2011-12 Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide

Facilities & Upfront: Industry Trends, Convention & Tradeshow Watch, What’s New 2011-2012

BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 152 Madison Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10016

Destinations Planner Guide

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For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners

Destination Philadelphia Expanded Convention Center Completes a 1st Tier Package Page 18

Sites & Cities The Industry’s Most Comprehensive Directory Pages 37 - 81

5 Hot Canadian Convention Centers Page 16

State Spotlight: Missouri 5 Show Me State Destinations Page 26

Facilities & 2011-2012

Destinations

TM

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Planner Guide

Columns Looking Ahead...................................................................................2 Caffin’s Corner....................................................................................4 Viewpoint............................................................................................4 Meeting Perspectives.........................................................................6 Meeting Food Upgrade: Five Dining Trends by Giorgi Di Lemis, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Benchmark Hospitality International

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Meeting Perspectives.........................................................................8 Seven Snack Ideas That Keep Your Attendees’ Awake and Focused

by Sarah Vining, Marketing Manager, The National Conference Center

Closing Thoughts.............................................................................88 Religious Meetings: A Diversity of Events, Faiths & Facilities

2012 Awards of Excellence Ballot....................................................83 Upfront........................................................................................ 10-14 Meeting Watch, Tradeshow Watch, Convention Watch, Leading Edge Managers, What’s New

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Hot List Convention Centers: 5 Hot Canadian Facilities ............................16 Cover Spotlight On The Cover.....................................................................................2 Destination Philadelphia: Expanded Convention Center Completes a 1st Tier Package.......................20 State Spotlight Missouri: The Show Me State.........................................................26 Missouri PhotoView..........................................................................28 Saint Louis.........................................................................................29 Saint Charles.....................................................................................30 Branson..............................................................................................32 Kansas City........................................................................................34 Springfield.........................................................................................35 PhotoView 2011 Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition...............84 F&D: Sites & Cities Index..................................................................................................36 Directory ...................................................................................37 – 81

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Facilities & Destinations Buyer’s Guide Products & Services Directory.........................................................86 Ad Index............................................................................................87 84

LOOKING AHEAD

The Future of Face-to-face

2011

Volume 20 No. 3

Chief Operating Officer David Korn

T

here is a maxim that says a picture is worth a thousand words. Conversely, one can posit that some words can evoke a multitude of images. Las Vegas would be included in a list of words that can generate unbelievable imagery. As for the imagery, I’ll call upon the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s trademarked phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” But seriously, attending the 2011 Expo!

Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Las Vegas. with Michael Caffin, Associate Publisher, the

experience was eye opening for me. I’m still a relative newcomer to this industry and this was my first Expo! Expo!

Vinnie Polito, Chairman of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events, at the opening general session, announced an exciting new industry initiative: “Click Here First.” The goal of the campaign: to allow the events industry report on itself, tell its story to the public. IAEE members were asked to submit their thoughts in writing and on video to detail the value of face-to-face marketing opportunities in today’s digital age. Polito’s address noted: “Exhibitions can advance business more than any other medium,” and that “...nothing beats the human interaction found at exhibitions and events.”

Gary Sain, President/CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, received the 2011 IAEE Chairman’s Award and reiterated the theme of the campaign: that face-to-face marketing, in contrast to online communication, “insures that one’s voice is heard amongst peers.” Citing Moore’s Law (that the number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years), keynote speaker physicist and futurist Dr. Michio Kaku described potential technological advances that would directly impact the way the tradeshow of the future would be staged. Yet, Dr. Kaku noted, human interaction

Editorial Director Timothy Herrick Associate Publisher Michael Caffin Creative Direction & Design Scott-Goodman Associates Circulation Manager Therese Larger Business Operations Nadia Derelieva © Copyright 2011 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 three times a year by Bedrock Communications, Inc., 152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016.

Telephone: (212) 532-4150. Fax: (212) 213-6382.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Bedrock Communications, Inc., 152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016. Printed in U.S.A. Cover ad space is available by contacting a Facilities & Destinations advertising account executive at 212-532-4150 x103.

would be the central force around which that change would be implemented.

The message relayed in the opening general session by all the speakers resonates with us here at the Facilities Media Group. Our key personnel can attest to the infinite value that face-to-face marketing holds in our business.

MEMBERS OF:

At the same time, we continue to stay atop of technology as well. In 2012, in addition to the Adobe Flash version of our magazines that is already online, our readers will be able to view our publications from the comfort and convenience of iPad and other mobile devices. As we usher in new and exciting times ahead, we welcome comments and ideas from our readers and advertisers as to how together we can boldly foster a brighter future for our industry.

– David Korn Chief Operating Officer, Facilities Media Group dkorn@facilitiesonline.com

ON THE COVER Philadelphia caught the meeting industry’s attention in a big way last year, opening up the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center – a whopping 1 million square feet! – significantly increasing its hotel inventory and adding additional attractions. The F&D Spotlight shines on the City of Brotherly Love (Page 18) 2

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Miami Beach Convention Center Miami Beach, FL Exhibit Hall: 502,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom(s): 75,500 sq. ft.

encompass 4 separate spaces Breakouts: 70 Hotel Rooms: 3,000 walk-able Airport: Miami International is #1 in US for International Freight and #2 for International Passengers

Located in the heart of Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) boasts over 1,000,000 square feet of flexible space, including; over 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, over 100,000 sq. ft. of versatile pre-function area space and 70 meeting rooms comprised of 127,000 sq. ft. The dynamic and international City of Miami Beach is a unique, sophisticated, urban paradise, offering world-class business amenities and cosmopolitan facilities in a laid-back tropical atmosphere. Visitors of the MBCC reap the benefits when they choose to meet in this city, where combining business with pleasure is as effortless as convening a conference on a waterfront terrace.

“Life is Good on the Beach�

Kay Hollander, Director of Sales and Marketing

Call 305.673.7315 or email khollander@themiamibeachcc.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

miamibeachconvention.com

Caffin’s o r n e r

On The Way Up

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s we forge into 2012, a stronger sense of optimism pervades the meeting and tradeshow marketplace compared to what we were feeling two years, and even a year, ago. Maybe not overwhelming, but there have been increases in bookings of meeting facilities. Business – the business taking place between destinations and meeting facilities and planners and the organizations they represent, as well other industry partners, such as product & service providers – is better. The revitalized energy and feeling of growth is tangible.

This excitement and upbeat attitude was very apparent at the recent International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Annual Meeting & Expo! Expo! in Las Vegas. In talking with meeting planners, CVB, convention center and hotel personnel, and industry suppliers, I found there was a lot more optimism at this year-end gathering of the industry than most of the other industry events of recent years. Most planners reported a modest up-tick in attendance, and destinations and facilities likewise told me there have seen growth in business and planner interest as 2011 drew to a close.

This positive surge may have been modest, but nearly everyone I talked to at the convention seemed to feel a the industry is now on a more upbeat trend.

Be sure to check out pages 84-85 for exclusives F&D photos

VIEW P O I N T

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Michael Caffin Associate Publisher Facilities & Destinations mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com

Glass Half-Full Industry

o one suggests a complete end to the doldrums of the American economy occurred in 2011, but the year concluded with some positive economic signs. For instance, employers created an average of 143,000 net jobs per month, September -November, nearly double the average for the previous three months and the Dow Jones industrial closed the year with a 5.5-percent increase over 2010.

I admit there’s enough other negative news to provide more than the amount of rain needed for a downpour on what is admittedly a rather slender parade of good news. But these incremental improvements indicate the economy is moving in the right direction.

The general consensus among the meetings industry, which seems to be part barometer/part harbinger of the economy as a whole, is that the worst is over. While tight budgets and a more-with-lessattitude for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, and other events have been and will be the rule, many planners note that attendance declines have ceased and they’re experiencing noticeable up-ticks in overall event performance.

Meetings are a glass half-full industry and planners seem inherently optimistic. Associations, industries and professions must meet; prosperity and economic growth flourishes from face-to-face interactions. In fact, the positive experiences planners had with their 2011 events can be taken as an upbeat sign for the overall economy.

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from the Expo! Expo! (additional coverage is also available on Facilitiesonline.com.)

Also reflective of this improved industry outlook is the Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide, which is our largest issue of the Planner Guide to date. Our Sites & Cities Directory (37-81), which features more than 90 destinations & meeting/tradeshow facilities throughout North America, is more than twice the size of last year’s issue.

A reminder, please vote for the 2012 Awards of Excellence – pages 82-83. The 2012 winners will be officially announced in our 2012 F&D SuperBook issue this spring.

I would love to hear your thoughts about this, or about other issues and concerns relating to the meeting and tradeshow industry.

Please email me at the address below, and you might see your letter published in one of our upcoming issues.

Glass half-full facilities are featured throughout this annual issue of the Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide. Turn to page 18 to see how the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center completes the City of Brotherly Love’s meeting package. Turn to page 26 and find out about the Show Me State’s five major meeting destinations – Saint Louis (29), Saint Charles (30), Branson (32), Kansas City (34), Springfield (35) – and how each are committed to growing their meetings and convention industry. Philadelphia and Missouri are examples that the glass half-full attitude of the meeting planning community is shared by destinations who see beyond current uncertainties and realize the value of a robustly competitive meetings and hospitality industry.

We are always interested in hearing from Meeting Planners and other Meeting professionals about new conventions, trade shows, meetings and other events. Please send me your comments, letters and press releases. Let us know so we can let the industry know.

Timothy Herrick, Editorial Director therrick@facilitiesonline.com Find Me on Facebook.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives MeetingPerspectives Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectiv Meeting

Meeting Food Upgrade: F i v e Di n i n g Tr e n d s

By Giorgi Di Lemis

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e all remember what Meeting Food used to be, but those days of rubber chicken dinners and pre-mixed cocktail receptions are long over. In the U.S. particularly, Conference Centers, Meeting Hotels and even some Convention Centers lead in culinary innovation by embracing international flavors and preparations, converting these into contemporary dishes that elevate the attendee dining experience.

With the cuisine upgrade happening at Meetings, these facilities are no longer removed or immune from Dining trends. As more Meeting Planners demand better options for meals, breaks and receptions, and more Facility Executives respond to, and even exceed those demands, the same trends impacting restaurants and cafes have transformed what is being served at Meetings, Conventions, Conferences and similar events.

As Vice President of Food & Beverage at Benchmark International, one of the leading management companies for Conference Centers and other facilities, here are some current trends delighting the palates of both Meeting Planner and Attendee:

1) Rebirth of the Gentleman Farmer

Innovative growers are increasingly individuals who have developed a passionate love of farming as a second career: Lawyers, doctors, corporate executives in life’s second act. This has created an unprecedented, dynamic growing environment as these professionals turned farmers have the goal of achieving true personal satisfaction by making the world of farming and animal husbandry a better place through understanding artisanal methods, questioning old processes and enhancing methodologies. Never in the history of farming have so many individuals from other industries fallen in love with the trade.

And never before have the results been so dynamic. Does the popularity of today’s celebrity chefs foretell a coming fascination with artisanal farmers?

2) Omakase, with a Mixology Twist

Sushi afficiandos know Omakase, Japanese for “I’ll leave it to you.”

Mixologists now must be adept at on-the-spot-creation of customized drinks, based on specific requests from the customer. The better bars and lounges have eliminated bitters, juices and mixes from the “guns” and bottles, and are creating freshly prepared juices and proprietary mixes for use within exotic combinations and garnishes. Salts from around the world, now widely available, are rapidly being embraced as a main ingredient in today’s cocktails. Today’s Celebrity Bartender impresses his 6

customers with a lasting memory through new and customized cocktails, often created on the spot – and not just with his or her winning personality.

3) Nose-to-Tail Dining

Today’s culinary trendsetters stem from a group that as teenagers returned home after school to an empty house, and had to fend for themselves by opening cans, microwaving frozen dishes and consuming a lot of soda. So where did they acquire their taste for exotic cuts, offal and more?

Gen X (and increasingly Gen Y) is much more sophisticated than its parents imagine! These are generations that were raised to be eco-sensitive and frown on waste. So they’re game for experimenting with delicious combinations, unusual cooking techniques, and unique preparations of what some might consider exotic selections previously left off the plate: Sautéed kidneys, cured tongue, head cheese, tripe! No matter how unusual the protein or the preparation, today’s eco-minded culinary trendsetters are saying “bring it on!”

4) The Finish: Torn Between Two Lovers

When it comes to choosing desserts, customers today are swinging wildly between two ends of the continuum: The renaissance of sumptuous pies and miniature guilt-free desserts. How can a Food & Beverage Manager respond? Offer both and leave it up to the customer to decide between rich decadence and attending to the waistline. Either way, the best finishes will offer spectacular flavor and lingering memories.

5) The World of Wine is Flat

The wine industry is now completely global.Wines from China, India, Russia, Georgia, Moldova, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, etc., are competing for shelf space in the United States alongside the more familiar wines of France, Italy and the U.S. As global economics change, so goes the wine industry. A greater number of wine drinkers today are looking for good but less expensive selections, and are willing to explore varietals from countries not familiar to them to achieve taste coupled with value. Somewhere Bacchus is toasting the world’s more adventurous yet economically-minded wine palates!

Giorgi Di Lemis is Vice President of Food & Beverage for Benchmark Hospitality International, a leader in the management and marketing of conference centers, meeting hotels, resorts and Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels. Benchmark Hospitality is also a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

vesPlanPerspe

Duke Energy Convention Center Cincinnati, OH Exhibit Hall: 195,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 40,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 36 Total Meeting Space: 96,600 Hotel Rooms: 3,000 walk-able Dining: 50+ eateries within

walking distance

The Duke Energy Convention Center contains more than 750,000 square feet of exhibit, meeting and entertainment space, including one of the largest and most spectacular ballrooms in the Midwest.

Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, The DECC is just steps away from entertainment districts, hotel rooms and fine dining. The Duke Energy Convention Center is managed by Global Spectrum, one of the nation’s premier facility management firms. The goal of the DECC is to provide our clients with an experience that exceeds their expectations. We are fully committed to delivering the highest level of building, operation and event management.

It’s Happening in Cincinnati, USA! Ric Booth General Manager

Call 513.419.7300 or email rbooth@duke-energycenter.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

Download a free scanner for your phone to read this code

Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

duke-energycenter.com

Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspectives Meeting Perspec Meeting Perspectives

Se v e n S n a c k I d e a s Th a t K e e p Y o u r At t e n d e e s ’ Awa k e a n d F o c u se d

By Sarah Vining

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t’s 2:30 PM when a meeting planner sends his attendees to a break station full of Danishes, cookies and soft drinks. By 3:00 PM, the eyes of the attendees have become hazy and they’re having trouble focusing. As a result of the snack choices, the group is encountering what some consider a sugar rush and what Executive Chef Craig Mason at The National Conference Center calls “the afternoon blues.” With research that is becoming more readily available on food and the way it affects the brain, there are proven ways to prevent “the afternoon blues” from afflicting the attention span of attendees.

In a white paper I composed for The National Conference Center, “The Science of Food for Thought: Enhancing Meetings Through Food,” I drew on an experiment conducted by Mason and research by Andrea Sullivan, an organizational psychologist who studies the brain. Here are a few of the brain-friendly meeting snacks that, according to the white paper, will improve memory cognition and counteract fatigue.

1) Create your own trail mix –A typical trail mix has too much salt which can fog the brain and includes sugary candy which leads to a sugar crash. At The National Conference Center, Mason has added “Build Your Own Trail Mix” to the break station menu for attendees to create their own trail mix. Most fruits and nuts like blueberries and almonds on the trail mix bar are rich in antioxidants which protect against damage done by free radicals. Equally important, they’re also full of plant enzymes that fight of mental fatigue.

2) Protein –The best way to start your day is with protein. Boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and Choline, a chemical building block for learning. Light cheeses like mozzarella are full of protein, an ideal item for providing energy, rather than fats or carbohydrates.

3) Proteins with a balance of carbohydrates – Pair items like a whole grain bagel and peanut butter for protein to sustain energy and you’ve created the perfect snack or breakfast. Or choose energy bars without fructose corn syrup such as LUNA or Balance bars, that offer 10 grams of protein or more per serving.

4) Reduce starch and sugar – Steer clear of offering break stations filled with simple sugars and white flour. White bread, 8

cookies, pastries increase sugar levels, making sustaining alertness difficult for attendees.

5) Sugar alternatives – Sullivan recommends contacting

the venue well in advance to see if the executive chef would consider replacing sugar with honey in items like muffins. However, Sullivan didn’t out-rule all sugar: dark chocolate is a power food that improves cognition functioning for one to two hours. For a meeting treat, Sullivan suggests dark chocolate peanut butter cups due the pairing of dark chocolate and the peanut butter protein.

6) Eat light – Snacks and meals that aren’t heavy are key to

staying awake for meetings. Some lighter options are yogurt, granola, and bananas which are all known to improve cognitive functioning and serotonin, a neurotransmitter that produces happiness.

7) Local – The saying is true, “When you eat local, you eat

fresh.” Sullivan’s study proves local fruits and vegetables have more nutrients that counteract fatigue, increase memory, cognition and oxygen in the brain. The National Conference Center sources local products within 150 miles to support the local agricultural industry but also because local usually means fresher and also results in more meeting alertness.

Offering smart meeting snacks like these are almost as important as educating attendees. Lastly, encourage people who typically skip refreshment breaks to use the opportunity to fuel up with protein which will help sustain energy until the next meal; this prevents attendees from over-eating which can also cause a crash following a heavy meal.

Sarah Vining is the marketing manager for The National Conference Center and is the voice behind the conference center’s social media. Her love for hospitality has her balancing acts between writing daily blog posts for meeting planners and tweeting guests who need to remove wine stains. Sarah also composes quarterly white papers for The National Conference Center, which features “meeting experts” and discusses trending topics such understanding generational differences and how food enhances meetings.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

ctives

Photo by ‘A Better Exposure’

UpFront

Tradeshow Watch Meeting Watch

The AQS (American Quilter’s Society) Quilt Show & Contest – Knoxville was held for three consecutive years at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Leading Edge: Joseph D. Cascio General Manager New Jersey Convention and Expo Center/Garden State Exhibit Center

An estimated 2,500 of Omaha’s business, hospital and meetings destinations leaders attended the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, which was held at the CenturyLink Center Omaha - Exhibit Hall C.

Tradeshow Watch

An estimated 5,000 carpenters and carpentry enthusiasts were at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto for the Woodworking Machinery and Supply Expo – Canada’s largest Woodworking Event, which was held in October and is sponsored by Canada’s leading wood products trade associations, publications and educational institutions.

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Bio: In 1995, Joe Cascio was hired by Summit Associates, N.J.’s largest Private Convention Management Group, owners of the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center. In 2004, he was named General Manager. In 2006, Summit Associates purchased its most direct competitor, the Garden State Exhibit Center. Cascio oversees operations for both facilities.

Most Exciting Event: New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists, which featured 600 booths, over 500 attendees from all over the world.

Industry Forecast: We will see more downsizing trade events.

Downsizing is happening in almost all industries. It is now across the board. The only segment we have seen growth in has been Pharmaceutical.

What Planners Want: Flexibility and a one-stop shop!

Economies of Scale: We are incubating smaller events using our economy of scale. These events are growing out of conference spaces and hotels. We own two private facilities thus giving us great flexibility to leverage our personnel, resources, etc. We are able to facilitate the needs of both our current events as well as those events downsizing from larger facilities in Atlantic City, New York and Philadelphia.

Management Philosophy: Active Participation by All! From maintenance to management, all of our employees play a vital role with respect to decision making. We have a great team that acts together serving all of our client needs.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Play Well With Others

It’s the corporate olympics and you’re the winner. We work hard to make your successful meeting easy. From on-site registration to computerized name tags, we’ll take care of it all.

Your delegates will find plenty of places to play. Sixty-two miles of beach. World-class casino resorts. Mouth-watering dining experiences. Deep-sea fishing. Signature golf courses. And shopping in unique boutiques and factory outlets.

Contact us now for a site tour. You may be eligible for financial incentives. And start planning to play your way on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Play Your Way! Convention & Visitors Bureau www.gulfcoast.org/meeting-planners

Call Crystal Johnson, Director of Sales today: Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB Ph: 888-467-4853 (ext.215) Email: crystalj@gulfcoast.org

THE SOUTHEAST

UpFront NORTH CAROLINA

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 GREATER RALEIGH complex with 398,000 sq. ft. of indoor CONVENTION AND event space); The Mckimmon VISITORS BUREAU Conference and Training Center ( hi421 Fayetteville Street Suite 1505 tech educational environment with Raleigh, NC 27601 37,000 sq. ft of meeting/exhibition (800) 849-8499: (919) 834-5900 space).

Fax: (919) 831-2887 www.visitRaleigh.com Attractions: Entertainment districts Director of Sales: Jana Rae Oliver feature nightlife, dining & shopping; RBC Center, NC Museum of Art, NC Snapshot: Business and pleasure are Museum of History and the southboth indulged as you take in Greater east’s largest natural history museum, Raleigh’s more than $3 billion in new the NC Museum of Natural Sciences; development, surrounded by a world of 18 golf courses, including new Lonnie eclectic eateries, Broadway shows and Poole Golf Course; N.C. Symphony; incredible sports. The state-of-the-art Opera Company of North Carolina; Raleigh Convention Center, a catalyst the Bicentennial Plaza Historic for downtown redevelopment, A few years Raleigh’s after acquiring Guidant Corporation, Oakwood neighborhood; Boston Raleigh Flea opened in September 2008, connected Scientific merged the two Twin Cities unitsHigh creating a Market Mall; Point, furniture to it via interior walkways, the new, capital of the world.

Cardiology Rhythm 400-room Raleigh Marriottand City Vascular division. Last August, theCenter Minneapolis Convention & recently renovated 353-room Center hosted the Boston Sheraton Raleigh.

Scientific – CRV Experience, attended by approximately Raleigh Convention Center: features of this new entity.

5,000 Minnesotan employees 500,000 sq. ft of meeting space, including a 50,000-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall;

Meeting Watch

Leading Edge: Patrick B. meeting rooms; a 28,000-sq.-ft.

TENNESSEE

TEN

Moscaritolo

elegantly appointed ballroom; a 35,000sq.-ft. exhibit hall (South Hall); and the state-of-the-art 2,100-seat Presidentnew, & CEO Cannon Center for the Performing Greater Boston Arts.

Convention & Visitors Bureau Hotel Rooms: More than 2,000 hotel Bio: 20 years present ; 30+ roomsinwithin eightposition blocks of the center. years in the industry. 20 minutes from Transportation: Memphis International Airport.

What Planners Want: Value, all the way MEMPHIS COOK around. Nearby Attractions: National Civil Rights Museum; Soulsville: Stax CONVENTION CENTER of American SoulisMusic; 255 North Main Street Industry Museum Forecast: Everything still Memphis, TN term 38103-0016 Graceland, Home of Elvis very short and the groups are much smaller in size.

ButPresley; year (901) 576-1200; (800) 726-0915 Studio; Vergos’already to 2011 meetings with under 75Sun rooms onCharlie peak have Fax:date, (901) 576-1212 Rendezvous World Famous Ribs; B.B. surpassed the total number of meetings the same size we www. memphisconvention.com King’sofBlues Club; Beale Street General Manager: booked in 2009.Pierre WeLandaiche saw bookings inEntertainment 2011 return to 2008 Overton levels District; Give Me which wasMemphis a near record year for us. 2012 pacing strong for Boston SquareisEntertainment District; Delta Bluesshoulder Museum; months.

Memphis 2013 Brookswe with limited availability except Snapshot: Downtown Memphis is in certain Museum of Art; Memphis Riverboats; coming alive with new and at short-term have availability andgrowth, are booking groups.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum; Mud the heart of Downtown is the Memphis Island Park;shows Centergrow for in Show Trends: We have seen some of our River regional Cook Convention Center.

The Southern Folklore; Chucalissa 300,000-sq.-ft., multi-useattendees convention are watching attendance because their expenses in a Museum. centerwhen is designed especiallyremains for conventime the market unsettled.

A few of our larger shows tions, increased trade shows, in andattendance. the performing have If budgets are tight and an attendee arts. Smack dab on the Downtown needs to pick one show, many select the larger show so they Trolley Line and within walking disnetwork, learn and conduct business. tance of numerous hotels, attractions and world-famous Beale Street, the Destination Appeal: Planners and attendees love the ease of Memphis Cook Convention Center can access and within the city. Boston also has a great variety of meet all to your needs. venues for special events, from the newly expanded Museum of Meeting Space: More than 300,000 sq.

Fine and the new Tea Party Ship and Museum (opening ft. of Arts meeting/exhibit space;Boston a 125,0002012). sq.-ft., column-free Exhibit Hall; 31

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Management Philosophy: If you’re not the lead dog, the view never changes.

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The Facilities Media Group recog the venues that make your meeting exhibitions and other ev

Hot News

www.Facilitiesonline.com tHe iNFormatioN you Need Now

www.facilitieson 12 Facilities & Destinations 2009 SuperBook

Facilities & Destinations

The Southea

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide 51

Greater Richmond Convention Center Richmond, VA Exhibit Hall: 178,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 30,550 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 36 Total Meeting Space: 80,000 sq. ft.

Hotel Rooms: More than 20,000

in Richmond Region

Largest meeting and exhibition facility in Virginia

The Greater Richmond Convention Center is the largest meeting and exhibition facility in Virginia. Centrally located in the capital City of Richmond, the venue sits within 500 miles of one half of the U.S. population. The Richmond Region is an affordable, yet premiere destination on the I95 corridor. Great Facility! Ideal Location! Easily Accessible! Exceptional Customer Service! Come visit us and see, “Where Virginia Meets the World”.

“Where Virginia Meets the World” Michael A. Meyers, CFE General Manager

Call 804.783.7334 or email mmeyers@greaterrichmondcc.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

Download a free scanner for your phone to read this code

Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

richmondcenter.com

UpFront

What’s New

Tucson Enhances Hotel Inventory

Tucson, the second largest city in Arizona, is located in the spectacular Sonora Desert, boasts an average 350 sunny days a year and the 205,000-sq.-ft. Tucson Convention Center. In 2011, the city enhanced its hotel inventory with a flurry of new developments as well as improvements on existing properties – an extensively refurbished Westward Look Resort, a $15-million renovation of Hotel Tucson City Center Inn Suites Conference Suite Resort, a redesigned restaurant and outdoor areas at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, property-wide upgrade of Ramada Inn & Suites Foothills as well as the opening of the 124suite Marriott Towne Place Suites and the Casino del Sol Resort, Spa & Conference Center, which includes a resort hotel with 215 luxurious rooms and suites and a 161,000-square-foot meeting/event facility that includes a meeting and convention center. “The addition of Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa & Conference Center to the Tucson marketplace is welcome news for group meeting and event planners,” said Graeme Hughes, Director of Convention Sales, Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau. “As the first “new build” in two years, the property combines generous meeting and function space with the already established gaming and entertainment complex on the city’s southwest side. The property firmly establishes itself within the impressive company of the region’s top tier meeting and convention properties.”

New Provo Facility Coming 2012

A new convention star will soon shine in the Southwest Meetings galaxy. Due to open by spring in Provo, Utah, the Utah Valley Convention Center, a Global Spectrum-managed facility, will feature: 85,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; a 19,600 -sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, a 17,000-sq-.ft. Ballroom; 10 meeting rooms and a 5,500-sq.-ft. rooftop garden terrace.

In keeping with the current green ethos of the destination industry, the building is designed to capture an eco-friendly LEED Silver Certified rating and the environmentally sustainable policy will only expand when it is fully operational. “We have everything from high efficiency water heaters, boilers and chillers,” said Danny Wheeler, General Manager. “It will carry over to our operations and maintenance and the food and beverage service will also be a big part of our sustainability efforts with a strong recycling program.” Provo, a destination already known for its stunning landscapes, is the 2nd largest city in the state, about 43 miles from Salt Lake City and home to Brigham Young University and the Sundance Film Festival.

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Comfort & Style at Sioux Falls

At the Sioux Falls Convention Center, people can sit down in better style and with more comfort. Meeting and event attendees now enjoy 2,000+ new banquet chairs and 1,000+ meeting room chairs – supplied

by ComforTek Seating Inc. – at the venue. The chairs feature a design more conducive to their specific purpose. For instance, the meeting chairs feature a wider base than banquet chairs although both utilize a dark, yet neutral color pattern, a contemporary design that matches nearly any event décor.

Accompanying the new furniture was another new furnishing – 33,600 square feet of black carpeting through the facility’s Exhibit Halls. “The new chairs are much more comfortable to sit on and our guests have already commented how much better they are,” said Kraig Pomrenke, General Manager of the Global Spectrum-managed facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “Our customers are also thrilled about the new carpet option for the exhibit halls. These upgrades properly reflect the level of service and hospitality we offer to the guests of the Sioux Falls Convention Center.” The Sioux Falls Convention Center premiered its new seating at an appropriate event, the 2011 Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.

Duke Goes Solar

For nightlife, dining, art galleries and shopping in Cincinnati, people head Downtown.

In the heart of this vibrant neighborhood is the Duke Energy Convention Center.

What better symbol of alternative energy for the Buckeye State than solar panels on the city’s most visible meeting & event venue? With grants and other funding sources, the city of Cincinnati installed 429 panels for a solar panel surface area of 7,500 sq. ft. on the center’s roof last year.

Although this is not the first solar panel project in Cincinnati – the rooftop of City Hall was previously bedecked – it is the biggest renewable energy project in the city, and the only solar-panel installation on a downtown building. The panels reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 57.9 metric tons and save $10,000 in annual utility costs per year for the Global Spectrum-managed facility. “Along with our partners at the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, we hope to reach out to potential conventions and highlight our solar panel project along with our other green initiatives to enhance our convention package and contract with more city wide conventions,” said Ric Booth, General Manager.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Sioux Falls Convention Center Sioux Falls, SD Exhibit Hall: 33,600 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 16,800 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 12 Total Meeting Space: 61,000 sq. ft.

Attached Hotel: 243 rooms Parking: 3,400 spaces

The Sioux Falls Convention Center is conveniently located near I-29 and I-90, near the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, the largest airport in South Dakota. The Convention Center is the largest and most versatile facility in Sioux Falls offering over 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space including 50,400 square feet of column free exhibit space, a 16,800 square feet grand ballroom, along with 12 additional meeting rooms, each with floor to ceiling windows.

Amenities include in-house catering, audio/visual, marketing and ticketing services. Attached to a 243 room Sheraton Hotel, there are more than 1,000 sleeping room accommodations within a one mile radius of the Convention Center.

Kraig Pomrenke General Manager

Exceptional service from concept to execution Call 605.367.4100 or email KPomrenke@siouxfallscc.com

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Edmonton, Alberta

Hot List

Status: Hot Category: Canadian Convention Centers FYI: Winters may be cold in the North Country, but Canada’s meeting facilities are hot, offering state-of-the-art space, exciting destinations, awe-inspiring scenery and Canadian hospitality. Canada combines metropolitan sophistication, one-of-akind rustic backdrops and meeting spaces that are state-of-the-art, innovative and optimum settings for memorable events.

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4

Hamilton, Ontario

Niagara Falls, Ontario

1] Direct Energy Centre

directenergycentre.com Discover world-renowned Toronto, Canada’s largest city and the 1 million sq. ft. of flexible convention space at Direct Energy Centre – 55,000 sq. ft. meeting space, 42 meeting rooms, 44,260-sq.-ft. ballroom (seats: 4,000), 125,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall.

Connected to conference center Allstream Centre – 160,000 sq. ft. meeting/function space, including 20 meeting rooms.

5 Vancouver, British Columbia

2] Edmonton EXPO Centre

northlands.com This multi-purpose facility was expanded by 200,000 sq. ft. in 2009, essentially creating a new facility that features: 522,000 sq. ft. of contiguous space, including four new exhibit halls, 25 meeting rooms, 16,454-sq.-ft ballroom; seating 4,000; also adjacent to the 17,000-seat Rexall Place for additional meeting space.

3]

Hamilton Convention Centre

hecfi.ca Facility features 52,000+ sq. ft. of flexible meeting/event space, spreading over 3 floors, offering a total exhibition space of 40,000 sq. ft., includes: 19 meeting rooms, 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom & is adjacent to 2,193-seat Hamilton Place Theatre and 19,000-seat Copps Coliseum. A diverse complex recognized for experienced staff & exceptional cuisine.

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4]

Scotiabank Convention Centre

fallsconventions.com Nation’s newest facility – 288,000-sq.-ft. venue features 125,000 sq. ft. of meeting/ exhibition space – 10 meeting rooms, 82,000-sq.-ft. free span exhibition hall; 17,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 1,000-seat theatre; has 82,000-sq.-ft. free span exhibition hall (accommodates 400+ 10ft x 10ft display booths), 17,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 26,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting/breakout space; 1,000-seat theatre.

Toronto, Ontario

5] Vancouver Convention Centre

vancouverconventioncentre.com Let your meeting attendees experience the natural splendor of Vancouver. Expanded for the 2010 Winter Olympics, updated with the latest technology, this facility features: 466,500 sq. ft. flexible meeting space, including: 72 meeting rooms, 53,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 220,500-sq.-ft. exhibit hall (total exhibit space: 311,700 sq. ft.); exhibition halls seat 14,933 theatre style.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Wolstein Center,

Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH Arena: 24,000 sq. ft.

Converts into a Grand Ballroom for up to 2,000 people Conference Pavilion: 9,676 sq. ft.

Total Conference Rooms: 8 Parking: 650 car garage adjacent to the building

Cleveland rocks at the Wolstein Center with our spectacular Conference Pavilion and Grand Ballroom! Whether it’s a tradeshow or gala, business meeting or concert, 10 or 10,000 guests, the Wolstein Center is the place to be when looking for a unique venue. Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio on the campus of Cleveland State University, there’s always something going on.

It Happens in Cleveland, OH! Scott Warren General Manager

Call 216.687.9292 or email s.m.warren@csuohio.edu

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Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Cover Spotlight SpotlightCover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Planners appreciate the accessibility of Philadelphia. Midway between Washington D.C. and New York City, it’s easy get to by plane, train or automobile for the majority of attendees for most meetings and events.

P h i l adelp adel phh ia Expanded Convention Center Completes 1st Tier Package

By Timothy Herrick Editorial Director

O

ne million square feet seems guaranteed to grab attention.

When used to describe a convention center, this is an impressive amount of space. But, while size may play a part in the success of conventions, tradeshows, meetings and other events, if the other components of a meetings package are not present and cost-effective, size is not enough for a destination to be a 1st tier contender in today’s fiercely competitive meetings market.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center officially opened its supersized facility in the spring of 2011. This $787-million expansion increased the facility’s size by an astounding 62 percent, essentially creating a new, state-of-the art venue featuring the impossible to ignore statistic: one million square feet of saleable space.

The convention center expansion may be a visible example of a city committed to growing its meetings industry, but Philadelphia hospitality and event executives understood that the facility was only one aspect of devising a package that could appeal to a wide array of meeting planners. The city itself had to be the real draw.

“The building has a “wow” factor, because it is so new and state of the art,” said Julie Coker, Senior Vice President, Convention Division, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. “But we want to make sure that the “wow” factor is also with Philadelphia, 18

how culturally rich the city is, with so many things to do, and everything is so close to the convention center.”

Flexible, Accessible, Affordable

“We had to have the expansion to remain competitive as an East Coast destination,” admitted Stephanie Boyd, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Pennsylvania Convention Center. “We now have the ability to hold multiple events at the same time. We have the space to accommodate more different types of meetings.

We can now attract larger conventions that may not have come to Philadelphia, or have not come back because their attendance has grown.”

Philadelphia – midway between Washington D.C. and New York City – benefits from its close proximity to these centers of politics and commerce as well as being located in the most densely populated region of the United States. Add to this a major airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and the 30th Street Railroad Station, the 3rd busiest Amtrak station and a major stop for both the Northeast and Keystone Corridors, Philadelphia offers ease of travel for a large portion of nearly any event’s attendees.

“Philadelphia is easy to get to by air, car or train,” said Cele Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Photograph by George Bensen for PCVB

Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight The Convention Center district, surrounding the Pennsylvania Convention Center, is in the ‘heart of the heart’ of the City of Brotherly Love, Center City Philadelphia.

Fogarty, Convention Director, American Society of Nephrology.

“It’s an East Coast City, so you have a heavy concentration of medical facilities and affiliations, and of course, of our membership.”

In addition, the city is comparatively more affordable than other 1st tier cities. For example, to Colleen Donohoe, Director of Meetings and Exhibitions, American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, the accessibility of the city was major draw, but its affordability sealed the deal, when her organization’s annual convention headed east in 2011. “We were looking for a viable East Coast city,” said Donohue. “Philadelphia was very accessible, and the room rates are some of the best on the East Coast, it was nice tight hotel package” Donohue estimated that the hotel room rates, in contrast to other 1st tier destinations, were about a third less. “And the labor and union costs at the convention center were lower and they were more willing to negotiate. Overall, it’s a more economical destination.”

Compact & 1st Tier

Facility newness, travel-friendly location and noticeably lower costs certainly increase the appeal of Philadelphia to today’s planners and the attendees they want to attract. But today’s attendees not only want to experience the uniqueness of a city, they want much of that experience – dining, nightlife, attractions Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

“We had to have the expansion to remain competitive as an East Coast destination.

We have the space to accommodate more different types of meetings.”

—Stephanie Boyd Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Pennsylvania Convention Center

and shopping – to be close by – within walking distance of the meeting facility and convention lodging.

Recognizing that this closeness – a “compact” city in Plannerspeak – is a crucial item in the site selection process, Philadelphia embarked on a renovation and building spree in anticipation of the expanded convention center. Recent improvements to the Convention Center district have included new outdoor lighting in the district, a $50-million renovation of Dilworth Plaza, an outdoor area adjacent to the Convention Center, and upwards of $231 million in hotel renovations and developments. “We have a walkable neighborhood around the convention center, which is flanked by hotels, great shopping and restaurants,” said Boyd.

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The Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion

Photographs by Paul Loftland for PCVB

T

he Pennsylvania Convention Center opened in 1993, replacing the Philadelphia Civic Center as the city’s main meeting, convention and tradeshow facility. Portions of the building, including the Grand Hall, Grand Ballroom and Meeting Rooms, utilized a preexisting, elevated train shed from the Reading Railroad terminal, giving the facility – much like Philadelphia itself – an alluring combination of the historic and the cutting edge.

The new super-sized convention center – offering a whopping 1 million square feet of saleable space – opened in the spring of 2011.

The convention center has the largest contiguous exhibit space in the Northeast at 700,000 square feet and the largest ballroom on the East Coast at 60,000 square feet, and 79 meeting rooms.

The $787-million expansion, completed on time and on budget, was the largest public works project ever undertaken by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the meetings industry, the Pennsylvania Convention Center stands out for another reason: It was one of the largest convention center construction projects in the latter half of the first decade of the 21st century; among 1st tier destinations, no other comparable project was undertaken during this time period. When economic uncertainty caused many projects to be scaled-back, postponed or abandoned by cash-strapped municipalities, the city of Philadelphia and state of Pennsylvania greatly reinvested in its meetings and hospitality industry, creating a truly state-of-the-art event facility.

In addition to massive size, the latest conferencing technology was integral to the building from planning stages to final construction. The expanded center includes: WiFi services throughout the facility; HD digital signage throughout; session capture for On Demand; Realtime audience response results; In-house AV services, including stateof-the-art sound, lighting and video options. One of the advantages of a new facilty is that the latest technology can be embedded in the structure. “We’re wired with top of the line technology throughout the entire facility,” said Stephanie Boyd, VP of Sales & Marketing, Pennsylvania Convention Center. “There are no dead spots.”

In order to ease navigation through such a large structure, additional personnel and specialized training was necessary. “We have a very capable of team of event managers and operational staff who are acclimated to every aspect of the new building,” said Boyd. “We are dealing with a larger pool of attendees and make sure the traffic flows between all the spaces. The staff is large enough and well-versed in the building and the city of Philadelphia.”

Cele Fogarty, Convention Director, American Society of Nephrology, who planned that organization’s 2011 Philadelphia convention, noticed the consideration given to the attendee experience.

“It was apparent to me that a lot of thought was given to facilitating 20

traffic and addressing needs of meeting attendees,” said Fogarty.

“There was more signage throughout the building, and the center had more people throughout the entire building, which made traffic flow easier. There were more people to greet my attendees, give them directions not just in the building but for the neighborhood around the center. That is very comforting to me, as a planner, especially for a meeting our size and in what is essentially, a new building.”

The expansion also went green from the start. The Pennsylvania Convention Center achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification. The Expansion’s LEED rating corresponds to the GOLD certification level under the LEED for New Construction rating system. LEED is an internationally-recognized green building certification system, developed by the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED rating system recognizes projects that develop and implement sustainable design strategies for better environmental performance.

“We are in the process of moving the entire facility to a more sustainable footprint,” said Ahmeenah Young, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. Towards that end, the center implemented several policies that reduce the environmental impact of all events it hosts, including: using only cleaning chemicals that are green seal certified and equipment; performing single stream recycling (in FYs 2009 & 2010 the Center recycled 469.83 tons of waste); and its Food & Beverage provider, ARAMARK, uses sustainable cutlery, hot/cold beverage cups, napkins and plates made of 100 percent decomposable and biodegradable materials, and when possible, organically grown vegetables and fruits purchased from local purveyors.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight

From planning to final construction, the latest meeting and trade show technology was included in the expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

“When we first planned the expansion, we knew that to attract the business needed to fill the new facility, we needed a team effort that was city-wide.”

—Julie Coker Senior Vice President, Convention Division Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center increased the facility’s size by an astounding 62 percent, making it the largest contiguous exhibit space in the Northeast at 700,000 sq.ft. and the largest ballroom on the East Coast at 60,000 sq.ft.

This “New Philly” was readily apparent to Fogarty when she brought the American Society of Nephrology to the newly expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2011. About 13,000 attended the multiple-day event; the society last met in the city of Brotherly Love in 2008. “Everything is built up around the convention center,” said Fogarty. “Three years ago, there was still a lot of construction. The hotel package is much tighter than other major cities. Most of the hotel rooms were within walking distance.

The furthest hotel we used was 1.6 miles away.”

“It’s a Downtown city, a city that is alive and breathing 24/7,” said Donohue, who planned the annual convention of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, a multi-day event that attracts more than 5,500 participants. The association rotates meeting sites throughout regions in the United States, but always in a 1st tier destination. The 2011 edition was the first time the event was held in Philadelphia.

“Our attendees want to have the fun and excitement and unique experiences of a city and Philadelphia offered that,” said Donohue.

A convention center district may not be exactly uncommon among destinations, but the characteristic that distinguishes this meetings neighborhood from some other 1st tier convention districts is its lack of isolation. The Convention Center district is in Center City Philadelphia, a 7.8-mile conglomeration of neighborhoods – the ‘heart of the heart’ of the City of Brotherly Love, which includes not just the Pennsylvania Convention Center district, and the adjacent (2nd in size only to Manhattan’s) Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Chinatown, but Parkway Museums District, Rittenhouse Square District, Washington Square District, and the Historic/Waterfront District. For convention goers, within a stroll of short cab ride there’s Philadelphia City Hall, blocks of night-life, restaurants and shopping and world-famous landmarks including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “I don’t think people realized how world class the dining would be,” said Donohue. “People were blown away by the chefs and restaurants in Philadelphia.”

Donohue pointed that the convention she plans includes receptions and other events that are held offsite. “There were a lot of upscale, interesting venues to choose from,” she said, which included the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Constitution Center and the Pennsylvania Center of Fine Arts Center, all located within Center City.

Completing the Package

The most critical component accompanying the expansion may not have been the upgrades to the convention center district, but the unified sense of purpose among the destination personnel. “It was my impression the convention center and the CVB worked well together, they were in-concert, which is not always the case in a 1st tier city,” said Fogarty. “It was more seamless, you didn’t have to deal with a lot of separate players. They had more internal communication and you got the feeling everything the city had to offer was being made available as an option.”

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Uniq ue P h i la d elph i a

Staying near the Pennsylvania Convention Center has never been easier: Hampton Inn/Convention Center (250 rooms), Four Points by Sheraton (92 rooms), Le Meridian (210 rooms), Marriott Residence Inn (269 rooms), Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (1,408 rooms), Loews Philadelphia Hotel (581rooms), Hilton Garden Inn (279 rooms), Philadelphia Courtyard by Marriott (498 rooms); 8,500 hotel rooms are available in Center City; 30,000 citywide.

Opening in 2012: the Barnes Foundation, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a Champs Elyseesinspired boulevard that includes the Philadelphia Museum of Art (philamuseum.org) and the new Rodin Museum (rodinmuseum.org).

The Barnes Foundation showcases one of the most famous compilations of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings. (barnesfoundation.org) Each Center City neighborhood is unique. Three of the most memorable: Chestnut Hill – preserved Colonial Revival and Queen Anne architecture and one-of-a-kind shopping; Old City – remarkable historic sites alongside trendy boutiques, bistros and galleries; Rittenhouse Square – posh, upscale with distinctive shopping, cafes, elegant restaurants and exciting nightlife.

In Independence Mall, the most historic square mile in the nation, at 5th and Arch streets, just two blocks from the Liberty Bell, is the National Constitution Center, a museum devoted entirely to the founding document of the United States. In addition to exhibits both emotionally and intellectually stimulating, the state-of-the-art conference, meeting and event spaces makes this a popular spot for receptions and other events. (constitutioncenter.org) While in Independence Mall, at 5th & Market, visit the National Museum of American Jewish History, the only Museum exclusively showcasing the American Jewish experience. Founded in 1976 by the members of the historic Congregation Mikveh Israel (established in 1740 and known as the “Synagogue of the American Revolution”), the remarkable exhibits are moving, thoughtprovoking and inspiring. (nmajh.org)

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America’s oldest zoo, the 42-acre Philadelphia Zoo – home to 1,300+ animals; features a children’s zoo, a balloon ride, a paddleboat lake, & rainforest themed carousel. Renowned for breeding rare species, such as two snow leopard cubs born in 2011 currently on exhibit. (philadelphiazoo.org) The Sugar House Casino, Philly’s first gaming establishment, opened on the Delaware Riverfront in 2010, featuring a state-of-the-art casino floor with 3,000 slot machines and tables, along with a variety of retail and dining outlets, including the Refinery, Jacks Sandwiches & Sweets and Lucky Red. (sugarhousecasino.com) R2L - Dramatic fine dining, by Chef Daniel Stern, atop Liberty Place at 16th & Market streets. Spectacular unobstructed, panoramic views of the City of Brotherly Love. Great for unforgettable meals, or just stop by the Liberty Bar and Lounge for sophisticated snacks, hand-crafted cocktails and the unforgettable skyline. (r2lrestaurant. com) Kick back in a classic, old school bar: McGillin’s Olde Ale House.

Philadelphia’s oldest and most famous Irish pub, a local landmark on 13th & Drury streets since 1860 – it survived both the Civil War and Prohibition – this iconic tavern serves a vast selection of local and regional brews on tap and exceptional pub grub favorites. (mcgillins.com) BYOB Restaurants – the most exciting segment of Philadelphia’s diverse dining culture. For inexpensive, memorable meals in atmospheres ranging from funky to intimate, bring a bottle of your favorite wine and discover the delectable secrets only locals know. Some of Philly’s hottest BYOB’s: Lolita, Mercato, Bibou, Pumpkin and the Marigold Kitchen. (google: BYOB Philadelphia) The city’s best known rivals for the ultimate Philly Cheese Steak – Philadelphia’s iconic culinary indulgence – Pat’s King of Steaks (patskingofsteaks.com) and Genos (genosteaks.com) – continue their competition at opposite corners of Passyunk Ave & 9th street in South Philadelphia. Take a tasting excursion to judge for your self who serves the best cheese steak in town.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Photograph by Philadelphia Zoo

Photograph by Curt Hudson

Philadelphia has been hosting major meetings since 1776 when colonial lawmakers held the first American convention there and declared Independence. Philadelphia’s special urban vibe that combines the traditional and the contemporary has long delighted visitors. Here are a few suggestions to help your attendees fully discover the City of Brotherly Love.

Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Cover Spotlight Philadelphia – midway between Washington D.C. and New York City – is one of the nation’s most accessible meeting destinations. In addition to a major airport, Philadelphia International Airport, its 30th Street Railroad Station is Amtrak’s 3rd busiest station and a major stop for both the Northeast and Keystone Corridors.

“We have all the key players aboard, the CVB, Hotel Community, and the Convention Center,” said Coker. “When we first planned the expansion, we knew that to attract the business needed to fill the new facility, we needed a team effort that was city-wide.”

Coker emphasizes that the close relationship between the players is not merely an issue of policy, but implemented on a one-to-one basis.

“All of our individual sales representatives are “buddied.”

They work together on a regular basis. When an individual piece of business needs more hotel rooms, the convention services sales representatives know who to call. We are more closely aligned than other large cities, and our team approach means the team includes all three groups.”

For Coker, it comes down to adding value to a planner’s event by having Philadelphia personnel be as much of a resource to the planner as an expanded convention center. “Our staff becomes an extension of their staff,” said Coker. “We make sure they are getting the value out of our city. We partner with attendance, marketing, which can include micro-sites and telemarketing, public relations, all aspects. We help with the ROI of a meeting.

The annual meeting can be upwards of 40 percent of an association’s revenue. Planners are busy enough with making sure their content attracts attendees. We partner with the planner to make sure the attendee experience is memorable.”

The expansion of the Philadelphia Convention Center – one of the largest meeting facility projects in recent years – has been watched closely by the meetings industry. The city’s commitment to growing, and sustaining that growth, of the meetings industry has been highly publicized and surprising to many, continued in spite of a troublesome business climate. For Coker, it boils down to both a citywide support for the one-to-one relationships with individual meeting planners. “We pride ourselves that we can give one-to-one attention to a group of 100 to a group of 20,000.

No convention is too big, or too small, for us to give individual attention to the planner to make the event a success.”

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

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Las Cruces Convention Center Las Cruces, NM Exhibit Hall: 15,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 9,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 6 Total Meeting Space: 11,850 sq. ft.

Garden Space: 5,000 sq. ft.

Sunshine Days: 350

This LEED Gold convention center totals 55,000 square feet that features a 14,500 square foot exhibit hall as well as a 8,500 square foot ballroom, 6 breakout rooms, and over 5,000 square foot of outdoor event space.

Memories Found Only in Las Cruces‌ David Hicks General Manager

Call 575.526.0100 or email dhicks@meetinlascruces.com

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Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Missouri Spotlight

M i s souri The Show Me State

I

n some ways, Missouri may be the fastest growing Midwest state in the Meetings Industry. Within the last five years, billions of dollars has been reinvested throughout the state in infrastructure, enhancing the state as a tourism and meetings destination. Convention centers and other meeting facilities, as well as hotel inventories, entertainment districts, attractions and transportation, have all been or are in the process of being expanded, renovated and otherwise improved in the states five major meeting destinations: St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Charles, Branson and Springfield.

Missouri sits squarely in Mid-America, its central location and general affordability are recognized as advantageous by leisure and convention travelers alike. Missouri welcomes more than 35 million visitors annually. In addition, the state’s 83 parks and historic sites, as well as the world-renowned music and entertainment scenes long flourishing in St. Louis, Kansas City and Branson, have combined to create a robust tourism industry, providing a solid foundation on which its meetings, convention and tradeshow business can now thrive.

Missouri is located in the Midwestern United States, and it is bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, 26

Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska; but the cultural influences and unique history of the Show Me State is more complex than the story maps might tell. Besides its traditional Midwestern hospitality, Missouri also reveals an authentic Southern charm, and a palatable flair for optimistic adventurism, the time honored trademark of the American West.

The northern part of the state is in the Great Plains region, while the southern part lies in the Ozark Mountains. The first European settlers were mostly French Canadians, who in 1750 created their first settlement at present-day Ste. Genevieve. St. Louis was founded soon after by French from New Orleans, becoming the center of a regional fur trade with Native American tribes that extended up the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

Migrants from the Southern States settled along the Missouri River, which by time of the Civil War, was known as “Little Dixie.” St. Charles was the starting point and the return destination of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and later became one of the origin points for the Pony Express Trail and Oregon Trail. Missouri earned the nickname “Gateway to the West” because it served as a major departure point for settlers heading West in the 19th century.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Missouri PhotoView Saint Louis Saint Charles Branson Kansas City Springfield

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Missouri Facts State Capital: Jefferson City State Song: Missouri Waltz State Bird: Bluebird State Flower: White Hawthorn Blossom Population: 5,988,927, according to the 2010 census; 18th most populous state in the U.S., 5th most populous in the Midwest.

Major Rivers: Mississippi River, Missouri River, Osage River Major Lakes: Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Clearwater Lake, Lake Wappapello Size: 69,709 square miles; Missouri is the 21st biggest state in the U.S. Name: Missouri was named for an Algonquian Indian word that means “river of the big canoes.”

History: Acquired from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase and became known as the Missouri Territory. Missouri was admitted into the union as the 24th state on August 10, 1821.

Nickname: The state nickname, the Show Me State, espouses a healthy skepticism. According to state lore, the origin comes from an 1899 speech

by Congressman Willard Vandiver: “Frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I’m from Missouri, and you have got to show me.” With more than 6,000 caves (second to Tennessee), Missouri is also called “The Cave State,” and sometimes “The Ozark State” after the mountains which cover about half the southern portion of the state. The state has no “official” nickname, but the official state motto is “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto,” Latin for “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.”

Political Bellwether: As they do every presidential election year, political prognosticators will be watching the state in 2012. Missouri is considered America’s political bellwether state; with the exceptions of 1956 and 2008, Missouri’s results in U.S. presidential elections have accurately predicted the next President of the United States in every election since 1904.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

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Missouri PhotoView Missouri PhotoView Missouri PhotoView Missouri PhotoView

The Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau is a multipurpose, 7,200-seat facility on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd U.S. President (1945 - 1953), was the only one born in the Show Me State. Harry S. Truman Library & Museum is in the town of Independence.

Fantastic Caverns - America’s Only Ride Thru Cave - is in Springfield. With more than 6,000 caves (second to Tennessee), Missouri is sometimes called “The Cave State.”

Missouri has an estimated 386 golf courses throughout the state. Pictured: The Oaks Golf Course, Tan-Tar-a Resort in Osage Beach.

The Lake of the Ozarks, a favorite vacation spot, is a large reservoir created by impounding the Osage River, and is located in the northern part of the Ozarks in central Missouri.

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The capital of Missouri, Jefferson City, is on the northern edge of the Ozark Plateau on the southern side of the Missouri River near the geographic center of the state, a region known as Mid-Missouri.

One of Missouri’s most popular attractions is the Branson Scenic Railway, a vintage passenger train that takes visitors through the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

One of the most acclaimed baseball museums in the country is the Negro League Museum in Kansas City.

Missouri is home to more than 100 wineries, an industry that dates back to the 1830s, when German immigrants practiced their vintner skills in settlements along the Missouri River.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri

S t. Louis

St. Lou is . . . All Within Reach

A

s host of the 2011 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition and the 2012 MPI-WEC (World Education Congress), this quintessential American city with its iconic arches, unique dining, shopping, entertainment options has become a major meetings destination.

St. Louis has invested more than $5 billion in area-wide destination development, completing a $48-million renovation of the America’s Center – 2.7 million square feet covering 32 acres in the heart of downtown St. Louis – and a rejuvenation of the downtown convention neighborhood surrounding the complex. St. Louis is a world-class destination that’s affordable, accessible and burgeoning with new experiences.> explorestlouis.com

America’s Center

The America’s Center convention complex, one of the Midwest must comprehensive facilities for meetings, conventions, trade shows and other events, features 502,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 96 meeting rooms, a 28,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theatre, IACC-certified St. Louis Executive Conference Center, and 67,000seat Edward Jones Dome (recently completed $30-million renovation). >explorestlouis.com/meetings-conventions Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Staying There

8,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of America’s Center, 39,000 citywide/region.

Getting There

Accessible by I-70, I-44 and Highway 50; Airports – Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (250+ non-stop departures to 60+ destinations daily); Spirit of St. Louis Airport, St. Louis Downtown Airport.

Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner travels daily between St. Louis and Kansas City.

Itinerary Tips

Dining: Gerard Craft’s Niche Restaurant; Tony’s, Ted Drewes (signature frozen custard); More than 60 Zagat-rated restaurants citywide Nightlife: Soulard neighborhood Blues clubs, Harrah’s Casino Queen, Lumiere Casino River City Casino Shopping: The Clayton neighborhood, Saint Louis Galleria, Cherokee Street, St. Louis Mills, Plaza Frontenac Attractions: Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, The Gateway Arch, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, Busch Stadium 29

Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri

St. Ch ar l es

Experience St. Charles

S

t. Charles has a small-town feel with nearby access to big city attractions – it’s right near St. Louis, but has a state-of-theart convention center of its own, the St. Charles Convention Center, which opened in 2005. The city retains a rich historical ambiance, preserving its influential role during the westward expansion of the United States. Newer attractions, such as the Ameristar Casino, which also features a conference center, combine with its unique legacy to make this city an appealing meetings destination. >historicstcharles.com

St. Charles Convention Center

St. Charles Convention Center, a world-class facility, features 154,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including a grand ballroom, a junior ballroom and 17 breakout rooms. It also has a 27,600-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, which is expandable to 35,700 sq. ft., and offers a total of 76,533 sq. ft of exhibit space. >stcharlesconventioncenter.com

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Staying There

296-room Embassy Suites attached to the convention center; 578 hotel rooms within walking distance; 1,422 hotel rooms within 5 minutes.

Getting There

Accessible by I-70, I-44 and Highway 50; St. Louis Lambert International Airport (10 minutes away), averages 250+ non-stop departures to 60+ destinations daily.

Itinerary Tips

Dining: Lewis and Clarks, The Vine, Magpies (also, the Historic Main Street Shopping and Dining District offer a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars) Nightlife: Ameristar Casino, Quintessential Dining and Nightlife, and the Trailhead Brewing Company Shopping: Historic Main Street Shopping and Dining District, Historic Frenchtown District, Mid Rivers Mall Attractions: Frontier Park along Missouri River, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Anheuser Busch Brewery, Six Flags Amusement Park, Ameristar Casino, Harrah’s Casino.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Saint Charles Convention Center St. Charles, MO Exhibit Hall: 35,700 sq. ft.

Grand Ballroom: 16,200 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 17 Total Meeting Space: 60,000 sq. ft.

Attached Hotel: 296 rooms Parking: 1,200 complimentary

The Saint Charles Convention Center in Historic St Charles, Missouri offiers a central location just west of St. Louis and a 10 minute drive from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. The 154,000 square foot Convention Center offers flexible space with two exhibit halls, divisible grand ballroom and junior ballrooms, 5 meeting rooms, board room and conference room, allowing for up to 17 breakout meeting rooms. Amenities include in-house catering, audio/visual, and marketing as well as access to our Cyber Café and 1,200 free on-site parking spots. The Center is attached to a 296 all-suite John Q. Hammons Embassy Suites Hotel.

Shura Garnett, CFE, Regional VP, General Manager

“Exceeding Expectations…

One Event at a Time” Call 636.669.3000 or email slindgren@stcharlesconventioncenter.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

Download a free scanner for your phone to read this code

Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

stcharlesconventioncenter.com

Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri

Br an son

The Music Capital of the Midwest

L

ong a world-renowned, family-friendly destination – an estimated 8 million visit annually – Branson is famous for the abundance and variety of its live entertainment venues.

Branson has more than 58,000 theatre seats, 14,000 more than all of New York’s Broadway, 52 musical theatres, seating from 75 to 4,000, and every day more than 100 live shows are performed on the Branson Strip. Other activities include: multiple amusement parks and 11 championship golf courses. In 2007, Branson augmented its already robust hospitality industry with the Branson Convention Center, the newest convention center in Missouri. > explorebranson.com

Branson Convention Center

Situated on the shores of picturesque Lake Taneycomo, the multi-level, state-of-the-art Branson Convention Center features 220,000 sq. ft. of multi-functional space, including 70,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 10 meeting rooms; 23,000-sq-ft. ballroom; 47,000-sq. ft. main exhibit hall; 4,500-seat theater. > bransonconvention.com

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Staying There

294-room Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is adjacent to the convention center; 18,500+ hotel rooms citywide.

Getting There

Accessible by I-44, Highway 65; Branson Airport – AirTran Airways, Branson AirExpress and Frontier Airlines provide flights to most major U.S. cities and international destinations. The Springfield-Branson National Airport is only 50 miles away.

Itinerary Tips

Dining: Chateau Grille, Andy William’s Moon River Grill, White River Fish House Nightlife: Ernie Bigg’s Piano Bar, Waxy O’Shea’s, Time Out Sports Bar & Grill, Clay Cooper Theater Shopping: Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson & Tanger Outlet Center, Shoppees at Branson Meadow, Factory Merchants Attractions: Silver Dollar City, Titanic: The World’s Largest Attraction, Branson Zipline, Branson Scenic Railway, Dinosaur Museum, Scotty’s Trout Dock & Marina; golf – Payne Stewart Tribute Course, Murder Rock & Branson Creek Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri

K ansas City

Tom Adkinson

Change Your Perspective

H

igh in energy, rich in history, Kansas City is brimming with activities to keep meeting attendees entertained—eclectic cuisine, swinging jazz, one-of-a-kind museums, a thriving arts scene and fantastic shopping. For barbecue lovers – Kansas City has it own, world-famous, distinctive barbecue – the city’s signature food can be found at more than 100 barbecue establishments. Throughout the city, the world-renowned jazz legacy continues today in clubs, bars and other hot sports. An impressive network of parks and boulevards and, of course, exquisite fountains connects this unique American city. > visitkc.com

Kansas City Convention Center

The Kansas City Convention Center accommodates events ranging from small-to-mid-sized meetings to citywide conventions; 388,800 sq. ft. column free exhibit space, 142,000 sq. ft. meeting space, 48 meeting rooms, 46,484-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom; 2,400-seat theater, Arena – 7,316 permanent seats, 2,405 seats on risers plus capacity for 1,000 theater-style on main floor. >kcconvention.com 34

Staying There

946-room Kansas City Marriott Downtown connected to center; 3,500 downtown hotel rooms; 26,000 hotel rooms citywide.

Getting There

Accessible by I-70, I-35 and I-29. Kansas City International Airport (25 minutes from downtown) serves 59 nonstop destinations, also Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport. Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner travels daily between St. Louis and Kansas City.

Itinerary Tips

Dining: Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, Pierpont’s at Union Station, Bristol Seafood Grill Nightlife: Downtown Kansas City, the Power & Light District; Jazz – The Blue Room, The Phoenix, Jardine’s Shopping: Crown Center, Country Club Plaza, Brookside, the Crossroads Arts District, the Prairie Village Shops Attractions: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Sprint Center arena, the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, the American Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the National World War I Museum Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri Spotlight Missouri

Schilling-Sellmeyer

Sp ringfie ld

Welcome to the Middle of Everywhere

S

pringfield is located in the beautiful Ozarks, offers more than 800 restaurants and dozens of attractions, and is known for being an easily accessible destination that is also an affordable, fun and safe community. Springfield offers a variety of meeting facilities – the Springfield Expo Center, its main venue, the Ramada Oasis Convention Center, which is currently undergoing a major expansion, the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center and two new arenas – JQH Arena and the O’Reilly Family Event Center. > SelectSpringfield.com

Springfield Expo Center

The Springfield Expo Center, right across the street from the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center Springfield, features 151,000 sq. ft. of multi purpose meeting space, including 13 breakout, flexible meeting rooms, a 21,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 45,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall –112,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space – and 4,500-seat theater. >springfieldexpo.com

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Staying There

Near Expo Center – University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center – 271 rooms and Holiday Inn Express & Suites 120 rooms, 6,200 rooms citywide.

Getting There

Accessible by I-44, Highway 65. The Springfield-Branson National Airport (8 miles from Expo Center) offers daily non-stop jet service to 12 major hubs throughout U.S.

Itinerary Tips

Dining: Farmers Gastropub, Leong’s Asian Diner, Classic Rock Coffee Company Nightlife: Downtown Springfield offers a wide range of dining, bars and entertainment venues. Be sure to also check out: Bugsy Malones, Fire & Ice Restaurant, Springfield Brewing Company Shopping: Battlefield Mall, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Downtown galleries and boutiques.

Attractions: Landers Theatre, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Fantastic Caverns, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Springfield Art Museum, Wild Animal Safar 35

Sites & Cities: A–Z Alliant Energy Center...........................................................37

Miami Beach Convention Center........................................54

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center....................37

Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center...............................................................54

Atlantic City Convention Center.........................................37 Austin Convention Center...................................................37 Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex....................37

The National Conference Center........................................56

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau..................37

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center...............................................................56

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center............................40

Visit Norfolk...........................................................................56

Branson Convention Center................................................40

Northwest Georgia Convention Center.............................56

Century Center.....................................................................40

Ocean Center/Daytona Beach............................................56

Charleston Civic Center.......................................................40

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau...................56

Cheyenne Mountain Resort.................................................40

Overland Park Convention Center......................................56

Clovis Civic Center...............................................................40

Palm Beach County Convention Center............................60

Conference Center Niagara Falls.......................................42

Palm Springs Convention Center.......................................60

Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center....................................................42

Pennsylvania Convention Center........................................60

Connecticut Convention Center.........................................42 Cox Convention Center.......................................................42 Currents – The Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium.............42

Penticton Trade and Convention Center...........................60 Pheasant Run Resort............................................................60 University of Phoenix Stadium............................................60

David L. Lawrence Convention Center...............................42

Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau..................................................................60

Visit Denver...........................................................................42

Pueblo Convention Center..................................................64

Devos Place...........................................................................42

Puerto Rico Convention Center..........................................64

Direct Energy Centre............................................................44

Rhode Island Convention Center.......................................64

Duke Energy Convention Center........................................44

Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds.......................................64

Durham Convention Center................................................44

Greater Richmond Convention Center..............................64

Eaglewood Resort & Spa.....................................................44

Roanoke Civic Center..........................................................64

Edmonton Expo Centre.......................................................44

Rochester Riverside Convention Center............................66

Edward D. Hanson Conference Center at the Comcast Arena..........................................................44

Roland E. Powell Convention Center.................................66

Enid Event Center & Convention Hall . ............................44 Fairplex..................................................................................46 Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Complex..............................................46

Sacramento Convention Center.........................................66 St. Charles Convention Center...........................................66 Salina Bicentennial Center..................................................66 Visit Salt Lake........................................................................66

Frontier Airlines Center........................................................46

Salt Palace Convention Center...........................................66

Hamilton Convention Centre..............................................46

San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau.......................66

Hawaii Convention Center..................................................46

San Diego Convention Center............................................68

Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association ...............46

Visit Savannah.......................................................................68

Iowa Events Center..............................................................46

Scotia Bank/Niagara Convention & Civic Centre.......................................................................68

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center....................................46 John S. Knight Center..........................................................48 James L. Knight Miami Convention Center.......................48

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Monona Terrace Convention Center..................................56

Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center............................68 Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino....................................68

Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities..........48

Sioux Falls Convention Center............................................68

Kansas Expocentre...............................................................48

Tinley Park Convention Center...........................................68

Knoxville Convention Center..............................................48

Utah Valley Convention Center...........................................68

Kovalchick Convention Complex........................................48

Vancouver Convention Centre............................................72

Las Cruces Convention Center...........................................54

Virginia Beach Convention Center.....................................72

Mass Mutual Arena and Convention Center.....................54

Walter E. Washington Convention Center.........................72

Meadowlands Exposition Center........................................54

Wolstein Center/Cleveland State University......................72 Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

wisconsin

Alliant Energy Center

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 (608) 267-3976 alliantenergycenter.com Assistant Center Manager, Sales and Marketing: Ted Ballweg, ballweg@alliantenergycenter.com Only minutes from downtown Madison, located on 164 acres, the Alliant Energy Center is a multi-building complex featuring Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall,Willow Island and the Arena; 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibition space, including 18 Meeting rooms and 50,000-sq.-ft-Ballroom; attached to 140-room Clarion Hotel. This versatility of pace makes it a top choice for conventions, conferences, meetings, banquets, outdoor events, concerts, and much more. Experience Madison’s big city feel with small town attitude, natural beauty, stimulating culture, environmental sensitivity and love-at-first-sight appeals. Other attractions nearby: Olbrich Gardens and the Overture Center.

alabama

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile VIRGINIA Convention Center

Meeting Services: One-Stop Shop Location; Conference Services staff works with you on all your conferOne S. Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 ence needs; Every summer conference (251) 208-2100; Fax: (251) 208-2150 is assigned a Conference Assistant to mobileconventions.com handle all check-in and check-out proDirector Sales & Marketing: Cheryl Gee; General Manager: Bob Brazier cedures, rosters, parking/transportation, “Explore the Options” facility setups, meal guarantees, directionsigns, and an optional Anchoring a lively downtown offering world-classal accommodations, lushlinen parksservice. and squares,

Meeting Technology: All classrooms retail shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries, the Mobile Convention Center features and meeting space are(largest equipped with sq.

300,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space – 16 meeting rooms, two ballrooms – 15,508 audio-visual equipment at leastRiver; AMES MADISON UNIVERSITY ft.),Jtwo 50,000-sq.-ft. exhibit halls, outdoor terrace with panoramic viewand of Mobile one computer connected to the campus & CONFERENCES EVENTS largest space accommodates 5,555 theater-styling seating; Catering services SAVOR; six LAN line. The Internet is alsobyaccessiMSC 3501 hotels within walking distance /1,100+ Hotel Rooms.

5 Rivers: Delta Resource ble inAttractions: the dormitories for any overnight Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Center; Hank568-6444 Aaron Stadium, Civilstay Warusing Trail.an Ethernet cord. Additional (540) Alligator 568-6330;Alley, Fax: (540) www.jmu.edu/events Conference Coordinator: Joyce Bentz

new jersey

Atlantic City Convention Center

Atlantic City, NJ 08401, (609) 449-7136; (888) 222-3683 Fax: (609) 345-3685 atlanticcitynj.com • meetinac.com Vice President, Convention Sales: Gary Musich Your Northeast Business Address A year-round destination with all the amenities you expect from a premiere resort; 20,000 first-class hotel rooms (8,000 committable), top entertainment, golf, shopping, world-class dining and 11 casinos. The Atlantic City Convention Center is a bright, modern facility accommodating meetings and expos of all sizes, four contiguous exhibit halls (486,600 sq. ft.); 32,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space; 109,100 total sq. ft meeting space/45 Meeting Rooms including 29,400-sq.-ft. Ballroom; Free WiFi; voice/data communications; green facility – single-roof solar systems, aggressive recycling & energy savings programs.

equipment is available upon request.

Food & Beverage: onsite catering available; two large dining facilities that serve all three meals buffet style with a rotating menu.

Activities: Tennis and sand volleyball courts; University Recreation Center, a nationally recognized 140,700-sq.-ft. facility, can also be used by meeting attendees.

Attractions: Massunutten Rated one of the most technologically advancedNearby convention centers in U.S. Located near Resort, Skyline Drive hiking and Meeting Sizes Accommodated: city’s50famous entertainment districts.

Multi-level facility spans six city blocks, features Luray Caverns. to over 1,100.

– 374,255 sq. ft. Meeting/Exhibit space, including 5 column-free, contiguous Exhibit Halls Transportation: The Shenandoah Overall Meeting Space: 20,000+ sq. ft.

(256,097 sq. ft total exhibit space), 7 ballrooms Valley (43,300Regional sq. ft. isAirport: largest) 15 andmiles; 54 meeting Number of of Meeting Rooms: 30 rooms; 6,000 downtown hotel rooms; Complimentary high density120wireless Dulleshigh-speed, International Airport: miles.

Ballroom: 9,000 sq. ft. services throughout.

In-building cellular antenna systems; On-site engineers; proven track Lodging: 2,3006,000 onsitesimultaneous guestrooms (12 record of handling connections; pre-function spaces offer hotels within mileswalkway radius). connects 3rd and 4th levels.

PAGE downtown views;5new texas

Snapshot: James Madison University rangesConvention in services and meeting space Austin Center from our Grand Ballroom to classrooms 500 and E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701 computer labs. Nestled between (512)the404-4000; Fax:Mountains (512)-404-4416 Blue Ridge and the austinconventioncenter.com Allegheny Ridge, this 472-acre campus blends the spirit of a collegiate atmoDirector of Sales: Lisa Kidder withCapital the natural beauty and The sphere Live Music of the World resources of the area.

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alabama

2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 458-8400; Fax: (205) 458-8438 bjcc.org Director of Sales and Marketing: Susette Hunter Alabama’s largest convention facility, one of the best values in the South – 220,00 sq. ft.

Meeting/Exhibition space – 111,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibition Hall, 174,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space, 74 Meeting Rooms, 15,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 18,000-seat Arena; 2,800-seat Concert Hall. 3,800-sq.ft. broadcast studio – live TV capabilities, satellite uplink capabilities. Medical Forum: 10-story tower features high-tech meeting rooms, fully-equipped demonstration lab.

1,000 Hotel Rooms nearby. Attractions: Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, award-winning Robert Trent Jones Golf trail courses.

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Snapsh Center powerfu macy o munity and ma just 12 Airport Center ence ce Meetin 10 to 1 Lodgin

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Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

18980 U Lansdow (800) 64 Fax: (703 www.c Directo Eric Whi

HIL FAI

Massachussetts

2 Copley Place, Suite 105,Boston, MA 02116 (617) 867-8242; (888) SEE-BOSTON; Fax: (617) 424-7664 E-Mail: GBCVBSales@bostonusa.com www.BostonUSA.com Vice President, Convention Services & Sales: Beth Stehley Boston. The Place to Meet.

History, great dining, nightlife, shopping, championship sports, vibrant cultural community.

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center : 516,000 sq. ft./160,000 sq. ft. meeting space; Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center Boston: 120,000 sq. ft. contiguous exhibit space, 7,000 theatre-style seating, two 5,000-sq.-ft. Ballrooms; Waterfront Collection: 1,500+ hotel rooms, 50+ breakout rooms, 400,000 sq. ft. meeting space; John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center : 175,000+ sq. ft. exhibit space, 25,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 41 meeting rooms.

THE N CONF

VI

WHEN IT COMES TO MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS, LEAVE THE PLANNING & DETAILS TO US

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex

VIRG

3950 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax, VA 22033 www.fairfax.hgi.com

The Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax hotel in Northern Virginia offers: Small to medium size meeting and banquet rooms for up to 300 guests Dedicated and friendly sales staff to focus on the details Current and up-to-date audio/visual equipment and technology On-site catering with high-quality and variety of menus to compliment any budget.

Please contact Steve Steinberg at 703.385.7774 or steve.steinberg@hilton.com

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Snap Fairf find welc desig trave hote meet 300 staff up-t techn Mee Up t Ove

Mid-Atlantic 37

texas

Austin Convention Center

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL CITY’S DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT, THE CENTER SPANS SIX CITY BLOCKS.

500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, Texas 78701 • (512) 404-4000; Fax: (512) 404-4416 • 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 industry. A premier facility located in the heart of the capital city’s downtown business district, the Center spans six city blocks with 370,967 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 over 58,000 square feet, complete the four-story convention center. Ample parking is provided in two parking garages with a total capacity of 1,700 spaces.

What’s New

A new overhead open air skyway connects the 3rd and 4th levels, making movement between Levels 3 and 4 significantly easier. The new Skyway Meeting Room with dramatic views of downtown Austin adds an exciting feature to the walkway design.

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 Center’s high-tech capabilities help create the perfect Technology Partner for the annual SXSW international convention. The facility has a proven track record of handling 7,000 simultaneous connections. It 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.

38

FAST FACTS:

Hotels

Austin offers more than 30,000 hotel rooms, with 6,000 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; Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel; and the new W Austin.

Austin by Night

After conventions and meetings wrap-up each night, attendees may choose to enjoy Austin’s entertainment districts – Second Street, 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 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.

Facility • 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 58,000 square feet • Technology: Gigabit rated facility, wireless Internet access, plug and play capabilities Austin • Hotels: 6,000 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.

Contact Information • Mark Tester, Director of Austin Convention Center Department • Paul Barnes, Assistant Director – Sales, Marketing and Events • Lisa Kidder, Director of Sales

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

F O R B R E A K - O U T S E S S I O N S. When you book your next meeting at the Austin Convention Center, we also throw in 300+ days of sunshine. Lady Bird Lake and the Hike & Bike Trail are just steps from our door, with the Highland Lakes and elite golf courses only a short drive away. Here in Austin, after the wrap-up, it’s time to wind down.

246,000 sq.ft. of column-free space

(512) 404-4200 austinconventioncenter.com

Downtown location, convenient to airport

Gigabit rated, supports up to 7000 wireless computers

The NorTheasT/rhode islaNd massachussetts

Missouri

Dunkin’ Donuts Center

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

Branson Convention Center

P

Branson, Missouri has long been one of the most exciting and fun-filled vacation destinations in the country. Thanks to the state-of-the-art Branson Convention Center, Branson is a first-class meeting & trade show destination. Situated on the shores of picturesque Lake Taneycomo, the center can accommodate up to 4,500 attendees at a time. Its unique design makes it an ideal location for a diversity of events, including trade shows and conventions, religious symposiums, corporate meetings, public expos and large-scale entertainment events – 220,000 sq. ft, of event space, including 47,000 sq. ft. exhibit space, 30,000 sq. ft. meeting space, includPAGE ing 5 meeting rooms and 23,000-sq.ft. Ballroom; 294 Hotel Rooms connected.

33

415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 (617) 954-2000; Fax: (617) 954-2299 massconvention.com One LaSalle Square, Providence, RI 02903 Executive Director: James E. Rooney (401)Conventional 331-0700; (401) 621-5987 • dunkindonutscenter.com “Defy Thinking” Known for its renowned medical, educational and biotechnology prowess, Boston is one of the Rhode mixes thes urban sophistication of premierrovidence, meeting destinations in theIsland United States.

Boston’ beautiful coastlines, history, culture a bigmeeting city with the graceful charm a smallandtown.

AtThethe and first-rate facilities make it the perfect setting of for business pleasure. of Providence’s downtown is customer-focused the Dunkin’staff Bostonheart Convention & Exhibition Center bustling offers a world-class facility with Donuts Center (DDC), part of the Rhode Convention and state-of-the-art services.

Flexible, easily-configured spacesIsland with a column-free ballroom & Entertainment Complex, which also Rhode and exhibit hall – meeting/exhibit space: 1,016,000+ sq.ft. –includes 84 Meeting the Rooms; 40,020-sq.-ft.

Island 184,000-sq.-ft.

Convention (RICC) andSpace the 516,000 Veterans Ballroom, MainCenter Exhibit Hall (Total Exhibit sq.ft.);Memorial 17,647 Auditorium (VMA).

PAGE Theater Seating. 35,000+ Hotel Rooms.

The 14,000-seat DDC offers 31,000 square feet of arena 9 space with a ceiling height of 86 feet, a 25,000-square-foot concourse, indiana a new 9,000-square-foot lobby, 20 luxury suites, and five additional meeting/hospitality rooms. Other amenities Century include aCenter pedestrian bridge connecting the arena to the RICC, 120 S. St. Joseph Street, South Bend, scoreboard, IN 46601 a state-of-the-art video and upgraded concession (574) Fax: (574) 235-9185There are 5,500 hotel rooms in the and235-9711; restaurant facilities. centurycenter.org Greater Providence area—1,800 located within walking Director of Sales Marketing: Matt Rose distance of&the Center.

Visit Providence South Bend! is known for its thriving arts scene and is recognized as one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations.

Home to are Notrenine Damecolleges and a whole lot more!

90 miles east of Chicago, Century There and universities located in the Center anchors the South Bend Convention District 75,000+asq. ft. flexible meeting Providence market, most of which are –within 5-mile radius of space, 20 meeting rooms; 12,000-sq.-ft.

24,000-sq.-ft.

Hall, 694-RI the Center—Brown University,Ballroom; Johnson & WalesExhibit University, seat BendixofTheatre & 166-seat Recital Hall. Connected 298-room DoubleTree School Design, and Providence Collegetojust to name a few.

Hotel, the College at Football Halllocal of Fame and Southand Benduniversities Museum of Art. Shopping, The students these colleges add to dining, night-life and entertainment within walking distance; Island Park, an diverse population of our City.

PAGE 11-acre riverfront park available as banquet/reception space.

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200 East Main Street, Branson, MO 65616 www.bransonconvention.com (417) 336-5401; Fax: (417) 336-5413 Assistant General Manager: William Tirone, CMP, CEM, William_tirone@hilton.com

west virginia

Charleston Civic Center

100 Civic Center Drive, Charleston, WV 25301 (304) 345-1500; Fax: (304) 345-3492 charlestonwvciviccenter.com General Manager: John Robertson, The Center of Excitement Premier setting in the region for your conference, convention, meeting, tradeshow or event. 7 Main Level Rooms offering 12,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space; 8 2nd -Level Rooms/6,600+ sq. ft.; (50,086-sq-ft Grand Convention Hall, divisible into four individual spaces; 30,000 sq. ft./13,500-seat Coliseum (Convention Hall + Coliseum = 80,000+ sq. ft.); 738-seat Little; 3,483-seat Municipal Auditorium w/ 65’ wide x 23’6” high proscenium; Wi-Fi throughout; On-site catering 3,500 Hotel Rooms; One of the most economical, 2nd -tier cities; fantastic regional cuisine; Attractions: Capitol Market, Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, Mardi Gras Casino & Resorts. pennSylvania colorado

Mohegan Sun Arena Resort at Casey Plaza Cheyenne Mountain Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 &255 Conference Center (570) 970-7600; Fax: (570) 970-7601

3225 Broadmoor Valley Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 mohegansunarenapa.com (719) 538-4000; (800) 428-8886; Fax: (719) 540-5779 General Manager: Rebecca Bonnevier cheyennemountain.com Director of Sales & arena Marketing: JohninF. Branciforte SMG-managed opened 1999, home to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Authentic.

Colorado.

Experience.seats, nearly 10,000 for concerts and other events; (AHL); 8,000+ permanent ExhibitionMountain Space –Resort Event &Level 97,390 Center’ sq ft. -sConcourse 8,530 Springs sq. ft. - brims Suite with Level Cheyenne Conference home in Colorado 47,949 sq. ft.

4 Locker rooms, 2 two smaller dressing rooms, meeting arts, culture, entertainment and outdoor adventure, along with a richlounge historyarea, harkening back catering/meeting room; sq.

624ftclub seatsspace, w/ exclusive access toroom/promoter the days of theroom; old west.

IACC-certified; 40,000 meeting 38 meeting rooms,to Club Member Lounge; luxury suites, 1 Party Suite. F&B SAVOR...; permanent 6,400-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; 31631hotel rooms onsite.

Attractions: Pikes–Peak, Garden7 of the Gods, concessions stands, several portable standsCenter, and Royal Kids Zone; Historic Manitou Springs, US Olympic Training GorgeWilkes-Barre/Scranton/ Bridge and Railroad, HazletonCliff MSA – 550,000 largest in PA) within 2 hours Philadelphia Manitou Dwellings, Cave(3rd of the Winds, Cripple Creek; Hiking,ofbiking, fly-fishing, white & NYC; 33+ million withinJeep 125-mile water rafting, rock climbing, tours,radius.

Hot Air balloon rides. rhode iSland new mexico

Make Our World Your World!

The Facilities Media Group

Facilities & Destinations SuperBook Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide Facilities & Destinations CONFERENCE Facilities SuperBook • Facilities Booking Guide Facilities & Event Management Facilitiesonline.com 40 36

Dunkin’ Donuts Center Clovis Civic Center

1 LaSalle Square, 02903 801 Schepps Blvd.,Providence Clovis, NMRI88101 (401)935-5000; 331-0700;Fax: Fax: (575) (401) 935-5019 621-5987 (575) clovisciviccenter.com dunkindonutscenter.com Executive Assistant/Booking: General Manager: Brock Neely Debra Polselli “It’s fall inIsland love Convention with Clovis” & Entertainment Complex, 14,000-seat DDC offers Partsoofeasy...to the Rhode Gateway to the Land of with 25,000-square-foot friendly people, Clovis encom31,000 sq. ft. arena space,Enchantment, ceiling height filled – 86 feet, concourse, new passes all that big and smallfive towns offer:meeting/hospitality dozens of locally owned & chain 9,000-sq-ft lobby,both 20 luxury suites, additional rooms; state-of-therestaurants, shopping6 venues, attractions, county fairs,Rooms, music2festivals com- 250art video scoreboard; Dressing/Locker Rooms; 2 Media Productionand Offices; munity events. The 30,000-sq.-ft.

Clovis Civic Center’s lendsDDC a feeling fresh air seat restaurant; 11 permanent, 24 portable concession stands; attractsofone million+ toannually/RI meeting, DMA banquet, and conventions; Space includes: 11,408-sq.-ft. population: 1,076,164/ 38,000+ college students within aEnchantment 5-mile radius; Ballroom; 1,650-sq.-ft.; Pioneer Room; 1,984-sq.-ft Esperanza Room; Wifistaging; throughout.

25% of USA population lives within 500 miles.

60’ x 40’ StageRight portable Attractions: Petty Studios, Blackwater Archeological Site, Rock 200’ x 85’ iceNorman rink; Composite sub-floor; McCauley Draw Line array speaker system/ PAGE PAGE ‘NPower Roll Amps; Museum, Annual ClovisTroupers, Music Festival.

Lighting: 6 Super 2 Gladiators.

17 43 Facilities & Destinations Guide 20112011-2012 FacilitiesPlanner SuperBook

Century Center

CENTURYCENTER

South Bend, IN

BLACK AND PMS 286

Exhibit Hall: 24,500 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 12,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 20 Total Meeting Space: 75,000 sq. ft.

Attached Hotel: 300 rooms Riverview Lobby: 16,640 sq. ft.

Century Center anchors the South Bend Convention District with over 75,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and two theaters.

36,500 square feet of unobstructed and carpeted exhibit space.

Elegant Discovery Ballroom, spacious Great Hall overlooking the St. Joseph River, Island Park and 20 breakouts. Connected to a 298-room full service DoubleTree Hotel, the College Football Hall of Fame and South Bend Museum of Art. Shopping, dozens of dining options, museums and entertainment venues are all within walking distance in this dynamic convention district.

Visit South Bend!

Jill Scicchitano, General Manager

Call 574.235.9711 or email jills@centurycenter.org

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

centurycenter.org

new york

The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls

101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 (716) 278-2100; Fax: (716) 278-0008 conferencecenterniagarafalls.com General Manager: Ryan Coate Director of Sales and Marketing: Melissa Gearhart A Wonder Within A Wonder Inspired by the magnificence of Niagara Falls, IACC-certified, 116,000-sq.-ft. complex;15 Meeting Rooms, 10,500-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 32,200 sq. ft. exhibit space; Outdoor Dining Terrace for Receptions, Banquets and Special Events; 2,200 Hotel Rooms; Video tele-conferencing, Smart Board technology; Built-in Sound Panels and Retractable Screens; Wireless Internet Connectivity; Ergonomic chairs and On-Glare Conference Tables; Individual ClimatePAGE Controlled Conference Rooms; All inclusive Day Meeting Package.

45 Connecticut

Connecticut Convention Center

100 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 249-6000; Fax: (860) 249-6161 ctconventions.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Michelle Hughes “The Spotlight’s On The NEW Connecticut Convention Center” The views are stunning, the space is immense, and the ease of booking an event is superior.

205,000 sq. ft of meeting/exhibit space, dramatic riverfront setting, accessible to 23 + million people within a 2-1/2 hour drive.; 19 meeting rooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 180,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space/140,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 3,200-seat ballroom; Attached to 409room Marriott Hotel; 700 Rooms (downtown); 6,500 Rooms (within 30 miles). Attractions: The Old State House; Wadsworth Atheneum; Mystic Seaport & Marinelife Aquarium; Foxwoods Resort Casino; Mohegan Sun Resort; Essex Valley Railroad. new jersey

Currents – The Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103 (856) 365-3300 x7375; Fax: (856) 365-3311 currentsballroom.com •AdventureAquariumCatering@aramark.com District Director of Sales: Chezerah Bowleg Currents Ballroom - A Ballroom Under the Sea with a Skyline View State-of-the-Art event space; unmatched panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline; breathtaking three-movie-screen-sized look into 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit (100s of amazing fish & over 20+ sharks!); the tranquil underwater décor adds a layer of sophistication to any event; 7,000 sq. ft. meeting space (Banquet Style: 280; Theater Style: 325; Cocktail Reception: 600) breaks down to 3 separate rooms; Extensive audio/visual capabilities, two projection screens, LCD projector, 3 LCD monitors; internet access; Direct-TV capability; only two miles from center city Philadelphia! colorado

Visit Denver

1555 California St., Ste. 300, Denver, CO 80202 (800) 480-2010; (303) 892-1112, Fax: 303-892-1636 VISITDENVER.com Vice President of Sales & Services: Rachel Benedick 300 days of sunshine, a thriving art and cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and the Rocky Mountain backdrop combine for the world’s most spectacular playground. Benefits to meeting in the Mile High City: unbeatable mix of state-of-the-art facilities, affordability, accessibility and destination appeal. The Colorado Convention Center – 584,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit floor space, divisible into six halls; 63 meeting rooms (100,000 sq. ft. total – all on one level); Korbel Ballroom (50,000 sq. ft.; seats 5,452 theatre style) and 5,000-seat Wells Fargo Theatre (divisible into three sections). Technology: Wireless network throughout; High-speed internet; 8,300 hotel rooms within walking distance; 42,000 metro-wide. 300+ restaurants within walking distance; LoDo hip & historic district; 3 downtown sports stadiums.

42

texas

Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center

402 Harbor Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 879-0125; Fax: (361) 879-0565 ortizcenter.com General Manager: Rebekah Sillman The Best by the Bay Being renovated from a 1930s Cotton Warehouse, the Ortiz Center possesses an industrial feel with exposed concrete walls and original wood ceilings. Guests are enthralled by the historic photos lining the hallways. Meeting Space: 25,000-sq.-ft. full service banquet conference center; 50,000-sq.-ft. outdoor plaza; 5 additional meeting rooms, ranging: 600 - 3,100 sq. ft.; 10 Meeting/Break Rooms total; 16,500-sq.-ft. Ballroom. Located on the Port of Corpus Christi, the Ortiz Center also offers an outdoor plaza with spectacular views of the Corpus Christi Bay, the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. PAGE 47 oklahoma

Cox Convention Center

One Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma, OK 73102 (405) 602-8500; Fax: (405) 602-8505 coxconventioncenter.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Tim Linville Spanning more than one million square feet and four city blocks, this complex is located at the heart of downtown Oklahoma City – a city both accommodating & affordable; multi-purpose venue hosts everything from intimate meetings to major conventions, tradeshows, concerts and sporting events. 27 Meeting Rooms; 25,000sq.-ft. Ballroom; 100,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, 15,000-seat Arena. FREE Wi-Fi available; internet access speeds up to one Gigabit; 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s 15,000+ Hotel Rooms across street. From arts and adventure to cowboy culture and family fun, Oklahoma City offers an eclectic mix of heritage and hot-spots.

PAGE 5

Pennsylvania

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 325-6174; Fax: (412) 565-6104 pittsburghcc.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Debbie Smucker Built Green. Working Green. Every Day! In downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district, within steps of theaters, cinemas, galleries, restaurants, 2,500 hotel rooms, just across the bridge from PNC Park & Heinz Field, the environmentally-smart “green,” SMG-managed, 1.5 million-sq.-ft. facility features 313,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 37 loading docks, 53 meeting rooms, 31,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, (2) 250-seat theaters. The building’s dynamic architectural design offers breath-taking views, open terraces, suspended roof structure. Technology: 1Gb circuit with DS3 backup, Fiber optic backbone network, Multi-mode fiber, CAT6 (copper) cabling, Video conferencing, Wireless internet access. michigan

DeVos Place

303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 742-6500; Fax: (616) 742-6590 www.devosplace.org Director of Sales: Kathy Bart Big city sophistication with small town virtues.

Ideally equipped to host meetings, conventions, trade shows, performing arts and touring events, often simultaneously; multi-level venue – 1 million sq. ft. of flexible space on a 13-acre riverfront site; 162,000-sq-ft. Exhibit Hall, 40,000+ sq.-ft. Ballroom; 26, sub-dividable meeting rooms/32,000+sq.ft. of meeting space, 2,404-seat DeVos Performance Hall; 1,400 Hotel Rooms within walking distance/ 1,200 accessible by skywalk; located in bustling downtown featuring restaurants, nightclub and theatres. Attractions: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Rosa Parks Circle, plus Golfing, fishing, boating, biking and sightseeing.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Clovis Civic Center Clovis, NM

Ballroom: 11,500 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 6 Total Meeting Space: 15,100 sq. ft.

Hotel Rooms: Over 850 in

Clovis area Outdoor Plaza: 6,650 sq. ft.

Reputation: Customer service oriented event experience

In the unforgettable lyrics of one the many hits recorded by Buddy Holly in Clovis, New Mexico...it’s so easy to fall in love...with the Clovis Civic Center. Located in the heart of Eastern New Mexico, the Clovis Civic Center exemplifies the great spirit of the Southwest through design, décor, and most importantly customer appreciation. The embodiment of this lyric is achieved through our dedication to our guests providing the perfect blend of metropolitan amenities with southwestern hospitality.

It’s so easy to fall in love... with the Clovis Civic Center.

Brock Neely, General Manager

Call 575.935.5000 or email bneely@clovisciviccenter.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

clovisciviccenter.com

ohio

ontario

Duke Energy Convention Center

Direct Energy Centre & Allstream Centre

100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 (416) 263-3000; Fax: (416) 263-3029 directenergycentre.com • allstreamcentre.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Laura Purdy Toronto, Canada’s largest city, boasts: 35,000+ hotel rooms, 7,000+ restaurants and 25,000+ stores, and its largest Exhibition & Convention Centre,1 million sq. ft. flexible convention space, exhibit halls and highly accessible loading docks. Direct Energy Centre – 55,000 sq. ft. meeting space, 42 meeting rooms, 44,260-sq.-ft. ballroom (seats: 4,000), 125,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall. Directly connected via underground pedestrian pathway to Allstream Centre – 160, 000 sq. ft. meeting/function space, including 20 meeting rooms & Toronto’s largest column-free ballroom: Wi-fi, Plug and Play meeting rooms, Built-in screens and projectors, Videoconferencing room. north carolina

illinois

Durham Convention Center

301 W. Morgan St. ,Durham, NC 27701 (919) 956-9404; Fax: (919)956-9507 durhamconventioncenter.com General Manager: Jennifer Noble Durham is the place where great things happen Durham, a colorful, creative, and entrepreneurial community, features nationally acclaimed restaurants, shopping, historical sites and more. Newly renovated facility features 33,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting/event space –12 meeting rooms, 15,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 26,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space, 2,200 theater seating. Wireless computer access throughout facility.

In-house A/V equipment: LCD, Screens, Microphones, Podiums & Staging. Raleigh/Durham Airport – 20 minutes away. Connected to 190-room Durham Marriott City Center, steps away from downtown entertainment district. Attractions: Carolina Theatre, Durham PAGE Performing Arts Center, Duke Gardens.

49 Alberta 23-46

Eaglewood Resort & Spa

1401 Nordic Road, Itasca, IL 60143 (630) 773-1400; (877) 285-6150; Fax: (630) 694-6097 eaglewoodresort.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Julie Berry Inspiring by Design Top Chicago conference center, 37,000 sq. ft. versatile IACC-certified function space/ Purpose built learning environment; and superb planning services. 37 Meeting Rooms, 7,031-sq.ft. Ballroom; 5,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall (12,000 sq. ft. total Exhibit Space; Theater: 72 permanent seats; Built-in LCD projectors, drop down screens; Wifi; ergonomic chairs, hard surface tables, in-house audio-visual; all-day break stations. 295 Guest rooms; 18 Hole Championship Golf Course; 10 treatment room Wellness Spa; 6 lane Cosmic Bowling Alley; 2 regulation Bocce Ball Courts; 3 Bars. Whether a conference, training session or corporate event, Eaglewood’s environment integrates productivity and relaxation. washington

11/10/08

5:28 PM

Edmonton EXPO Centre

Page 29

7515 118th Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5B 4X5 (780) 471-7210: (888) 800-7275; Fax: (780) 471-8176 northlands.com Senior Manager Sales: Tony Cordeiro Creating Tomorrow’s Memories Today!

MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...

Multi-purpose facility NEED hosts trade shows, conventions,DATA? meetings, conferences, exhibiMARKET tions as well as sports, music and other events. Expanded by 200,000 sq. ft. in 2009; now features: 522,000 sq. ft. of contiguous space, including four new exhibit halls, 25 meeting rooms, 16,454-sq.-ft. Ballroom; seating 4,000; adjacent to 17,000-seat Rexall Place; Energy efficient halls, Automatic sensor activated air conditioning, light heating and security sys23-46 11/10/08 5:28 PM Page 29 tems; Wi-Fi, Onsite digital print service; 10 hotels nearby; 20 hotels city-wide. Attractions: Alberta Gallery, Winspeare Theater, Citadel, City Centre Mall, Aviation Museum, Kingsway Garden Mall; 35 minutes from Edmonton International Airport.

MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...

NEED MARKET DATA? THE #1 SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT & SPECIAL EVENTS.

Need to research venues for your event or meeting?

Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news, information and listings available.

The best part is, it’s all on a user-friendly, easily accessible website.

The #1for News & Information One-stop shopping all your market research needs!

Source for Planners of Meetings, Conventions, Tradeshows, & SpecialPLANNERS Events THE #1 SOURCEExhibitions FOR PROFESSIONAL

44

525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-7327 (513) 419-7300; Fax: (513) 419-7327 duke-energycenter.com General Manager: Ric Booth, It’s Happening Here in Cincinnati, USA Downtown Cincinnati is vibrant and alive with culture, entertainment, world-class attractions and an eclectic mix of restaurants and nightlife; all within blocks of versatile, innovative Duke Energy Convention Cente features 300,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibition space, including 30 meeting rooms, 40,000-sq.ft. ballroom; 92,350-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall (195,320 sq. ft. total exhibit space); full telecommunication and internet connectivity; Drive-onto-floor access for all three exhibit halls, unique sky bridge offers unique aerial views of exhibit floors & direct access to the Cincinnati Skywalk; 3,000 available hotel rooms; PAGE Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport only14 miles away.

7

OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT Facilities & Destinations & SPECIAL EVENTS.

Need toCONFERENCE research venues for your event or meeting?

Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news, Comprehensive Directory of Conference Centers,

Edward D. Hansen Conference Center | Comcast Arena at Everett 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 (425) 322-2600; Fax: (425) 322 -2601 comcastarenaeverett.com General Manager :Kim Bedier

Only 25 miles north of Seattle in downtown Everett; conference center features 13,400 sq. ft. meeting space, including 11,385-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, 6 meeting rooms. Utilizing adjoining Comcast Arena and Community Ice Rink for 57,000 square feet of exhibition space; seating: 2,500 minimum to 10,000 maximum; Attractions include: Future of Flight Museum, Boeing Tour, Naval Station Everett, Port of Everett.

Located in northwest Washington, within Seattle DMA, nestled between the sparking blue waters of the Puget Sound and the rugged, snow-capped peaks of PAGE the Cascade Mountains.

50 Oklahoma

Enid Event Center & Convention Hall

301 S Independence, Enid, OK 73701 (580) 616-7362: Fax: (580) 242-8975 csccenid.org Director, Enid CVB/ Interim GM: Marcy Jarrett

A F G M L

Stake your claim for a memorable event in Enid, Oklahoma, where two new facilities are set to open on the historic downtown square late in 2012 – Enid Event FOR YOUR NEXT CONVENTION OR MEETING, LOOK TO THE CIT Y Center sq. ft.NEXT exhibit space, spectator; two-level concourse, two THAT(30,000 IS THE NBA’S JEWEL IN THE3.400 CROWN. meeting rooms)/the Enid Event (10,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 4,000-sq.-ft. junior WHERE A STREAMLINED AIRPORT ANDCenter LACK OF TRAFFIC MEAN7,000 YOU’REsq. IN FAST. WITH rooms); THE BEST880 hotel rooms within 5 minutes of comballroom, ft. of AND meeting RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE JUST A FEW MINUTES’ WALK plex. Attractions: Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, David Allen Memorial FROM YOUR HOTEL, YOU’RE OUT EVEN FASTER. Ballpark, Railroad Museum of Oklahoma, Leonardo’s Children’s Museum & IT’S OUR MEET & GREET, OUR NICE & EASY. OUR PAGE Adventure Quest, Enid Symphony Hall.

51 Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

A F G M L

Conference Center Niagara Falls Niagara Falls, NY Exhibit Hall: 32,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 10,500 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 17 Total Meeting Space: 27,000 sq. ft.

Hotel Rooms: 2,000 walkable Certified: IACC Learning Center

Inspired by the magnificence of Niagara Falls, The Conference Center Niagara Falls is designed to provide 116,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space that is a technologically advanced, sensibly priced venue for your most important meetings and events. The facility is teamed with a staff that specifically knows the needs of conference attendees. We welcome you to experience the creativity, innovations and elegance our team can provide you.

A Wonder within A Wonder‌ Ryan Coate, CMP, General Manager

Call 716.278.2100 or email r.coate@niagarafalls-cc.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

niagarafalls-cc.com

california

Fairplex

1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768 (909) 623-3111; Fax: (909) 623-9599 fairplex.com Director Marketing & Communications: Michelle DeMott Fairplex – Anything can happen here Southern California’s premier event and entertainment destination. 70,000 sq. ft. of event space 12,460-sq.ft. Ballroom; 105,500-sq-ft Main Exhibit Hall; home to the new Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center Fairplex; 8 exhibition halls – 350,000 sq. ft. trade show space; Sheraton Fairplex Hotel — 12,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space; Conference Center is LEED-certified, state-of-the-art audio, visual and computer equipment, 100,000 watts of in-house power, HDTV displays in all meeting rooms; high-speed data connections. Fairplex is in the heart of the tri-counties, easy access to 10, 210 & 57 freeways. Nine miles from LA/Ontario International Airport. wisconsin

Frontier Airlines Center

400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 908-6001; Fax: (414) 908-6010 frontierairlinescenter.org Director of Sales & Marketing: Trace Goudreau tgoudreau@wcd.org, Milwaukee – easy-to-get-to, easy-to-navigate, visitor-friendly Meetings Destinations known for its hospitality and beautiful Lake Michigan location The Frontier Airlines Center, home to the $1.4 million Burke Family Collection of integrated and commissioned art, features 32 Meeting Rooms, 37,506-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 189,695 total Exhibit Space; 4,100-seat Milwaukee Theatre & 12,700-seat U.S. Cellular Arena. Ballroom equipped with built-in rigging points and high-Amperage power sources, complete wi-fi, audio-visual, satellite, video conferencing and remote network capability throughout facility. 1,543 hotel rooms connected PAGE by skywalk; 3,359 in downtown area; 15,000+ in immediate metro area.

C3 Hawaii

Hawaii Convention Center

1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 943-3500; (800) 295-6603; Fax: (808) 943-3599 Hawai’iconvention.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Randy Tanaka Where Business and Aloha Meet The Hawaii Convention Center combines the modern requirements of a state-of-the-art meeting facility with the beauty, comfort and culture that are uniquely Hawaii49 Meeting Rooms; 35,259-sq-ft Ballroom; 204,249-sq.-ft.-Exhibit Hall; 2 theaters (472 seats and 320seats); fully WiFi enabled; extensive fiber-optics/ Cat-5 infrastructure throughout meeting spaces and common areas; Local Area Networks for show management, registration, and sales; Information kiosks; Private Speaker Ready/Meeting AV networks; Streaming video distribution; 28,000 hotel rooms within a 1.5 miles radius of center; nearby hundreds of shops and restaurants, including the newly renovated Royal Hawaiian Center.

Iowa

Iowa Events Center

730 Third Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 564-8000; Fax: (515) 564-8001 iowaeventscenter.com Assistant General Manager/Director of Sales: Carrie Jackson Convention Elegance with a Historical Perspective Iowa’s capital city is centrally located, affordable, and constantly changing. Des Moines connects you to the newest attractions, as well as award-winning local restaurants and first-rate hospitality; flexible, state-of-the-art complex suited for conventions, meetings, trade shows, and entertainment events from 20 people to 17,000; $42 Million construction project transforming an old auditorium into meeting/convention space; 28,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (state’s largest), 150,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space and 37 meeting rooms; connected to 17,000-seat PAGE Wells Fargo Arena; 1,500 hotel rooms within 1 mile; 10,000 citywide.

53 46

Florida

The Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center

1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 765-5900; Fax: (954) 763-9551 ftlauderdalecc.com Assistant General Manager: Terry Kuca Premier Oceanside Convention Center Located In The Venice of America Just five minutes from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. 600,000-sq.ft.

–349,514 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space; 32 meeting rooms; 3 Ballrooms – 30,000-sq.-ft.

Grand Floridian, Ballroom, 20,000-sq.-ft. Floridian Ballroom, 10,000-sq.-ft. Palm Ballroom; 250,486 sq. ft. Exhibit Space, 64,887-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 15,000-seat Theater; wifi; webcasting; CAT 5; on-site kitchen; Breezin’ Java/Cyber Café; 33,000 hotel rooms!

Attractions: 23 miles of Blue Wave beaches, Arts & Entertainment district; 4,000+ restaurants; 60+ golf courses, International Swimming Hall of Fame, Sawgrass Mills Mall. ontario

Hamilton Convention Centre

1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y2 (905) 546-3000; Fax: (905) 540-5464 hecfi.ca Sales Executive: Laurie Ham Premier Event Services 52,000+ sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, over 3 floors with a total exhibition space of 40,000 sq. ft., 19 meeting rooms, 20,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; adjacent to 2193seat Hamilton Place Theatre and 19,000-seat Copps Coliseum; Diverse facility widely recognized for experienced staff, exceptional cuisine and superior quality standards; can be used independently or in conjunction with Hamilton Place Theatre and Copps Coliseum; accommodates up to 2,000 guests; elegant sit-down meal for up to 1,400; ideal location for tradeshows, conventions and meetings of all sizes. 700+ hotel rooms nearby; Attractions: Art Gallery of Hamilton, Dundurn Castle. indiana

Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association

200 S. Capitol Ave. Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (317) 262-3000; Fax: (317) 262-8250 visitindy.com Senior Vice President of Sales: Michelle Travis 200+ restaurants, 50 major attractions within walking distance of the city’s convention center and downtown hotel core (7,200 hotel rooms/4,700 connected via climate-controlled skywalks; 32,000 citywide), which includes world’s largest JW Marriott. Indy is compact, connected, convenient. The Indiana Convention Center recently doubled in size, offering 566,000 sq. ft of contiguous exhibit space; 83 Meeting Rooms, 33,335-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 88,600-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; Lucas Oil Stadium is attached to the center, adding 183,000 square feet—for a total of 749,000 square feet of exhibit space under one roof. new York

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

655 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 (212) 216-2335; Fax: (212) 216-2588 javitscenter.com VP Sales & Marketing: Doreen Guerin Marketplace for the World New York City, the cultural, finance, fashion, publishing and entertainment capital of the world – 17,000+ restaurants – 87,000+ Hotel Rooms citywide; Glass-enclosed structure located along the Hudson, stretching five city blocks/divisible into 10 self-contained halls; new expansion of a column-free exhibit hall increases the total gross square footage of exhibition space to 840,000; 103,204 sq. ft., 40 permanent; 53 multi-purpose Meeting Rooms; 30,000+ sq. ft. in the Special Events Hall; 80,000 sq. ft., in Javits Center North; Main Exhibit Hall: 410,000 sq. ft.; Wi-Fi available throughout building.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center Corpus Christi, TX

Ballroom: 16,500 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 10 Total Meeting Space: 23,750 sq. ft.

Outdoor Waterfront Plaza: 50,000 sq. ft.

Open Air Exhibit: 12,500 sq. ft.

Location: Corpus Christi

Entertainment District

Located in the heart of South Texas, the Ortiz Center is the place to be for exceptional service, food and meeting space. The 16,500 square foot Corpus Christi Ballroom and beautiful Plaza provides an enchanting view of the Bay and Harbor Bridge. Enjoy our authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and seamless service at your next event!

The Best by the Bay! Rebekah Sillman, General Manager

Call 361.879.0125 or email Rebekah@pocca.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

ortizcenter.com

ohio

florida

John S. Knight Center

77 East Mill Street, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 374-8900; (800) 245-4254; Fax: (330) 374-8971 johnsknightcenter.org VP of Sales: Dirk Breiding The Center of All America® City Akron – set among the rolling hills of the Old Connecticut Western Reserve and along the shores of the Ohio & Erie Canalway, The John S. Knight Center is downtown Akron’s showcase for great events! State-of-the-art video conferencing and streaming systems, on-site skilled support/service staff, full-service catering; 16 Meeting Rooms; 12,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; 30,000-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall (41,000 sq. ft. Total Exhibit Space); 12,000 sq. ft. of banquet space; an additional 12,600 sq. ft. of meeting space; 22,000-sq.-ft. lobby, highlighted by distinctive glass rotunda and spiral staircase; Two Hotels – 339 Rooms PAGE – within 1 1⁄2 blocks; 5,400 county-wide.

C2 missouri

James Knight Center/ Miami Conference Center 400 SE Second Ave, Miami, FL 33131 (305) 416-5970; Fax: (305) 350-7910 Jlkc.com General Manager: Roxana Este

Situated overlooking the Miami River, in the heart of downtown Miami, just seven miles from Miami International Airport, multi-purpose complex features: the James L. Knight Center (seats 5,000 for entertainment, meeting and general sessions), the Miami Convention Center (contains 28,000 sq. ft. of dividable exhibit, meeting and banquet space), the Miami Conference Center (444-seat auditorium, 117-seat lecture hall, 20 meeting rooms) and the Hyatt Regency Miami Hotel (612 rooms & suites, award-winning restaurants, 34,000 sq. ft. meeting space).

PAGE 55

Kansas

Kansas City Convention Center

Kansas Expocentre

An energetic city forged by a rich history, Kansas City has a central location, is highly affordable and is brimming—eclectic cuisine, swinging jazz, one-of-a-kind museums, a thriving arts scene and fantastic shopping. 1 million-sq.-ft. Kansas City Convention Center accommodates everything from mid-sized meetings to City-wide conventions – 388,800 sq. ft. column free exhibit space, 142,000 sq. ft. meeting space, 46,484-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art Grand Ballroom, 48 meeting rooms; Arena – 7,316 permanent seats, 2,405 seats on risers plus capacity for 1,000 theater-style on main floor. 946 guestrooms nearby; :3,500 downtown hotel rooms, 26,000 citywide.

The premier entertainment, exhibition and convention facility in northeast Kansas – a convenient, central location and offers friendly, Midwestern hospitality; 210,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space – 44,500-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, 27,000 sq. ft. Meeting Space – 15 Meeting Rooms, 11,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; WiFi, digital video boards, inhouse live video production, state-of-the-art sound; Six loading docks, three drive-in entrances; Capital City of Kansas, variety of entertainment options; historical architecture and museums, spacious parks, lake, gardens, Lake Shawnee gardens/golf/boating/swimming; Great Overland Train Station; 75 percent of U.S. population capable of reaching facility in just a one-day drive; destination of choice for budget-conscious conventions and tradeshows.

301 West 13th Street, Kansas City MO 64105 (800) 821-7060; Fax: (816) 513 5001 kcconvention.com Director of Sales: Gemma Zook

One Expocentre Drive, Topeka, KS 66612-1442 (785) 235-1986; Fax: (785) 235-2967 KsExpo.com General Manager: H.R. Cook, HRC@KsExpo.com

tennessee

Knoxville Convention Center

701 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 (800) 727-8045; (865) 673-4400 knoxville.org Director of Sales & Marketing Administration: Teresa Hall Wonderfully diverse mix of big-city amenities and attractions delivered with small-town charm and hospitality. The Knoxville Convention Center – 500,000 sq. ft. of Meeting/Exhibit Space – 24 Meeting Rooms, 27, 300-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 119,922-sq.ft. Exhibit Hall (200,000 sq. ft. total Exhibit Space).

461-seat Theater; 11 50” plasma monitors & 104” video wall for advertising or event listings; two computerized marquees; Copper (Cat 3&5), co-ax & fiber infrastructure; 8,100 Hotel Rooms; free downtown trolley service; 120+ Knoxville attractions including museums, historical homes, art galleries, collegiate sport arenas, Tennessee Riverboat tours, the Knoxville Zoo, Botanical Gardens, music. pennsylvania

Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex

THE FACILITIES MEDIA GROUP Essential Planning Tools 48

711 Pratt Drive, Indiana, PA 15705 (724) 357-5222; Fax: (724) 357-3337 kovalchickcomplex.com General Manager: James Grafstrom New Energy. New Vision. New Connections.

Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, one hour east of Pittsburgh, adjacent to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus, 148,500-sq.-ft. facility offers multi-use adaptable spaces – 5,000-seat Ed Fry Arena, 630-seat Toretti Auditorium, 17,000-sq.-ft.

Corporate Training and Executive Conference Center: 18 breakout/meeting rooms, 6,000 sq.ft. Each conference room equipped with screens, projectors, audio systems, teleconferencing and videoconferencing systems. 70 miles to Pittsburgh International Airport.

Attractions: Jimmy Stewart Museum, Smicksburg, Amish Town, Hoodlebug Trail. PAGE 57 Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Durham Convention Center Durham, NC Grand Ballroom: 14,000 sq. ft.

Jr. Ballroom: 11,000 sq. ft. (devisable into 8 sections) Board Rooms: 2 Meeting Rooms: 4

Newly Renovated New Kitchen & Culinary Program

Downtown Durham’s Premier Meeting & Event Destination The DCC offers more than 33,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space for your convention, consumer show, or trade show.

Located in the heart of downtown Durham, the Durham Convention Center is steps away from the Carolina Theater, a thriving spot for entertainment, the Durham Performing Arts Center, a nationally respected arts center, unique restaurants, shopping, art galleries and museums.

Jennifer Noble General Manager

Call 919.956.9408 or email jnoble@mydurhamcc.com

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Edward D. Hansen Conference Center Everett, WA Ballroom: 11,385 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 6 Total Meeting Space: 13,400 sq. ft.

Total Exhibit Space (with adjoining Comcast Arena): 57,000 sq. ft.

Location: Easy highway access,

25 minutes from Seattle Affordable Pricing

The Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at the Comcast Arena at Everett is located 25 miles north of Seattle in downtown Everett and includes an 11,385 square foot Grand Ballroom, plus breakout spaces. Utilize the adjoining Comcast Arena and Community Ice Rink for 57,000 square feet of exhibition space. Experienced catering and event management team are dedicated to Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results.

Craveable Experiences.

Raveable Results.

Kim Bedier General Manager

Call 425.322.2600 or email kbedier@comcastarenaeverett.com

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Enid Event Center & Convention Hall

New Facility Opening Fall 2012

Enid, OK Event Center:

30,000 sq. ft. exhibit space 3,400 spectacor seats Convention Hall:

10,000 sq. ft. ballroom 4,000 sq. ft. junior ballroom 7,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms Parking: 300 free spaces Location: Historic downtown, walk-able restaurants and shops Hotel Rooms: 800 rooms within 5 minutes

Stake your claim for a memorable event in Enid, Oklahoma, where two new facilities are set to open on the historic downtown square late in 2012. The brand new Enid Event Center will offer 30,000 square feet of exhibition space and 3,400 spectator seats. This facility will be the crown jewel of northwest Oklahoma with a twolevel concourse, two meeting rooms with exhibit space view, state of the art restrooms, concessions and a complete back of house.

The renovated, historic Enid Convention Hall will be attached to the Enid Event Center. Convention Hall showcases a 10,000 square foot ballroom and a 4,000 square foot junior ballroom. It also offers 7,000 square feet of meeting rooms and comes complete with a concourse, balcony, restrooms, kitchen and back of house.

Marcy Jarrett Interim GM & Director, Enid CVB

Call 580.616.7362 or email Marcy@VisitEnid.org.

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CENTER wisconsin

Accessible, Affordable & Hospitable

west

ATTRACTIONS Milwaukee is emerging as a top convention and tourist destination. Downtown is alive with museums, dining, nightlife, promenades, public art, and the new Harley Davidson Museum opening in Summer 2008; the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, has become a world-renowned symbol of the city; Miller Park is among the most breathtaking, fanfriendly baseball parks anywhere; and these gems Midwest Airlines Center continues to hone the leading are set amongilwaukee’s a glittering array of parks, trails, golf courses and lake vistas. edge of the convention center industry with outstanding service, flexi-

The Frontier Airlines Center faces Wisconsin Avenue,the ATTRACTIO a Milwaukee, Wisconsin • (414) 908-6000 • frontierairlinescenter.org city’s “Main Street.” convention reet.” FOOD & BEVERAGE alive with m ble, comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown Milwaukee, Levy Restaurants, WCD’s The Midwest nades, publi catering and concessions partner, receives consis- as a fun, friendly and exciting destination now nationally recognized ilwaukee’s Frontier Airlines Center continues Center, which also boasts an indoor waterpark. Seven other hotels are tent praise from banquet and meeting planners. in itself. to honebythe within three blocks or connected byAirlines skywalk. Milwaukee has about Museum op Efficient service is facilitated theleading center’s edge of the convention center industry outstanding service, flexible, 3,590 roomsthe downtown and nearly 15,000 citywide.

Milwaukee and operated byfrom the Wisconsin Center District (WCD), e important are highOwned standards and creativity derivedwith comfortable facilities and a setting in downtown ditions of hospitality and excellence combined with Levy’s designed by Midwest Airlines Center facestheyWisconsin Avenue, the city’s “Main Street,” Center mittment to a memorable dining Milwaukee, experience everywhere now nationally recognized as a fun, ATTRACTIONS Milwaukee is emerging as a topfaces convention and become a w and is within steps of leading hotels, retail establishments, attractions, dinfriendly and exciting destination in itself. tourist destination, alive with museums, dining, culture, nightlife, Wisconsin Owned and operated the Wisconsin Center andto public the Harley Davidson Miller Park i ing, nightclubs, andbytransportation.

It isDistrict even connected promenades via skywalk twoart. Recent highlights: Ranked among the world’s elite”Center convention (WCD), the “technologically Frontier Airlines faces Wisconsin Avenue, Museum; the newly-renovated Mitchell Park Domes; Discovery World; friendly bas major hotels—the Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the Hilton Milwaukee City west Airlines outperform almost external Avenue, theCenter city’scan “Main Street,” andany is within steps of leading hotels, retail the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago onnected toestablishments, it.Center.

A skilled, flexible IT staff provides tech users Adjacent neighbors also owned by WCD include the 12,700-seat U.S. attractions, dining, nightclubs, and transportation.

Calatrava, now a world-renowned symbol of the city; and Miller Park, are set amo how LANs, high-speed connections to corporate WANs, and It is even connected via skywalk to two major hotels—the Hyatt among the most parks anywhere. set courses city’sThese gems are golf Cellular and TheVisual Milwaukee Theatre, which opened in 2003 asfan-friendly a new, baseballthe phone and video services. Arena AV provider United offers Regency-Milwaukee and the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. among a glittering array of parks, trails, golf courses and lake vistas. projection, sound, lighting and more.

4,087-seat theatrical and assembly venue, built in the shell of the historic Adjacent neighbors also owned by WCD include the 12,700-seat “Main Street.”

Milwaukee Auditorium.

Both offer excellent options general&sessions, BEVERAGE Levy Restaurants, WCD’s catering and FOOD & BE U.S. Cellular Arena and The Milwaukee Theatre, which opened in for FOOD

Frontier Airlines Center

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Y Milwaukee is incredibly easy to get to and get around in! partner, receives consistent praise from banquet and catering and 2003 as a new,Airport, 4,087-seat theatrical and built inAirlines the concessions neral Mitchell International serving 14 airlines and assembly entertainment and other functions tied tovenue, Midwest Center conventions. thedowntown, historic Milwaukee Both are excellent for meeting planners. Efficient service is facilitated by the center’s design, s only eightshell milesof from and O’Hare isAuditorium. just an functions, and allisthree are “green” equipped and but more important are high standards and creativity derived from tent praise f car trip. Theconvention newly renovated Amtrak station just a venues few d the city enjoys a safeto and very&walkable downtown.

MEETING EXHIBIT SPACE The Midwest Airlines Center’s 188,695Milwaukee’s traditions of hospitality and excellence combined withEfficient ser operated minimize environmental impacts.

Levy’s well-known commitment to a memorable diningimportant experience are design, but more

high sta Milwaukee’s traditions of hospitality an 188,695 gross-square-foot (gsf ) exhibit hall is divisible into four halls or 63,000 gsf,can withbe 90-foot minimum spans between orTECHNOLOGY Ranked among the world’s “technologically well-known committmentelite” to a memorab gsfofof31,000 meeting space divided into 28 breakouts as few as six meetpillars.

In addition,rooms 39,360from gsf of 5,200 meetingtospace cangsf be divided into convention centers, the Frontier Airlines Center can outperform operate. ing/banquet 8,300 each.

A luxurious, 37,500-gsf N T E R 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 is divisible into37,500 four gsf smaller rooms and into equipped like provides a concert to ballroom 8,300 gsf each.

A luxurious, ballroom is divisible IT staff techhall users customized, in-show LANs, high-speed four rooms theater and equipped a concert hall for corporateAbundant, connections to corporate WANs, TECHNOLOGY and a wide range of Ranked phone andamong video the wor forsmaller corporate and like banquet entertainment. well-appointed theater and banquet entertainment. Abundant, well-appointed preservices. AV provider United Visual offers state-of-the-art projection, centers, the Midwest Airlines Center ca pre-function areas on all levels serve excellently for receptions, breaks, & serve Destinations function areasFacilities on all levels excellently for receptions, breaks, sound, lighting and more. network or ISP connected to it. A skille showcase exhibits and even full-service dining.

Power, data and phone conshowcase exhibits and even full-service dining. Power, data and phone connections are plentiful everywhere.

ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee iscustomized, incredibly easyin-show to get to and get high-speed LANs, nections are plentiful everywhere. around in! User-friendly General Mitchell International Airport, with wide torange ofcities, phone and video servic a dozen airlines offering non-stopaservice over 50 is only HOTEL INVENTORY The Frontier Airlines Center is linked by state-of-the-art projection, sound, lighti HOTEL INVENTORY The Midwest Center skywalk to skywalk to two first-class convention hotels: theAirlines 484-room Hyatt is linked eight by miles from downtown and O’Hare is just an hour-and-a-half car Regency-Milwaukee and the 729-room Hilton trip. The newly renovated Amtrak station is just a few blocks away, two first-class convention hotels: theMilwaukee 484-roomCity Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee and the city enjoys a safe and very walkable downtown.

ACCESSIBILITY Milwaukee is incredib and the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee City Center, which also boasts an Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide 52 User-friendly General Mitchell Internati indoor waterpark. Seven other hotels are within three blocks or connected some 90 cities, is only eight miles from by skywalk. Milwaukee has about 3,000 rooms downtown and over

gross-square-foot (gsf) exhibit hall is divisible into four halls of 31,000 or and tourist destination.

MEETING & EXHIBIT SPACE The Frontier Airlines Center’s everywhere they operate.

63,000 gsf, with 90-foot minimum spans between pillars. In addition, 39,360

Iowa Events Center Des Moines, IA

Exhibit Hall: 150,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 28,730 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 37 Total Meeting Space: 72,750 sq. ft.

Arena Seats: 16,980 Renovations: January 2012

Allow the Nation’s #3 Healthiest and Safest Metro community welcome your event attendees with open arms by bringing your event to the Iowa Events Center. Located in downtown Des Moines, which in 2010 Forbes voted as the #1 Place for Business and Careers, the Iowa Events Center provides clean, flexible, state-of-the-art facilities that are well suited for conventions, meetings, trade shows, and entertainment events from 20 people to 17,000. With a new $42 Million renovation project completed in January 2012 creating brand new meeting, convention and ballroom space, the Iowa Events Center boasts the state’s largest ballroom at 28,730 sq ft, 150,000 sq feet of contiguous exhibit space and 37 meeting rooms. In addition, our professional staff will handle all of your food and beverage, security, event management, and marketing needs ensuring your event is an overwhelming success.

Chris Connolly General Manager

One Facility, Endless Opportunities Call 515.564.8000 or email cconnolly@iowaeventscenter.com

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es Media Group

s Guide

new mexico

Las Cruces Convention Center

S e r v i c e s R e sLET o uTHE r c eINDUSTRY KNOW KEEP US INFORMED SO WE CAN KEEP UrbanRide THE INDUSTRY INFORMED 421 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001 (800) 525-5750; Fax: (212) 202-9638 www.urbanride.net

Timothy Herrick Chief Executive Officer: Jeremy Milikow Senior Vice President: Mitch Bornstein, SVP Editorial Director Facilities Media Group (212) 532-4150 ext 105 ‘Leading Global Provider of Meeting & Event Transportation’ Therrick@Facilitiesonline.com 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 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, PRESSmeeting RELEASES, PHOTOGRAPHS OTHER our clientsSEND with US: IMS, our software that enables planners to betterAND manage MATERIALS ABOUT YOUR MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, TRADESHOWS && OTHER transportation for their meetings, conferences, conventions, tradeshows otherEVENTS 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.

680 E. University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 526-0100; Fax: (575) 526-0103 meetinlascruces.com Sales Manager : Janet Acosta-Clifton Memories Only Found in Las Cruces.....

LEED Gold Convention Center is 55,000 sq. ft. with 30,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space/6 meeting rooms, 9,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 14,500-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 5,000 sq. ft. outdoor space and 2, 000 sq ft of indoor pre-function space.

Complimentary WiFi & state-of-the-art Audio Visual Services; Foodservice by Executive Chef Tom Agius; 2,500 rooms within 6-mile radius. 48.2 Miles to Las Cruces International Airport. Historic Old Mesilla, White Sands National Monument, Ft. Selden State Monument, NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.

PAGE 25

New Jersey

massachussets

Meadowlands Exposition Center

MassMutual Center

355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 330-7773; (800) 400-3976; Fax: (201) 330-1172 mecexpo.com Regional General Manager: Robin Cuneo Everything you need, exactly where you want it. Your cost effective alternative to NYC Outstanding location – five miles outside Manhattan, accessible to Public Transportation & Major Highways; Only Minutes from Newark Liberty Airport; 61,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition space. Five Seminar Rooms. Free Parking.

65,000 sq. ft. of Meeting/Exhibition space, including five meeting rooms, theater seating: 6,000; Internet, Wifi, and all Audio/Visual needs; onsite decorator.

Catering for up to 5,000; 1,500+ Hotel Rooms. Attractions: New Meadowlands Stadium, IZOD Center, Meadowlands Racetrack, Secaucus Outlet Center, 25+ restaurants, 16 movie screens, Health Club.

1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 (413) 787 6610; Fax: (413) 787-6645 massmutualcenter.com Director of Sales: Monique Messier Keppler Speakers Expected First Class Service, 4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203 Unexpected Small Town Hospitality (703) 516-4000; Fax: (703) 516-4819 www.kepplerspeakers.com In the heart of Western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, located at the crossroads of I-90 Senior VP for and Marketing: John TruranAirport. 100,000-sq.-ft. complex features and I-91, 20 Sales minutes from Bradley International 9 meeting rooms, 15,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, 40,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, 8,000-seat arena; full With Keppler Speakers, creating memorable meetings never felt so easy. With over 25 telecommunications, electrical, and free Wi-Fi; 1,000making first-class roomsselection within years of experience, we provide audio-visual you solid, seasoned expertise, speaker stress-free by managing of the details.

Speakers savesNational you precious time by walking distance, 6,400all rooms in the regionKeppler Attractions: Dr. Seuss Memorial matching with speakers whoMemorial are right Basketball on target.Hall Fromofproven performers to dynamic SculptureyouGarden, the Naismith Fame, Yankee Candle rising stars, our speakers bring fascinating, real stories and a gift for inspiring audiences.

PAGE Flag Ship Store, Six Flags New England, Old Sturbridge Village.

59

Florida

Miami Beach Convention Center

1901 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-7315; Fax: (305) 673-7435 MiamiBeachConvention.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Kay Hollander “Life Is Good On The Beach” Destination is a trend-setting arts, entertainment, shopping and cultural wonder by visitors, world travelers, celebrities and locals alike. Spanning four city blocks of palm tree lined streets and located in the heart of the electrifying and historic South Beach/Art Deco District , this convention center features 1,000,000+ sq. ft. flexible space, including; 502,000 sq. ft. exhibit space; 100,000+ sq. ft. of versatile pre-function area space, 70 meeting rooms (127,000 sq. ft.); 2,000+ hotel rooms within walking distance; Miami International Airport only 12 Miles away.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center

Don’tGet Get Stuck Stuck ininaaFishbowl!

Fishbowl!

Don’t

2350 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MI 39531, (228) 896-6699 gulfcoast.org Director of Sales: Crystal Johnson

The FacilitiesMedia Media Group The Facilities Group

Scenic coastal beaches, championship golf, cultural attractions, top-name entertainment, great shopping and 24-hour casino excitement make the Mississippi Gulf Coast a world-class destination! One of the few beachfront convention centers in North America, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center – 400,000+ sq. ft. of newly expanded and renovated exhibit and meeting space, including: 22 meeting/ breakout rooms; 36,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 129,500 –sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall; 9,000-seats;/30,000sq.-ft. Theater; 94 Wireless Access Points; Peer-to-Peer Networking & Webcasting. After the meeting, your delegates can enjoy gaming, golf, dining, culture, shopping and so PAGE much more. 3,000 committable Hotel Rooms; 12,500 total rooms.

11

Facilities & Destinations SuperBook Facilities & Destinations Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review FacilitiesFacilities • Conference Planner & Destinations • Planner Guide Guide Facilities & Destinations CONFERENCE Facilities LIVE • Booking Guide Facilities SuperBook • Facilities Booking Guide Facilities & Event Management Facilities & Event Management www.Facilitiesonline.com Facilitiesonline.com 54

93

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Miami Convention Center Miami, FL Exhibit Hall: 28,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 22 Total Meeting Space: 83,000 sq. ft.

Theater Seats: 4,648 Parking: 612 spaces Auditorium Seats: 444

The James L. Knight Center is a world-class multipurpose entertainment, meeting, and convention complex located in the heart of downtown Miami’s business, commercial, and financial district. Owned by the City of Miami and managed by Global Spectrum, the James L. Knight Center are among the nation’s most highly regarded entertainment, exhibit and meeting venues, no other facility in South Florida provides more functional and flexible space and accommodations under one roof than the James L. Knight Center. The center is comprised of: The Miami Convention Center contains 28,000 square feet of dividable exhibit, meeting and banquet space The Miami Conference Center which offers a 444 seat auditorium, a 117 seat lecture hall and 20 variable meeting rooms.

Roxana Este, General Manager

We are attached to the Hyatt Regency Miami Hotel, which features first class accommodations in 612 rooms and suites.

Call 305.416.5970 or email reste@jlkc.com

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wisconsin

Monona Terrace Convention Center

One John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 261-4100; Fax: (608) 261-4049 Sales/Event Services Manager: Laura Cornell, CMP mononaterrace.com Where business and inspiration meet.

Located in heart of Madison’s vibrant downtown on the shore of Lake Monona. Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, spectacular five-level structure featuring public promenades, meeting rooms with striking lake views, extensive rooftop gardens and the attached 240-room Hilton Madison (1,000+ rooms within walking distance); 250,000-sq.-ft., including 85,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space; 23 meeting rooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 5,540-sq.-ft.; 320-seat Lecture Hall, 14,000-sq.-ft Ballroom. The 68,000 sq.ft. of rooftop gardens available for events; Wireless access throughout – Internet 2 access; business center, gift shop, art/exhibit area and expansive areas for registration/information needs.

Louisiana

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 582-3000; Fax: (504) 582-3032 mccno.com Director of Sales: Keith Levey Just steps away from the Warehouse/Arts District and the historic French Quarter, where the old-world charm of fine restaurants, first-class hotel rooms and unique cultural experiences abound. Convention Center features: 140 meeting rooms, 12 combinable exhibit halls totaling 1.1 million sq.ft.; 4,000-seat conference-auditorium/theater, two 30,000+ sq.ft. Ballrooms, three restaurants and a VIP dining suite; 10-GIG internet backbone. High speed internet, Wifi in public areas, videoconferencing, satellite uplinks and downlinks, video streaming/webcasting on-site technological support; 20,000+ Hotel Rooms. Attractions: Riverwalk, Garden District, Aquarium of the Americas, World War II Museum; Audubon Zoo. georgia

Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center

2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, GA 30720 (706) 272-7676; (800) 824-7469; Fax: (706) 278-5811 daltontradecenter.com General Manager: Shashank Gairola Elevate Your Experience Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The 143,000 –sq.-ft. Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center offers unmatched service, rates and professionalism.

All convention services including catering, audio visual and tradeshow equipment provided in-house; 22, 200 sq. ft. overall meeting space, including 12 meeting rooms,10,800-sq.-ft Ballroom; 40,500 sq. ft. Exhibit Space; 4,000-seat Theater. Technology: wifi, in-house audio visual services, free cyber lounge; 1,200 rooms within mile of center. Attractions: PAGE Historic Downtown Dalton, Civil War Tour, Golf, Outlet Mall, 61 Oklahoma

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 297-8912 / (800) 225-5652; Fax: (405) 297-8888 visitokc.com Director, Convention Sales & Services: Elizabeth Richardson Welcome to a city that has tales for your ears and treats for your eyes. 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; Cox Convention Center features: 100,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space; 27,500 sq. ft. flexible convention and pre-convene space; 25,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (seats: 4,000 theater-style); 15,000-seat Arena (32,000 sq. ft. of floor space); near revitalized Bricktown -- new canal-side restaurants, clubs, music venues & attractions; across the street PAGE from three hotels – 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s 15,700 hotel rooms.

63 56

virginia

The National Conference Center

18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176 (877) 363-3108; Fax: (877) 729-5382 conferencecenter.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Eric Whitson, The Educated Choice for Learning Ultimate learning environment for residential training and productive meetings, 110 wooded acres in the Potomac River Valley, the campus-like backdrop creates a fully distraction-free setting near Washington, D.C.; 265,000-sq.-ft. complex features 250 meeting rooms for groups of 10 to 1,800, 16,525-sq.-ft National Ballroom (northern Virginia’s largest.), 40,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Space, 1,800-seat theater; 917 newly renovated guest rooms; 800-seat dining room, Sports Bar, Wine Bar, 110 acre campus, walking/jogging paths, fitness center .

Nearby Attractions: Wineries, Chelsea Premium Outlet Mall, Historic sites, Civil War PAGE history, destination restaurants, Championship Golf courses.

64 virginia

VisitNorfolk

232 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 664-6620; (800) 368-3097; Fax: 757-622-3663 visitnorfolktoday.com Vice President of Sales and Marketing: Donna Allen Located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, this compact meetings destination features hotels and convention facilities and a sparkling waterfront dotted with trendy restaurants, arts districts, museums, patriotic attractions and shopping. Waterside Convention Connection (200+ first-class rooms/suites, 55 meeting rooms, 121,000 sq. ft. of convention space) includes - Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, the Crowne Plaza Norfolk and the Waterside Festival Marketplace; Norfolk Scope Arena (85,000 sq. ft. meeting space). Attractions: MacArthur Center Mall, Chrysler Museum of Art, Hermitage Foundation Museum, Norfolk Tides AAA Baseball at Harbor Park, Virginia Zoological Park. florida

Ocean Center/Daytona Beach

101 N. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (800) 858-6444; (386) 254-4500; Fax: (386) 254-4512 oceancenter.com Director of Sales: Lori Hunter Ocean Center....success by association!

Located in the heart of the Daytona Beach resort area, only 400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean, the Volusia County Ocean Center is the area’s convention, entertainment and sports complex. 205,000 sq. ft. of interior meeting space; 36 breakout rooms including VIP suite; 12,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (banquet seating: 850); 42,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall (seats: 9,600) – seats; 264,000 sq. ft. feet indoor/outdoor exhibit space; 12,000+ Hotel Rooms; Home of NASCAR and LPGA; Daytona International Speedway; golf courses including LPGA International; 23 Miles of wide, smooth, sandy beaches. You’ll love the Ocean Center & Ocean Center loves you! kansas

Overland Park Convention Center

6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 339-3000; Fax: (913) 339-3098 opconventioncenter.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Tracy Roberts Above and Beyond. By Design Largest suburban city in the Kansas City metropolitan area, less than 15 minutes from downtown K.C., Overland Park is unique blend of metropolitan amenities and suburban hospitality packaged in a fresh, contemporary setting featuring: 250+ restaurants, great shopping, theatres and 80 public parks. 254,000-sq.-ft. convention center complex features: 60,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, 25,000-sq.-ft. Edwin C. Eilert Ballroom, 12 meeting rooms, 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting room space, 44,000 sq. ft. of pre-function and registration areas. Connected to 412-room Sheraton Hotel with 25,000-sq. ft. additional PAGE meeting space; 1,000+ additional rooms within walking distance.

65 Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex Indiana, PA Arena: 20,000 sq. ft.

Total Conference Rooms: 15 Total Conference Space: 23,000 sq. ft.

Auditorium: 630 seats Location: Located on Indiana

University of Pennsylvania Campus

The Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, on the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, is a 148,500 square-foot facility that offers multi-use adaptable space in the 5,000 seat Ed Fry Arena (20,000 square feet), the 630 seat Toretti Auditorium, the 17,000 square-foot state of the art Conference Center with multiple breakout rooms, and the 6,000 square foot Corporate Training and Executive Conference Center. Included in the Conference Center is a fully equipped E-Conference Room with teleconferencing and videoconferencing capability. The Kovalchick Complex is an ideal venue for concerts, family shows, sporting events, conferences, conventions, trade shows, expos, corporate seminars and much more.

James Grafstrom General Manager

New Energy. New Vision.

New Connections.

Call 724.357.KCAC or email james.grafstrom@iup.edu

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

kovalchickcomplex.com

Mississippi

Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center

THE CENTERPIECE OF THIS BEACHFRONT CONVENTION CENTER IS THE 129,500 SQUARE-FOOT EXHIBIT SPACE.

2520 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi 39531 – (228) 896-6699 • gulfcoast.org

Y

ou will find a lot to love here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Like 400,000 square feet of newly expanded and renovated exhibit and meeting space at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center (MCCCC).

The centerpiece of this beachfront convention center is the 129,500 square-foot exhibit space. It has unlimited floor load capacity, huge loading docks, and all the power anyone could need.

With 22 breakout rooms, we can handle all the sessions you can throw at us. Need a fresh seafood dinner for 6,000? No problem. If you need the arena, you’ll get another 30,000 square feet of space and seating for 9,000. You’ll find the latest in telecommunications here. 3G technology. Digital and analog lines. 94 wireless access points. Peer-to-Peer Networking. Webcasting.

The area boasts 18,000 rooms, 5,000 committable for meetings. Accommodations range from the luxury of penthouse suites to the mom-and-pop motor court. The RV fan will find plenty of parks available.

And after the meeting your delegates can play one of our signature golf courses or hit blackjack at one of our casino resorts.

How about a day of luxurious spa treatments, or dining on fresh seafood prepared by a celebrity chef. They can lounge on our 62 miles of beach, or go after the big ones on a charter fishing boat.

Play at one of our 11 casino resorts. The slots are hot and we offer exciting action at the blackjack tables, roulette wheels, craps tables and poker rooms. There are games for everyone from penny slots to baccarat in sophisticated High Limit areas.

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You won’t believe the headliners starring on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Performers like Jay Leno, B.B. King, and Lee Greenwood just to name a few. Go to our website at www.gulfcoast.org to see a current schedule.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast features signature courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazzio and Jerry Pate.

With 20 courses to choose from, your delegates could swing clubs for weeks and never play the same hole twice.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is dotted with unique boutiques, factory outlets, and places where you can find that special gift. Works by our talented artists and craftsmen are available throughout the area.

With all the fun and excitement going on, it’s nice to know you can take a break and take in a museum. Contemplate the works of George Ohr, the Mad Potter of Biloxi, at the Frank Gehry designed museum. Or experience Horn Island through the eyes of Walter Anderson at the museum devoted to his works.

If the family is coming, there is plenty for them to do. Take the ferry out to Ship Island where historic Fort Massachusetts, crystal clear water, and a beach rated among the finest in the world awaits your footprints. Take a tour aboard a working shrimp boat, watch the skipper haul in the nets and see the catch for you. Or choose from a day at the water park or a visit to a nationally rated children’s museum.

Call Crystal Johnson at (888)467-GULF X 215. Or go to www. gulfcoast.org. Book a site tour now and come see the Mississippi Gulf Coast for yourself.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

MassMutual Center

Convention Center & Arena Springfield, MA Exhibit Hall: 40,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 15,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 8 Total Meeting Space: 24,500 sq. ft.

Arena Seats: 8,000 Hotel Rooms: 900 walkable

Standing in the heart of Western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, the MassMutual Center is the region’s most diverse meeting and special event venue. Our location at the crossroads of I-90 and I-91, and just 20 minutes from Bradley International Airport, guarantees easy access for your event attendees. Treat yourself, your exhibitors, and your attendees to a rich menu of exciting attractions, historical sites, and the natural beauty that only New England can offer.

Matthew Hollander, Regional VP, General Manager

Expected First Class Service, Unexpected Small Town Hospitality.

Call 413.787.6610 or email mhollander@massconvention.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

massmutualcenter.com

california

florida

Palm Springs Convention Center

Palm Beach County Convention Center

650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 366-3000; Fax: (561) 366-0001 pbconventioncenter.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Maria Walker Break From Convention in a World-Class Destination South Florida’s premier ‘boutique’ meeting destination; exquisite $84-million, 350,000 –sq.ft. Convention Center features: 19 meeting rooms, 22,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 100,000-sq.-ft.

Exhibit Hall; 5 MB Internet connection; Wireless Internet access; Exhibit-floor fiber-optic connections for specialized applications; 42” and 50” LCD and plasma screens displaying convention schedules, event happenings and video capabilities. 3,572 hotel rooms nearby.

Attractions: 47 miles of pristine beaches, exciting collection of colorful resorts, PAGE CityPlace, a $600-million shopping, dining and entertainment complex.

67 Pennsylvania

British Columbia

Pennsylvania Convention Center

1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 418-4700; (800) 428-9000; Fax: (215) 418-4861 paconvention.com Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Convention Services: Stephanie Boyd Philadelphia: The Complete Package Philadelphia – full-on fusion of old & new, historic & hip, trendy & traditional – historic landmarks, world-renowned dining options ranging from upscale eateries to the famous Philly cheese-steak; tax-free shopping, fast-action sports, an abundance of arts and culture.

The newly expanded PCC, now more than 60 percent larger– features: 679,000 sq. ft. total meeting/exhibit space; 79 Meeting Rooms; 55,400-sq-ft-Ballroom;) 528,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space; WiFi throughout; HD digital signage throughout; In-house PAGE AV services – state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video options.

C4 arizona 23-46

Penticton Trade & Convention Centre

273 Power Street, Penticton BC, Canada V2A 7K9 (250) 490-2460; Fax: (250) 490-2467 pentictonconventioncentre.com Director of Sales: Paul O’Beirn Wine Country – Relaxation and Recreation Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Wine Country – the picturesque Okanagan Valley – surrounded by two pristine lakes and gentle rolling mountains, Penticton is a four-season playground, offering visitors & meeting attendees a wide spectrum of indoor and outdoor activities. One of the largest convention and trade show facilities in British Columbia, complex features 60,000+ sq. ft. flexible meeting/exhibit space, including: 8 Meeting Rooms, 15,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 13,000-sq.ft. Exhibit Hall; 1,700 Hotel Rooms nearby; Attractions: Wine touring, golfing, water-sports, hiking, PAGE cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding.

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University of Phoenix Stadium

1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ 85305 (623) 433-7122; Fax: (623)-433-7199 universityofphoenixstadium.com Director of Sales: Shawnda Krohn Greater Phoenix...everything under the&Sun.EVENT PLANNERS...

MEETING Metro Phoenix is a resort and meetings destinationDATA? known for its 300+ days of NEED MARKET sunshine and Southwestern charm – 400 hotels, 200+ golf courses, world-famous restaurants and shopping. The University of Phoenix Stadium, a marvel of design, engineering, and technology, sets a new standard for multi-purpose venues; the only roll-out field and retractable roof in the country; Stadium easily transforms 23-46 11/10/08 5:28 PM Page 29 into a state-of the-art events, meeting and exhibition complex; 40,000 sq. ft meeting space/6 breakout rooms; 160,000 sq. ft. of Exhibit Space (260,000 sq. ft.

PAGE Total); 600 hotel rooms within walking distance.

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MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS...

NEED MARKET DATA? THE #1 SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT & SPECIAL EVENTS.

Need to research venues for your event or meeting?

Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news, information and listings available.

The best part is, it’s all on a user-friendly, easily accessible website.

The #1for News & Information One-stop shopping all your market research needs!

Source for Planners of Meetings, Conventions, Tradeshows, & SpecialPLANNERS Events THE #1 SOURCEExhibitions FOR PROFESSIONAL

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277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (800) 333-7535; (760) 325-6611; Fax: (760) 778-4102 palmspringscc.com Director of Sales; Rick Leson The Meeting Oasis An extraordinary venue in an equally extraordinary destination. The convention center recently underwent a $32-million expansion and adjoins the 410-room Palm Springs Renaissance (30,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting space) Hotel Renaissance Hotel. 92,545sq.-ft. fully-carpeted Exhibit hall (expandable to 112,561 sq. ft.) can host events for 9,000 in theater style seating; Up to 112,000 sq. ft. of divisible and contiguous carpeted exhibit space, 19 Meeting break-out rooms, including a 20,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (divisible into four sections), 18,000-sq-ft Lobby/Pre-function space. Event Lawn perfect for dining, receptions or displays. 1,600+ Hotel Rooms within walking distance.

OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT Facilities & Destinations & SPECIAL EVENTS.

Need toCONFERENCE research venues for your event or meeting?

Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news, Comprehensive Directory of Conference Centers,

Pheasant Run Resort

4051 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 584-6300; (800) 4-PHEASANT, Fax: (630) 584-9831 PheasantRun.com Director of Sales: Tim Hobbs Located in charming St. Charles, less than an hour from Chicago, easily accessible from both O’Hare and Midway Airports.

Comprehensive meeting facilities, state-of-the-art technology, outstanding guest accommodations, unlimited recreational opportunities, professional staff; 100,000+ sq. ft. Meeting/Exhibit Space, 39 Meeting Rooms; St. Charles Ballroom - 12,320 sq. ft.; Mega Center - 38,000 sq. ft.; 320-seat tiered amphitheater; high-speed Internet and advanced presentation systems; onsite audiovisual team; 473 guestrooms; Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spa; 36 Holes of Championship Golf; Live Theater; Zanies Comedy Club; 3 Swimming Pools; Fitness Center; 8 Restaurants & Lounges.

Rhode Island

Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

144 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 456-0200; Fax: (401) 273-7046 GoProvidence.com Vice President of Sales & Services: Kristin McGrath, CDM Providence: The Creative Capital Brimming with rich history, natural beauty, and stunning architecture — extremely convenient and FOR YOUR NEXT CONVENTION OR MEETING, LOOK TO THE CIT Y walkable city — with hotels, great restaurants, and stellar shopping all within blocks of each other.

THAT IS THE NBA’S NEXT JEWEL IN THE CROWN. Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau books meetings, conventions, tradeshows and WHERE A STREAMLINED AIRPORT AND LACK OF TRAFFIC YOU’RE IN FAST. AND WITH THE BEST events ofMEAN any size, working closely with planners to boost attendance, including targeted e-mail RESTAURANTS NIGHTLIFE JUST A FEW MINUTES’ blasts, postcardAND mailings, Web site/microsite; welcomeWALK banners throughout city; Rhode Island FROM YOUR HOTEL, YOU’RE OUT EVEN FASTER. Convention & Entertainment Complex includes RI Convention Center (137,000 sq. ft. of total IT’S OUR MEET & GREET, OUR NICE & EASY. OUR exhibit space), 13,000-seat Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1,900-seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium. PAGE 72

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Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

North West Georgia Trade & Convention Center Dalton, GA

Exhibit Hall: 40,500 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 10,800 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 12 Total Meeting Space: 22,200 sq. ft.

Arena Seats: 4,000 Hotel Rooms: 1,200 within a mile

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The 143,000 square foot Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center offers unmatched service, rates and professionalism.

All convention services including catering, audio visual and tradeshow equipment are provided in-house. You will receive the personalized service that your event deserves and an entire community of support when you choose Dalton, GA as the location for your next event.

Elevate your Experience Shashank Gairola General Manager

Call 706.272.7676 or email shashank@daltontradecenter.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

daltontradecenter.com

McNeese Fitzgerald Associates Photography

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, (405) 297-8912 / (800) 225-5652 Fax: (405) 297-8888 • visitokc.com

Meet in Oklahoma City

O

klahoma City’s western charm and lively atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for your next meeting, conference or convention. With a downtown urban renaissance and shimmering riverfront, a burgeoning art scene and world-class museums and entertainment, the possibilities in Oklahoma City are endless.

“Oklahoma City plays host to meetings and conventions of all sizes,” said Elizabeth Richardson, Director of Convention Sales & Services. “We have experienced steady and consistent growth in the meetings and conventions business year over year and are gaining more and more recognition as a destination and future years look very strong for Oklahoma City.”

The Cox Convention Center in is one of the most centrally located convention centers in the nation and just across the street from three of the downtown hotels which combined offer more than 1,400 of Oklahoma City’s nearly 16,000 hotel 62

rooms. Not to mention it is just steps away from the thriving Bricktown Entertainment District.

A glass-enclosed skywalk connects the adjacent Renaissance Hotel to the Cox Convention Center’s second floor, featuring an impressive 25,000-squarefoot ballroom. Additional meeting rooms total 27,500 square feet of convention and pre-convene space.

And the meetings bar is likely to be set even higher in the future: Oklahoma City voters approved funding to build a new $280 million downtown convention center, the largest of the eight projects approved in the city’s third Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) proposal. MAPS3 will fund the projects through the extension of an existing one-cent sales tax, making the projects debt-free upon completion.

For More Information: Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau; Elizabeth Richardson, Director, Convention Sales & Services; Phone: (405) 297-8952 or (800) 225-5652; Fax: 405-297-8888; Email: erichardson@okccvb. org; Web site: www.visitokc.com Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

IN

OU T

OUR STREAMLINED AIRPORT AND LACK OF TRAFFIC MEAN YOU’RE IN FAST. AND WITH GREAT MUSEUMS, SPORTS ARENAS, RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE, YOU’RE OUT ON THE TOWN EVEN FASTER. EASY-TO-FIND FUN IN BRICKTOWN AND THE ADVENTURE DISTRICT. EASY-TO-GET-LOST-IN CULTURE IN THE PASEO AND PLAZA DISTRICTS. IT’S OUR SEE & BE SEEN. OUR NICE & EASY. OUR

VISITOKC.C OM

Puerto Rico

colorado

Pueblo Convention Center

Puerto Rico Convention Center

320 Central Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 542-1100; Fax: (719) 583-9351 puebloconventioncenter.com G.M. : Dean Dennis; ddennis@global-spectrum.com Pueblo...Experience the Flavor!

The Pueblo Convention Center is the site of the Home of Heroes Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial Plaza. Pueblo has been designated as the “Home of Heroes” by the U.S. Congress, an honor bestowed upon the city since it is the only city in America that has four recipients of the Medal of Honor. The four largerthan-life sculpted and bronzed statues flank the main entrance and welcome you to the Pueblo Convention Center.163-room Hotel attached; Attractions: Arkansas RiverWalk; Union Avenue Shopping District; Whitewater Kayak Park; El PAGE Pueblo History Museum; Pueblo Zoo; City golf courses.

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100 Convention Blvd., San Juan, PR 00907 (800) 214-0420 Fax: (773) 753-1634 prconvention.com Associate Vice President Sales: Rosa M. Luke, rluke@prcb.org “Smooth” At 580,000 sq. ft., the award-winning facility is the Caribbean’s largest & most technologically-advanced meeting facility; budget-friendly amenities, beautiful surroundings, stunning views, world-renowned service; 36,200 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 15 meeting rooms on two levels, divisible into 28 sections; 4 on level one and 11 on level two; 39,500sq.-ft. Ballroom (seats 3,934 theater /1,900 banquet/4,158 reception/2,616 classroom); 152,700 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 16,965-seat theater; 7,000+ Hotel Rooms nearby; adjacent to Old San Juan, resort hotels, restaurants, night life; centerpiece to 113-acre waterfront development featuring hotels, walkways, fountains and restaurants. texas

Rhode Island

Steven Schwartz Photography

Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex

One Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 458-6000; Fax: (401) 458-6500 riconvention.com Senior Director of Sales and Marketing: John J. McGinn, CEM Complex includes Rhode Island Convention Center, 13,000-seat Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1,900-seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium; conveniently located in the heart of downtown Providence. Convention Center: 137,000 sq. ft. Total Meeting/Exhibit Space; Main Exhibit Hall: 100,000 contiguous sq. ft.; 23 meeting rooms and pre-function space; 20,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; accommodates groups 10-5,000; 5,500 hotel rooms in the Greater Providence area, with 2,200 within one mile of Complex. Attractions: Culinary Arts Museum at JWU; Museum of Art at the RI School of Design; Providence Bruins (AHL Affiliate of Boston Bruins); Providence PAGE Performing Arts Center; Providence Place mall, RI Philharmonic.

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Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds

1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd., Robstown, TX 78380 (361) 387-9000; Fax: (361) 387-9077 rmbfairgrounds.com General Manager: Jason Green A Very Special Place at the Crossroads of South Texas (Robstown-Corpus Christi)!

Conveniently located at the intersection of US Highways 77 and 44 in South Texas; only 10 minutes to Corpus Christi, TX Airport. 136,344-sq.-ft. Complex features: 21,344-sq.-ft conference center with a grand ballroom that can be divided into 5,000 & 15,000 -sq.-ft sections and two break-out meeting rooms; two additional 50,000+ -sq.-ft exhibit halls that can host various meetings, conventions, tradeshows, and special events. Attractions: King Ranch Museum, USS Lexington Museum, Corpus Christi History/Science Museum, Texas PAGE State Aquarium; Beautiful Corpus Christi Bayfront and Beaches!

79 virginia

Greater Richmond Convention Center

The nation’s top choice for training, meetings and events.

403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 783-7300; Fax: (804) 225-0508 richmondcenter.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Lori Hess Coyne “Where Virginia Meets the World” Largest meeting and exhibition facility in Virginia/within 500 miles of one half of the U.S. population; 178,159 sq. ft contiguous exhibit space, a 30,550-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 258-seat, auditorium-style lecture hall; 80,000 sq. ft. meeting space, 36 meeting rooms. 650 hotel rooms adjacent to the center with thousands more nearby.

Attractions: The National Theater, American Civil War Center at Tredegar Ironworks, Hollywood Cemetery, Edgar Allen Poe Museum. Enjoy the nightlife in Shockoe Slip, the charming neighborhoods of the Fan, which both include amazing shopping PAGE and numerous dining options.

13 virginia

Roanoke Civic Center 877.363.3108 sales@conferencecenter.com conferencecenter.com Custom-Built for Learning Onsite AV Resources Guest Accommodations Dining & Recreation Leesburg, VA 12 miles from Dulles 45 minutes from DC SILVER

Publication: Facilities Online Run Date: 2011 64 Job#: 796-1092

710 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 853-6860; Fax: (540) 853-2748 Roanokeciviccenter.com Sales Manager: Cathy Ring It’s A Blue Ridge Day With urban delights and modern amenities, the Roanoke Valley has much to explore. The Roanoke Civic Center, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, is western Virginia’s premier full-service convention, exhibition, and cultural complex. Located just off Interstate 581, 5 miles from Roanoke Regional Airport. 111,700-ft.-ft. complex features: Special Events Center – 46,000 sq. ft; 10,500-seat arena, 2,148-seat Performing Arts Theatre; 10,000-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall. Facility offers space for smaller meetings and social gatherings to major concerts and trade shows. Within walking distance of downtown area PAGE – restaurants, shops, farmer’s market, museum, art galleries.

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Size: 3.479 x 4.979 Dana Communications 609.466.9187

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Overland Park Convention Center Overland Park, KS Exhibit Hall: 60,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 25,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 12 Total Meeting Space: 40,000 sq. ft.

Attached Hotel: 412 rooms Hotel Rooms: 1,000 walk-able

The Overland Park Convention Center sits on a 26-acre site in the heart of Overland Park, the largest suburban city in the Kansas City metropolitan area and the second largest city in Kansas. Adorned with over sixty original works of art and equipped with state-ofthe-art communications systems, the 254,000 square foot complex is a refreshingly modern and unique space. Natural light radiates through floor-to-ceiling windows in the unusually spacious (44,000 sq. ft.) pre-function and registration areas, while the beautiful open air courtyard (25,000 sq. ft.) boasts stunning architectural views. With the attached 412-room Sheraton Hotel, FREE parking including 400 covered spaces and over 1,000 hotel rooms within walking distance, the Overland Park Convention Center is the ideal location for your event.

Tracy Roberts Director of Sales & Marketing

Above and Beyond. By Design.

Call 913.339.3055 or email troberts@opconventioncenter.com Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

opconventioncenter.com

New York

Rochester Riverside Convention Center

123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14564 (585) 232-7200; Fax: (585) 232-1510 rrcc.com Executive Director: Joseph A. Floreano, CFE “Do it better at the Rochester Riverside where you and your event are always the center of our attention!”

Convenient upstate N.Y location, scenic Genesee River setting. 100,000 sq. ft of meeting/exhibition space; 22 meeting rooms; 10,028-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 49,275-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 5,000-seat Theater; dedicated internet connection over Fiber Optics; wireless access throughout facility; 1,100+ Hotel Rooms in a trio of major hotels connect venue, surrounded by several entertainment districts with restaurants, cafés, pubs, dance clubs, music halls, theaters. Rochester offers planners a compact conPAGE vention district and New York State’s only one-stop convention facility.

77 california

Sacramento Convention Center

1030 15th Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 808-5291; Fax: (916) 808-7687 sacramentoconventioncenter.com Small-town friendly with big city amenities, city hosts 6+ million visitors annually. Located in the heart of downtown, the Sacramento Convention Center features 31 meeting rooms; two 10,000-sq.-ft. registration/pre-function areas; Exhibit Hall – 134,000 sq. ft. contiguous space/divisible into five separate areas; 25,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom (1,500 banquet-style/2,500 theater style), divisible up to 10 meeting rooms; Activity Building is a fully carpeted, 11,200sq.-ft. facility with 12. meeting rooms, connected by concourse to the Exhibit Hall; 4,000seat Memorial Auditorium; 2,452-seat Community Center Theater; 2,000 hotels within walking distance; 10,000 citywide. Classique Catering; Wolfgang Pucks Express; Attractions: world-class shopping, golf, Historic DistrictNimbus Winery Mall, Sacramento Zoo. kansas

Salina Bicentennial Center

800 The Midway, P. O. Box 1727 Salina, KS 67402-1727 (785) 826-7200; (888) 826-SHOW; Fax: (785) 826-7207 bicentennial.org Contact: Marshall P. Perry or Kay Quinn Mid-America’s Meeting Place Centrally located in Salina, Kansas, at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135; full-service, multi-purpose venue serving the convention and entertainment industries; 40,000 square feet of total space, the Bicentennial Center offers convenience and versatility – 20,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space/8 -12 Meeting Rooms; Exhibit Space includes 21,000 sq. ft. in 7,500–seat Arena and 17,368 sq. ft. in Heritage Hall. Attractions: Aquatic Park; Art Center and Cinema; Community Performing Arts Theater; Downtown shopping and restaurants; College sports, wide variety of hotels, motels, and restaurants. utah

Salt Palace Convention Center 100 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (801) 534-4777; fax: (801) 534-6383 saltpalace.com Director of Sales/Marketing : Tessa Baysinger (801) 534-6348; TBaysinger@SaltPalace.com

The perfect palace for meetings of any size. From delicate snowflake chandeliers to a gorgeous five-story main concourse and centralized location, the Salt Palace is part architectural showpiece, part modern art sculpture and all business. 160,000 sq. ft of Meeting Space, including 67 Meeting Rooms, 45,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom: (size, square feet) square feet 48,600-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit (515,000 sq. ft. Total Exhibit Space) wide range of high-speed Internet services; Cornerstone AV (in-house AV company); Utah Food Services (onsite caterer). 7,300 hotel rooms (and 140+ restaurants and cafés, 38 bars & clubs) in the Convention District.

66

maryland

Roland E. Powell Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 (800) 626-2326 Fax: (410) 289-0058 ococean.com Director of Sales & Marketing: R. Frederick Wise, CHAE

Ocean City, Maryland offers some of the world’s best golf courses, a free beach, seasonal festivals, and fishing; its contemporary convention features 182,000 sq. ft meeting/exhibition space – 22 meeting rooms; 68,000 sq. ft. Total Exhibit Space, including a 45,000-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 22,000-sq.-ft Grand Ballroom with 35’ ceilings and a 4,700-seat Theater; 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 & beverage department; 10,000 hotel rooms & 25,000 rentable Condos; 28 miles from Salisbury-Ocean City Airport; Attractions: Boardwalk, Free Beaches, & World-Class Golf Courses. missourri

St. Charles Convention Center

1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 669-3000 / (877) 986-7222; Fax: (636) 669-3001 stcharlesconventioncenter.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Bill Nicely Dedicated to Exceptional Service, Delivered with a Warm and Innovative Approach 154,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space in a grand ballroom, junior ballroom & 17 breakout rooms; 27,600-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall – expandable to 35,700 sq. ft. – Total Exhibit Space: 76,533 sq. ft.; attached 296-room Embassy Suites; 578 hotel rooms within walking distance; 1,422 hotel rooms within 5 minutes; 10 minutes to Lambert St. Louis International Airport. Attractions: Historic Main Street Shopping and Dining, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Anheuser Busch Brewery, Six PAGE Flags Amusement Park, Ameristar Casino, and Harrah’s Casino.

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utah

Visit Salt Lake

90 South West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (801) 534-4900; Fax: (801) 534-4927 visitsaltlake.com Vice President of Sales: Mark H. White Visit Salt Lake: Different by Nature.

“It’s in your nature to meet. It’s in our nature to welcome you.” Salt Lake offers oneof-a-kind combination of metro and mountain - an urban oasis with a breathtaking alpine backyard; 679,000-sq.-ft. Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center features: 515,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit hall space divisible into 9 halls, 164,000 sq. ft. of meeting space divisible into 67 rooms; capable of operating over 10,000 computers and 3,000 wireless users. 6,975 hotel rooms in convention district; 17,000 citywide. texas

San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau

203 South St. Mary’s, San Antonio, TX 78205 (866) 517-7771 meetings.visitsanantonio.com Vice President of Sales & Services: Steve Clanton In San Antonio, every detail is planned, every need anticipated– allowing you to get to the heart of your meeting. San Antonio’s culture-filled River Walk connects accommodations, restaurants and meeting venues – including the architecturally bold Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 630,000 sq. ft. meeting space, 440,000 of which is contiguous exhibit space; 67 meeting rooms, 40,000-sq.-ft. ballroom; 131,000-sq. ft. exhibit hall 440,000 sq. ft. total exhibit space; 2,400-seat Lila Cockrell Theatre; new Plaza Acequia – 20,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space. Lonesome Dove Room accommodates 100-500; 43,000 hotel rooms citywide.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Palm Beach County Convention Center West Palm Beach, FL Exhibit Hall: 100,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 22,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 19 Total Meeting Space: 21,000 sq. ft.

Hotel Rooms: 3,000 in a

3 mile radius Airport: Palm Beach International and Ft. Lauderdale International

Discover a venue that always attracts a crowd. The Palm Beach County Convention Center is the premier destination for conventions, trade shows, meetings and social events. An architectural masterpiece with state-of-the-art amenities, featuring a modern exhibit hall, a contemporary ballroom and flexible meeting space. The warm, welcoming ambiance extends to our expert service team that makes every event exceptional, and our award-winning culinary department whose cuisine is a feast for the eyes and the palate. For events that meet your every need, come to the center that has it all.

Dave Anderson, Regional VP & General Manager

Break from convention in a world-class destination Call 561.366.3030 or email danderson@pbconventioncenter.com

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california

San Diego Convention Center

111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 525-5000: Fax: (619) 525-5005 visitsandiego.com Senior Vice President Sales: Andy Mikschl, CMP Come for the Convention, Stay for the Vacation Renowned for impeccable service and an experienced, service-oriented staff that provides seamless customer service from the initial planning stages to the conclusion of an event; sales team books all citywide conventions, covers all your needs. One stop shopping at its best. 615,700-sq.-ft. Convention Center features 72 Meeting Rooms; 40,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom and 525,701-sq.-ft. Main Exhibit Hall; 11,000+ premier hotel rooms within 1.5 miles; 55,000 rooms countywide. Attractions include: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park; Gaslamp Quarter; PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

Ontario

Scotiabank Convention Centre Niagara

6815 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3Y9 (905) 357-6222; (888) 997-6222; Fax: (905) 357-6212 fallsconventions.com Director of Sales and Marketing: Jeff Dixon UnConventional Experiences!

Newly opened, 288,000-sq-ft (LEED) Silver Level designed facility features: 82,000-sq-ft Free Span Exhibition Hall (accommodates 400+ 10ft x 10ft display booths) ; 17,000-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 26,000 sq. ft. of Flexible Meeting/Breakout Space;1,000-seat Theatre; Centerplate – Centre’s exclusive Food & Beverage provider; 5,000 within walking distance of center. Niagara Falls is an international brand name, showcasing an impressive array of natural wonders, sights, and attractions distinguishing this world-class destination. Nearby attractions include: Niagara Falls, Casinos, Restaurants & night life; Buffalo Niagara International Airport – 30 minutes away; Toronto Pearson International – 90 minutes.

Puerto Rico

Sheraton Puerto Convention Center Hotel & Casino

200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907 (787) 993-3500; (800) 325-3535; Fax: (787) 993-3525 sheraton.com/puertoricoconventioncenter Director of Sales & Marketing: Jeremy Marquardt You don’t just stay here. You belong Plan your event in paradise. Recently opened, superbly situated amidst the Puerto Rico Convention Center District facing the Bay of San Juan, truly remarkable landmark; 10 minutes from international airport; Meeting Space: 35,000 sq. ft..- 9 breakout rooms; 16,290-sq.-ft. Ballroom; 1,480 Theater Seating; adjacent to Puerto Rico Convention Center – 580,000+ sq. ft. of function space. Event Staff; on-site catering team; 503 Guest Rooms; 16 gaming tables, 500 of the latest slot machines, exceptional entertainment options. numerous dining, shopping and nightlife venues. illinois

Tinley Park Convention Center

18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477 (708) 895-8200; (888) 895-3211; Fax: (708) 895-8288 meetchicagosouthland.com Director of Sales: Mary Patchin Chicago Southland’s largest multi-purpose meeting and convention facility completed a major expansion/renovation in Spring 2011; now features: 58,100 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space and an additional 12,350 sq. ft of divisible meeting space; Accommodates 6,000 theater-style seating; Wi-Fi throughout; Stateof-the-art audio/visual. Expansion included: Upgraded Lighting, business center, 30’ high waterfalls in lobby, 1,400 FREE Parking Spaces, breakout rooms, storage space, loading docks. 202 rooms in Headquarter Hotel, 668 nearby. Attractions: Downtown Chicago, First Midwest Bank Ampthitheatre, Odyssey Fun World, Riverboat Casinos and PAGE Chicagoland Speedway, TOYOTA PARK, Balmoral Park Race Track.

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georgia

Visit Savannah

101 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 (877) SAVANNAH; (912) 644-6424; Fax: (912) 644-6499 VisitSavannah.com VP Business Development & Services: Jeff Hewitt Savannah is convention city capable of hosting large, high-level meetings, conventions and special events.

Welcome to Savannah, Est. 1733. Waiting to charm you with tree-filled squares and perfectly preserved historic buildings; capacity to accommodate groups as large as 2,800; an ideal choice for everything from board meetings to national association’s or corporate annual; There are many convention facilities in Savannah, the largest being the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center - Total Event Space: 330,000 sq. ft.; Exhibit Space: 100,000 sq. ft.; Ballroom: 25,000 sq. ft.; Pre-function Space: 6,600 sq. ft.; Meeting Rooms: 13; 14,000 Hotel Rooms Citywide. arizona

The Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center

7700 East McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (480) 991-9000; (800) 528-0293; Fax: (480) 596 - 7421 thescottsdaleresort.com Director of Sales: Paul Bashaw At the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center Success Just Shines Brighter Experience 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space/50 meeting rooms, 10,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom; Recently renovated to include state-of-the-art technology/ Video/Data Projectors, Broadcast Quality Video Cameras Folsom ScreenPro Plus Switchers, Custom Candid Video Modules, Wireless Internet Access, T-3 Lines; 326 hotel rooms; Surrounded by the lush golf courses of McCormick Ranch. All of the modern amenities and recreational options preferred by leisure guests, business travelers and meeting attendees alike. Attractions: Old Town Scottsdale TPC Scottsdale - The Phoenix Open. south dakota

Sioux Falls Convention Center

1101 N. West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 367-4100; Fax: (605) 367-4141 siouxfallscc.com General Manager: Kraig Pomrenke We do it all 71,000+ sq. ft. of flexible meeting/exhibit space, including: 12 breakout/meeting rooms, 16,800-sq.ft. ballroom; Abundant pre-function space. Facility offers on-site audio/visual services, sound staging, an experienced event management staff and all-inclusive, onsite catering by services Ovations Food Services, offering first-class cuisine and customized food & beverage options any event. 1,000 hotel rooms within a one mile radius. Center connects to the 243-room Sheraton Hotel & 8,000-seat Sioux Falls Arena; adjacent to Sioux Falls Baseball Stadium & Howard Wood PAGE Field; one mile away from the Joe Foss Field, the state’s largest airport.

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Utah Valley Convention Center

51 S. University Ave., Suite 304, Provo, UT 84601 (801) 851-2200 utahvalleyconventioncenter.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Tennille Wanner Accessible. Affordable. Incredible.

Designed with versatility in mind – Walls and rooms adjusted to fit exact requirements of event – this is a truly customizable meeting space; in-house services include food & beverage, audio visual, internet, electrical and tradeshow decorating; 85,000 sq. ft. of combined meeting, pre-function and garden space, including 10 meeting rooms, 17,000-sq.ft. Ballroom, 19,000+ sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall; Full-Service Kitchen; Business Services Center; Wireless and Ethernet Cabling throughout facility: stunning views of Wasatch Mountains; 1,300+ hotel rooms citywide. Provo Airport 10 minutes away; 45 minutes from Salt Lake Airport; Attractions: Hiking, Skiing, Theaters, Shopping, Dinning, Entertainment. PAGE 81 Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Penticton Trade & Convention Centre Penticton, BC, Canada Exhibit Hall: 13,600 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 15,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 8 Total Meeting Space: 49,000 sq. ft.

Arena: 20,000 sq. ft.

Wineries: 120

One of the largest convention and trade show facilities in British Columbia, outside of Vancouver, the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre features over 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space. From the grand ballroom to the down-to-business boardroom and break-out rooms, there are areas suitable to host groups of 35 to 3500 people.

Wine Country – Relaxation and Recreation Sally Pierce Assistant General Manager

Call 250.490.2460 or email sally.pierce@penticton.ca

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Illinois Discover A One-Of-AKind Meeting Experience, From Start To Finish

Pheasant Run Resort 4051 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174 • 1-800-4-PHEASANT (800-474-3272), FAX: 630-584-9831 • pheasantrun.com

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s one of the Midwest’s premier meeting and convention center destinations, Pheasant Run Resort offers an unmatched combination of extensive event facilities, outstanding resort amenities, deluxe guest accommodations, and an experienced professional staff that make it the ideal location for your next event. As a family-owned meetings and entertainment resort for nearly 50 years, Pheasant Run is committed to providing a superior level of personal service and offering ultimate flexibility to help you plan and customize your event unlike anywhere else.

With the most diverse meeting space anywhere in the Chicago area, Pheasant Run features more than 100,000 square feet of the right kind of space, with a unique variety of room sizes and styles designed to fit virtually any group’s needs – from small seminars or corporate retreats, to comprehensive tradeshows for thousands of attendees. The beautifully landscaped 250-acre campus also offers expansive outdoor venues perfect for picturesque weddings, special occasions or large-scale events of all kinds.

Pheasant Run’s wide-ranging facilities include four distinct ballrooms, 39 meeting rooms, a 320-seat tiered auditorium, an 18,000-square-foot training center, and over 63,000 square feet of column-free, carpeted exposition space. The resort is fully equipped to handle all of your audiovisual and presentation needs, offering state-of-the-art technology, wireless Internet throughout, and a full spectrum of business services available on-site. Plus, Pheasant Run’s award-winning culinary team provides a complete selection of customizable banquet/catering services for all sizes and styles. From simple one-day meetings to elaborate weeklong conventions, you’ll find everything you need to plan a successful and memorable event with ease.

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Conveniently located just outside of Chicago in the charming Fox River Valley town of St. Charles, Pheasant Run is within easy reach of both O’Hare International and Midway Airports. This central location, with its scenic surroundings and ample free parking for over 3,000, makes Pheasant Run a smart and affordable alternative to downtown facilities. The area offers unlimited recreational opportunities – with a thriving historic downtown, a variety of local shopping outlets, acres of parks and miles of breathtaking river shoreline for your group to explore.

In addition, Pheasant Run offers an array of unmatched amenities to enhance the stay of all attendees, from exceptional dining and exciting entertainment options including live theater productions, music performances, and comedy shows, to two challenging golf courses, a renowned day spa and salon, and even an authentic Bourbon Street replica, right inside the resort. At Pheasant Run, there’s truly something for everyone... so your group can have fun while they get business done.

Pheasant Run offers a variety of guestrooms options to accommodate any budget, offering everything from luxurious tower suites to private courtyard rooms, and even access to 125 additional rooms at the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn sister property. Whether planning an event for 20 or 4,000, you can relax knowing that your personal Convention Services Manager is there to coordinate every last detail, and that the friendly, knowledgeable staff will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your event turns out exactly as you envisioned.

For this reason, and many more, Pheasant Run is consistently recognized year after year with prestigious awards such as “Best of the Midwest” and Meetings and Conventions Magazine’s “Gold Key Award for Excellence.” Contact Pheasant Run to learn more about how you can create an event like no place else today... and experience Chicago’s resort.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, AZ Exhibit Hall: 160,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 18 Total Meeting Space: 94,500 sq. ft.

Hotel Rooms: 450 walkable Parking: 14,000 spaces

Retractable translucent roof and natural grass field

Combining breathtaking architectural design with functionality, University of Phoenix Stadium has set the standard for multi-purpose sports and convention center facilities. Featuring a rollout field, and cement floor with full utility grid, the stadium is a spectacular location for a multitude of events including trade & consumer shows, sporting events, concerts, team building events (with potential use of grass field), and corporate/social functions.

University of Phoenix Stadium is unlike any other in the world and a marvel of design, engineering, and technology.

Peter C. Sullivan, Regional VP, General Manager

Call 623.433.7122 or email psullivan@universityofphoenixstadium.com

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Vancouver

Vancouver Convention Centre

1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3 (604) 689-8232; Fax: (604) 647-7232 vancouverconventioncentre.com Assistant Director of Sales: Lynn Menzies Inspiration lives here.

Nestled between snow-capped mountains and the sparkling ocean, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world & offers Canada’s best climate: mild winters and warm summers; 466,500 sq. ft. flexible meeting space, including: 72 meeting rooms, 53,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 220,500-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall (Total Exhibit Space: 311,700 sq. ft.); seats 14,933 theatre style sophisticated fibre-optic network; 150 permanently mounted meeting room digital signs; Stand-alone internet kiosks, High speed internet, telephone, and wireless data and voice services; Webcasting and video conferencing capabilities; 13,000 hotel rooms within walking distance; Vancouver International Airport– 26 minutes away.

Washington DC

Virginia

Virginia Beach Convention Center

1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 385-4700; (800) 700-7702; Fax: (757) 437-4747 vbmeetings.com Vice President of Convention Sales & Marketing: Al Hutchinson, “Bring it to the Beach” Just blocks from the beach and in the heart of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront resort area, the Virginia Beach Convention Center features 500,000+ sq. ft. of state-of-the-art, stylish event space, including 26 meeting rooms, 31,029-sq.-ft. Ballroom, 150,012-sq.-ft. Exhibit Hall, 13,440 Theater Seating. Wired and wireless high-speed Internet access. Enticing views from the 147-foot glass tower, which hosts the Café, Executive Board Room, VIP Lounge and Observation Deck Attractions: Award–winning golf courses, fishing boat charters, and the new Town Center, spanning 17 blocks of upscale retail, dining and nightlife. ohio

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Wolstein Center, Cleveland State University

2.3-million-sq.-ft. facility located between downtown’s historic Shaw and Chinatown neighborhoods; 198,000 sq. ft. meeting /function space, 77 meeting rooms; 52,000-sq.-ft.

Ballroom, 194,000-sq.-ft. Exhibition Hall; total Exhibition Space: 703,000 sq. ft. Inside, the architectural design comes to life with a $4 million art collection. State –of-the-art Oculus Digital Signage Network features 143 LCD high definition flat panels; 13 hotels within walking distance.

Whether it’s a tradeshow or gala, business meeting or concert, 10 or 10,000 guests, the Wolstein Center is the place, located in the heart of Downtown, on the campus of Cleveland State University means there’s always something going on. 35,676 sq. ft. meeting space, 8 meeting rooms; Arena can be transformed into 24,000-sq.ft. Grand Ballroom; 11,676-sq.-ft. Conference Pavilion; Arena: 3,700-14,000 seats; Conference Pavilion: 1,274 seats; 205-room Wyndham Cleveland, 240-Hilton Garden Inn within walking disPAGE tance. Attractions: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 4th Street Entertainment District.

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801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington DC 20001 (202) 249-3000 wcsa.com Vice President of Marketing and Communications: Chinyere Hubbard

2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115-2318 (216) 687-9292: Fax: (216) 687-5450 wolsteincenter.com General Manager: Scott Warren

SPOTLIGHT Everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight. Take advantage of special offers and VIP experiences to craft a one-of-a-kind meeting that’s just right for your budget and your attendees.

To create a Rhode Island VIP Meeting, visit www.GoProvidence.com/VIP

PROVIDENCE THE CREATIVE CAPITAL 401-456-0200

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VIPMeetings@GoProvidence.com

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Lots of Choices One Decision From Mozart to Monster Trucks, basketball to business meetings, the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex has the flexibility to make your next convention or special event one to remember. Our experienced staff will work with you to choose the facilities and services that best fit your objectives. There are lots of options but only one decision – book your next event at the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex.

Photo: Steven Schwartz

Rhode Island Convention Center Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

401.456.0200 | meetings@GoProvidence.com | GoProvidence.com The Dunk and Convention Center are managed by SMG and The Vets by PFM.

RHODE ISLAND

Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

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144 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 • (401) 456-0200; Fax: (401) 273-7046 • GoProvidence.com

rovidence, Rhode Island mixes the vibrancy and amenities of a big city with the walkability and personal service of a small town. Known for its rich history, arts and culture, and nationally acclaimed culinary scene, Providence once again scored big in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “America’s Favorite Cities” poll. The city earned top marks in culinary - and artsrelated categories, and was hailed as one of the top three food cities in the country.

The Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex stands in the heart of the city, and includes the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (Dunk) and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets). The Complex is conveniently located within one mile of 2,200 hotel rooms, and a total of 5,500 rooms are available in the Greater Providence area.

The RICC consists of a 100,000-contiguous-square-foot exhibition hall, a 20,000-square-foot ballroom, 23 meeting rooms, and the Rotunda Room which provides spectacular views of the city. There are also two adjacent garages with 2,400 parking spaces.

A key feature of the Convention Center is its connection to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the area’s premier events arena. The RICC is also attached to the 564-room Westin Hotel, and Providence Place, a downtown mall offering more than 170 shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The 13,000-seat Dunk features 31,000 square feet of arena space, a ceiling height of 90 feet, a 25,000-square-foot concourse, a new 12,000square-foot lobby, two party suites, two loges, a new restaurant, and five renovated meeting/hospitality rooms.

The Vets, a 1,900-seat theatre, is a historic performing arts venue and is known for its unique combination of size and intimacy, superb acoustics and great sight lines. The Vets is also available for elegant corporate events, speaking engagements and more.

Providence is home to the renowned culinary school, Johnson &

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Wales University. Many of the university’s chefs remain in Providence after graduation, which is reflected in the city’s world-class dining scene.

Providence has a wide selection of ethnic restaurants, but the city is famous for its Italian food, with the Federal Hill section of Providence named “One of the Five Best Little Italys in the U.S.” by celebrity Chef Mario Batali. Located on the shores of Narragansett Bay, local restaurants also make good use of the abundance of fresh seafood to create delicious and inventive dishes.

As a food city, it’s no wonder that Providence has an entire museum dedicated to the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University is a premier museum focusing on the preservation and study of the culinary arts, and draws thousands of visitors annually. The museum contains more than a half million culinary artifacts, including an exhibit on food in the White House and more than 4,000 menus from around the world.

Located between New York City and Boston, Providence is easily accessible for event attendees, and about 25 percent of the United States’ population lives within 500 miles of the city. The Amtrak train station is located within walking distance of the Complex, and offers rail service throughout the Northeast Corridor.

Nearby Warwick, RI features miles of scenic coastline and spectacular views, and offers additional hotel, dining, shopping and entertainment options. For those flying into Rhode Island, Warwick’s T.F. Green Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown Providence. The airport’s recently opened eco-friendly InterLink hub provides passengers with an array of transportation options. Conveniently housing a rental car facility, public transportation options, and rail service to Providence, Boston and beyond, the InterLink offers travelers ease, affordability and accessibility.

Planners can look to the award-winning Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide a knowledgeable staff, a welcoming spirit, and services that can aid them with all the details that will make their convention or meeting program successful.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Pueblo Convention Center Pueblo, CO Ballroom: 16,500 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 7 Total Meeting Space: 29,000 sq. ft.

Attached Hotel: 163 rooms Location: Historic Arkansas

Riverwalk

Walking distance to historic downtown Pueblo, dining, shopping, & entertainment

The Pueblo Convention Center is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Pueblo, and features over 29,000 square feet of meeting space, we are the ideal destination for your next meeting, conference, convention, trade-show or banquet.

When planning your next event think the Pueblo Convention Center, and we will see you soon.

Dean Dennis, General Manager

Call 561.366.3006 or email danderson@pbconventioncenter.com

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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 • 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.

center of the city. There is a 362-room Rochester Plaza, 465-room Radisson, which just completed a $6-million renovation of its facility, and 336-room Hyatt Regency. 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. The Riverside Convention Center has upgraded to a dedicated internet connection over Fiber Optics to meet all of the growing number of technical requirements our customers have. This service is available wireless throughout the facility and is Scalable from 5MB o 1 GB.

Pier 45 Experience the eclectic atmosphere of Pier 45! Rochester Riverside’s newest dining experience, located on the city’s spectacular waterfront along the shores of Lake Ontario.You’ll find everything from a light tapas style menu to a full dinner service, large-scale gourmet desserts, a fully stocked custom bar and an inviting veranda that accommodates both planned events and impromptu get-togethers.

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.”

Nearby Attractions Several entertainment districts surround the Rochester Riverside with restaurants, cafés, coffee houses, pubs, dance clubs, music halls, theatres and more. Rochester also boasts numerous museums, including the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography & Film, the Susan B. Anthony House and the acclaimed Strong National Museum of Play, which also houses the National Toy Hall of Fame. Waterway attractions include the historic Erie Canal, Corn Hill Landing and the beaches of Lake Ontario.

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 76

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 2011-2012 Planner Guide

速 I LOVE NEW YORK logo is a registered trademark/service mark of the NYS Dept. of Economic Development, used with permission.

illinois

Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Drive Tinley Park, IL 60477 (708) 895-8200; (888) 895-3211 Fax: (708) 895-8288 meetchicagosouthland.com

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he Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, located close to Chicago in southwest suburban Tinley Park, Illinois, recently completed a major expansion, doubling the size of the Chicago-area facility.

The expansion brings the total of usable meeting and convention space to 70,450 sq. ft., with 58,100 sq. ft. of clear span exhibit space and an additional 12,350 sq. ft. of divisible meeting space. A 11,500sq.-ft. Junior Ballroom configuration is also available at the facility.

Eighteen-plus breakout rooms are now available at the Tinley Park Convention Center, plus expanded convention storage and loading docks.

The Tinley Park Convention Center connects to the Holiday Inn Tinley Park, with 202 guest rooms, and 450 parking spaces have been added to the property, bringing the total number of free parking spaces to 1,400.

An additional 668 hotel rooms are located within close proximity to the Tinley Park Convention Center, and a variety of dining and entertainment options are located within a mile of the property.

Located at Interstate 80 and Harlem Avenue, the Tinley Park Convention Center is about 30 minutes south of Chicago’s Midway Airport, and about 35 minutes from downtown Chicago. The convention center is also easily accessible from Interstates 57 and 355, and the metropolitan region’s commuter rail system, Metra, offers two train stations in Tinley Park with convenient transportation to downtown Chicago.

For additional information about the Tinley Park Convention Center, please contact: Mary Patchin, Director of Sales Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau 2304 173rd Street, Lansing, IL 60438 Local: (708) 895-0820 Toll-free: (888) 895-8233 Fax: (708) 895-8288 mary@visitchicagosouthland.com meetchicagosouthland.com

Discover Chicagoland’s Newest Facility A new, stunning, state-of-the-art convention center, just minutes southwest of Chicago.

• 70,450 square feet of function space • 58,000 square feet of net contiguous space • 1,500 FREE parking spaces on the Hotel & Convention Center grounds • 18 breakout rooms • 202 connected hotel rooms, including 10 suites • 668 nearby overflow rooms • A new fully equipped business center • State-of-the-art high speed internet access and audio visual equipment • Additional loading areas with increased on-site storage & much more

Contact Mary Patchin to learn about our upcoming site tours, current booking incentives and FREE convention services.

Tollfree 888-895-3211 • mary@visitchicagosouthland.com

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708-342-5485 www.tinleyparkconventioncenter.net 18451 Convention Center Drive Tinley Park IL 60477

888-895-3211 www.visitchicagosouthland.com 2304 173rd Street, Lansing IL 60438

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Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Robstown, TX Exhibit Hall: 115,000 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 20,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 4 Total Meeting Space: 21,400 sq. ft.

Parking: 2,000 spaces Renovation: Air-conditioned

50,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall

The RMB Regional Fairgrounds features a 21,344 square foot conference center with a grand ballroom that can be divided into 5,000 and 15,000 foot sections and two break-out meeting rooms.

The facility has a full-kitchen with in-house catering and high quality audio visual equipment.

Additionally, there are two 50,000 square foot exhibit halls that can host various meetings, conventions, tradeshows, and special events.

The RMB Regional Fairgrounds also contains several parking lots.

The RMB Regional Fairgrounds staff is known for having a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and being professional.

Jason Green General Manager

A Very Special Place at the Crossroads of South Texas (Robstown-Corpus Christi)!

Call 361.387.9000 or email jgreen@rmbfairgrounds.com

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Roanoke Civic Center Roanoke, VA

Special Events Center:

46,000 sq. ft.

Arena Seating: 10,500 Performing Arts Theatre: 2,148 Exhibit Hall: 10,000 sq. ft.

Total Meeting Space:

111,700 sq. ft.

Free Parking / Downtown & Farmer’s market walk-able

The Special Events Center opened in March 2007 and has rapidly become a popular destination for meeting planners and clients from as far away as Vancouver. With 46,000 square feet of exhibit space, it’s just the right size for events that attract a few hundred to just over 5,000 attendees. The Special Events Center is a complement to the existing Coliseum, Exhibit Hall, and Performing Arts Theatre, providing additional space for larger shows and conventions.

Southwest Virginia’s premiere location for tradeshows, conferences, meetings, and more!

Robyn Schon, General Manager

Call 540.853.2241 or email robyn@roanokeciviccenter.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

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Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

roanokeciviccenter.com

Utah Valley Convention Center Provo, UT Exhibit Hall: 19,620 sq. ft.

Ballroom: 16,894 sq. ft.

Meeting Rooms: 10,000 sq. ft.

Breakouts: 10 Adjacent Hotel: 331 rooms

5,553 sq. ft. Roof Terrace with mountain views

The new Utah Valley Convention Center is located just 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City in historic downtown Provo. The EcoFriendly LEED Silver Certified Convention Center will offer flexible exhibit and meeting space as well as a first-class Grand Ballroom and Rooftop Garden Terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains. The Convention Center is set to open in April 2012.

Accessible. Affordable. Incredible.

Danny Wheeler General Manager

Call 801.851.2200 or email dwheeler@global-spectrum.com

Another Exceptional Venue Managed By:

Download a free scanner for your phone to read this code

Personalized. Innovative. Professional.

utahvalleyconventioncenter.com

promotio n

RECOGNIZE QUALITY AND HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD “T

his is continued validation that SMG Convention Centers provide their users with the greatest value and highest level of service in the industry,” said Bob McClintock, Senior Vice President for Convention Centers, SMG. “We are proud of the men and women of SMG for their hard work and dedication to the communities they serve.”

A

wards are a way to show recognition, and voting on who should win the honor is a way to have your voice heard. In the meetings industry, no voice matters more than those of the planners of meetings, conventions and trade shows. Event Success is the very basis of our industry and intrinsic to that success is the interface between the planner and destination personnel.

Our Awards of Excellence have been a critical component of the Facilities Media Group, publishers of Facilities & Destinations, since the company’s inception in 1988. The awards acknowledge value, quality and excellence among venues and destinations, as well as give a voice to Meeting Planners.

The Prime Site Award is given out in three categories: Convention Centers, Conference Centers, and Hotels & Resorts. The Top Destination Award is the award given to

“W

e are particularly proud of this award because it is based on the opinions of meeting and event planners from throughout the United States and Canada,” said Craig M. Liston, SMG Regional General Manager for the Greater Columbus Convention Center, a 2010 Prime Site Award winner.

Convention & Visitor Bureaus or similar entities that sell a city and/or region as a setting for a meeting. The reason the awards remain in high esteem industry-wide is the input of meeting planners.

“Whenever you are recognized by your peers in the industry it is extremely gratifying and always a compliment to our efforts and the work of our local staffs,” said Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks; eight multi-purpose venues in the VenuWorks portfolio received 2011 Prime Site Awards.

Award of Excellence recipients are selected after all ballots are received and tallied. Voting can be done at our website, facilitiesonline.com, although most still

“W

e’re honored to again be acknowledged in this way,” said Bob Coffey, General Manager, Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.

“These folks are at the top of their profession, and demand the very best in facilities and service.”

prefer voting the old fashion way: mailing or faxing in a ballot. Award winners routinely point out how that the award is important because of the participation of the professionals who matter most.

“We are particularly proud of this award because it is based on the opinions of meeting and event planners,” said Craig M. Liston, SMG Regional General Manager, Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

“Planners agree that we provide an unparalleled value and experience for our guests.”

At the Facilities Media Group, we take pride in the fact the our Awards of Excellence epitomize prestige.

“The Oncenter is thrilled to again receive the Prime Site Award,” said Terri Toennies, CMP, CPCE, President and CEO of The Oncenter in Syracuse, N.Y. “We are delighted

“T

he Oncenter is thrilled to again receive the Prime Site Award,” said Terri Toennies, CMP, CPCE, President and CEO of The Oncenter.

“We are delighted to have an energetic and dedicated staff always aiming to exceed the expectations of our clients and guests.”

to have an energetic and dedicated staff always aiming to exceed the expectations of our clients and guests.”

Destinations and venues promote being named to our annual list of award winners. “We’re honored to again be acknowledged in this way,” said Bob Coffey, General

“W

henever you are recognized by your peers in the industry it is extremely gratifying and always a compliment to our efforts and the work of our local staffs,” said Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks; eight multi-purpose venues in the VenuWorks portfolio received our awards. He recently served as President of International Association of Assembly Managers.

Manager, Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, when informed this Southeast Convention complex was named a 2011 Prime Site Winner. “These folks are at the top of their profession, and demand the very best in facilities and service.”

The Meeting Industry may require state-of-the-art facilities and all the world-class services, from cuisine to technology, these venues provide, but the fact remains we’re in a people business. Or more precisely—a people-to-people business. Event Success is mainly about the personnel that enable planners to accomplish the goals of their meeting, convention or trade show.

In 2011, Meeting Planners awarded 29 SMG-managed convention centers venues with Prime Site Awards. “This is continued validation that SMG Convention Centers provide their users with the greatest value and highest level of service in the industry,” said Bob McClintock, SMG Senior Vice President for Convention Centers. “We are proud of the men and women of SMG for their hard work and dedication to the communities they serve.”

Meeting Planners, it’s up to you. Make your voice heard, have your opinion recognized. Participate in one of the longest ongoing programs in your profession. Vote today!

THE TIME TO VOTE FOR THE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE IS NOW

Facilities & Destinations Awards of Excellence Ballot

Please consider the following criteria when voting: Attractiveness & Functionality of Meeting Venue Size & Quality of Meeting Space Technological Capabilities Quality of Staff Food & Beverage Options Lighting, Acoustics, & Internet Access Other Meeting/Event Support Services Amenities Recreational Activities Dining & Entertainment Options Lodging Quality Accessibility to Airport Ease of Travel within Destination

Name of Nominee____________________________________________________ Check Award You want to nominate the above for: Prime Site

Top Destination

Your Name & Title_ ___________________________________________________ Organization_________________________________________________________ Phone_______________________________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________________ Additional Comments_________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ May We Contact You? Yes___ No___ Fill Out Form & Mail or Fax Your Vote:

Facilities & Destinations

152 Madison Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY 10016 Fax: (212) 213-6382

IAEE PhotoView IAEE PhotoView IAEE PhotoView IAEE PhotoView IAEE PhotoView IAEE IAEE PhotoView

I A EE 2011

Gary Musich, Vice President, Sales and Service, Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.

Arleen F. Oliva, Senior Sales Manager for the Rhode Island Convention Center, and Bryan J. Lavin, National Sales Manager for the Providence Warwick CVB.

From left: Rosa M. Luke, Associate Vice President, Sales, Ann M. Garvey, Director of Sales and Margaret Colon, Director of Sales & Marketing, the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

Chris Hendrix, CMP, Assistant Director of Sales, Charleston (SC) Area CVB.

Eric Stephens, Director of Rental Sales, and Marjorie Montoya, Rental Team Sales Manager, for BearCom Wireless Worldwide.

Nick Topitzes, CMP, CEO, Chairman of pc/nametag, inc.

Debbie Smucker (left), Director of Sales & Marketing for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA, and Shannon Perry, Director of Sales & Event Services for the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, VA, posed holding their favorite meetings magazine at the SMG booth at the IAEE Expo!

Expo!, December 7 in Las Vegas.

Posing on the show floor were (l-r): David M. Meek, General Manager, Anaheim Convention Center; Chris Locke, CTA, V.P. of Marketing, Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau; and James E. Wetterling, Jr., CEO/President, Edlen, a top provider of electrical services to convention centers.

Representing Washington, DC were (l-r): Elliott L. Ferguson II, President & CEO, Destination DC; Tiffany Williams, National Sales Manager, Destination DC; Gregory O’Dell, President and CEO, Events DC; David King, Sales Manager, Events DC; and Caroline E. Gardner, CMP, Destination DC.

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Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

PhotoView IAEE PhotoView IAEE PhotoView IAEE PhotoView IAEE PhotoView IAEE

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events welcomed an estimated 2,200+ attendees and 266 Exhibitors for its 2011 Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, held in December in Las Vegas. For more exclusive F&D photographs and industry event coverage go to Facilitiesonline.com.

Tim Buckley, Sales Manager, Ocean Center, Daytona Beach and Lynn Miles, CMP, Sales Manager, Daytona Beach Area CVB.

Michael W. Ross, CEO of the Pasadena (CA) Civic Auditorium, Convention Center and CVB, flanked by Christine Carchia (left), CMP, Director of Sales & Client Services, and Jeanne O’Grady, Director of Sales & Marketing.

Tim McGill (right), CMP, CHME, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, and Troy Lagasca, Account Executive, Fairplex, Pomona, CA.

Sandy Gaudet, Director of National Accounts for Gaylord Hotels.

Robert Morgan, General Manager of the Dulles Expo & Conference Center, Chantilly, VA.

Rich Stone, CEO of EXPOCAD, a leader in software and services for managing trade, consumer and corporate events.

Kelvin Marsden-Kish and Heather Vieira, National Sales Managers for the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Representing Baltimore (l-r) were: Joseph T. Herbert, Sales Manager, Baltimore Convention Center; Tom Noonan, President & CEO, Visit Baltimore; Amra Elmore, CTA, Regional Director of Sales, Visit Baltimore; and Chad Chappell, CMP, CTA, Director of Sales, Visit Baltimore.

Joe Floreano (left), Executive Director, and Jim Brown, General Manager of the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

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The Facilities & Destinations

B u y er ’ s G u i d e pc/nametag® PRODUCTS FOR GREAT MEETINGS

124 Horizon Dr., Verona, WI 53593 (877) 626-3824; Fax: (800) 233-9787 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.

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 • 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.

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 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.

Do you want your product or service to reach 50,000+ Association & Corporate Meeting Planners?

If your answer is yes, then the F&D Buyer’s Guide is how.

Michael Caffin Associate Publisher (212) 532 4150 ext 103 mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com

discount pricing • multiple-Issue & multi-media packages value-added programs • target marketing • Real Time results

Offering corporate meeting and event planning, management, consulting and meeting services, the Johnson Meetings Group can provide the meeting solution you need. From on-site support to overall project and event management, we take care of the details, so you focus on business.

www.JohnsonMeetings.com 919.523.6001

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Buyer’s Guide

Yo u r P r o d u c t s & S e rv i c e s R e s o u r c e

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 SmartCity.com Making the world smarter. One city at a time. ® 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.

Have Your Product or Service Reach Key Decision Makers Buyer’s Guide – “Your Product & Services Resource” is a special section in key Facilities Media Group print publications. Reach all of your market with this essential tool for Meeting & Event Planners.

Facilities & Destination SuperBook: 51,000 Association and Corporate Meeting & Event Planners Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review: 51,000 Association and Corporate Meeting & Event Planners.

Facilities & Destinations Planner Guide: 51,000 Association and Corporate Meeting & Event Planners.

Facilities SuperBook: 8,000 Event Bookers, including Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers, Business/Personal Managers, College Concert Buyers & Owners/Managers of Entertainment Management Firms.

Facilities Booking Guide: 8,000 Event Bookers, including Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers, Business/Personal Managers, College Concert Buyers & Owners/Managers of Entertainment Management Firms.

Discount Pricing • Multiple-Issue & Multi-Media Packages Value-Added Programs • Target Marketing Real Time Results

Keppler Speakers

4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 516-4000; Fax: (703) 516-4819 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.

The Facilities Media Group Michael Caffin Associate Publisher (212) 532-4150 ext 103 • mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com

Advertiser Index Austin Convention Center..............................................39 Benchmark Hospitality International..............................24 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.........................9 Branson Convention Center...........................................33 Century Center................................................................41 Clovis Civic Center..........................................................43 Conference Center Niagara Falls...................................45 Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center........................................................47 Cox Convention Center....................................................5 Duke Energy Convention Center.....................................7 Durham Convention Center...........................................49 Edward D. Hanson Conference Center at the Comcast Arena......................................................50 Enid Event Center & Convention Hall .........................51 Frontier Airlines Center......................................... Cover 3 Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax................................................37 Iowa Events Center..........................................................53 Akron Summit CVB................................................ Cover 2 James L. Knight Miami Convention Center..................55 Kovalchick Convention Complex...................................57 Las Cruces Convention Center.......................................25 Mass Mutual Arena and Convention Center.................59 Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

Miami Beach Convention Center.....................................3 Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB.............................................11 National Conference Center..........................................64 Northwest Georgia Convention Center........................61 Oklahoma City CVB.........................................................63 Overland Park Convention Center.................................65 Palm Beach County Convention Center........................67 Pennsylvania Convention Center ........................ Cover 4 Penticton Trade and Convention Center.......................69 University of Phoenix Stadium........................................71 Providence Warwick CVB................................................72 Pueblo Convention Center.............................................75 Rhode Island Convention Center...................................73 Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds..................................79 Greater Richmond Convention Center..........................13 Roanoke Civic Center......................................................80 Rochester Riverside Convention Center........................77 St. Charles Convention Center.......................................31 Sioux Falls Convention Center.......................................15 Tinley Park Convention Center......................................78 Utah Valley Convention Center......................................81 Wolstein Center/ Cleveland State University..............................................17 87

CLOsing Thoughts

Religious Meetings: A Diversity of Events, Faiths & Facilities

BY David Korn

Chief Operating Officer Facilities Media Group

I

n our in-depth interview in the 2011 Facilities & Destinations SuperBook, with Dr. DeWayne S. Woodring, Executive Director & CEO of the Religious Conference Management Association, he provided insightful thoughts about the state-of-the-industry, and detailed descriptions, not only outlining what goes into making religious meetings and conferences a success, but the diversity of those events, faiths and facilities. Dr. Woodring noted that while a large part of the religious meeting market is hosted at hotels and convention centers, there is an additional market for religious “mega-events,” requiring an array of larger venues.

The “Revelation at Mount Sinai” might have been one of the first recorded mega-events, accompanied by an unparalleled sound and light show, with according to some biblical commentators, millions in attendance. While not approaching those biblical proportions, attendance at religious meetings and events in our current era is substantial, filling convention centers, theaters, arenas, stadiums and other facilities throughout North America.

Speaking of Yankee Stadium, (both the old (1923-2008) and its new replacement across the street, which still bears the same name,) besides its importance as a setting for some of the greatest moments of America’s Past Time, the old facility is famous for hosting Papal masses – Pope Paul VI on October 4, 1965, Pope John Paul II on October 2, 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI on April 20, 2008. Indeed, since Pope Paul VI’s mass in 1965, over a dozen football and baseball stadiums across the United States, including San Francisco’s Candlestick Park, and Denver’s Mile High Stadium, have hosted papal masses.

“Attendance at

New Jersey’s Met Life Stadium, the new home for the NFL’s Jets & Giants, will be home to another unique religious mega-event, planned religious meetings for August 1, 2012. The “Siyum HaShas,” is a septennial event marking the culmination and events is filling of a page-a-day cycle of study of the Talmud, a Jewish religious text. The seven-and-a-half convention centers, year/page-a-day study program, known as “Daf Yomi,” has grown from a mere idea at a religious theaters, arenas, convention in Vienna, Austria in 1923, into an educational force that unites young and old in stadiums and other study groups around the globe. This summer’s The demand to temporarily transform stadiums event, which will be commemorated not only and arenas into houses of religious worship is facilities throughout steady. One such case is the New Birth Missionary in the Meadowlands but internationally as North America.”

Baptist Church’s annual Easter service, where well, will celebrate the accomplishments of participants who have completed the seventens of thousands of parishioners were hosted by and-a-half year program and serve as a source Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. The 2007 services not only attracted more than 30,000, but also garnered national attention of encouragement to others to either commence or expand their course of study. as it featured Jennifer Hudson, Academy Award winning actress/ Grammy winning singer, who led the participants in song.

Stadiums and arenas unite sports fans with a common Minister and best-selling author Joel Osteen houses his weekly purpose, to root for their team, through both wins and losses, in good seasons and bad. At the same time, these structures services at the converted Compaq Center (former home of the are being used to host a diversity of religious events which NBA’s Houston Rockets), which his ministry purchased and renamed the Lakewood Church. An estimated 40,000 attend on some level share the common goal of bestowing kindness weekly services at this facility. Osteen’s website features a roster of his and goodwill unto others. Perhaps one might say that the venues are providing a blessing in disguise. In the year ahead, upcoming events that cross the entire United States, from Nationals Park in Washington, DC to the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. Osteen let us hope this area continues to show growth and provide has also preached to near capacity crowds in U.S. Cellular Field in attendees with motivation to make the world we share a better Chicago, and at Yankee Stadium in New York. place for all.

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Facilities & Destinations 2011-2012 Planner Guide

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