansion Keith Backsen Airport.Silver U.S. Green Building awarded The Spokane Public Facilities District’ s Snapshot: Just a short drive south of Council’s LEED rating.Art Museum; Attractions: Tacoma vision is to create event experiences Seattle, mountain peaks and water Museum of Glass; Hotel Rooms: 6,900Washington (2,500 withinState that make our guests say WOW! views welcome the newest meeting Historyradius Museum; Union Station; 8-block of Convention Center).

Snapshot: The Spokane Convention location in the Pacific Northwest.

Chihuly Bridge of Glass; Within walkTransportation: 7 miles from airport.

Center sits on the banks of the Spokane The Greater Tacoma Convention & ing distance of many dining establishRiver, 100-acre isRiverfront Tradeadjacent Center to (GTCTC) one of Attractions: 100toacre ments (casual fineRiverfront dining). Park Park in the heart of downtown Washington State’s largest meeting and with IMAX Theatre, Spokane Falls Spokane, yet facilities, it is within walkingtradedisconvention featuring Skyride, historic 1909 Looff tance fine walls, dining,breathtaking exquisite hotels marktoglass mountain Carrousel; 7-mile paved Centennial and wide variety shoppingarchitecand anda water views, of impressive Trail; Smithsonian-affiliated entertainment. center features a tural details andThe high quality interiors Northwest Museum of Arts and variety of unique spaces to suite an anchor us in the heart of a vibrant city. Culture; INB Performing Arts event’s needs, including an exhibit hall Center, Martin Woldson Theater.

Meeting Space: 277,000 total sq. ft., with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious, including 50,000-sq.-ft., column-free, open lobbies, meeting rooms with views Main Exhibit Hall; 14,000- sq.-ft. ballof the park and river and multiple outroom, and 11,000-sq.-ft. meeting room door locations. Onsite creative culinary

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook 99

82 23

the west /oklahoma

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau Oklahoma City: Cool & Warm Convention & Visitors Bureau Unveils New Advertising Campaign There’s no denying that Oklahoma City is a place of contrasts and combinations. Whether it’s the burgeoning art scene or NBA basketball; family fun or nightlife, Oklahoma City has something for everyone. An advertising campaign recently unveiled by the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau builds on the duality of Oklahoma City and shares the surprises the city holds.

“Most of us have heard someone say that Oklahoma City is so much more than they expected,” said Mike Carrier, president of the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our new campaign takes that unexpected and creates a truly unique character for our city.”

Produced by Ackerman McQueen Advertising Agency, the campaign is based on research that both the city’s western heritage and cosmopolitan renaissance are strengths. The research recommended a campaign that used the western heritage as a focal point, while introducing the modernization aspect over time.

WELCOME TO A CITY THAT HAS TALES FOR YOUR EARS & TREATS FOR YOUR EYES. WHERE THE SOUNDS OF SAX & TRUMPET IN BRICKTOWN MEET THE COLORS OF CHIHULY GLASS IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART. MAKE SURE YOUR NEXT MEETING OR CONVENTION IS AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS – MAKE OKLAHOMA CITY THE PLACE. BECAUSE NOW IS DEFINITELY THE TIME. UP & COMING. BRIGHT & SHINING.

What developed was the overall theme of Cool & Warm, with the cool and warm being the constant in all the ads. The cool is the cosmopolitan feel, the urban renaissance, the arts and the “buzz” about the city. The warm is the people, the feeling a visitor receives, the western heritage and the culture. The headline in each ad also features a dual theme: Leaps & Bounds, In & Out, Heart & Soul and Fun & Games, to name a few. The headlines reinforce that Oklahoma City is always a surprise and never offers just one thing.

Around the time the campaign was being developed, a New York Times article on Oklahoma City described the city as a fascinating mix of old and new; south and west, proving the duality of the campaign was the perfect fit.

“Our momentum has been growing for years, but with all the things occurring in our city, now is the time to unveil this campaign and share the contrasts that set Oklahoma City apart,” added Carrier.

For more information about Oklahoma City, go to www.visitokc.com or call 800-225-5652.

189 West Sheridan, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 297-8912; (800) 225-5652 Fax: (405) 297-8888

VISITOKC.C OM

www.visitokc.com Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

83

the west / oregon

Oregon Convention Center 777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97232 (503) 235-7575; (800) 791-2250 Fax: (503) 731-7802 • www.oregoncc.org

T

he Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, making it an ideal venue for conventions, industry tradeshows, meetings, and banquets. Located in beautiful and lively downtown Portland, Oregon, the OCC is the preferred destination for many groups because of its commitment to customer service and leadership in sustainable practices.

The center’s two grand ballrooms, 50 meeting rooms, 255,000 square feet of exhibit space, full-service catering, and experienced staff can handle events of any size, from 10 to 10,000.

The OCC is located within Portland’s city center, right around the corner from famous restaurants, popular cultural attractions and wide-ranging entertainment. Portland’s MAX light-rail system makes getting around easy. It can pick you up or drop you off right at our front door - and it’s free within most of the downtown area!

Arriving from out of town? OCC is just eight short miles from the airport, and MAX can even bring you to us or take you home.

National conventions love Oregon and the OCC. The surrounding area’s scenery is some of the most spectacular on the planet.

Leading-edge Technology The OCC has made many significant enhancements to its service offerings. A major upgrade to our WiFi infrastructure allows us to support as many as 5,000 simultaneous users and give them a quality experience as close to wired Ethernet as you can get. Recent new equipment purchases mean that our professional in-house audiovisual team can offer our customers reliable, state-of-the-art equipment and support.

areas of operation, maintenance and capital improvements.

The center’s aggressive recycling and waste management efforts have succeeded in diverting 266 tons of materials from landfills in fiscal year 2007-2008, with an overall diversion rate of 43.6% (up by approx. 12% over the previous fiscal year). The center hopes to achieve a 50% or better overall diversion rate in the coming fiscal year.

OCC’s waste recycling and recovery program includes pre-and post-consumer organic waste, cardboard, newspaper, plastics, glass bottles, wood pallets, cooking oil and landscaping trimmings.

In an effort to reduce waste, the OCC has hired its first sustainability coordinator. The coordinator will manage existing practices and policies that reduce waste through reuse, recycle and compost strategies, and research and implement cost-effective ideas to reduce the convention center’s carbon footprint, such as purchasing renewable energy and other strategies.

Practicing Sustainability In Fall all of 2008, the Oregon Convention Center was recertified with the LEED-EB Silver rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the first convention center in the nation to achieve recertification at a higher rating. The new “silver” rating required proven sustainability accomplishments among

At the Center of Success National conventions love Oregon and the OCC. The surrounding area’s scenery, some of the most spectacular on the planet, is artfully complimented by the décor and atmosphere of the center’s updated interiors. From the start, you realize that this isn’t only a great place to be, but a place where great things can happen.

84

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

the west / california

Sacramento Convention Center

This capital city has a convention center with 134,000 square feet of exhibit space and 31 meeting rooms.

1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 • (916) 808-5291 • Fax (916) 808-7687 • www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com

T

he discovery of gold near Sacramento in 1848 started California’s famous “Gold Rush,” bringing thousands of fortune seekers and entrepreneurs to the area almost overnight. Today, meeting planners discover their own type of gold when they select Sacramento as a meeting destination.

Convention Center Complex Located in the State Capital of California, the Sacramento Convention Center is just 20 minutes from the Sacramento International Airport, and located in the heart of downtown. The Sacramento Convention Center offers over 134,000 square feet of contiguous Exhibit Hall space on one floor, another 61,000 square feet of additional meeting space with 31 meeting rooms on three levels. A 2,400-seat Community Center Theater and 4,000-seat Memorial Auditorium are close by. All (3) Facilities are within walking distance to major downtown hotels, shops, and restaurants.

For those driving into town, a Convention Center parking garage is located just (2) short blocks to the main entrance of the Center.

Hotel Inventory Within walking distance (or a short shuttle ride away) of the Convention Center are more than 2,000 rooms and a dozen hotel properties. Only a pedestrian walkway separates the Sheraton Grand and the Hyatt Regency from the entrance to the Center. Several other properties can be found within a few blocks of the Center, including the Marriott Residence Inn at Capitol Park, Holiday Inn at Capitol Park, Best Western Sutter House, Holiday Inn Express, Clarion and Embassy Suites Waterfront.

86

Attractions With over 600 events and approximately 1,000,000 visitors annually, we offer something for everyone. Sacramento is strategically located in Northern California – 90 minutes Northeast of San Francisco.

We offer a wealth of cultural activities, professional sports and a wide range of family attractions. Take time to walk in our city and stroll through Capitol Park. Visit our many shops, relax on a riverboat or water taxi, and don’t forget to experience Old Sacramento where wooden boardwalks, cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages will transport you back in time.

Food & Beverage Award-winning Classique Catering is the celebrated caterer at the Convention Center and manages on-site Wolfgang Pucks Express and Starbucks coffeehouse. Classique Catering is a division of Centerplate and pride themselves on excellent service and quality product.

“The City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Convention Center offer you the best of both worlds – a diverse city with first-class amenities.”

–Judith A. Goldbar, General Manager

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Nova Scotia Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan

Canada

ONTARIO, CANADA

DIRECT ENERGY CENTRE

100 Princes’ Blvd.

Toronto, Ontario M6K 3C3 (416) 263-3020; Fax: (416) 263-3029 www.directenergycentre.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Laura Purdy

Snapshot: Direct Energy Centre is Canada’s largest exhibition and convention centre with over 1 million square feet of exhibition space. We are conveniently located at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto, with 35,000 hotel rooms citywide. Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is host to 50 global air carriers and is only 12 miles from Direct Energy Centre. Direct Energy Centre is one of the world’s most environmentally responsible exhibition and convention facilities.

The venue includes a Presentation Theatre with 100 Permanent fixed seats, a 8,200-seat arena and a 20,000-seat open-air stadium on-site.

ONTARIO, ONTARIO,CANADA CANADA

THE METRO TORONTO DIRECT ENERGY CONVENTION CENTRE CENTRE 255 Street West 100Front Princes’ Blvd.

Toronto, M5V 2W6 Toronto,Ontario, Ontario Canada M6K 3C3 (416) (416)585-8000; 263-3020;Fax: Fax:(416) (416)585-8198 263-3029 www.mtccc.com www.directenergycentre.com V.P. Sales & Marketing: John Houghton Director of Sales & Marketing: Laura Purdy “Our PEOPLE are the centre”

Snapshot:The Direct Energy Centre is Snapshot: Metro Toronto Canada’s largest exhibition and#1convenConvention Centre is Canada’s trade tionconvention centre withfacility over 1and million and one ofsquare the feet ofinexhibition space. With We are convefinest North America. more niently locatedsquare at Exhibition Place in than 2 million feet of state-ofdowntown with 35,000 hotel the-art space,Toronto, it is considered a worldroomstier-one citywide.

Toronto’s class, facility.

Since Pearson its opening Airporthasis hosted host toapproxi50 inInternational 1984, the MTCC global 12,000 air carriers andand is only 12 miles mately events has enterfrom Direct Energy Centre. tained nearly 40 million guests.Direct From 10 EnergytoCentre one ofboard the world’s people 10,000.is From meetings responsible tomost galaenvironmentally balls and everything in between, exhibition andanswer convention MTCC is the for thefacilities. right room, Theright venue includes Presentation the catering andathe right people.

Theatre with 100460,000 Permanent Meeting Space: sq. ft.fixed of flexiseats, a 8,200-seat and ameeting ble exhibit space; 64arena furnished 20,000-seat open-air stadium on-site. rooms that cover 104,000 sq. ft. of

Meeting Space: 1,072,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit/event space, including 23 meeting rooms; Conference Centre expansion scheduled for 2009.

Services: In-house catering and concessions department available. On-site parking for 7,000 vehicles.

Transportation: 12 miles/20 minutes from Pearson International Airport.

Attractions: Air Canada Centre; Scaramouche Restaurant; Hockey Hall of Fame; Le Montmartre Restaurant; The Distillery Historic District; Campbell House Museum; Black Creek Pioneer Village; Textile Museum of Canada; Bata Shoe Museum; Campbell House Museum; Royal Ontario Museum, Clarke Museum; Scarborough Historical Museum; Thomson Memorial Park; MZTV Museum of Television; CBC Museum; Benares Historic House and Visitor Centre.

space; 2 multi-purpose ballrooms encompassing 78,000 sq. ft.; 1,330-seat John Bassett Theatre.

Technology: High-speed Internet access Meeting Space: 1,072,000 sq. ft. of using a T3 connection; Wireless Internet meeting/exhibit/event space, including access; Customized and wireless 23 meeting rooms; wired Conference Centre data networks; Customized voice netexpansion scheduled for 2009. works; Digital PBX; Virtual internal Services:On-site In-house cateringsupport. and concesnetworks; technical sions department available. On-site Venue Features: in-house services parking for 7,000 vehicles. include: Audio-visual; Simultaneous Transportation: 12 miles/20 translation; on-site catering; minutes from Pearson International Airport.

Telecommunication; Banking/ATM and exchange Air services; Guest Services Attractions: Canada Centre; desk in the main entrance ofHockey each Scaramouche Restaurant; building.

Hall of Fame; Le Montmartre Restaurant; The Distillery Historic Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: District; Campbell House 12,000 first-class hotel roomsMuseum; within Black Creek Pioneer walking distance of theVillage; Centre.Textile Museum of Canada; Bata Shoe Transportation: 20-minute from Museum; Campbell Housedrive Museum; Pearson International Airport.

Royal Ontario Museum, Clarke Attractions: Theatre district is a Museum; Scarborough Historical five-minute walk fromMemorial the doorsPark; of Museum; Thomson MTCC; Canada Centre; Rogers MZTV Air Museum of Television; CBC Centre; Medieval Dinner & and Museum; BenaresTimes Historic House Tournament; StageWest All-Suite Visitor Centre.

Hotel & Theatre Restaurant; Guinness World Records Museum; Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery.

88

ONTARIO, CANADA Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

space; 2 multi-purpose ballrooms encompassing 78,000 sq. ft.; 1,330-seat

BRITISH COLUMBIA, ONTARIO, CANADA CANADA

VANCOUVER DIRECT ENERGY CONVENTION & CENTRE 100 Princes’ Blvd.

EXHIBITION CENTRE

Toronto, Ontario M6K 3C3 Suite 200, 999 Canada Place (416) 263-3020; Fax: (416)V6C 263-3029 Vancouver, BC, Canada 3C1 www.directenergycentre.com (604) 689-8232; (866) 785-8232 Director of Sales (North America only)& Marketing: Laura Purdy647-7232 Fax: (604) www.vcec.ca Snapshot: Energy Centre is Director of Direct Sales: Gayle Morris

Canada’s largest exhibition and conven“More.

Onwith All Levels” tion centre over 1 million square Snapshot: Spectacular, feet of exhibition space. multi-level, We are convewaterfront venue, originally built niently located at Exhibition Placeforin Canada Pavilion for with the World’s downtown Toronto, 35,000 Fair hotel Expo incitywide.

1986, the Vancouver rooms Toronto’s Pearson Convention &Airport Exhibition Centre International is host to 50will triple its as this Canadian global airsize carriers andbeautiful is only 12 miles city prepares to host Centre. the 2010Direct Olympic from Direct Energy & Paralympics Energy Centre Winter is one ofGames. the world’s most environmentally responsible Meeting Space: Flexible pre-function exhibition andspace convention facilities.sq. ft. and function totals 133,000 The venue includes a Presentation on two levels, including a 91,000-sq.-ft.

Theatre withexhibit 100 Permanent fixedinto column-free hall; divisible seats, a 8,200-seat arena and a columnthree halls and a 16,000-sq.-ft.

20,000-seat open-air on-site. free ballroom; divisiblestadium into three rooms; 20 meeting rooms from 500 to QUEBEC, CANADA BRITISH COLUMBIA, ONTARIO, CANADA CANADA

VANCOUVER THE METRO TORONTO CONVENTIONCENTRE & CONVENTION 255 Front Street West CENTRE EXHIBITION QUEBEC CITY Toronto, Ontario, CanadaPlace M5V 2W6 Suite 200, 999 Canada CONVENTION CENTRE (416) 585-8000; (416)V6C 585-8198 Vancouver, BC, Fax: Canada 3C1 1000, René-Lévesque Est www.mtccc.com (604) boul.

689-8232; (866) 785-8232 (418) 644-4000; (888) V.P. Sales & Marketing: John Houghton (North America only) 679-4000 Fax: (418) 644-6455 Fax: (604) 647-7232 are the centre” “Our PEOPLE www.convention.qc.ca www.vcec.ca President/CEO: P.Metro Michel Bouchard Snapshot: Director ofThe Sales: GayleToronto Morris

Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 trade Snapshot: “More. OnThe AllQuebec Levels”City and convention facility and one of the Convention Centre is located right in Snapshot: Spectacular, finest in North America. multi-level, With more the heart of venue, downtown Quebec, a for waterfront originally built than 2 million square feet of state-ofdynamic international metropolis.

Canadaspace, Pavilion for the World’s Fair the-art it is considered a worldUnique walkways link the Expotier-one inunderground 1986,facility. the Vancouver class, Since its opening center to lodging, shopping, parking, & Exhibition Centre will inConvention 1984, the MTCC has hosted approxirestaurants, nightlife other Canadian cultural triple its size as thisand beautiful mately 12,000 events and has enterattractions. city prepares to million host theguests.

2010 From Olympic tained nearly 40 10 Meeting The eco-friendly com& Paralympics Games. people to Space: 10,000.Winter From board meetings plex contains a 75,000-sq.-ft. to gala ballsSpace: and everything in exhibit between, Meeting Flexible pre-function hall, 34,500-sq.-ft. convention MTCC is the answer for the righthall, room, and afunction space totals 133,000 sq.aft.

25,000-sq.-ft. multipurpose room and the catering and the aright people. on right two levels, including 91,000-sq.-ft.

30 meeting rooms with a total of into column-free exhibit hall; divisible Meeting Space: 460,000 sq. ft. of flexi35,000 sq. ft.and Ample public spacecolumnthree halls 16,000-sq.-ft. ble exhibit space;a 64 furnished meeting (232,000 sq. ft.) can welcome a convenfree ballroom; rooms that coverdivisible 104,000into sq.three ft. of rooms; 20 meeting rooms from 500 to

6,500 sq. ft.; Expansion, due to be completed in 2009; will triple combined meeting/exhibition space to nearly 500,000 sq. ft.

Meeting Space: 1,072,000 sq. ft. of Venue features: Unique “scratch meeting/exhibit/event space, including kitchen” on-site caterer utilizes fresh, 23 meeting rooms; Conference Centre local products without additives, avoids expansion scheduled for 2009. canned goods, disposable utensils and Services: dishes. In-house catering and concessions department available. On-site Green Features: Designated a parking for 7,000 vehicles.

Powersmart Convention Centre by BC Transportation: 12 “GO miles/20 minutes Hydro; Awarded GREEN” cerfrom International Airport. tificatePearson from the Building Owners and Managers Association.

Attractions: Air Canada Centre; Scaramouche Restaurant; Convention/Hotel Rooms:Hockey 13,000 Hall of hotel Fame;rooms Le Montmartre quality within easy walking Restaurant; distance. The Distillery Historic District; Campbell House Museum; Transportation: Vancouver Black Creek Pioneer Village; Textile International Airport.

Museum of Canada; Bata Shoe Attractions: Edgewater Casino, Tantra Museum; Campbell House Museum; Waterfront Lounge & Grill at Royal Ontario Museum, Clarke Lonsdale Quay Hotel, Giggle Dam Museum; Scarborough Historical Dinner Theatre, Grouse Mountain, Museum; Thomson Memorial Park; The Peak of Vancouver, H.R. CBC MZTV Museum of Television; MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Museum; Benares Historic House and Art Gallery, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Visitor Centre.

Chinese Garden, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Harbour Cruises & Events, Vancouver Museum, Vancouver Aquarium, M&M Salmon Fishing Charters, Playland @ the PNE, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Prince of Whales Whale Watching.

tion of2sq. up to 3,500 attendees 6,500 ft.; Expansion, due with to bean comspace; multi-purpose ballrooms exhibition and78,000 a will single-event capacity pleted in 2009; triple combined encompassing sq. ft.; 1,330-seat ofmeeting/exhibition upBassett to 7,500Theatre. attendees. space to nearly John 500,000 sq. ft.

Technological Features: AVW Technology: High-speed Internet access TELAV forconnection; audiovisual needs and Venue features: Unique “scratch using a T3 Wireless Internet services; AXION forwired sound lightkitchen” on-site caterer utilizes fresh, access; Customized andand wireless ing for shows, Customized banquets andvoice exhibitions; local products without additives, avoids data networks; netand VIDEOTRON for high-speed canned goods,PBX; disposable utensils works; Digital Virtual internaland Internet dishes. services. networks; On-site technical support.

Venue Features: Onsite Catering GreenFeatures: Features:in-house Designated a by Venue services Capital.

Powersmart Convention Centre by BC include: Audio-visual; Simultaneous Hydro; Awarded GREEN” translation; on-site“GO catering; Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms:certificatehotel fromrooms the Building Telecommunication; Banking/ATM 2,000 within aOwners short and Managers Association. and exchange services; Guest Services distance from the centre; 12,000 guedesk in the mainthroughout entrance ofthe each strooms located area.

Convention/Hotel Rooms: 13,000 building. quality hotel rooms within easy walking Transportation: Jean-Lisage Airport Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: isdistance. approximately 25 minutes from 12,000 first-class hotel rooms within downtown.

Transportation: Vancouver walking distance of the Centre.

International Airport.

Attractions: Dynamic downtown with Transportation: 20-minute drive Tantra from restaurants, club and shopping; Attractions:night Edgewater Casino, Pearson International Airport.

Old Quebec historic & district; Waterfront Lounge Grill at Montmorency Falls Park; world Lonsdale Quay Hotel, Giggle Attractions: Theatre district is aDam famous Hotel; Winter Carnival; Dinner Ice Theatre, Grouse five-minute walk from theMountain, doors of L’Astral revolving rooftop restaurant; The Peak Vancouver, H.R. MTCC; AirofCanada Centre; Rogers Albert Gilles Art Museum & MacMillan SpaceTimes Centre, Vancouver Centre; Medieval Dinner & Boutique; Parc des Champs-deArt Gallery, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Tournament; StageWest All-Suite Bataille; Shrine ofRestaurant; Sainte-Anne-deChinese Garden, Vancouver Maritime Hotel & Theatre Beaupré; de Museum; Québec Museum,Notre-Dame Harbour Cruises & Events, Guinness World Records Basilica-Cathedral; Musée Edison Vancouver Museum, Vancouver Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate du Phonographe.

Aquarium, M&M Winery.

Salmon Fishing Charters, Playland @ the PNE, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Prince of Whales Whale Watching.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

QUEBEC, CANADA 59 Facilities & Destinations Planner tion of Guide up to 3,500 attendees with an

exhibition and a single-event capacity

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PUERTO RICO & The Caribbean THE CARIBBEAN

WISCONSIN WISCONSIN

14,000-sq.-ft Ballroom.

The 68,000 sq.sq.

14,000-sq.-ft Ballroom.

The 68,000 ft.ft. of of rooftop gardens cancan bebe reserved rooftop gardens reserved forfor events. events.

Venue Features: Wireless access is is Venue Features: Wireless access available throughout Monona Terrace available throughout Monona Terrace with excellent coverage; Monona with excellent coverage; Monona Terrace is one of of only a handful of of conTerrace is one only a handful convention centers offering Internet 22 vention centers offering Internet access; Special amenities include a a access; Special amenities include greeter at at thethe main entrance to to assist greeter main entrance assist guests, business center, giftgift shop, art/art/ guests, business center, shop, exhibit area and expansive areas forfor exhibit area and expansive areas MM ONONA TT ERRACE ONONA ERRACE registration and information needs. registration and information needs.

CC ONVENTION C ENTER ONVENTION CENTER Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: One John Nolen Drive Convention/Guest Hotel Rooms: One John Nolen Drive Madison, WIWI 53703 240-room attached Hilton Madison, Madison, 53703 240-room attached Hilton Madison, (608) 261-4100; Fax: (608) 261-4049 1,000 rooms within walking distance of of (608) 261-4100; Fax: (608) 261-4049 1,000 rooms within walking distance Sales/Event Services Manager: Sales/Event Services Manager: Monona Terrace, more than 8,000 hotel Monona Terrace, more than 8,000 hotel Laura Cornell, CMP Laura Cornell, CMP rooms areare available to to groups in in rooms available groups www.mononaterrace.com www.mononaterrace.com Madison.

Madison.

“Where business and inspiration “Where business and inspiration Transportation: Madison is accessible Transportation: Madison is accessible meet.” meet.” byby airair from every major metro area in in from every major metro area Snapshot: The Frank Lloyd Wrightthethe country and is served byby thethe Dane Snapshot: The Frank Lloyd Wrightcountry and is served Dane designed Monona Terrace Community Regional Airport.

Monona designed Monona Terrace Community County County Regional Airport.

Monona and Convention Center is located in in Terrace is ais 10-minute drive from thethe and Convention Center is located Terrace a 10-minute drive from heart of Madison’s vibrant downtown airport. heart of Madison’s vibrant downtown airport. onon thethe shore of of Lake Monona.

This shore Lake Monona.

This Attractions: The State Capitol buildAttractions: The State Capitol buildspectacular multi-level structure features spectacular multi-level structure features ing. Museum Mile offers six ing.

Museum Mile offers six public promenades, meeting rooms with public promenades, meeting rooms with fascinating museums, plus several fascinating museums, plus several striking lake views, extensive rooftop striking lake views, extensive rooftop artart galleries forfor galleries gardens and thethe attached Hilton gardens and attached Hilton browsers and browsers and Madison.

Madison. collectors alike. collectors alike.

Meeting Space: 250,000-sq.-ft., State Street –– Meeting Space: 250,000-sq.-ft., State Street 5-level facility; 85,000 sq. ft. of meetMadison’s famed 5-level facility; 85,000 sq. ft. of meetMadison’s famed ing/exhibit space; 2323 meeting rooms; pedestrian mall. ing/exhibit space; meeting rooms; pedestrian mall.

40,000-sq.-ft.

Main Exhibit Hall; 40,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; See AdAd onon See 5,540-sq.-ft.

Lecture Hall, seating 320; 5,540-sq.-ft. Lecture Hall, seating 320; Page 63 63 Page

PUERTO RICO PUERTO RICO

Meeting Space: 35,000 sq.sq. ft.,ft., includMeeting Space: 35,000 includinging 9 breakout rooms; 16,290-sq.-ft.

9 breakout rooms; 16,290-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; (150,000 sq.sq. ft.ft. available at at Ballroom; (150,000 available adjacent Puerto Rico Convention adjacent Puerto Rico Convention Center); 1,480 Theater Seating.

Center); 1,480 Theater Seating.

Technology: Audiovisual equipment; Technology: Audiovisual equipment; High-speed Internet access; High-speed Internet access;24-hour 24-hour Business Center.

Business Center.

Venue Features: Spa; Casino; Fitness Venue Features: Spa; Casino; Fitness center; Professional event staff; on-site center; Professional event staff; on-site catering team; (580,000 square feet of of catering team; (580,000 square feet SHERATON SHERATONPUERTO PUERTO function space in in thethe adjacent Puerto function space adjacent Puerto RICO RICOCONVENTION CONVENTION Rico Convention Center).

Rico Convention Center).

CENTER CENTERHOTEL HOTEL&& Lodging: 503 Guest Rooms.

Lodging: 503 Guest Rooms.

CASINO CASINO 200200 Convention Boulevard Distance to to nearest airport: 7 miles Convention Boulevard Distance nearest airport: 7 miles SanSan Juan, PRPR 00907 from (SJU).

Juan, 00907 from (SJU).

(787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535 (787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535 Transportation: 7 miles from Luis Transportation: 7 miles from Luis Fax: (787) 993-3525 Fax: (787) 993-3525 Muñoz Marin International Airport. www.sheraton.com/ Muñoz Marin International Airport. www.sheraton.com/ puertoricoconventioncenter puertoricoconventioncenter Destination features: The new Puerto Destination features: The new Puerto Director of of Sales & Marketing: Director Sales & Marketing: Rico Convention Center District feaRico Convention Center District feaWillie Chin Willie Chin tures dozens of of night spots, restaurants tures dozens night spots, restaurants You don’t just stay here.

You belong shops some of of thethe Caribbean’s preYou don’t just stay here.

You belong andand shops some Caribbean’s premier entertainment options.

The hotel Snapshot: Plan your event in in paradise. mier entertainment options.

The hotel Snapshot: Plan your event paradise. a new casino featuring non-stop Opening in in November 2009 andand superbly a new casino featuring non-stop Opening November 2009 superbly hashas action, including 500 slotslot machines and situated amidst thethe Puerto Rico action, including 500 machines and situated amidst Puerto Rico 1616 table games.

Convention Center District facing thethe table games.

Convention Center District facing Bay of of San Juan, thethe Sheraton Puerto Attractions: Old Bay San Juan, Sheraton Puerto Attractions: Old Rico Convention Center Hotel andand San Juan; San Rico Convention Center Hotel San Juan; San Casino willwill bebe a truly remarkable landJuan Bay Casino a truly remarkable landJuan Bay mark in in thethe district.

Our hotel willwill bebe justjust Marina; ElEl mark district.

Our hotel Marina; 1010 minutes from the international airport Yunque Rain minutes from the international airport Yunque Rain andand fivefive minutes from historic Old San forest. minutes from historic Old San forest.

Juan.

The Convention Center is immediJuan. The Convention Center is immedi- See adad onon See ately adjacent andand thethe San Juan Bay ately adjacent San Juan Bay Page 7 7 Page Marina is easily accessible as as well.

Marina is easily accessible well.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

5858

PUERTO RICO PUERTO RICO

Classroom Style; 152,700 sq.sq. ft.ft. of of Classroom Style; 152,700 exhibit space, including oneone Exhibit exhibit space, including Exhibit Hall which subdivides into three halls: Hall which subdivides into three halls: 40,900 sq.sq. ft.,ft.,40,500 sq.sq. ft.ft.and 40,900 40,500 and 71,300 sq. ft.; 16,965-seat theater.

71,300 sq. ft.; 16,965-seat theater.

Venue Features: Wireless (Wifi) in in thethe Venue Features: Wireless (Wifi) public area in in front of of thethe Business public area front Business Center; High Speed Internet Access in in Center; High Speed Internet Access thethe Meeting rooms, Ballroom and Meeting rooms, Ballroom and Exhibit Hall; Telephone Access in in thethe Exhibit Hall; Telephone Access Meeting rooms, Ballroom and Exhibit Meeting rooms, Ballroom and Exhibit PUERTO ICO Hall; Business Center.

PUERTORR ICO Hall; Business Center.

CC ONVENTION CC ENTER ONVENTION ENTER Convention/Guest Rooms: Over Convention/Guest Rooms: Over Edificio Ochoa Edificio Ochoa 6,000.

6,000.

500500 Tanca, Suite 402 Tanca, Suite 402 SanSan Juan, PRPR 00901 Transportation: fivefive miles from Luis Juan, 00901 Transportation: miles from Luis (800) 214-0420; Fax: (787) 725-2133 Muñoz Marin International Airport.

(800) 214-0420; Fax: (787) 725-2133 Muñoz Marin International Airport.

Associate Vice President Sales: Associate Vice President Sales: Attractions: Centrally located in in San Attractions: Centrally located San Rosa M.M. Luke Rosa Luke Juan, thethe gateway to to allall that Puerto www.prconvention.com Juan, gateway that Puerto www.prconvention.com Rico has to offer.

Directly adjacent to Rico has to offer. Directly adjacent to “Breathless” “Breathless” Old San Juan, business and resorts Old San Juan, business and resorts Snapshot: The Puerto Rico hotels, restaurants and night life.

The Snapshot: The Puerto Rico hotels, restaurants and night life.

The Convention Center, thethe largest in in thethe Center is adjacent to to thethe new urban Convention Center, largest Center is adjacent new urban Caribbean and thethe most technologically “Paseo dede laslas Fuentes,” Caribbean and most technologically park, park, “Paseo Fuentes,”113-acre 113-acre advanced throughout thethe Caribbean waterfront development featuring advanced throughout Caribbean waterfront development featuring and Latin America, offers more than promenades, walkways, fountains and Latin America, offers more than promenades, walkways, fountains 580,000 sq.sq. ft.ft. of of total space and thethe and play.

580,000 total space and and play. largest ballroom in the Caribbean. largest ballroom in the Caribbean.

See Ad onon Page 91 91 See Ad Page Meeting Space: 36,200 sq.sq. ft.ft. of of meetMeeting Space: 36,200 meetinging space, including 1515 meeting rooms space, including meeting rooms onon two levels, divisible into 2828 sections; two levels, divisible into sections; 4 on level oneone and 1111 onon level two; 4 on level and level two; 39,500-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, which subdi39,500-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, which subdivides into two sections and cancan seat vides into two sections and seat 3,934 Theater Style; 1,900 Banquet 3,934 Theater Style; 1,900 Banquet Style, 4,158 Reception Style and 2,616 Style, 4,158 Reception Style and 2,616

Facilities

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

6,500 sq.sq. ft.;ft.; Expansion, duedue to to bebe com6,500 Expansion, completed in in 2009; will triple combined pleted 2009; will triple combined meeting/exhibition space to to nearly meeting/exhibition space nearly 500,000 sq.sq. ft.ft.

500,000 Entertainment/Sports/Performances/Exhibitions/ Venue features: Unique “scratch Venue features: Unique “scratch kitchen” on-site caterer utilizes fresh, Concerts/Competition/Shows/Special Events kitchen” on-site caterer utilizes fresh, local products without additives, avoids local products without additives, avoids canned goods, disposable utensils and canned goods, disposable utensils and dishes. dishes.

Green Features: Designated a a Green Features: Designated Powersmart Convention Centre byby BCBC Powersmart Convention Centre Hydro; “GO GREEN” cerVANCOUVER Hydro;Awarded Awarded “GO GREEN” cerVANCOUVER tificate from thethe Building Owners andand CONVENTION tificate from Building Owners CONVENTION&& Managers Association.

EXHIBITION Managers Association.

EXHIBITIONCENTRE CENTRE Suite 200, 999999 Canada Place Convention/Hotel Rooms: 13,000 Suite 200, Canada Place Convention/Hotel Rooms: 13,000 Vancouver, BC,BC, Canada 3C13C1 Vancouver, CanadaV6C V6C quality hotel rooms within easy walking quality hotel rooms within easy walking (604) 689-8232; (866) 785-8232 (604) 689-8232; (866) 785-8232 distance. distance.

(North America only) (North America only) Transportation: Vancouver Fax: (604) 647-7232 Transportation: Vancouver Fax: (604) 647-7232 www.vcec.ca International Airport. www.vcec.ca International Airport.

Director of of Sales: Gayle Morris Director Sales: Gayle Morris Attractions: Edgewater Casino, Tantra Attractions: Edgewater Casino, Tantra “More.

OnOn AllAll Levels” Waterfront Lounge && Grill at at “More.

Levels” Waterfront Lounge Grill Lonsdale Quay Hotel, Giggle Dam Snapshot: Spectacular, multi-level, Lonsdale Quay Hotel, Giggle Dam Snapshot: Spectacular, multi-level, Dinner Theatre, Grouse Mountain, waterfront venue, originally built forfor Dinner Theatre, Grouse Mountain, waterfront venue, originally built The Peak of Vancouver, H.R. Canada Pavilion forfor thethe World’s Fair The Peak of Vancouver, H.R. Canada Pavilion World’s Fair MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Expo in in 1986, thethe Vancouver MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Expo 1986, Vancouver ArtArt Gallery, Dr.Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Convention && Exhibition Centre will Gallery, Sun Yat-Sen Classical Convention Exhibition Centre will Garden, Vancouver Maritime triple itsits size as as this beautiful Canadian Chinese Garden, Vancouver Maritime triple size this beautiful Canadian Chinese Museum, Harbour Cruises && Events, citycity prepares toRegional host thethe 2010 Olympic Museum, Harbour Cruises Events, In-depth listings Arenas, Civic Centers, prepares to host 2010 Olympic of Vancouver Museum, Vancouver && Paralympics Winter Games.

Vancouver Museum, Vancouver Paralympics Winter Games.

Coliseums, Auditoriums, Stadiums, Convention Aquarium, M&M Aquarium, M&M Meeting Space: Flexible pre-function Meeting Space: Flexible pre-function Salmon Fishing Centers, Theaters, PACs, University Salmon Fishing and function space totals 133,000 sq.sq. ft.ft.Amphitheaters, and function space totals 133,000 Charters, Playland @@ Charters, Playland onon two levels, including a 91,000-sq.-ft.

Venues, Fairgrounds, Event Venues two levels, including a 91,000-sq.-ft.Special thethe PNE, VanDusen PNE, VanDusen column-free exhibit hall; divisible into column-free exhibit hall; divisible into Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden, three halls and a 16,000-sq.-ft. columnthree halls and a 16,000-sq.-ft. column- Prince of Whales Prince of Whales free ballroom; divisible into three free ballroom; divisible into three Whale Watching.

Whale Watching. rooms; 2020 meeting rooms from 500 to to rooms; meeting rooms from 500

THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUP Essential Planning Tools

Facilities Facilities&&Destinations DestinationsPlanner PlannerGuide Guide 89

Puerto rico convention center

Wireless and Breathless

CONVENTION CENTER FACILITIES

MEETING ROOMS – level 2

Total Space:

580,000 gross sq ft 53,882 gross sq m

Meeting Rooms:

15 individual rooms that subdivide into 28 breakout rooms

Total Exhibit Space:

152,700 sq ft 14,186 sq m subdivides into three halls, all on one level.

Level 1:

Four rooms that subdivide into 10 rooms

Level 2:

Eleven rooms that subdivide into 18 rooms

Capacity:

From 80 to 500 attendees using theater

Meeting Space: Ballroom Space: Public Circulation and Concourses:

36,200 sq ft / 3,363 sq m 15 rooms on two levels, 28 breakout rooms

Ceiling Height:

Seven at 15 ft / 4.6 m and eight at 16 ft / 4.9 m

39,500 sq ft / 3,670 sq m subdivides into two sections

Mezzanine Suite:

4,000 sq ft / 372 sq m function space for over 400 attendees overlooking exhibit floor

96,000 sq ft / 8,928 sq m

BALLROOM – level 3 Ballroom:

One divisible into two sections, one section at 14,000 sq ft / 1,301 sq m and one at 25,500 sq ft / 2,369 sq m

EXHIBIT HALL – level 1

Dimensions:

145 ft / 44.2 m x 278 ft / 84.7 m

Total Exhibit Space:

152,700 sq ft / 14,186 sq m

Capacity:

4,388 theater; 3,290 banquet; 4,158 reception

Exhibit Halls:

Main hall subdivides into three halls: one at 40,900 gross sq ft / 3,800 gross sq m, one at 40,500 sq ft / 3,762 gross sq m, and one at 71,300 gross sq ft / 6,624 sq m

Ceiling Height:

From 26 ft / 7.9 m to 45 ft / 13.7 m

Terrace:

12,800 sq ft / 1,189 sq m of space with an open view to the San Juan Bay

Dimensions:

268 ft / 82 m x 574 ft / 175 m

Capacity:

16,965 theater; 12,710 banquet; 16,075 reception

LOCATION – Centrally located in Isla Grande, San Juan, the gateway to all that Puerto Rico has to offer.

Ceiling Height:

30 ft / 9.1 m

Largest Access Door:

22 ft / 6.7 m wide x 27 ft / 8.2 m H

Support, Service and Administration:

200,000 sq ft / 18,580 sq m

Convenient to Old San Juan, Condado, Hato Rey, and Miramar, as well as Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

For more information call: 1-800-214-o420 email info@prconvention.com or visit www.prconvention.com

B R E AT H L E S S

Not all of our meetiNg rooms have air coNditioNiNg.

range of hotels & venues

Spectacular conventions convenient access

state-of-the-art technology

PRCB at your service

no passport required for U.S. citizens

It’s not every day you get to hold a business meeting outdoors. Not the case at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. The average temperature is a comfortable 82 degrees here, so why not? Along with amazing views of the city, ocean and marina, it’s the perfect environment to encourage some blue sky thinking. Of course if you prefer the indoors, we have 580,000 square feet of meeting space including an exhibit hall, meeting rooms, and ballroom. If your company is open to creating a spectacular event, we’re happy to help you plan it. Call 800-214-0420. budget friendly

B R E AT H L E S S

PRCONVENTION.COM

the caribbean / Puerto Rico

Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino

For unforgettable fun and excitement, you only need to take a short stroll from your room.

200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907 (787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535 • Fax: (787) 993-3525 www.sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenter

L

ocated in the Puerto Rico Convention District between the airport and historic Old San Juan, the new Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino offers the perfect retreat for your next association gathering.

The hotel is ideally situated to offer both convenience and an atmosphere of inspiration. There’s no passport required to land in San Juan, and the hotel is just a short drive from the airport. You and your guests will be just moments from the renowned shopping, dining and entertainment of Old San Juan.

However, for unforgettable fun and excitement, you only need to take a short stroll from your room. The onsite casino features 16 gaming tables, 500 of the latest slot machines and exceptional entertainment options. Within the convention center area is also home to numerous dining, shopping and nightlife venues.

The state-of-the-art facility can easily accommodate every event, from the largest gatherings to most intimate meetings. Within the hotel, you’ll find 35,000 square feet of flexible function spaces throughout nine distinctive meeting spaces. The expansive 17,000square-foot San Juan Grand Ballroom can easily accommodate as many as 1,800 guests. And for a more casual atmosphere, a 57,000square-foot outdoor sundeck is available to take advantage of the beautiful tropical weather.

The adjacent Puerto Rico Convention Center offers an additional 580,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space. The center is one of the largest and most technologically advanced in the Caribbean and welcomes groups of as many as 10,000.

Getting down to business is a pleasure at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino. The hotel is the first in the Caribbean to offer The Link @ Sheraton, featuring highspeed Internet access in a comfortable setting—so it’s easy and rewarding to stay in touch with the office, family or friends. A fullservice Business Center is also equipped with a wide range of office machines and services for any last minute or unexpected needs.

When your event adjourns, your guests will relax and enjoy the

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tropical locale with a wide range of great amenities and services.

You’ll find an expansive four-story-high sun deck with amazing views across the Bay of San Juan. An infinity pool, whirlpool and adults-only wading pool offer great outdoor fun. To help you stay in shape when you’re on the road, the hotel offers a fully equipped fitness center, as well as a rejuvenating, full-service spa with six treatment rooms.

For your dining pleasure, you’ll find exceptional catering options from our experienced culinary team. Several additional restaurants are also available onsite, including a poolside bar & grill to help everyone make the most of their relaxation time.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll retire to 503 spacious and revitalizing guest rooms in Puerto Rico. Our contemporary rooms and suites offer high-speed Internet access, large flat screen televisions, single-cup coffee brewers, well-lit work areas and the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed. For an added level of convenience, guests can upgrade to the exclusive Club Level rooms, each featuring a private outdoor terrace and upgraded in-room amenities, as well as access to a private lounge.

The Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino invites you to come experience a new approach to Caribbean events.

Complete an RFP online at sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncent er or call (787) 993-3500.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

The Facilities Media Group

B u y e r’s G u i de Yo u r P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s R e s o u r c e

UrbanRide

421 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001 (800) 525-5750; Fax: (212) 202-9638 www.urbanride.net

DealCenter, LLC

Take the work out of trade show networking 340 Royal Poinciana Way-Suite 317/#345 Palm Beach, FL 33480 (866) 430-3023; Fax: (201) 624-7316 www.deal-center.com The DealCenter is a turnkey product for trade show, conference or expo organizers.

DealCenter, LLC works with trade show, expo or conference management companies to provide an online meeting system that enhances the peer-to- peer networking at the event for attendees and exhibitors. The DealCenter team also provides on-site management of the physical DealCenter or meeting area as well as all technical and customer support.

Chief Executive Officer: Jeremy Milikow Senior Vice President: Mitch Bornstein, SVP ‘Leading Global Provider of Meeting & Event Transportation’ UrbanRide is a global provider of ground transportation for meetings & events, and uses the top-of-the-line sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses and motorcoaches. We provide our clients with IMS, our software that enables meeting planners to better manage transportation for their meetings, conferences, conventions, tradeshows & other events.

We work exclusively with meeting & event planners and our customer service is the best in the business. UrbanRide is a one-stop solution for meeting & event transportation.

The C.W. Allen Group, LLC

Brighter Ideas… Better Results ™

5130 Cyrus Circle, Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 263-0555 Fax: (205) 263-0557 www.cwallengroup.com Director of Industry Relations: Jackie Jones

The C.W. Allen Group is North America’s leading event marketing consultancy delivering the industry’s leading exhibitor education and training program, Exhibiting ROI-Q Academy™, which has consistently proven to greatly increase exhibitor success/ROI, to significantly increase exhibitor “retention rates”… and to dramatically increase event sponsorship sales.

It is the exhibition industry’s leading and fastest growing exhibitor education, training, and full time/full service “consulting” solution and is fully supported by the International Economic Alliance – conceived at Harvard University, TSEA, BPA Worldwide and ECEF. The C.W. Allen Group delivers the exhibition industry’s leading network quality, global television productions on a risk-free and revenue-generating basis.

Keppler Speakers

4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 516-4000; Fax: (703) 516-4819 www.kepplerspeakers.com Senior VP for Sales and Marketing: John Truran With Keppler Speakers, creating memorable meetings never felt so easy. With over 25 years of experience, we provide you solid, seasoned expertise, making speaker selection stress-free by managing all of the details. Keppler Speakers saves you precious time by matching you with speakers who are right on target. From proven performers to dynamic rising stars, our speakers bring fascinating, real stories and a gift for inspiring audiences.

POTHOS, Inc.

2260 El Cajon Blvd. #474 San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 546-0621: Fax: (413) 723-7838 www.pothos.us President & CEO: Michael Patton, CMM “Our company ethos is Integrity, Clarity and Reliability. POTHOS works in a forthright manner that considers transparent communication as the cornerstone to a successful relationship with our guests and travel partners.”

POTHOS, Inc. is a globally recognized strategic meeting management company and corporate travel agency that specializes in using cutting-edge technology and resources to compete with much larger companies at a value, offering clients cost savings and efficient personal event planning services. POTHOS, Inc. specializes in the following 3 core competencies: 1. Full Service Strategic Meeting Management; 2. Full Service Corporate/VIP Travel Management; 3.

Logistics – Freight & People. POTHOS, Inc. is your ONE source for meeting, travel and logistics.

Achievement of goals and objectives, ROI and ROO are the basis of our strategic approach.

Don’t Get Stuck in a Fishbowl!

The Facilities Media Group

Facilities & Destinations Facilities • Conference • Planner Guide Facilities LIVE • Booking Guide Facilities & Event Management www.Facilitiesonline.com Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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Buyer’s Guide

Yo u r P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s R e s o u r c e

Continental Airlines

ASI

Continental Airlines features a special program for event & meeting Planners— MeetingWorks. With Continental MeetingWorks, planners can receive discounted airfaire, and earn credits redeemable for an array of Travel Rewards, including round trip travel and upgrades.

Booking and participation in the program can be done entirely online.

Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is the largest, privately-owned global provider of web-based software for member and donor-based non-profits, serving approximately 3,000 customers & millions of users worldwide since 1991. ASI is the developer of iMIS, an upgradeable software solution for managing associations, membership, non-profits, and fundraising.

“Work Hard. Fly Right.”

For travel reservations to cities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico: (800) 523-FARE www.continental.com

MeetingWorks is for 10 or more guests traveling to an event from two or more originating cities. The benefits of this program include: Discounts off applicable published fares; Global zone fares; Customized flyers to promote the discounts; Your organization can earn productivity credits towards upgrades; Presidents Club passes, Presidents Club membership; domestic travel certificates and Continental currency coupons.

Cvent, Inc.

(866) 318-4358 Fax: (703) 226-3502 www.cvent.com Founder and Chief Executive Officer: Reggie Aggarwal

901 N. Pitt Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 739-3100; (800) 727-8682 • Fax: (703) 739-3218 www.advsol.com

Smart City

Conventions: Information: (888) 446-6911 or (702) 943-6000 Email: csr@SmartCity.com Hospitality: General, (407) 828-6938 Video Conferencing: General, (407) 828-6900 Making the world smarter. One city at a time. ®

Cvent, Inc. is the largest online event registration company in U.S., offering online registration, eMarketing, and data analysis for meeting and marketing professionals. Cvent’s tools vastly improve attendance, efficiency, and cost effectiveness for your meetings and events. The company is used by 5,000+ Event/Marketing Professionals, used to plan over 50,000 events per year; has sent more than 125 million email invitations, has increased the average attendance for its clients by 21% and decreased costs by an average of 47%.

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Smart City is a full-service communications provider across the nation and one of the world’s largest communications providers to convention centers and hospitality venues. Smart City provides technologies that make their cities smarter places to work, live, and play.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Buyer’s Guide

Yo u r P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s R e s o u r c e

Brede Exposition Services

Hargrove, Inc.

6801 Mid-Cities Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705-1411 (301) 937-8600; Fax (301) 937-6513 www.brede.com

One Hargrove Drive Lanham, MD 20706 (301) 306-9000 Fax: (301) 306-9318 www.hargroveinc.com

“It Shows, When You Use Brede”

Hargrove: Not your average trade show contractor

Brede Exposition Services features the unique Total Support System: CAD system design for floor planning and graphics; Creation of signage / graphics and event themes; Furniture / equipment rentals; Modular and custom exhibit sales and rental; Installation and dismantling; Material handling and storage.

From regional conventions to major industry trade shows to marquis events on the national and international stage, Hargrove has been a trusted contractor and partner for more than half a century. With Hargrove, it’s on time and on budget. We retain so many of our trade show clients because we exceed their expectations, we know the venues, we have customer-friendly technology, and we have a tradition of excellence in serving the meetings industry.

TelSpan, Inc. Mad Dog Promotions

a division of Clean Fun Promotional Marketing 3187 Pullman St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 263-3386; Fax:(714) 263-3398 www.maddogpromos.com President: Tim Lavin Mad Dog Promotions’ Premiums, Incentives & Branded Items include: logoed apparel & accessories—polo shirts, pants, caps, ponchos, slacks, coat & ties, badges, name tags, chef wear & aprons, breakaway lanyards, notepads & pens, flashlights, table clothes & tents mugs, key chains, rally towels, lapel pins, etc.

101 West Washington Street Suite 1200 East Tower Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 (800) 800 1729 clientsevice@telspan.com TelSpan provides customized conferencing events and communications services, including: audio & web conferencing, reservationless audio conferencing, multiple web conferencing solutions, video conferencing, online registration, podcasting, and streaming. TelSpan maintains the highest possible level of service quality, known as E3 Service.

To learn more about TelSpan, call (800) 800‑1729.

Take the Guesswork Out of Choosing a Speaker Why go it alone? We are your trusted advisors.

With an average 15 years in the industry, our agents know the speakers and know the process.

We save you time by understanding your exact needs and delivering speakers who are right on target.

With Keppler, you can relax.

We’ve got you covered.

Contact us at kepplerspeakers.com or 703.516.4000.

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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Buyer’s Guide

Yo u r P r o d u c t s & S e r v i c e s R e s o u r c e

Plasticard Locktech International The World’s Largest Hotel Key Card Manufacturer 605 Sweeten Creek Industrial Park Asheville, NC 28803 (800) 752-1017; Fax: (828) 210-4755 www.plicards.com Sales Manager: Linda Russell PLI produces key cards & other products for hotels, meetings, conventions, events, and advertising. We also manufacture a full line of gift cards, membership cards and loyalty cards.

PLI key cards put your message directly in the hands of hotel guests & meeting attendees.

Experient

THE SOURCE FOR INTEGRATED MEETING AND EVENT SOLUTIONS For more information on Experient Contact: Amy Munn (866) 516-1461 • amy.munn@experient-inc.com • www.experient-inc.com Experient is the source for integrated meeting and event services. Formed in August 2006 (by joining industry leaders Conferon, ExpoExchange and ITS), Experient is the single contact for all Meeting Management, Trade Show Production and Registration and Housing needs. As your partner, Experient will become a member of your team, understanding all the goals of your event, and use proven techniques, creative methods and powerful industry connections to provide a distinct and memorable event experience and drive your business. The Top seven reasons why Experient is the best choice to be your integrated meeting and event partner: (1) Integrated resources; (2) Economies of scale; (3) Single source efficiency; (4) Best practice sharing; (5) Experienced people; (6) Leadership role; (7) Consultative approach.

pc/nametag® PRODUCTS FOR GREAT MEETINGS

124 Horizon Dr., Verona, WI 53593 (877) 626-3824; Fax: (800) 233-9787 www.pcnametag.com President: Nick Topitzes; ntopitzes@pcnametag.com; sales@pcnametag.com Founder Nick Topitzes first developed PC/Nametag®, the first software package to print nametags for meetings and conferences, with his computer and printer. Over the years, it’s been updated and improved. The business has expanded to include hundreds of products and incentive items that make the job of planning meetings easier while enhancing the attendee experience. Product lines include Nametag Holders, Inserts, Pouches & Organizers, Necklaces & Lanyards, Awards & Gifts, Bags, Totes, Envelopes & Cases, Banners, Signs & Table Covers, Binders & Portfolios, Buttons & Appliques, Drinkware, Pens & Highlighters, Ribbons and Customized Products.

Do you want your product or service to reach 50,000+ Association & Corporate Meeting Planners?

If your answer is yes, then the FMG Buyer’s Guide is how.

Michael Caffin Associate Publisher (212) 532 4150 ext 103 mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com CONTACT ME & FIND OUT MORE discount pricing • multiple-Issue & multi-media packages value-added programs • target marketing • Real Time results

Conventions: A Reflection of the Economy Continued from page 56 their products and services to your attendees to the best of their ability, and many times they will work within your budget but upgrade at no additional charge. Because we can’t know attendance in advance when we are planning, there are always items that we hold back on ordering to ensure that we don’t make unnecessary spending decisions. Additionally, there is more room for negotiation from suppliers due to the economic crisis, so planners tend to have more flexibility with their budgets.

VH: Aside from careful cost reductions for AV, numbers of rooms used, food and beverage, etc. there are also several design components that need to be considered. You might consider consolidating similar sessions within one time slot. If speakers are already contracted, perhaps ask them to consider collaborating on a workshop together.

F&D: Is there a potential problem of delayed-booking or under-booking a future event?

VH: If you have to book something for the future it is wise to use today’s numbers and not expect your normal growth. Ask your venue to have a “first right of refusal” on additional rooms so that if numbers come back up, it is easy to get the additional rooms or space needed.

F&D: What technologies might make things easier for planners?

VH: The challenge is finding the appropriate technologies for your specific needs or resource gaps. Another challenge is that most new technologies come with a price tag so you have to make sure that you’re streamlining your process or improving your attendee experience, while cutting or reducing costs, through the new technology. Before embarking on the use of a new technology, I suggest you run an analysis of what your needs and resource gaps truly are. Many cheap or free resources available for planners are in the area of communications and marketing. Social networking tools like Twitter, Facebook and Myspace help market your event and also provide you with valuable communication channels to reach your attendees pre, during and post event. Also providing online handouts and other communication tools that are typically printed can save you money. If you can save money on those budget items, you might be able to repurpose those funds on a technology or management system to help you streamline your planning process.

Also, remember to call the local Convention & Visitors Bureau as they often have promotional and on-site resources designed to help make your meeting more successful.

F&D: How can meeting planners adjust a convention program to minimize a negative impact by a decrease in attendance?

F&D: From your time with the IAEE, do you have any insights from the venue perspective?

F&D: What items can be held back for the best price or eliminated with little effect on a convention?

VH: You can decide to order more affordable food, offer drink coupons instead of open bar, have coffee only instead of coffee and snacks. If you are creative, the effects on attendees can be minimal.

And food only has to be selected a few weeks ahead of time, and can be tweaked up to days ahead, and of course, with lower attendance, you order less food. You can also hold off on ordering signage until the deadline (usually a few weeks out), and have less signage or banners. If you do it right, attendees will not notice an impact.

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Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

F & D Directory Index Northeast Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.................................................14 Greater Boston CVB...........................25 Adventure Aquarium..........................25 Meadowlands Exposition Center......30 Jacob Javits Convention Center.......30 Oncenter.............................................30 Rochester Riverside Convention Center.............................30 David L. Lawrence Convention Center.............................32 Lake George NY’s Adirondacks.........32 Providence Warwick CVB...................32 Valley Forge Convention Center.......32 Mid-Atlantic Baltimore Convention Center............33 Roland E. Powell Convention Center..................................................33 Hampton Roads Convention Center..................................................34 Norfolk CVB........................................34 University of Virginia Alumni Association.............................34 Charleston Civic Center.....................34 Southeast Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.........................36 Mobile Convention Center................36 Daytona Beach Area CVB..................36

Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center................42 Miami Beach Convention Center......42 Orange County Convention Center.............................42 Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center..................................................42 Savannah Area CVB............................50 Baton Rouge CVB...............................50 Morial Convention Center.................50 Jackson Convention Complex...........50 Visit Raleigh.........................................51 Memphis Cook Convention Center.....51 Midwest Indianapolis Convention Center.......52 Iowa Events Center.............................52 Salina Bicentennial Center.................52 Meet Minneapolis...............................56 Branson Convention Center..............56 Kansas City Convention Center.........62 St. Louis CVC......................................62 Alerus Center......................................64 Akron/Summit CVB.............................64 Greater Columbus Convention Center.............................64 Positively Cleveland............................64 Rapid City CVB...................................66 Alliant Energy Center of Dane County.......................................66 Midwest Airlines Center.....................66 Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.............................66

VH: Venues are suffering through the same issues planners are, and the venues are working twice as hard. Cancellations affect the whole city, not just the venue. With any downturn, there can be opportunities, planners can work with the venue. There may be some meetings a destination may want that are now more desirable.

There can be good deals. Remember, it’s about partnerships.

F&D: There’s not been a whole lot of positive news for the meetings industry lately. Are you optimistic?

VH: I’m an optimist by nature. The downturn has forced everyone to look very hard at their business, to think very strategically. There is still huge value to meetings as the way to drive business. I don’t have a specific date as to when this perfect storm passes, but the meetings industry is very resilient. There are signs that when it does pass, everyone will see that the way to solve problems and drive the economy is for people to come together.

F&D: Are large meetings getting smaller or are small meetings getting larger?

VH: Large meetings are getting smaller, but this does not necessarily mean that the attendance is going down. It could mean that instead of one large annual convention, you now have 4-5 smaller conferences throughout the regions you operate in. This saved significantly is travel costs and is also more sustainable. It also gives you the opportunity to utilize smaller hotels and venues that your larger meeting would not have been able to fit into.

F&D: What change in convention centers and similar venues are you most excited about?

VH: I am most excited about seeing the airport check in and baggage program being added to several convention centers. We Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

West Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau................................67 Fairplex................................................67 Sacramento Convention Center........67 Colorado Springs CVB.......................72 Hawaii Convention Center.................72 Albuquerque Convention Center.....72 Las Vegas Convention Center...........72 Cox Business Services Convention Center.............................78 Oklahoma City CVB............................78 Oregon Convention Center...............78 Austin Convention Center.................78 Dallas Convention Center..................82 George R. Brown Convention Center.............................82 Salt Palace Convention Center..........82 Spokane Convention Center.............82 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Convention Center........89 Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center.............................89 Canada Direct Energy Centre..........................88 The Metro Toronto Convention Centre.............................88 Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre............................88

are also seeing that more convention centers are starting to add free WIFI in the public spaces.

F&D: What have you noticed about the attitudes and work ethics of the newer generation of professionals that indicates a shift in the profession and meetings industry?

VH: While there are more young planners entering our field they seem to have a wonderful balance of new, innovative ideas and tried and true practices. They may think differently about how to use technology in their meetings and certainly approach today’s social networking tools with a fresh approach. Students graduating from one of the many hospitality schools are better trained than ever before to enter the meetings and events field and truly make a difference.

F&D: What has MPI done to help planners?

VH: MPI members and the global meeting industry are experiencing an unprecedented economic and political upheaval— costing communities jobs and paralyzing businesses from using meetings and events to drive results. MPI has recognized the need for a centralized information hub—The www.MeetingIndustryCris isCenter.org site is an online resource for industry professionals that will help keep them connected, not only to breaking developments, but also to core messages and solutions to help the industry survive and thrive. This resource will continue to mobilize the community with the most up-to-date messages and information available.

Additionally, MPI has launched the MPI Cares Program, a series of new programs and initiatives targeted to our members in an effort to help them through the economic crisis. For example, if you lose your job, MPI will give you a six-month extension on your membership.

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Gregg Mervis John S. Knight Center Page: 53

Carisa Malanum Albuquerque Convention Center Page: 68

Ted Ballweg Alliant Energy Center of Dane County Page: 54

Mark Tester Austin Convention Center Page: 70

Geraldine Bordelon Baton Rouge Area CVB Page: 37

Susette Hunter Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Page: 38

James E. Rooney Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Page: 18

John Robertson Charleston Civic Center Page: 35

Tim Linville Cox Business Services Convention Center Page: 74

Stacy Steffen CURRENTS at Adventure Aquarium Page 15

Sally Gardiner Daytona Beach Area CVB Page: 40

Kathy Reak Experience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak Page: 73

Melissa Tapia Fairplex Page: 76

Terry Kuca Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County CC Page: 41

Luther Villagomez George R. Brown Convention Center Page: 79

Patrick B. Moscaritolo Greater Boston CVB Page: 16

Craig Liston Greater Columbus Convention Center Page: 58

Neil Mullanaphy Hawai’i Convention Center Page: 80

Oscar McGaskey Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities Page: 60

Robin Cuneo Meadowlands Exposition Center Page: 22

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

N

o one has to be told about a tough economy or that the impact of the downturn on meetings and the facilities in which they are held has been particularly acute.

Every year, The Facilities Media Group bestows its Awards of Excellence—the Prime Site Award recognizes Convention Centers, the Top Destination Award recognizes Convention & Visitors Bureaus, and the Hotel & Resort Elite List Award recognizes larger Meeting Hotels. The awards are voted on by Meeting Planners from Associations, Corporations and other organizations.

This year’s assembly of winners deserve extra congratulations due to the challenging times in which the meetings business now operates. It’s no secret that 2008—which prognosticators have declared a recessionary year—was tough and this year has been beset by cutbacks and belt tightening.

Weathering tough years requires partnership and that is what planners are looking for to optimize Return-On-Investment and maximize the success of their meeting, convention, trade show, exhibition or exposition. With value harder to achieve, now more than ever success is dependent on the right venue, and essential to making a venue the right venue is the venue management team.

The specific venue may receive the award, but what is most important is the management and personnel team dedicated to doing to their best so their venues (or CVBs!) can be the best—and every team needs a professional at the helm to ensure that the individual planner’s event goals are achieved.

Facilities & Destinations salutes some of the 2009 Award Winning Team Leaders!

Kay Hollander Miami Beach Convention Center Page: 43

Richard A. Geyer Midwest Airlines Center Page: 61

Shana Jordan Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center Page: 3

Laura Cornell Monona Terrace Convention Center Page: 63

Tim Hempill New Orleans Morial Convention Center Page: 44

Donna Allen Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau Page: 33

Elizabeth Buckley Oklahoma City CVB Page: 83

Sandra Baker Oncenter Complex Page: 24

Yulita Osuba Orange County Convention Center Page: 46

Matt Pizzuti Oregon Convention Center Page: 84

Kelly Brewer Cleveland Convention Center Page: 57

Neil R. Schriever Providence Warwick CVB Page: 26

Rosa M. Luke Puerto Rico Convention Center Page: 90

Lisa Storms Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau Page: 65

Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center Page: 28

Judith A. Goldbar Sacramento Convention Center Page: 86

Bill McKay Savannah Int’l Trade & Convention Center Page: 48

Tanya Brand Lake George Area In NY’s Adirondacks Warren County Tourism Dept.

Page: 27

Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

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Facilities & Destinations SuperBook Advertiser Index Adventure Aquarium..........................15 Akron/Summit CVB.............................53 Albuquerque Convention Center.....69 Alliant Energy Center of Dane County.......................................54 Austin Convention Center.................71 Baton Rouge CVB...............................37 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.........................39 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center................................19 Branson Convention Center..............55 Charleston Civic Center.....................35 Cox Business Services Convention Center.............................75 Colorado Springs CVB.......................73 Daytona Beach Area CVB..................40 Fairplex................................................77

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George R. Brown Convention Center............................ C2 Greater Boston CVB...........................17 Greater Columbus Convention Center.............................59 Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center............... C3 Hawaii Convention Center.................81 Jacob Javits Convention Center.......21 Kansas City Convention Center.........60 Lake George NY’s Adirondacks.........27 Meadowlands Exposition Center......23 Miami Beach Convention Center......43 Midwest Airlines Center.................... C4 Mobile Convention Center..................3 Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center......................63 Morial Convention Center.................45 Norfolk CVB........................................33

Oklahoma City CVB............................83 Oncenter.............................................24 Orange County Convention Center.............................47 Oregon Convention Center...............85 Positively Cleveland............................57 Providence Warwick CVB...................25 Puerto Rico Convention Center........91 Rapid City CVB...................................65 Rhode Island Convention Center........9 Rochester Riverside Convention Center.............................29 Sacramento Convention Center........87 Salina Bicentennial Center.................62 Savannah Area CVB............................49 Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center...............................7 SMG.......................................................5 Valley Forge Convention Center.......31 Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Green–powered meetings start here.

In Greater Fort Lauderdale, green goes with everything, especially great meetings. From certified Green Lodgings to conservation initiatives taken on by the 600,000 sq. ft. Broward County Convention Center.

So Plan.It.Green and meet along one of the many palm-lined waterways in Greater Fort Lauderdale, or take it off-site and enjoy 23 miles of Blue Wave beaches. And choose from 33,000 hotel rooms — including 2,500 committable rooms within two miles of the Convention Center.

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s “Sunsational Summer Savings Plan” gets you more meeting for less, including free Broward County Convention Center space, free welcome reception, 2.5% additional commission, discount on Convention Center services, and more when you book for June 15 to October 15, 2009, 2010 or 2011.

Call (800) 356-1662 or visit sunny.org/meetings for details.